Fiat Places Dead Last in J.D. Powers’ UK Satisfaction Study

Fiat Places Dead Last in J.D. Powers’ UK Satisfaction Study
http://tinyurl.com/dhs9vd

The Italian salvation may not be all it's cracked up to be

Chrysler's vehicles, like all of America's cars, have improved greatly
in recent years. But not-too-distant memory reminds us of the Le Baron
and even of another ill-fated Italian tie-up and its Maserati-branded
spawn. So Fiat's poor scores in the most recent JD Power survey in the
United Kingdom gives cause to wonder if the Fiat-Chrysler union might
ultimately be a tragic one.

Fiat's role in helping to save Chrysler post-bankruptcy was applauded by
President Obama just days ago, but already the naysayers are building
their case. And unfortunately, it's shaping up to be a decent one. The
latest JD Power figures put Fiat at the bottom - 28th of 28 - in UK
satisfaction rankings. Lexus, Skoda, Honda, Toyota and Jaguar filled out
the top 5 spots, while Citroen, Kia, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi and Fiat
rounded out the bottom five.

Which is a roundabout way of saying Fiat's car's aren't exactly renowned
for their reliability in Europe, nor are those of sister brand Alfa
Romeo though the brand wasn't separated in the results list. The last
time either car was sold in the U.S. they had developed and suffered
from a reputation for unreliability that ultimately contributed to their
retreat from our shores.

Now the continued poor performance of Fiat in markets where it's already
established calls into question whether the Italian company will be able
to turn things around at Chrysler, or whether the partnership will just
degenerate into a downward spiral of poor design feeding poor execution.
On the other hand, Fiat also makes brilliant cars like the 500, which
slots into a segment where Chrysler is completely absent.

Will the synergies make both companies better than they are on their
own? Or will the Fiat-Chrysler partnership make the DaimlerChrysler era
seem like a golden age?

 

Fiat may not have the upmarket cars but might have the management to handle
Chrysler.

Mercedes had the quality background but perhaps not the ability to handle
the US company.

Fiat might be better than nothing at all.

DAS

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I feel of more concern is will Fiat cars "fit" Americans?
Perhaps the smaller segment of the population, but not mid sized and up.

 

A concern indeed.

But rising fuel prices may help in the 'alignment' (thought they have fallen
back in recent times, of course).

At the end of the day a Fiat Punto is not much fun for transporting a large
family across a great distance, even if it is only at 50 or 60 mph, or
whatever the US speed limits are.

DAS
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