=1. The chart below was developed from the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Studies for the years 2004 through 2007. Using Jaguar as an example, we see that in 2004, the Jaguar nameplate was ranked 3rd in initial quality with 98 problems per 100 cars, improved to 2nd in 2005, and dropped to 5th in 2006 and then to 6th in 2007. When you compare the ratings of the American nameplates (marked with asterisks), do you find a trend of overall improvement in rankings? What do the rankings and number of problems suggest for the American, Japanese, Korean, and European cars? Who (by nameplate or geographic area) seems to have the best record over this four-year period, and which nameplates seem not to “get it”?

Note: Lexus, Honda, Infiniti, Toyota, Acura, Nissan, and Mazda are Japanese nameplates. Hyundai and Kia are Korean. Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, Audi, BMW, and Volvo are European nameplates.