Philippine-built Mazda3 scores another win in Thailand Quality Tests

MANILA, Philippines - For the third consecutive year, Philippine-built Mazda3 won the Thailand Initial Quality Study (IQS) in the mid-size car segment. This is according to a J.D. Power Asia Pacific Report which released the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2009 Thailand Initial Quality Study.

The study, which measures problems customers experience with their new vehicle during the first two to six months of ownership, examines more than 200 problem symptoms covering eight categories. These categories, listed in order of frequency of reported problems, include: vehicle exterior; engine and transmission; driving experience; HVAC; audio, entertainment and navigation; features, controls and displays; vehicle interior; and seats.

Overall quality performance is determined by the problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

The Mazda3 (137 PP100) ranks highest in the midsize car segment for the third consecutive year, besting top Japanese competitors.

“The Thailand IQS result further strengthens Mazda3’s reputation as a globally multi-awarded compact sedan. More importantly, it validates the strength of our Philippine manufacturing operations and our quality process, which have been producing the Mazda3 in our Sta. Rosa, Laguna plant. It is also a testament to the world-class craftsmanship and dedication of Ford Motor Company Philippines’ Filipino workforce which enabled these vehicles to earn such citations,” said Steven Tan, VP for Marketing & Sales, Mazda Philippines.

The 2009 Thailand IQS Study is based on evaluations from 3,460 owners who purchased their new vehicle between October 2008 and July 2009. The study includes 58 different passenger car, pickup truck and utility vehicle models covering 11 different makes. The study was fielded between April and September 2009.

Check out the winning Mazda3 by visiting any Mazda dealership nearest you: Mazda Alabang, Mazda Makati, Mazda Greenhills, Mazda Quezon Avenue, Mazda Batangas, Mazda Cebu, and Mazda Pampanga. For more information, please visit www.mazda.com.ph.