Chrysler comments on J.D. Power

Doug Betts, Senior Vice-President—Quality, commented on the J.D. Power 90-day quality study for 2009 cars. While Chrysler as a whole did poorly, Betts pointed out that half of the ten most improved vehicles on the list were from Chrysler: the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Avenger, Jeep® Wrangler and Jeep Liberty.

Chrysler Group improved 15 repairs-per-hundred-vehicles on the survey, above the industry average of 10. Jeep brand improved by 30 repairs, moving up three positions, thanks largely to a 47-repair-per-hundred improvement for the Jeep Wrangler.

As we mentioned yesterday, Chrysler PT Cruiser tied for first place in the Compact Multi Activity Vehicle segment. Chrysler Sebring (sedan and convertible) “finished fourth in the very competitive Midsize Car segment that includes such competitors as Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.” The sedan itself would have tied with the Nissan Altima for first place.

“Dodge Grand Caravan improved by 60 points and now ranks third in the midsize van category.”

Betts also wrote,

Above we talked about the highlights from the J.D. Power IQS survey. Internally, we have to acknowledge the “low lights.” We have proven to ourselves that we can improve the quality of vehicles that are in production at a faster pace than before. What we have not demonstrated is our ability to have a successful launch for a new model. … If we do not find the source of our problem in doing this and change our methods, our ability to improve in current production will not be enough to make us competitive with the best in the industry. We will improve and then fall behind, over and over. A change in our culture and a fundamental change in what we believe is “good enough” has to happen. I look forward to working together to make this next big shift in our expectations for ourselves.