The 2016 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study (2WIQS) by J.D. Power has observed substantial decrease in initial quality problems reported by two-wheeler owners in India. The study determines issues faced by owners with their new two-wheeler during its initial six months of ownership.
The 2016 quality study is based on feedback received from 9,329 two wheeler owners who bought a new vehicle between March 2015 and October 2015. The study includes 87 two-wheeler models from 10 different manufacturers and was carried out from September 2015 to December 2015 across 44 cities of India. Two wheelers from TVS showed good improvements and took two awards for their company, while Hero, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha each received one model-level award.
The problems reported by owners of their new two-wheeler during the first two to six months of ownership are measured by investigating 138 problem symptoms covering seven categories. The categories are:
Listed in order of frequency of reported problems
- Engine
- Brakes
- Fit and finish
- Lights and Electricals
- Ride and Handling
- Transmission
- Gauges and Controls
All problems are summarized as the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Lower PP100 scores indicate a lower rate of problem incidence and therefore higher initial quality. A significant decline of 14 problems per 100 vehicles (-14 PP100) in the area of engine-related problems has been deduced by the study.
The awards were distributed across five segments – Scooters (executive) and Motorcycles (economy, executive, upper executive and premium). TVS Wego and Yamaha Alpha with a score of 72 PP100 each ranked highest among executive models. For Motorcycles, Honda Dream Neo with 102 PP100 ranked highest among economy models. Hero Super Splendor (107 PP100) ranked highest among executive models. Suzuki Gixxer (105 PP100) ranks highest among upper executive models, and TVS Apache RTR 180 (105 PP100) ranks highest among premium models.
Speaking on the results, Mohit Arora, executive director at J.D. Power, Singapore said that given the high incidence of pillion riding in India, core vehicle systems such as engine and brakes undergo a lot of stress. Therefore, it is imperative for OEMs to focus on these key systems to help enhance owners’ perceptions of vehicle quality. He further added that with increasing competition and the frequent launch of new models, sustained quality under such adverse usage conditions can be a key differentiator.
