For the past twenty-seven years, J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study had a premium brand stand on top. But this year's study saw a dramatic change, a non-premium automaker was on top.
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Who might that automaker be? It would be Kia which beat out Porsche (the automaker who was on top for the past three years) with 83 problems per 100 vehicles. Porsche came second with 84 problems per 100 vehicles. The last time a non-premium automaker was number one in J.D. Power's IQS was Toyota back in 1989.
“Ranking number one in the entire industry for initial quality is the result of Kia’s decade-long focus on craftsmanship and continuous improvement, and reflects the voice of our customers, which is the ultimate affirmation. As the highest ranked brand in the industry, there is no doubt Kia is a world-class automaker,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America in a statement.
J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study is based on more than 80,000 responses from lessees and owners of 2016 model-year vehicles after 90 days of ownership. The survey took place from February to May of this year.
Rounding out the top five are Hyundai (92 problems per 100 vehicles), Toyota (93 problems per 100 vehicles), and BMW (94 problems per 100 vehicles).
“Manufacturers are currently making some of the highest quality products we’ve ever seen. Tracking our data over the past several years, it has become clear that automakers are listening to the customer, identifying pain points and are focused on continuous improvement. Even as they add more content, including advanced technologies that have had a reputation for causing problems, overall quality continues to improve,” said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive quality at J.D. Power.
Pic Credit: Kia
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