Bridgestone, Michelin and Yokohama top J D Power survey of Japanese OE tyres

ERJ staff report (DS)

Tokyo -- Bridgestone ranks highest in satisfying customers with original equipment tyres in the compact car and minivan segments-and ties with Yokohama in the minivan segment-while Michelin ranks highest in the passenger car and SUV segments, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2008 Japan Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Index Study released last month.

Bridgestone ranks highest in the compact car segment for a second consecutive year with an index score of 565 on a 1000-point scale and performs particularly well in all factors.

Michelin ranks highest in the passenger car segment for a fourth consecutive year with a score of 636 and performs particularly well in ratings all four factors. Following Michelin in the segment rankings are Bridgestone (625), Continental (618) and Dunlop (609).

Bridgestone and Yokohama rank highest in the minivan segment in a tie, each achieving a score of 562. Yokohama ranks highest for a second consecutive year.

Michelin ranks highest in the SUV segment for a third consecutive year with an index score of 620 and performs particularly well in the ride/quietness, handling/traction and durability/reliability factors. Dunlop, improving notably from 2007, ranks second in the segment (608) and performs well in the appearance factor.

Lower traction on ultra-low rolling resistance tyres

In a new finding, J D Power reported that many owners of hybrid vehicles rate their OE tyres lower for traction and are more likely to report traction issues, compared with owners of gasoline-powered vehicles.

“Study findings indicate that there is room for improving the traction of OE tyres on hybrid vehicles, beyond the performance and quality of what is currently available,” said Tetsushi Furuya, project manager at J.D. Power Asia Pacific, Tokyo. “In order to establish an advantage in the growing hybrid vehicle segment, tire manufacturers must develop OE tyres that not only meet the engineering requirements of automakers, but also satisfy the expectations of vehicle owners.”

The study also finds that vehicle owners who associate the OE tyre brand on their vehicles with an eco-friendly image are more likely to purchase the same brand for replacement tyres, compared with owners who do not consider their OE tyre brand to be environmentally friendly.

“The connection between customer perceptions of an eco-friendly image and higher rates of brand preference for replacement tyres indicates that it has become increasingly important for tyre manufacturers to inform consumers about their eco-friendly tyre offerings and engage in environmental initiatives,” said Furuya. “Emphasising a commitment to environmentally responsible behaviour can help manufacturers take advantage of growing consumer interest in hybrid and other eco-friendly powertrain vehicles.”

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Press release from J D Power

Press release from Michelin