J.D. Power Releases 2014 Initial Quality Study
Overall new-vehicle quality declined slightly among vehicles sold in 2013 as automakers dealt with challenges caused by integrating more sophisticated technologies into their vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study.
Screenshot via J.D. Power.
Screenshot via J.D. Power.
Overall new-vehicle quality declined slightly among vehicles sold in 2013 as automakers dealt with challenges caused by integrating more sophisticated technologies into their vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study.
Problems encountered by vehicle owners in 2013 increased to 116 problems per 100, an increase from the 113 problems per 100 in 2012, according to the study, which was released June 18.
For the second year in a row, Porsche claimed the top slot with only 74 problems per 100. Jaguar (87), Lexus (92) and Hyundai (94) rounded out the top four with less than 100 problems per 100.
General Motors received the most segment awards for top quality with six for its Buick Encore (small SUV), Chevrolet Malibu (mid-size car), Chevrolet Silverado HD (large heavy duty pickup), Chevrolet Suburban (large SUV), GMC Terrain (compact SUV), and GMC Yukon (large SUV).
Hyundai received five awards for its Accent (small car), Elantra (compact car), Genesis (mid-size premium car), Kia Cadenza (large car), and Kia Sportage (small SUV).
Ford recieved three awards for its Edge (small SUV), Lincoln MKX (mid-size premium SUV), and F-150 (large light-duty pickup). Nissan also recieved three for its Juke (small SUV), Infiniti QX50 (compact premium SUV), and QX80 (large premium SUV). Fiat Chrysler earned two awards for its Dodge Challenger (mid-size sporty car) and Chrysler Town & Country (minivan).
Read the full release here.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Rental Operations
Palm Beach Airport Code Change Creates Car Rental Distribution Gap
A test of rental searches under the old PBI and new DJT airport codes returned largely different sets of brands and vehicles, highlighting a potential distribution problem for rental operators.
Read More →
U-Save Continues Dominican Republic Expansion with Launch in Punta Cana
The new franchise location builds on U-Save’s existing Santo Domingo operation and will begin taking reservations for October 2026.
Read More →
When AI Books the Rental Car, Who Controls the Sale?
As AI moves from comparing rental rates to completing transactions, operators need to understand how travelers find, interpret, rank, and ultimately see their offers. (Part 2 of 2.)
Read More →
European Booked Car Rental Rates Fell 5%, Results Varied by Country
Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom saw steep declines, while booked rates rose in Poland and Hungary.
Read More →
Is It Time to Rethink Rental Categories?
As traditional economy and compact cars disappear from the market, longtime rental operator Mike DeLorenzo asks whether the industry’s familiar vehicle categories still make sense — and what operators need to rethink along with them.
Read More →
Who Owns the Rate? AI Is Creating a New Distribution Problem for Car Rental
Generative Engine Optimization asks whether AI can find a rental company, but operators also need to know whether the agent inspected enough of the market, compared equivalent offers, and presented a rate the traveler can actually book. (Part 1 of 2)
Read More →
U.S. Business Travel Car Rental Rates Forecast to Rise Up to 2%
Improved fleet supply should limit pricing gains in 2026-27, while insurance, repair costs, and softer residual values continue to pressure rental operations, according to Amex GBT.
Read More →
Sixt Revenue Tops $2.4 Billion in First Half of 2026
Sixt’s first-half revenue surpassed $2.4 billion for the first time as demand outpaced fleet growth, lifting utilization and earnings despite weaker consumer sentiment in North America.
Read More →
In Memoriam: Bobby Klyce, Avis Licensee Legend
The longtime Birmingham Avis operator and 2018 Auto Rental News Impact Award recipient was remembered as an advocate for independent licensees and the broader car rental industry.
Read More →
How to Build Custom Fleet Tools With AI and Vibe Coding [Webinar]
A new Automotive Fleet webinar explores how fleet managers are using AI and vibe coding to automate routine work and create simple operational tools without traditional programming skills.
Read More →