There is no reason for any of us to deny anymore!

[tcp_ML500]

USA: Mercedes admits quality problems

DaimlerChrysler has set a target of 2006 for regaining
its standing atop the quality charts, its top car
executive says.

http://just-auto.com/nd.asp?art=43474&dm=yes

USA: Mercedes admits quality problems
09 Feb 2004
Source: just-auto.com editorial team


DaimlerChrysler has set a target of 2006 for regaining its standing atop the quality charts, its top car executive says.

Juergen Hubbert, board member responsible for Mercedes-Benz and Smart, told Automotive News Europe the carmaker is "working like hell" to correct the glitches that have plagued the electronic control systems in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz spokesman Geoff Day said there is no specific quality survey or timeline the company is citing as a target and attaining No. 1 status is more of an internal commitment.

Speaking at a JD Power and Associates industry conference, Hubbert said: "We have bugs in the system. We have to learn the right way to organise electronics and have the same reliability standards."

He quickly added, "Who is in the lead always has the biggest problems."

Mercedes-Benz has fared badly in recent owner surveys, such as the AutoMarxx report prepared by the ADAC, Germany's largest automotive club, or the JD Power & Associates durability study.

But a website run by disgruntled customers, Mercedes-Benz-usa.com, also has appeared. The website has developed a "Mercedes Benz Problem Resolution Guide" for US Mercedes customers who are unsatisfied with their cars or with the carmaker's employees.

Mercedes-Benz's disappointing results are mainly associated with quality problems and electronics failures.

[jdbower]

I wonder if this is a real goal or just marketing fluff. "Of course we're going to try to compete with lower priced 'luxury' brands like Lexus, maintain a high level of technological innovation, and be of the highest-quality." Personally, I'd love to see a 10-20% price increase in exchange for old-time rock-solid reliability with no drop in technology. When a top-of-the-line ML55 costs as much as a crappy Caddy SUV there's got to be some questions asked...

[jdbower]

Makes it easier to ignore your posts[}:)]!

[jdbower]

It's a little tougher to catch up when all of the posts happen at night and I have spotty Internet access. I'll try harder for you, though...[:)]

[ike]

jdbower - 2/9/2004 8:22 AM

Makes it easier to ignore your posts[}:)]!

It's back to blue again.[:)]

[J-bird]

my ratings and I have had the car to the dealer 4 times in the past few months. Wonder why?

[jdbower]

There's a decent place for fondue in Delaware called The Melting Pot - not too far from the real stuff here. I'll be coming back to NJ on Wednesday, but barely long enough to pack for a trip to Korea at the end of the month...

[jdbower]

[BOY-6]

I doubt mercedes-benz can go back to there old roots. Willjust have to see. In 2006 if there quality gets better.

[kenyee]

He's still blind to the other problem...some dealer service departments tend to do more damage during warrantee work than the problem itself or they require multiple trips by the owners...