Following its official debut, the all-new, next-generation Ford Everest launched in certain global markets earlier this year, and has remained in high demand ever since. That includes Thailand, where the Everest is produced at Ford Thailand Manufacturing, though unfortunately, not the U.S. Regardless, aside from selling well, the Ford Everest has also proven to be a reliable vehicle for customers in Thailand as well, as it ranked second in the large SUV segment in J.D. Power’s newly released 2022 Thailand Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The Ford Everest ranked behind only the Toyota Fortuner in the large SUV segment with a score of 131 PP100 versus the Fortuner’s score of 125 PP100. It also beat out the Isuzu MU-X, which posted a score of 132 PP100, but finished behind the segment average of 129. J.D. Power measures initial quality by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first six months of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
The Thailand Initial Quality Study (IQS) measures problems experienced in two categories – design-related problems and defects and malfunctions. The study includes specific diagnostic questions covering eight problem categories – exterior, driving experience, features/controls/ displays, seats, audio/communication/entertainment/navigation, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, interior, and engine/transmission. This year’s study is based on the responses of 5,419 new vehicle owners who purchased their vehicle from November 2021 through August 2022.
As a whole, Thailand’s auto industry performance improved this year to 130 PP100 from 147 PP100 in 2021. Design-related problems (71 PP100) are more prevalent this year than physical defects and malfunctions (55 PP100).
“Noise problems in the exterior, driving experience, and interior vehicle categories continue to be more frequently reported,” said Manenatta Jirasevijinda, regional lead of automotive in SEA at NielsenIQ. “Customers say wind noises, road noises, and squeak/rattle noises in the vehicle interior create an unpleasant experience while driving. Automakers should be mindful of these problems in the design and manufacture processes. Customers who experience fewer problems with their vehicle are more robust in recommendations to family and friends.”
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