JD Power APAC 2013 India Vehicle Dependability Study

Overall dependability of vehicles in India declines for the second consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2013 India Vehicle Dependability Study. The study, now in its sixth year, measures problems experienced by original owners of 30- to 42-monthold 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 2013 India Vehicle Dependability Study is based on evaluations from 7,032 original owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2009 and September 2010. The study includes 61 models covering 16 nameplates and was fielded from January through April 2013 in 25 cities across India. The Vehicle Dependability Study is one of two J.D. Power Asia Pacific automotive quality studies for the India market. In 2013, overall vehicle dependability averages 280 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), compared with 225 PP100 in 2012. Overall dependability is based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher long-term vehicle quality. The 24%increase in problems in 2013 is across problem categories and models, and it cannot be attributed to a significant increase in one or more areas, or to all-new models included in the study. However, the study finds that an increased number of vehicles in India do not have extended warranties or service contracts, and the frequency whereby owners take their vehicle for scheduled or routine maintenance has decreased. Longer periods between maintenance tend to lead to an increase in problems with the vehicle.