Which? Awards name Mazda Carmaker of 2008OFT boss is Consumer Champion of the Year

17 June 2008

The new Mazda 2 impressed our experts

 

Mazda was today named Best Carmaker in the second annual Which? Awards.

The Japanese manufacturer's blend of excellent value for money, reliability and innovation helped it to beat runners-up Audi, BMW, Honda, Lexus and Toyota.

Office of Fair Trading (OFT) chief executive John Fingleton was named Consumer Champion of the Year at the ceremony. 

Best products and services

Mr Fingleton's award recognises the OFT’s increased focus on important consumer issues; for instance, the watchdog is currently battling with high-street banks over unauthorised overdraft fees.

The awards, held at the British Museum today, celebrate the very best in consumer products and services in the UK, from airlines and domestic appliances to restaurants and shops.

Panasonic (Best Audio Visual Brand) and Miele (Best Domestic Appliance Brand) retained the awards they picked up last year. Between them, the companies have achieved 52 Which? ‘Best Buy’ accolades in the last 12 months.

Good Food Guide award

Other winners from the 12 categories include Ramsons restaurant, in Ramsbottom, near Manchester. The intimate eaterie received the Which? Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year award from visionary chef Heston Blumenthal.

This year’s awards also included three new categories – Best Online Retailer, Best Value for Money Retailer and Best Airline.

The award winners represent the best of the best in UK products and services

Peter Vicary-SmithWhich? chief executive

Which? chief executive Peter Vicary-Smith said: 'Getting a good deal for consumers is what Which? exists for, so it’s a pleasure to celebrate the businesses and individuals that are delivering that ideal - today’s award winners truly represent the best of the best in UK products and services.'  

The 2008 award winners in full, are:

• Best Airline
  Singapore Airlines
• Best Audio Visual Brand
  Panasonic
• Best Broadband Provider
  Zen Internet
• Best Carmaker
  Mazda
• Best Credit Card Provider
  John Lewis Partnership
• Best Current Account Provider
  Cahoot
• Best Domestic Appliance Brand
  Miele
• Best High Street Retailer
  Waitrose
• Best Online Retailer
  Play.com
• Best Value for Money Retailer
  Lidl
• Which? Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year
  Ramsons, Ramsbottom
• Consumer Champion of the Year
  John Fingleton, chief executive, Office of Fair Trading