Owner satisfaction with new vehicle performance and design in China is on the increase, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2010 China Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study - Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota each scooped two awards with FAW Car, Volkswagen and Wuling models also achieving success.
The study is a consumer-reported measure of what gratifies owners in China regarding new vehicle performance and design during the first two- to six months of ownership. It examines 82 attributes in 10 vehicle categories – vehicle exterior; interior; storage and space; seats; audio/entertainment/navigation; driving dynamics; HVAC; engine/transmission; fuel economy; and visibility/safety.
The overall score in 2010 reached 807 on a 1,000point scale – that’s up eight points compared to 2009. JD Power outlined that automakers are now succeeding in developing vehicle designs that more closely meet the needs of owners.
It was also found that the models that have undergone major redesigns are the most appealing to owners; followed by all-new models and refreshed models, with carryover models the least appealing on average.
By segment the award winners were:
- Compact segment: Chevrolet Spark.
- Entry midsize segment: Honda Fit.
- Lower premium midsize segment: FAW Besturn B70.
- Luxury segment: Toyota Crown.
- Midsize segment: Volkswagen Golf.
- Minivan segment: Wuling Rongguang.
- Premium compact segment: Chevrolet Sail.
- SUV segment: Toyota RAV4.
- Upper premium midsize segment: Honda Accord.
In addition, the study reports that the performance gap between domestic and international brands had narrowed from 74points in 2009 to 68points in 2010.
Paul is a freelance writer with a background in everything from motoring to finance; and holidays to women's undergarments he just writes about them, honestly! He has now sadly crept into his early 30s and seems to have forgotten everything learned at school Still, he's a green car fanatic and isn't that what counts?
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