German Cars are not as reliable as they are believed to be
I do not believe that German cars are more reliable than American or Japanese vehicles. This is a fallacy that was caused by the country’s marketing strategy. Their marketing programs were based on the foundation of German Engineering, which marketed the German machines as the best in terms of quality, luxury, and reliability. This position was the truth in the 1970s when German brands such as Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz would top the Consumer Report’s Long-Term Reliability Test and Initial Quality Index Tests (Haj-Assaad, 2012). However, their Japanese and American competitors have been able to catch up with them.
Over the years, German cars have ended up being faced with problems such as electronic failures and a reduction in the quality of the ECU systems. Consequently, it has led to them always spending most of their time in the shops. Unlike some American models which only go for regular service, German models such as BMW and Audi have a recurring problem of their cooling systems and engine’s knocking. Therefore, showing that it is high time that the fallacy of German engineering amounting to reliability in cars is forgotten.
Looking at the latest Consumer Reports, Japanese Cars, popularly known as JDMs, top the list. Unlike the early 2000’s reports where Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen topped the list, the 2018 report showed that Lexus was the most reliable brand with a score of 78, and Toyota was at 76 (Matusoek, 2018). Audi, which ranked the highest among the German models, came in at number 7 with a score of 60, followed closely by BMW with a score of 58. Mercedes-Benz came in at number 17 (Matusoek, 2018). The report concluded that Toyota ranks because its vehicles were dependable, efficient, and reliable.
The wrong perspective was caused by the fact that the German cars would have higher top speeds, most of 160 Miles per hour, whereas the Japanese cars would top at 110 or 120 Miles per hour. It was realized that the German cars were just being pushed further than the JDM cars. They would perform at their optimum but the expense of their reliability. Consequently, they would breakdown more often and needed more service because of the task that their parts have to endure. Henley and Cotter’s (2012) research supported the position, and they stated that the German producer’s marketing strategy was mainly based on the performance of the German cars with little concern about the reliability. It has led to the German automobile companies to worry more about how they can improve their performance which leads to numerous problems when it comes to their reliability.
In today’s market, consumers are not supposed to be put in this performance/reliability paradox. Instead, they are supposed to get the best of all both. This is an area that the JDM vehicles have been able to achieve. The Japanese automobile companies always strive to balance these two functions of their cars and, in turn, make them more reliable. Over the years, they have been able to improve their technology, and it has led to the vehicles being able to meet the expectations of their customers.
A considerable percentage of the market buy vehicles based on how they would want to use it. Therefore, to a farmer, a Volkswagen Polo will be unreliable to them. Thus, reliability should be compared based on the vehicle’s classes. Different car shows have made comparisons of the German, Japanese, and American cars, and in most instances, the German cars perform decimally. For example, Autocar USA compared 2019 pickup trucks, and the Mercedes-Benz X Class and Volkswagen Amarok could not keep up with the likes of the Toyota Hilux or the Ford Ranger. The technology in these vehicles allowed the cars to outperform German vehicles. Thus, proving that the competitors have caught up to the German engineers.
At the moment, automobile companies are supposed to provide their market with the best of the vehicles. Many people and car societies know how they can unlock or increase the car’s performance. With the use of different car modifications, then they allow the engine to produce more horsepower. This means that these individuals opt to increase their vehicle’s performance at the expense of their reliability. Therefore, they cannot complain about having to visit the shop to repair their clutch or gear continuously. It is wrong for the automobile companies to make for its consumers the decision.
Conclusively, it is high time that the consumers know that German vehicles are not as reliable as they used to be. The notion of German engineering is the best in electronics has been overtaken by time, and there are other better options. This is a position that has been supported by different surveys and experiences of car owners. So, when looking for reliability in a vehicle, people need to be encouraged not to be swayed by the 1970’s trade puffs.
References
Haj-Assaad, S. (2012, May 10). Are German Cars Reliable? The Myth of “German Engineering”. Retrieved from AutoGuide: https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/05/are-german-cars-reliable-myth-german-engineering.html
Henley, J., & Cotter, M. (2012). The German Automobile Paradox. Advances in Business Research, 3(1), 90-98.
Matusoek, M. (2018, October 15). The 15 Most Reliable Cars of 2018. Retrieved from Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/most-reliable-car-brands-2018-consumer-reports-2018-10?r=US&IR=T