TVS Wego tops JD Power's 2015 Initial Quality Study

TVS Motor Co’s 109.7cc Wego scooter has come out tops in quality levels, as per the findings of the inaugural J.D. Power 2015 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study (2WIQS) Study. With 84 problems per 100 vehicles (84 PP100), it not only ranks the highest among executive models but also across the entire two-wheeler spectrum in India. The Wego races ahead of its sibling, the Jupiter (115 PP100) and the Yamaha Alpha (117 PP100).  

Among motorcycles, the 100cc Hero Splendor iSmart commuter, with its i3S stop-start technology, ranks highest among economy models with 101 PP100, and the 124.7cc Hero Super Splendor tops among executive models with 137 PP100. The 153cc Yamaha Fazer ranks highest among upper executive models (109 PP100) and the 220cc Bajaj Avenger ranks highest among premium models (88 PP100).

The survey is based on evaluations from 10,285 vehicle owners who purchased a new two-wheeler between March 2014 and October 2014. The study includes 81 two-wheeler models from nine makes. The study was fielded from September 2014 to December 2014 in 45 cities across India.

The study’s findings also reveal that nearly three-fourths (70%) of initial quality problems reported by two-wheeler owners in India are experienced in the engine, fit and finish, lights/electricals and brakes categories.

The study measures problems owners’ experience with their new two-wheeler during the first two to six months of ownership. It examines 138 problem symptoms covering seven two-wheeler problem categories (listed in order of frequency of reported problems): engine; brakes; lights/electricals; fit and finish; ride and handling; transmission; and gauges and controls. All problems are summarised as the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Lower PP100 scores indicate a lower rate of problem incidence and therefore higher initial quality.

“Many reported problems impact vehicle usage and varied driving conditions. Therefore, OEMs need to focus on these issues to improve performance quality and enhance vehicle safety and visibility,” said Mohit Arora, executive director, J.D. Power Asia Pacific. “The Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study provides the industry with key information about customer expectations and establishes a benchmark to measure performance against the competition.”

The two-wheeler models surveyed were classified into scooters and motorcycles. Scooters include two model segments: Economy and Executive, while motorcycles include five model segments: Economy, Executive, Upper Executive, Premium and Premium Plus.

Overall two-wheeler initial quality in India averages 166 PP100. Engine (44 PP100), fit and finish (25 PP100), lights/electricals (25 PP100) and brakes (24 PP100) are the top reported problem categories. The most frequently cited problem symptoms include excessive fuel consumption, engine is hard to start, lights not bright enough – headlight, brakes are ineffective/ don’t have enough stopping power, and brakes are too sensitive.

The study finds that 80 percent of two-wheeler owners use their vehicle for daily commuting, averaging about 40km per day. Given this high usage, nearly one-third (27%) of two-wheeler owners have reported mileage/ fuel economy as the top main reason to purchase a new two-wheeler.