Korean Carmakers Lead, Japan Fades in Annual Quality Study
This article is for subscribers only.
Kia Motors Corp. and affiliate Hyundai Motor Co. widened their lead in U.S. new-vehicle quality as Japanese automakers fell below the industry average for the first time, according to a J.D. Power & Associates survey.
The two South Korean companies averaged 90 problems per 100 vehicles in the Initial Quality Study, released Wednesday, outpacing European, U.S. and Japanese competitors. Porsche was the top brand for the third year in a row, followed by Kia, Jaguar and Hyundai. The survey is based on consumer reports from the first 90 days of ownership.