VDS assessed 65 models, 16 nameplates and was fielded from January to April 2015 in 30 cities across the country. While VDS takes into account automotive quality studies, JD Power also conducts Initial Quality Study which assesses problems faced by owners of new vehicles within 2-6 months of ownership. Results of this study will be released by the end of this year.
VDS, now in its 8th year, assessed 30-42 month old vehicles in a total of 169 problem areas categorized into 9 groups. These included Vehicle Exterior, Driving Experience, Features, Controls and Displays, Audio and Entertainment, Seat Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning, Vehicle Interior, Engine and Transmission. The dependability study was spanned across the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles with the lower score depicting higher quality of the vehicle.
J.D. Power Asia Pacific study concluded that vehicle dependability in India showed a marked improvement from 218 PP100 (problems per 100) in 2014 to 206 PP100 in 2015 with owners reporting fewer problems where engine and vehicle exterior were concerned. The study which included vehicles spanning 13 segments saw Honda, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota each having two models that ranked the highest in their segments.
JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study – 2015.Honda Brio received highest rank in compact segment while Honda City ranked highest in midsize segment. Maruti Alto ranked highest in compact car segment while Toyota Etios ranked highest in entry midsize segment. Volkswagen Polo was at highest ranking in premium compact segment while M&M Scorpio was highest in the SUV segment.
