Dacia, Kia, and MG were once considered underdogs in the auto industry, but recent results from the 2024 Driver Power survey show just how far these manufacturers have come. Mike Rutherford, a renowned automotive journalist, believes that these three companies have undergone remarkable transformations and are now positioned as winners in the industry.
Dacia, a Romanian-born company founded in 1966, faced hardships in its early years under strict Communist rule. However, after being adopted by France’s Renault in 1999, the company experienced a resurgence. The Mk2 Dacia Duster, introduced in 2017, was voted as the No.1 model for customer satisfaction in the 2024 Driver Power survey. This small SUV also excelled in categories such as value, infotainment, connectivity, and electrics, outperforming rival manufacturers with higher-priced SUVs.
Kia, another success story, outshone its parent company Hyundai in the Driver Power survey. While Kia has gained attention for its pricey EV6 and EV9 models, it was the Picanto Mk3 and Sportage that stood out in the survey. The Picanto was ranked 12th overall for customer satisfaction and won the City Car category, while the Sportage received positive feedback from consumers and became the best-selling car in Britain last month.
MG, under Chinese ownership, has made significant strides with its ZS and HS models, both of which have been top sellers. With impressive sales figures between January and May, MG has surpassed several well-established brands in the market. The company’s success is a testament to its ability to design and build electric and petrol cars, price them competitively, and attract a large customer base.
The achievements of Dacia, Kia, and MG highlight their transition from underdogs to industry leaders. Dacia has established itself as a budget-friendly brand, Kia has surpassed its parent company, and MG is setting new standards in electric car production. These companies have proven that with the right strategy, products, and pricing, success in the auto industry is achievable.
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