India’s auto giant, Maruti Suzuki ranked highest in the vehicle dependability in two segments, according to J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2008 India Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). It received the award for the Swift in the premium compact segment and for Esteem in the entry midsize segment.
The study measures problems experienced by original owners of 30- to 42-month-old vehicles by examining more than 150 problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories. The ranking is segmented according to: compact; premium compact; entry midsize; midsize; premium midsize; entry luxury; multi-utility/multi-purpose vehicles (MUV/ MPV); and sport-utility vehicles (SUV).
The 2008 India Vehicle Dependability Study is based on evaluations from nearly 4,700 owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2004 and September 2005. The study includes 33 vehicle models covering 12 nameplates and was fielded from January to April 2008 in 20 cities across India.