The SmartGreen Index, a first-year index tabulated by the marketing research firm Strategic Vision, has given the Audi Q7 luxury SUV the highest rating in its category as one of the smartest "green" choices available for U.S. consumers.
The SmartGreen Index, or SGI, is based on actual customer experiences with perceived quality, overall value (the "Smart" components), and performance on environmental measures, such as fuel economy (the "Green" component). The SGI weighs customer responses to find trends that would best predict customer advocacy, owner satisfaction, and brand loyalty; these variables ultimately translate into model and nameplate sales.
Strategic Vision officials explained that claiming the best fuel-efficiency numbers, a hybrid powerplant, or strong customer-satisfaction scores wouldn't be enough for auto makers to appeal to consumers. Instead, models have to provide "a meaningful emotional connection" to customers. Few models are able to establish this emotional connection as well as Audi vehicles can according to Audi of America's executive vice president John de Nysschen: "This recognition provides further proof that Audi vehicles overall, and the Audi Q7 in particular, offer exceptional satisfaction and long-term value. It also clearly reinforces Audi's commitment to provide environmentally sensitive vehicle choices throughout our model lineup."
The results of these findings are based on responses from 44,230 U.S. buyers of 2008-2009 Audi Q7 buyers.
More information can be found at the Strategic Vision website.
Source: PR Newswire