MENU
SEARCHKorean automotive nameplates showed a significant improvement in quality while Japanese brands fell below the industry average for the first time in 29 years, according to the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study.
Chart courtesy of J.D. Power.
Chart courtesy of J.D. Power.
Korean automotive nameplates showed a significant improvement in quality while Japanese brands fell below the industry average for the first time in 29 years, according to the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study.
The study examines problems that surface during the first 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
The industry saw a 3 percent year-over-year improvement in initial quality, averaging 112 PP100 compared with 116 PP100 in 2014.
Korean brands recorded performance that was the highest above the industry average, while only four of 10 Japanese brands posted an improvement from a year ago.
The industry continues to suffer from problems integrating entertainment and connectivity systems into vehicles. These systems were the most trouble-prone systems for the third year in a row, especially voice recognition systems.
General Motors, Hyundai, Nissan, and Volkswagen claimed four model awards, while BMW and Toyota claimed three. FCA US and Ford earned two model awards and Mazda earned one.
Among brands, Porsche had the fewest problems per 100 at 80 followed by Kia (86), Jaguar (93), Hyundai (95), Infiniti (97), and BMW (99). Brands with the most problems per 100 included Fiat (161), smart (154), Chrysler (143), Subaru (142), and Jeep (141).
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
From oil changes to procurement decisions, fleet work is often underestimated by the very people who depend on it most. Bob Stanton makes the case for why communication, not just technical expertise, is one of the most important leadership skills in fleet.
Read More →
Fleet manager salaries are rising as roles expand. See 2026 trends in pay, experience, fleet size, and regional differences across U.S. operations.
Read More →
This conversation digs into some real and necessary questions, including the old-school mindsets that still show up in fleet and explores the changes happening now.
Read More →
General Motors, Disney Imagination Campus, and DonorsChoose, awarded $150,000 in funding to 15 teachers, who were honored during Teacher Appreciation Week. The teachers will use the funds to “pay it forward” and support other educators in their communities.
Read More →
Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.
Read More →
Work Truck's website just got a major upgrade with a new look, faster performance, and smarter features built for today’s fleet professionals.
Read More →
Kooner Fleet Management Solutions’ new Central England operations hub establishes a foundation for 24/7 fleet maintenance, mobile repair, and technician development across the UK.
Read More →
Drivers are shaping fleet decisions, TPMS is delivering real savings, and a key workhorse is retiring. Plus quick hits on data, uptime, and new trucks.
Read More →
St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund’s 2nd Annual Virtual 5K raises funds and awareness for over-the-road truck drivers facing illness or injury, and there’s still time to participate in this year’s event.
Read More →
New tools always change the process. They do not replace the instinct. From portrait painters adapting to photography to creators navigating AI, the people who matter most are still the ones who know how to see.
Read More →
