TORRANCE, Calif., June 17, 2010 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS),
U.S.A., Inc., today announced that its Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands
received a combined six segment awards in the 2010 J.D. Power and
Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), more than any other
manufacturer.
"We are very pleased to have earned the six segment awards and by
the strong showing of our Lexus brand and the Scion xB in the 2010 IQS,"
said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer, TMS. "However,
the 2010 study was conducted at the height of intense media coverage of
Toyota's and Lexus' recalls earlier this year, so we anticipated an
impact on this specific ranking of these vehicles."
Lentz continued: "The IQS 90-day feedback is one measurement -
along with warranty claims, long-term durability, resale value and buyer
loyalty - that helps us gauge the overall quality of our products. We
stand behind our strong performance in these and other areas and remain
firmly committed to ensuring the superior quality, safety and long-term
value of our cars and trucks."
Lexus LS Shows Fewest Quality Problems in the Industry
Lexus ranked fourth among all nameplates in the 2010 IQS with 88
problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Among individual models, the Lexus
LS earned the distinction of fewest quality problems in the industry,
with just 55 PP100.
Lexus also captured three segment awards to tie for the most awards
of any nameplate in this year's study. These include the Lexus GS for
Midsize Premium Car, the Lexus GX 460 for Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV,
and the Lexus LS 460 for Large Premium Car. This is the third year in a
row that the LS had placed first in its segment and the 10th
time in 13 years that the LS has been at the top of its segment.
Toyota Receives Two Segment Awards, but
Recent Recalls Impact Overall Rank
Reflecting heightened customer awareness of Toyota's recent
recalls, the Toyota nameplate PP100 increased in this year's study by 16
PP100 to 117 PP100 resulting in a ranking of 21.
At the same time, the FJ Cruiser received the segment award for the
Compact Crossover/SUV, while the Sienna ranks highest in the Midsize
Van segment for the second year in row.
With the exception of the Highlander, all of the TMS models
involved in the company's recent recalls experienced an increase in
reported issues, while those not involved in the recalls, taken
together, showed an overall improvement over 2009.
Scion Continues to Rise in the Ranks
The Scion nameplate moved up again in this year's study, from 20th
to 18th with 114 PP100, an improvement of four PP100. The
Scion xB earned the 2010 segment award for Compact Multipurpose Vehicle,
while the Scion tC improved by 10 PP100 to 109 PP100.
Production Facilities Earn Top Honors
Toyota production facilities once again took the top three honors
in the Asia Pacific region for 2010. The Kyushu 2 plant (IS line, ES
350, RX line) earned the Gold Award with 32 PP100; the Tahara 3 plant
(GS line, IS sedans, LS 460) earned the Silver Award with 33 PP100; and
the Kyushu 1 plant (HS 250h, RX line) earned the bronze award with 37
PP100.
For the North and South America region, the Cambridge, Ontario,
Canada, plant (RX 350) earned a Gold Award with 30 PP100.
Toyota Segment Awards Chart
|
Model
|
IQS Segment
|
Problems per 100
|
|
Lexus LS 460
|
Large Premium Car
|
55
|
|
Lexus GS
|
Midsize Premium Car
|
75
|
|
Toyota FJ Cruiser
|
Compact Crossover/SUV
|
83
|
|
Lexus GX 460
|
Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV
|
84
|
|
Toyota Sienna
|
Midsize Van
|
102
|
|
Scion xB
|
Compact Multipurpose Vehicle
|
108 |
