Lexus gains 12th top manufacturer award
Lexus is once again Britain’s top ranked manufacturer in the annual WhatCar?/JD Power customer satisfaction survey, regaining its pre-eminent position for an unprecedented 12th time.
Lexus, sharing top place this year with Jaguar, succeeded thanks to the high opinions of owners of its CT and RX full hybrids. The verdict they delivered on their cars, running costs and the service they receive from their dealers added up to an overall 80.8 per cent score. The average for this year’s study, which attracted more than 15,000 submissions from owners of 109 different vehicles, was 77.2 per cent.
Jim Holder, What Car? editor, said: “It is great to see them returning to form in this year’s What Car?/JD Power customer satisfaction study, sharing the top slot with Jaguar.
“The 2014 win brings the total years it has held this coveted position to 12, an amazing achievement. The arrival of the Lexus CT in the top 10 overall underlines how it continues to meet the expectations of buyers even as it expands its line-up into new categories.”
In the WhatCar? awards the Hybrid makes an impact in first year
This was the first year the CT 200h, the world’s first premium compact hatchback with hybrid power, was eligible for consideration, the survey being for cars first registered between January 2011 and December 2012. The CT has made an immediate impact, being ranked seventh overall and second in the survey’s category for best small family cars.
What Car? reported: “This is the CT’s first appearance in the JD Power survey and it’s a great debut. Buyers enjoy the quality feel of the interior and the clear layout of the dashboard and instrument panels. They also like the smooth CVT gearbox.”
The RX voted best SUV in the WhatCar? awards
The RX emerged as the highest-ranked large SUV for the second year running, and held 16th place overall. Summarising the positives put forward by owners, What Car? said: “It’s comfortable, refined and its cabin uses upmarket materials. The dealers also do a great job of keeping their customers happy.”
Richard Balshaw, Lexus director, said: “This excellent result is a tribute to the effort invested by everyone in the company, from the factory to our UK showrooms and workshops, to ensure we deliver the best quality to our customers in every aspect of the ownership experience.
“We continue to be grateful to our established customers, and the increasing number who are new to us as we expand and develop our range, for their loyalty, enthusiasm and advocacy of our brand.”