Sync Gets Customer Satisfaction Rate of 87 Percent
Canadian Auto Press
Could Ford have known how successful its Microsoft-developed Sync system would be when it chose to offer it in all of its North American-bound vehicles in late 2007? It must have had a good indication that buyers would be willing to ante up for full, easy-to-use wireless connectivity.
Sync iTunes tagging
It appears that Ford’s investment is paying off as two million Sync systems are now down the road, the one that capped it off installed in a new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. It also appears that the rate of purchase is increasing, with the first million Sync systems sold needing a year and a half, and the last million only needing a year.
Even better news is that customers are thrilled with the Sync system. Internal surveys show that Sync has customer satisfaction rate of 87%, while 88% of Sync customers would recommend the purchase of a vehicle with Sync to their friends and colleagues. What’s more, 80% of Sync users say that the system improves Ford’s overall image, and 70% state that the Sync system makes them more likely to repurchase a Ford, Mercury or Lincoln product.
Keeping customers in the family is sacrosanct automaker territory, but strong sales for used cars is also important because it keeps the resale value of a brand’s cars high, therefore increasing residual rates that in-turn lower lease rates. Sync does just this, according to the Dearborn-based automaker, with one-year old Sync-equipped vehicles selling for an average of $240 more than their counterparts that don’t have the new connectivity system. Even after two years, cars with Sync systems on board sell for an average of $200 more, says Ford.
Over the years Microsoft and Ford have made the Sync system more appealing with features such as 911 Assist, Directions & Information (TDI), iTunes tagging for HD radio, Traffic info, and its Vehicle Health Report.
