Dodge tied with Huyndai Motor Group’s KIA for the top spot among 31 competitors, becoming the first US domestic brand ever to achieve a No. 1 ranking in the study’s 34-year run. Dodge, Fiat Chrysler’s (FCA) performance brand, jumped forward seven places from last year’s IQS results.
Ram Trucks followed closely, rising to a third-place tie from its 21st position last year, doing so by the creation of fresh product – the redesigned 1500 half-ton pickup and a significantly upgraded lineup of heavy-duty trucks.
Of 75 plants in the Americas, Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico won the Gold Award for manufacturing quality, while Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois claimed the Bronze Award.
FCA’s overall performance surged five spots to a fourth-place finish among the 15 companies assessed by J.D. Power.
This marks the first time in the study’s history that FCA outperformed the industry average. J.D. Power uses reported problems per 100 vehicles as its measure. FCA’s total of 153 was 13 less than the industry average and 10 less than its nearest competitor.
“These results reflect the relentless, whatever-it-takes attitude of our team,” said Mark Champine, head of quality, FCA – North America. “Our complete focus is the customer and these outcomes reinforce that we are on-target. The team is going to be inspired and motivated and will continue to push forward.”
Toluca and Belvidere are home to Jeep SUVs, producing the Compass and Cherokee, respectively. Jeep jumped six spots to 11th place – its best-ever ranking in the annual study, which analyzes vehicle quality and performance during the first three months of ownership.