Changan tops JD Power survey of Chinese brands

Consumer insight and market research firm JD Power officially released the 2021 China New Vehicle Initial Quality Study results.

In the ranking of Chinese brands, Changan Auto ranked first, while it took seventh spot in the ranking of mainstream car brands. 

"Surpassing many joint venture and Chinese brands, it once again proved Changan Auto's excellent product quality with facts," the Chinese carmaker said. 

JD Power rates new vehicle quality through the average number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores equal to fewer problems and better quality. Changan Auto, with a score of 202 of PP100, is said to lead other Chinese brands across the board and other luxury car brands.

These luxury brands are: Audi (207 of PP100), Volvo (208 of PP100), and Land Rover (211 of PP100). 

The Initial Quality Study (IQS) is described as one of JD Power's flagship joint industry studies in China and globally. The study divides the new vehicle quality issues into two major categories: poor design and malfunction/inoperability.

Specific diagnostic issues include 218 problem points in nine categories: exterior body, interior body, driving experience, configuration/handling/dashboard, infotainment system, air-conditioning, seats, powertrain and driver assistance.

The China New Vehicle IQS is based on feedback from 34,158 vehicle owners who purchased their vehicles between June 2020 and March 2021. The study covers 264 models from 58 brands, with the study focused on the quality issues experienced by owners of new vehicles between two and six months of ownership.

The carmaker credits its win for its "pursuit of quality." In 2017, Changan garnered a low score in vehicle complaint ratio in China. 

At present, Changan said that every model it develops has to undergo testing of four million kilometers, involving the following verification fields: driving performance, NVH, durability and reliability, thermal management, intelligent network connection, and safety.

The four million kilometers are comprised of snowy plains of Russia, the deserts of the Middle East, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at 5,200 meters altitude, and the desert of Turpan with high dust and other harsh environments. 

Photos from Changan

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