Citroen climbs the ladder with a better result in the 2015 Auto Express Driver Power survey results.

The 2015 Auto Express Driver Power dealer rankings survey has produced a strong set of results for Citroën in sales, aftersales and overall customer satisfaction. The survey measured responses of 60,988 car owners, across 200 different models. 

Relating to factors such as the atmosphere and helpfulness offered in showrooms and service centres, to vehicle performance, reliability and practicality. Citroën’s ranking climbed six places from 2014, with a satisfaction rating of 85.72%.

The results showed an improved experience across the board for Citroën customers, with satisfaction regarding key vehicle ownership factors such as fuel economy and reliability performing well alongside the overall customer experience.  

Citroën customers rated their satisfaction with the fuel efficiency of their vehicles as above average compared to the other manufacturers surveyed. In terms of reliability, survey respondents named this as one of the most important factors contributing to a satisfactory ownership experience. Nearly 30% of Citroën customers identified reliability as the best thing about their car.

As well as rating customer ownership experiences, satisfaction with purchasing and servicing was also assessed. Citroën franchised dealership scores climbed 11 places up to 6^th overall for sales, and up 15 places to 9^th for aftersales.

Bekir Hassan, Citroën Brand Director, commented on the results, saying, “The results published today in this highly influential survey are really good news for Citroën. It’s important that we review independent feedback like the Auto Express Driver Power survey to see where we’re doing well and what we can improve on. 

This year’s results illustrate that this process is working, with improvements across the board for Citroën.”

The full results of the Driver Power survey can be found in the 29 July special issue of Auto Express.

Renault climbs into the TOP TEN for the 2015 Auto Express Driver Power Awards.

• Renault rises eight places to finish seventh overall
• Second consecutive year Renault has improved in owner survey
• ZOE dubbed “Best EV” after 5^th place overall debut

Renault has continued to rise up the ranks in the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey rising eight places to seventh overall out of 32 brands, ahead of many premium manufacturers, and building on last year’s six place rise.

Renault’s score of 87.08 per cent was attributed in the survey to finishing fourth overall for running costs, seventh for in-car technology and eighth for ride quality.  Customer satisfaction with reliability and build quality has also improved.

The 100% electric Renault ZOE supermini finished an impressive fifth overall out of 200 vehicles and rated as the best electric vehicle to own.  ZOE was also rated the number one vehicle in this year’s survey for low running costs as well as second overall for ease of driving. 

Auto Express said in summary of Renault’s performance: “Last year it scored 15^th overall with 85.88 per cent, helped by the new Captur.  Now, though, it’s jumped a further eight places and catapulted itself into the top 10.  It really is quite an impressive performance in such a competitive field.”

Commenting on Renault’s performance in the survey, Ken Ramirez, Managing Director, Renault UK, said: “We’re delighted that our commitment and focus on quality has been recognised again in this year’s survey with the Renault brand’s eight place improvement to seventh rank overall, particularly following a six place jump last year – improving a total of fourteen places in just two years.

"Product and Service Quality are fundamental parts of our GO5+ mid-term plan objectives and it is therefore highly encouraging to see that real customer feedback place both our brands, Renault and Dacia, amongst the Top10 in the industry,” added Ramirez.

The Auto Express Driver Power survey had its largest response ever in 2015 with 61,113 car owners, up 20 per cent on 2014, completing the comprehensive survey about their vehicle ownership experience.

Renault UK car sales in the first quarter of 2015 were up 16.6 per cent on 2014 with 20,593 cars registered.  2014 full-year sales stood at 66,334, up 43.7 per cent.