Lexus, Mercedes top J.D. Power's China survey of quality; 4 Chinese brands above average
Lexus and Mercedes-Benz tied for the fewest quality defects in J.D. Power's 2013 China Initial Quality Study, which examines problems experienced by new-vehicle owners in the first two to six months of ownership.
Both brands averaged 55 problems per hundred vehicles, followed by Subaru (64), Volkswagen (66) and BMW (67). The survey rated 213 models from 65 brands.
The industry averaged 119 problems per hundred vehicles, the lowest number of problems since J.D. Power launched its China survey in 2000.
Two Hyundai models -- the Verna and Sonata -- ranked highest in their segments. General Motors also had two models that topped their segments, the Chevrolet Sail and Buick GL8.
Two Chinese automakers, BYD and Changan, each had one segment-topping model.
And four Chinese brands -- GAC Motor, Venucia, Roewe and Luxgen -- ranked above average, although J.D. Power did not release their scores.
State-owned SAIC Motor Corp. markets the Roewe brand, while a joint venture by Nissan Motor Co. and Dongfeng Motor Corp. market the Venucia brand.
Luxgen cars are sold by Dongfeng's joint venture with Yulon Motor Co. of Taiwan.
Here are the top-ranked models in their market segments:
Compact: BYD F0
Premium compact: Chevrolet Sail
Entry mid-sized: Hyundai Verna
Mid-sized: Toyota Corolla EX
Upper premium mid-sized: Hyundai Sonata
Luxury: Mercedes-Benz E class
SUV: Subaru Forester
Luxury SUV: BMW X1
MPV: Buick GL8
Minivan: Changan Star 2
The industry averaged 119 problems per hundred vehicles, the lowest number of problems since J.D. Power launched its China survey in 2000.
Two Hyundai models -- the Verna and Sonata -- ranked highest in their segments. General Motors also had two models that topped their segments, the Chevrolet Sail and Buick GL8.
Two Chinese automakers, BYD and Changan, each had one segment-topping model.
And four Chinese brands -- GAC Motor, Venucia, Roewe and Luxgen -- ranked above average, although J.D. Power did not release their scores.
State-owned SAIC Motor Corp. markets the Roewe brand, while a joint venture by Nissan Motor Co. and Dongfeng Motor Corp. market the Venucia brand.
Luxgen cars are sold by Dongfeng's joint venture with Yulon Motor Co. of Taiwan.
Here are the top-ranked models in their market segments:
Compact: BYD F0
Premium compact: Chevrolet Sail
Entry mid-sized: Hyundai Verna
Mid-sized: Toyota Corolla EX
Upper premium mid-sized: Hyundai Sonata
Luxury: Mercedes-Benz E class
SUV: Subaru Forester
Luxury SUV: BMW X1
MPV: Buick GL8
Minivan: Changan Star 2
