Maruti, Toyota lead in JD Power study

Maruti won the award for the Swift model in the premium compact segment and also for the recently phased out Esteem model in the entry midsized segment. Toyota, meanwhile won the award for the Corolla sedan in the premium midsize segment and also for the Innova multi-utility and multi-purpose vehicle segment.

The study was based on the problems experienced by original owners of 30-42 months old vehicle by examination of more than 150 problems symptoms across nine vehicle categories including vehicle exterior, driving experience, controls and displays in the interior and engine and transmission.
 
Overall dependability is based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles, with lower scores indicating a lower rate of problem incidences and higher long-term vehicle quality, stated a company release.
 
The Hyundai's Santro lead the compact car segment, while the Honda City ranked highest in the midsize car segment, and the Ford Endeavour won in the sports utility vehicle segment. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class lead in the entry luxury segment.
 
"The benefits of providing a reliable and durable product are particularly valuable for automotive manufacturers. Not only do manufacturers gain from positive word of mouth, but also, brands that perform well in the study report higher levels of owner recommendation and repurchase intent, which is especially advantageous when vehicle owners come closer to the repurchase point of the ownership cycle", said Mohit Arora, senior director at J D Power and Associates.
 
The study also finds that 77 per cent of customers experience one or more problems that require components to be replaced. While owners report replacing tyres, batteries and brake components most frequently, overall satisfaction with the vehicle declines considerably when replaced components are related to the engine, electronics or overall driving experience.