Fiat 500 ranks first in the "Vehicle Owner Satisfaction Study" by J. D. Power and Associates, the well-known agency that since 2002 has been conducting market surveys to determine how much German motorists are satisfied with their cars and their brands. The prestigious award ceremony was staged in Berlin yesterday at the Axel Springer publishing house.
With a total score of 81.8% in the "minicar" category, Fiat 500 ranked first in a classification that has been traditionally led by German and Japanese models.
The study, conducted worldwide every year, gauges the degree of satisfaction of customers based on 67 characteristics in four different categories, each of which with a specific weight. Appeal (performance, design, comfort, functions) amounts to 32% of the total score, quality and reliability of the car amount to 26%, running costs (fuel, insurance, servicing and repairs) to 22%, while brand dealership satisfaction amounts to 20% of the total score.
Specifically, the "Vehicle Owner Satisfaction Study" conducted in Germany was based on 17,158 online surveys targeting motorists who have owned their car for two years or more and who during this time have travelled an average of 38,700 kilometres. The survey concerned only models belonging to nine categories - from minicar to SUVs - and was based on at least 50 questions.
The most interesting result of this edition was the opinion expressed by German customers on the most important criteria - appeal of performance, passenger compartment and bodywork - where Fiat 500 was given top scores three times. The Fiat city-car also stands out from the crowd in terms of running costs. In brief, with this award the Fiat 500 - which has already reaped many awards for its design and implemented technologies - emphasises both the high quality standards of the car and the commitment of Fiat Group Automobiles to constantly improving customer service and dealership network performance.
These positives have clearly also had an impact on Fiat’s performance on the local market with the 500 racking up sales of around 70 units a month – a remarkable achievement for a niche model in the supermini segment. The launch of Limited Edition versions such as the 500 by Diesel and the introduction during the last quarter of this year of the 500 TwinAir, will serve to reinforce the unique place the lovable Cinquecento occupies in the hearts of South Africans.
STORY BY FIAT
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