TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA EARNS TOP HONOURS IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES 2010 INITIAL QUALITY STUDY

 

TORONTO, ON – June 17, 2010 – J.D. Power today announced that Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) has earned a Gold Plant Quality Award for the North and South American region in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS).

 

 “The Gold Plant Quality award is important because it represents the voice of the customer,” said Ray Tanguay, President of TMMC. “For our more than 6,500 Team Members, it is a much appreciated recognition of their craftsmanship, commitment and attention to detail.  We’re honoured to be recognized as one of the greatest manufacturing teams in the world.”

 

Toyota and Lexus brands were also awarded a combined five segment awards in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS).

 

“The J.D. Power and Associates IQS 90-day feedback, along with strong resale values, long-term durability, warranty claims and customer loyalty, are strong indicators of the overall quality of our products,” said Yoichi Tomihara, President and CEO of Toyota Canada Inc.  “We are pleased with the strong performance of our vehicles, despite recent Toyota and Lexus recalls which we expected would influence specific vehicle rankings. We remain committed to ensuring the superior quality, safety and long-term value of our cars and trucks” 

 

The Scion xB, coming to Canada this September, was also recognized with the highest ranking in the Compact Multipurpose Vehicle segment.

 

Lexus Ties for Most Segment Awards of Any Nameplate

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 ranked highest in its segment and the 10^th time in 13 years that the LS has been at the top of its segment.

 

Toyota Receives Two Segment Awards

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 vehicles 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.

 

Toyota Segment Awards Chart

 

 

Production Facilities Earn Top Honours

In addition to the TMMC Gold Plant Award  for the North and South American region with 30 PP100, two other Toyota production facilities also took top honours for the Asia Pacific region including:

 

 

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