FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 July 2010
NISSAN NAMED MOTABILITY SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
- Another accolade for Nissan as it scoops top award from Motability Operations
- Nissan praised for its flexible approach and new NV200 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV)
- Success in Motability reflected in a 60% increase in sales last year compared with 2008
Nissan has another trophy to add to the cabinet, as Britain's largest car builder is hailed Motability Supplier of the Year in the over 10,000 registrations per year category at the fifth annual Supplier Awards presented by Motability Operations.
As the company which operates the Motability car, powered wheelchair and scooter scheme, Motability Operations recognises the people and businesses who deliver outstanding choice, excellence and customer satisfaction to over half a million customers. The Supplier Awards cover all areas of the Motability Operations business.
Mike Betts, chief executive, Motability Operations, explains what set Nissan apart from the competition: "Nissan's flexible approach to its partnership with Motability Operations was praised with judges particularly noting efforts to reduce administration, customer support, and changes to save time for customers. Highly effective customer service completes the range of first-class achievements for Nissan in the last year, and they prove to be an excellent winner at the Motability Operations Supplier Awards."
Judges were also impressed with Nissan's work with Motability Operations to produce a new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle to the market. The award-winning NV200 MPV formed the perfect basis for such a vehicle thanks to its class leading interior capacity, compact exterior dimensions and affordable prices.
The success of the NV200 has helped Nissan to achieve significant increases in sales in the Motability sector. A huge 60% sales increase last year compared with 2008 resulted in an 11% market share for Nissan - and this figure is on target to rise once again in 2010. Proving the strength in depth of Nissan's versatile range, it's the Qashqai that accounts for 70% of Nissan's Motability sales while the versatile Note is also a popular choice.
Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd's MD, Paul Willcox comments: "We are delighted to receive an award for the efforts we've made in the Motability sector. It's been an area of particular focus over the past year and we have reaped the rewards both in terms of sales success and customer satisfaction. We look forward to working with Motability Operations in the future."
The Motability Operations Supplier Awards took place at a business lunch on 16 July at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire and were hosted by BBC newsreader Huw Edwards.
Ends
Note to editors:
* Motability Operations manages the worry-free car, powered wheelchair and scooter scheme for disabled people and their families. Anyone who receives the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement can exchange this monthly payment for a brand new car, powered wheelchair or scooter through Motability.
Nissan in the UK
* Nissan Sunderland Plant has a workforce of 4,700
* Note, Qashqai and Qashqai+2 are all produced at Sunderland Plant
* UK is Nissan's largest market in Europe
* Over 80 per cent of production is exported to 45 markets worldwide
* NMUK has been named as the biggest UK car plant for the past 12 years
* Sunderland Plant won a Queen's Award for Export, the fourth received since the plant opened in 1986
* The plant built its 5 millionth car in June 2008
* Sunderland Plant's 2009 calendar year volume totalled 338,150 units
* Nissan's European design centre is located in Paddington, London and employs around 50 people
* Nissan's European Technical Centre is based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire and employs around 750 people
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR IMAGES GO TO www.nissanpress.co.uk OR CONTACT:
Linda Robinson
Press Communications Manager
01923 899932
Gabi Whitfield
Communications Director
01923 899930
Gloria Maydew
Press Communications Manager
01923 899937
61252/230710