While 9th isn't even halfway to its goals, again this study represents
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| The numbers from the J.D. Power results show that Chrysler Group is improving, but slower than expected. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
DaimlerChrysler three years ago, and once again includes Mercedes-Benz, which in the nameplate rankings achieved only 28th place out of 37 brands, a position much lower than all Chrysler Group nameplates, which fared 18th, 21st, 24th and 26th, for Chrysler, Plymouth (since discontinued), Dodge and Jeep brands respectively.
The J. D. Power results prove that Chrysler Group is improving, but also that it will need to step up quality control if it expects to match that of Toyota and Honda, let alone Hyundai, GM and even Ford.
Chrysler's 300, Magnum and new Charger have made significant steps in
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| While many of Chrysler group's products have improved in perceived quality, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee has actually lowered interior plastics quality tolerances in an effort to cut costs. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
all-important perceived quality too, the touchy, feely side of car interiors and exterior paint and panel gap tolerances, previously set by the Europeans and now rivaled by Japanese automakers. GM, for long in neglect of such issues, has made serious upgrades to its new models this year, some even surpassing the interior quality in the 300, for instance. Some of Chrysler Group's models, such as the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, have actually lowered interior plastics quality tolerances in an effort to cut costs, something market analysts say could hurt the Grand Cherokee which enjoys an extremely wealthy demographic that expects high perceived quality. It's interior fit and finish has improved, however.
