Hyundai and Honda win ‘dependability’ honours in 2012 J D Power study

Hyundai and Honda have taken the top honours in the J D Power Asia-Pacific 2012 India Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The study measures problems experienced by original owners of 30- to 42-month-old vehicles in 169 different problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features, controls and displays; audio and entertainment; seats; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC); vehicle interior; engine; and transmission.

The survey said buyers reported a greater number of problems on long-term vehicle dependability in 2012 in engine and driving experience. Overall vehicle dependability, the study said, averages 225 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2012, an increase from 195 PP100 in 2011. The study assesses overall dependability by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting better quality performance.

The VDS found that engine and driving experience accounted for over 40 percent of the problems reported by vehicle owners. Six of the top 10 problems that have deteriorated year-over-year relate to component and supplier parts. The study said the proportion of vehicles powered by smaller diesels (1.3 to 1.4 litres) increased by 11 percent points from 2011. However, there was a parallel increase in engine-related problems. The largest year-over-year increases in these areas were excessive fuel consumption and a lack of engine power.

“An increase in problems experienced by car owners, alongside an increase in the ownership period, acutely undermines consumer confidence It needs to be tackled expeditiously,” said MohitArora, executive director, J D Power Asia Pacific, Singapore.

“Minimising the cost of operations has always been a high priority for value-oriented consumers in India,” said Arora. “Hence, vehicle buyers have opted for a smaller diesel engine in anticipation of better fuel efficiency and savings on overall fuel costs. However, when the actual fuel efficiency falls short of expectations over the longer term, it often leads to a higher problem count being reported and a decrease in overall vehicle owner satisfaction.”

Hyundai on a high

In the 2012 study, Hyundai was the only improved make in 2012. Fewer reported problems in the HVAC, driving experience and vehicle exterior categories contributed to its 14-point improvement from 2011. Three Hyundai models won honours in their respective segments: the Santro in the compact segment; the i20 in the premium compact and Verna in the midsize segment. Honda received awards for the Civic (premium midsize) and Honda CR-V (SUV). Maruti’s Swift Dzire was awarded in the entry mid-size segment while the Toyota Innova took the honours in the MUV/ MPV segment.

The study indicated that owners of chauffeur-driven vehicles had more problems compared with those who do not employ a driver; greater owner vigilance was the reason. The 2012 India VDs surveyed 7,866 original owners who bought a new vehicle between July 2008 and September 2009.