The Hindu Business Line : Maruti tops JD Power quality survey

THE initial quality of new vehicles in India has improved considerably, according to a study conducted by J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2005. Titled `India Initial Quality Study SM (IQS),' the study points out that the overall initial quality for the industry averages 143 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) — an improvement of 49 PP100 from 2004.

"The number of problems reported by customers has dropped in all categories comprising the IQS compared to 2004, with eight out of 12 nameplates showing improvements," said Mr Mohit Arora, India Director, J.D. Power Asia Pacific. This, he added, was genuinely a positive sign for both manufacturers and new-vehicle buyers.

Maruti Alto ranks highest in the "reclassified compact car segment," followed by two other Maruti models, the Zen and Wagon R, respectively. The compact car segment registered strong initial quality improvements from 2004, with the Maruti Wagon R seeing the largest improvement in the industry.

The Maruti Esteem ranks highest in the entry midsize car segment for the third consecutive year. The Esteem is followed in the segment ranking by the Opel Corsa/Swing and Ford Ikon, respectively. All models in the midsize car segment have improved since 2004, with the Honda City ranking the highest, followed by the Hyundai Accent and Maruti Baleno, respectively. The study also finds that on an average, customers reported fewer problems with newly launched models such as the Maruti Swift and Hyundai Getz.

"Manufacturers today understand the necessity of getting things right the first time in the Indian market," Mr Arora said. He added that the research showed that problems experienced in the first few months of ownership play a vital role in overall customer satisfaction and whether customers intend to repurchase from the brand again.