Chicago new Prius dealers lead auto manufacturers with six J.D. Powers awards
Toyota is still picking up awards and customers despite all the recall trouble and trashing by the media
. The company recently announced that the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands received six segment awards from the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. This is more than any other automaker received. This should motivate dealers of Chicago 2010 Prius vehicles. Toyota President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Lentz said "We are very pleased to have earned the six segment awards and by the strong showing of our Lexus brand and the Scion xB in the 2010 IQS. However, the 2010 study was conducted at the height of intense media coverage of Toyota's and Lexus' recalls earlier this year, so we anticipated an impact on this specific ranking of these vehicles."Well, if he means that the media coverage would affect how the Toyota brands came out in the ratings, there must not have been much effect at all. Chicago new Prius dealers would agree. Lentz added, "The IQS 90-day feedback is one measurement along with warranty claims, long-term durability, resale value and buyer loyalty that helps us gauge the overall quality of our products. We stand behind out strong performance in these and other areas and remain firmly committed to ensuring the superior quality, safety and long-term value of our cars and trucks." Ranking fourth out all the models in the 2010 IQS, with only 88 problems per 100 vehicles, the Lexus continued to uphold its reputation for high quality all-around. When in came in individual models, Lexus LS earned kudos for the fewest quality problems in the industry with only 55 problems per 100 vehicles. Quite impressive! Chicago new Prius dealers are thrilled to see Toyota brands honored after a roller coaster year.
Lexus also was given three segment awards, tying for the most awards of any model in this year's comparison study. Lexus GS won for Midsize Premium Car, Lexus GX 460 for Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV and Lexus LS 460 was tagged best Large Premium Car. This is the third year LS has received first in its class.
Even though Toyota scored high, the recalls did have some effect in calculating the problems per can. Toyota increased from 16 per 100 to 117 per 100, getting it a rank of 21. Still very respectable considering the massive scale of the recalls. Chicago 2010 Prius owners can probably look forward to seeing Prius garner some awards next year with the recall troubles far in the past.
The FJ Cruiser got a segment award for Compact Crossover/SUC and Sienna ranked as the highest Midsize Van in its segment for the second consecutive year. Highlander did not receive a segment award, but did not show an increase in reported problems over last year.
The Scion moved up to rank 18th and had four less problems per 100 vehicles than last year. In individual models, the Scion xB was given the 2010 segment award for Compact Multipurpose Vehicle and Scion tC had 10 less problems per 100 vehicles than last year.
Toyota's production plants were honored as well. In the Asia Pacific region the Kyushu 2 plant earned a Gold Award and the Tahara 3 plant a Silver Award. The Kyushu 1 plant was given a Bronze Award.
Chicago new Prius dealers lead auto manufacturers with six J.D. Powers awards
By: Max Cosner