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Honda and Toyota Dominates South African Auto Market

Japanese automakers have been known for their reliable vehicles which have become the favorite of most consumers. This can be clearly seen in the United States auto market where market share of Japanese automakers continue to increase while the Big Three's decline. This trend is not only seen in the United States though as according to J.D. Power and Associates, Honda and Toyota dominated the 2007 South Africa Customer Satisfaction Index.

According to The Auto Channel's report, the two Japanese automakers received top ranks more than any other automaker. For Honda, the Civic, CR-V, FR-V, and the Jazz topped their respective segments. For Toyota, the Avensis, Hilux, the Land Cruiser Prado and the Tazz received the highest rating in their classes. The Customer Satisfaction Index is a study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates to gauge the level of satisfaction of customers regarding the vehicles that they have purchased.

According to The Auto Channel, J.D. Power and Associates, the study focuses on the first 10 to 21 months of ownership. Four factors covering 77 attributes are taken into consideration to gauge the satisfaction of customers. Of the four factors, the highest weight was given to the quality and reliability of vehicles which is given a weight of 32 percent. Aesthetics is second with a weight of 29 percent. Satisfaction of customers is also based on their experiences on the dealership which is given 19 percent. Last but not least is the cost of ownership which corresponds to 20 percent.

Brian Walters, the vice president of J.D. Power and Associates’ Europe, Middle East, and Africa Operations, said that Honda and Toyota are showing their dedication to building quality vehicles. "Honda and Toyota models continue their strong performance in satisfying customers in South Africa," said Walters.

"In both 2006 and 2007, four Toyota models ranked highest in their respective segments, while Honda has led in nameplate rankings in both years. These results are a testament to the commitment to high quality that both brands demonstrate. In addition, Mercedes-Benz maintains its ranking in the top five for a second consecutive year and improves in an impressive manner since 2006," he expressed.

"The consistent improvement in overall satisfaction in the South Africa market is good news for consumers, franchised dealers and manufacturers," continued Walters. "However, there is still significant room for improvement. While customers seem to be more satisfied with vehicle quality and reliability as well as vehicle appeal, service satisfaction and ownership cost satisfaction levels are not on par." Honda is also the manufacturer of Acura vehicles and auto parts such as Acura cargo liners.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

should i go with a sleeper or get sponsored and get body kit custom paint vinyls etc.. on my 06 350z auto?

i was wondering what should i do i have a 350z 06 auto with a greedy twin turbo kit and with nessary things with it ( blow-off vaule, exuast, transmisson upgrade, boost controller boost gauges etc..) i spent over 20k on my z but i dont know if i should get sponsered or not i could go with the sleeper look and have a 700-800 rwhp beast but that would take me aleast 3-5 years and pay alot more money out of pocket but i could go the sponsedred way and get body-kit vinyls and custom paint and not really pay for the parts and probly be around 1-2 years and still be around 700-800 rwhp beast i dont know i really could go both ways what do you think i should do? sleeper z look where nobody knows and beats corvetts and vipers like they are standing still or custom z that would turning heads and still getting the same result what do you guys think?

All I can say your stock automatic transmission will be that cars down fall. Even after extensive modifications you better have several low speed drifting mean very high trans temps adding turbos to a high compression engine means about $10,000 worth of pistons rods then there is the packaging problem. There is almost no room for all the parts and you are going to need a carbon fibre hood with lots of vents to let heat out. The strongest 350Z twin turbo I work on makes 625 RHP and it can cost almost 2,500 a night to drift competitively. So deep pockets remember those Vipers and Vettes GTO's with sponsorship can make more than one event look at there race car transporters tire sponsor and stickers Advertising is essential to pull off a car. What does a Toyo Tire guy see when he looks at your operation? Race shop mechanics in uniforms several drift machines tire machines Dynometer? I think you need to check out your competitors shops and get all the sponsors on board soon! Even Get a car given to you for stickers on the side of it and keep your 2006 two year old car in your personal stable of cars. GO BIG OR GO HOME

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