Chinese carmakers catch up in vehicle quality

Domestic car brands in China have narrowed the quality gap with international marques, according to a J.D. Power study released on Thursday.

The China Initial Quality Study, now in its 25th year, measures initial vehicle quality by examining problems experienced by new-vehicle owners within the first two to six months of ownership.

The study measures new-vehicle quality by examining problems in two segments: design-related problems and defects/malfunctions. Overall initial quality is determined by problems cited per 100 vehicles.

This year's study is based on responses from 31,942 gasoline vehicle owners who purchased their vehicle between June 2023 and March 2024. It includes 221 models from 48 different brands and was fielded from December 2023 through May 2024 in 81 major cities across China.

Overall, initial quality average is 212 problems per 100 vehicles this year, marking an increase of 8 problems from 2023, with the scores for domestic, international and premium brands standing 216 problems per 100 vehices, 209 problems per 100 vehicles, and 213 problems per 100 vehicles, respectively.

Chinese brands' performance in the driving assistance category has remained consistent the past three years, surpassing international mass market brands and premium brands noticeably, thus closing the gap.

"Compared with a significant increase in new energy vehicle problems for three consecutive years, problems with internal combustion engine vehicles have remained relatively consistent for three years," said Elvis Yang, general manager of the auto product practice at J.D. Power China.

"This highlights how the maturity and stability of the entire supply chain system remain the comparative advantage of traditional ICE manufacturers," said Yang.

Specifically, Porsche ranks highest among premium brands with a score of 192 problems per 100 vehicles. Lexus ranks second at 207 and Cadillac comes third, 211.

Of joint ventures with international brands, GAC Honda sits atop the list, with a score of 195 problems per 100 vehicles. Dongfeng Honda ranks second at 198, followed by GAC Toyota at 200.

Chery ranks highest among Chinese domestic brands with a score of 203 problems per 100 vehicles. Geely ranks second at 204, and GAC Trumpchi comes third at 206 problems per 100 vehicles.