BMW 3 Series Achieves Highest Score in Vision Total Quality Index
27 April 1999
BMW 3 Series Achieves Highest Score in Strategic Vision Total Quality Index(TM) in Near-Luxury SegmentWOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., April 26 -- The BMW 3 Series sedans have achieved the highest customer satisfaction ranking in their segment from Strategic Vision, who announced the results of their 1999 Total Quality Index(TM) today. The 3 Series sedans received a high score of 906 in the very competitive "Near-Luxury" category, representing a significant achievement for the 323i and 328i sedans in their first model year. "We're pleased by the results of this survey," said BMW of North America president Victor Doolan. "The Total Quality Index(TM) is more than a measurement of defects in an automobile. It takes into account the total ownership experience -- the enjoyment of driving the vehicle, the purchase or leasing experience and the emotional aspects of the car/driver relationship. With so many good cars to choose from, the fact that the 3 Series has achieved this honor, tells us that both the vehicle and our retailers are exceeding our customers' expectations." In summing up the results of the survey, Strategic Vision commented on the 3 Series: "The new '3' excels in style, roadability, innovation and craftsmanship. Offering the highest standards, they make their owners feel delight, personal satisfaction, esteem and pride in cars that are fun to drive and 'a leader.'" The BMW 323i sedan is equipped with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine, while the 328i sedan has an even more potent 193-horsepower 2.8-liter inline six. Both models are available with a choice of manual or automatic transmission. In addition to their 4-year/50,000 mile limited warranty, the cost of scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles is included with the purchase or lease of any new BMW model. BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, when the company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW vehicles in the U.S. from a private distributor. Motorcycle marketing and distribution were added in 1980. Since then, the company's North American operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial services organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a network of 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retailers in the United States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the marque's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the World Wide Web on the BMW homepage. The address is http://www.bmwusa.com.