The Ford Expedition, since its refresh in the 2022 model year, has not only proven itself as a formidable player in the large SUV segment but has also garnered significant recognition for its excellence. Among its numerous accolades, the Expedition boasts a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award, the title of top Large SUV in Vincentric’s 2024 Best CPO Value in America Awards, and recognition as one of the best full-size SUVs for the money by iSeeCars. However, its achievements don’t end here. The Expedition has recently clinched the top spot in the full-size utility segment of the S&P Global Mobility’s 2023 Automotive Loyalty Awards. This particular award underscores the model’s unparalleled success in retaining customers, a testament to its quality, performance, and appeal.Â
In an industry where competition is fierce, particularly against the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, the Ford Expedition‘s triumph is noteworthy. Its dominance in the full-size utility segment highlights a growing trend of loyalty among its owners, surpassing that of its closest competitors. This feat is particularly impressive considering the challenges the automotive market has faced in recent years, including inventory shortages that have adversely affected customer loyalty across the board. Yet, as S&P Global Mobility notes, the tide is turning, with loyalty rates improving for the first time since 2019. This recovery is attributed to better inventory levels, innovative marketing initiatives from OEMs, and the introduction of new, compelling products.Â
Joe LaFeir, President of Automotive Insights at S&P Global Mobility, remarked on the shifting landscape, observing an increased openness among customers to explore and purchase vehicles outside their usual brand preferences. This change is driven by OEMs’ focused efforts to bolster retention through unique marketing strategies, alongside the availability of great new products. The Automotive Loyalty Awards, as Vince Palomarez, Product Management Associate Director of Loyalty at S&P Global Mobility, points out, highlight the industry’s competitiveness and commitment to enhancing customer retention. These awards are based on rigorous, fact-based analysis, offering invaluable insights into conquest and loyalty rates, thereby aiding OEM marketers and their agency partners in refining loyalty programs and bolstering customer retention strategies.Â
