Drivers are frustrated with cupholders, door handles, and horns that sound like 'clown cars' in newer models as automakers push for more tech in vehic
Motorists operating cars from the 2023 production year are expressing an increased number of problems encountered with their beverage holders. The aforementioned observations have been visually captured and illustrated by Getty Images.
A yearly investigation conducted by auto research company JD Power revealed a drop in the overall excellence of automobiles.
People who own or lease cars from the 2023 model year expressed concerns about simple features like cup holders.
According to Insider, JD Power reveals that one of the problems arises from car manufacturers' drive to incorporate more technology into their vehicles.
According to a recent study conducted by auto research company JD Power, car manufacturers are steadily enhancing the technological aspects of their latest models. However, they seem to struggle when it comes to perfecting fundamental elements like cupholders, door handles, and car horns.
In JD Power's latest study on 2023 model-year vehicles, they interviewed over 93,000 owners and lessees to gauge their satisfaction. The study revealed a decline in the overall quality of vehicles, as determined by JD Power's rating system which measures the "frequency of issues encountered per 100 vehicles." A higher number in this rating indicates poorer quality.
The research gathered data from a comprehensive survey consisting of 223 questions, which was carried out over the period from February to May. The findings indicated an average of 192 issues per 100 vehicles, showing a rise of 12 points compared to last year's figures and a notable increase of 18 points from the statistics of 2021.
According to the research, automakers' desire to incorporate additional technology into their vehicles at the expense of essential interior and exterior elements contributes to a considerable extent to the issue.
The focal point revolves around an ordinary yet crucial component of the automobile: cupholders, which hold particular significance for American motorists.
According to Insider, Frank Hanley, who holds the position of senior director of auto benchmarking at JD Power, has revealed that customers are expressing discontent with the dimensions and placements of cupholders in vehicles. Due to the inclusion of modern additions like a wireless phone charging pad, which occupies valuable space inside the car, consumers feel that the cupholders are being compromised.
Hanley stated that if you attempt to incorporate this charging pad for the phone to rest on, you will have to grapple with maneuvering a gear selector and rearranging cupholders and limited storage space. Additionally, there are still USB ports and other items present, so how can you accommodate all of that within that particular space?
According to a press release from JD Power, door handles are now causing a stir in the automotive industry. Previously, they were considered a non-controversial element, thoroughly analyzed, developed, and perfected. However, car makers are now rethinking the design by employing cutting-edge techniques, as highlighted in the study.
One instance might involve door handles that are concealed within the car's body and emerge when the driver gets near the vehicle, as mentioned by Hanley. This characteristic can be found in Tesla cars, among others, and users have previously encountered difficulties with the handle.
A door handle that can be pulled back on a Tesla car.
Hanley mentioned that the decision to revamp door handles is partially driven by the transition to electric cars.
"They are making an effort to maximize the aerodynamics of the vehicles, as it greatly contributes to the range ... and the inclusion of door handles was among those prospects," he mentioned.
However, customers are discovering that the layout lacks user-friendliness.
Hanley explained that door handles have been in existence ever since cars were first invented. However, recently, there have been some new designs introduced that people need to become accustomed to. He further mentioned that while adults might be able to comprehend how these novel car door handles function, it might be more perplexing for kids.
The study discovered that drivers expressed discontent not only with the prioritization of technology in vehicles but also with their car horns.
"Consumers... they're essentially utilizing terms such as 'plaything automobile' and 'circus vehicle' — it simply lacks the impactful resonance they anticipate when endeavoring to caution someone," Hanley remarked, considering that the modifications could serve as an economical solution.
According to Hanley, despite certain enhancements in technology-related features like Android Auto and CarPlay, they continue to represent "the most troubling domain in the automotive industry" when comparing to last year.
Car manufacturers are not solely responsible for the demand for greater technology in vehicles. Hanley stated that things like larger touch-screen infotainment systems are now considered a growing "customer expectation." It is possible that manufacturers simply require more time to determine how to successfully meet these demands.
"Introducing unfamiliar technologies may initially pose more challenges, and it's evident that such a situation is currently being observed in the industry," remarked Hanley.
Check out the original post on Business Insider.
