Toyota Proves Its Dependability in J.d. Power Study

By: Evander Klum

For the 13th consecutive year, vehicle models from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. earned the most awards in each segment and ranked as the highest brand at the 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) conducted by J.D. Power and Associates.

"There are many studies conducted throughout the year, but VDS remains one of the most significant measures of long-term vehicle quality and reliability. Any studies that don't take into consideration the durability of a vehicle over an extended period of ownership are not true indicators of overall quality and customer satisfaction." said Jim Lentz, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Sales.

"Internal studies show that dependability is consistently the top purchase reason for Toyota, Lexus and Scion buyers, and we will continue to prioritize quality as our product offerings and sales volume increase." he added.

J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study determines models in every vehicle segment that has the best reliability and residual value. J.D. Power and Associates conducted a survey from more than 50,000 vehicle owners and measured the problems encountered during the three years of ownership. In addition, J.D. Power and Associates also ranked the best three vehicle models in each segment.

Toyota's Lexus luxury division once again obtained the first place in the nameplate rankings with only 145 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Toyota brand was in the fifth place with 178 PP100, and Scion with 220 PP100. In the Top Three Models per Segment, Lexus eared five awards including GS 300/GS430 (Midsize Premium Car), GX 470 (Midsize Premium MAV), LS 430 (Large Premium Car), LX 470, (Large Premium MAV) and the SC 430 for the Premium Sporty Car segment. Toyota models also earned awards with the Toyota Prius and Toyota Corolla (Compact Car), Toyota Celica (Compact Sporty Car), Toyota 4Runner (Midsize MAV), and the Toyota Land Cruiser for the Large Premium MAV segment. Meanwhile, the Scion xA was ranked as the highest model in the Sub-Compact Car segment.

"Automakers may reap numerous benefits from producing dependable vehicles -- not only in higher residual values, decreased warranty costs and opportunities for remarketing their vehicles, but also in higher customer satisfaction and increased likelihood of customers recommending or purchasing newer dependable models." said Neal Oddes, Director of Product Research and Analysis for J.D. Power and Associates.

Oddes added: "This is why it is especially important for automakers to successfully launch new vehicle models with high initial quality and appeal -- models that perform well in these regards tend to exhibit particularly strong dependability later in their life cycle."

This only proves that Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models continue to improve their reliability, dependability, and quality auto parts (like ) for American customers.

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