Michelin and Goodyear Top JD Power Survey

Michelin and Goodyear have topped the most recent JD Power (OE) tyre satisfaction survey in three segments, while Goodyear won in one segment. Michelin ranked highest in the luxury, passenger car and truck/utility segments, while Goodyear topped the performance sport segment. Within each of the four segments (luxury, passenger car, performance sport, and truck/utility) four factors are examined to measure tire owner satisfaction: wearability, appearance, traction/handling, and ride. Rankings are based on owners’ experiences with their tyres after two years of ownership.

In the passenger car and luxury segments, Michelin performed particularly well in the wearability and appearance factors. In the truck/utility segment, Michelin performs particularly well in the tyre wearability factor. Goodyear ranked highest in the performance sport segment. While the tyre manufacturer performed well in traction and handling, according to the survery, Goodyear differentiates itself in the area of tyre wearability.

The study finds that experiencing problems during the first two years of ownership can have a major negative impact on overall customer satisfaction. Among customers who did not report any problems, overall satisfaction averages 718 points on a 1,000-point scale. Conversely, satisfaction among customers who say they experienced at least one problem averages 586 points—a difference of more than 130 points.

“Problems caused by road hazards and punctures are most common, but since consumers understand that tyre manufacturers have little control over road conditions, this has relatively little effect on owner satisfaction,” said Allison LaDuc, senior research manager of automotive product quality at JD Power and Associates.