Andreas Linke, director of quality assurance; Adam Bishop, Assembly team member; Stephan Schroeder, Senior Director, J.D. Power and Associates, Hubert Waltl, Volkswagen Board of Management for Production and Logistics, Joe Werner, Body Shop team member, Frank Fischer, CEO & chairman, Volkswagen Chattanooga, Dale Efaw, paint shop team member.
Stephan Schroeder, J.D Power senior director, went to the Volkswagen Chattanooga factory to present the award for the Volkswagen Passat’s win in the midsize car category of the J.D Power Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study (http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/performance/cars.htm ).
Mr. Hubert Waltl, member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen passenger cars brand with responsibility for Production and Logistics, was on hand to receive the award along with managers and representative members of the production teams from the body, paint and assembly shops.
“The J.D. Power Awards are an important indicator of top quality,” Mr. Waltl said. “The APEAL Award is well deserved and recognition of the hard and excellent work of our Chattanooga team. It proves we’re on the right track and that makes me very proud,” said Mr. Waltl during the award ceremony.
This is the second year that the Passat has won the top award in a very competitive midsize sedan category.
The award was presented following a tour of the newly launched Quality-Fundamental Skills Training area located in the Volkswagen Academy Lean Center. This 4,305 square foot area is an addition to the Fundamental Skills Training centers already in place and will work to support the “Passion for Detail” corporate culture that focuses on continuous improvement to achieve the highest quality standards.
The J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study examines what consumers like about their new vehicles after 90 days of ownership. Often referred to as "things gone right," APEAL is based on eight categories of vehicle performance and design: engine/transmission; ride, handling and braking; comfort/convenience; seats; cockpit/instrument panel; heating, ventilation and cooling; sound system; and styling/exterior.