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Ford tops J.D. Power Initial Quality
ranking in non-luxury brands
The Ford brand has earned the highest
Initial Quality ranking among all
non-luxury brands in the 2010 latest
J.D. Power and Associates Initial
Quality Study (IQS) - with three of its
models topping their respective
segments. Ford also placed 12 of its
models in top three across various
categories – the maximum for any brand
this year.
The three segment toppers for Ford this
year are Taurus in the Large Car
segment, Focus in the Compact Car
segment, and Mustang in Mid Size Sports
category. This is the highest rank Ford
has achieved in the IQS since 2004. The
Lincoln brand has also demonstrated
significant improvements.
Ford Motor Company vehicles to finish in
top three across various categories
include Edge in the Mid-size SUV
category, F-150 in the Large Pickup
category, Fusion in the Mid Size Car
segment, Ranger and Explorer Sport Trac
in the Mid-size Pick up segment. Apart
from these accomplishments, the
company’s Hermosillo Assembly Plant also
received the Silver Plant Quality Award
for outstanding quality in
manufacturing.
Ford which continues to outpace the
overall industry’s quality improvement
has posted nine consecutive years of
gains in the closely watched quality
study, based on consumer evaluations
after the first three months of
new-vehicle ownership.
J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial
Quality Study is based on responses from
more than 82,000 new 2010 model-year
vehicle owners after they have driven
their new vehicles for three months. It
measures problems per 100 vehicles and
was based on November through February
registrations.
The Initial Quality Study serves as the
industry benchmark for new-vehicle
quality measured at 90 days of
ownership. The study is used extensively
by manufacturers worldwide to help them
design and build better vehicles and by
consumers to help them in their vehicle
purchase decisions. Initial quality has
been shown over the years to be an
excellent predictor of long-term vehicle
durability, which directly impacts
consumer purchase decisions. The study
captures problems experienced by owners
in two distinct categories—design¬
related problems and defects and
malfunctions.
“These results are remarkable in many
ways,” says a spokesman for Ford Motor
Company. “Steady and meticulous
attention to new model launches along
with consistency in how we do them
across the brand and the globe are
having a very positive effect on the
initial quality of our all-new or
redesigned products. These results are a
true testament to the strength of the
One Ford plan.”
“The blue oval is becoming synonymous
with high quality,” he said. “While we
are pleased with where we are today, our
job is not done. Our plan is to keep
improving quality each and every year.”
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive
industry leader based in Dearborn,
Mich., manufactures or distributes
automobiles across six continents. With
about 176,000 employees and about 80
plants worldwide, the company’s
automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln
and Mercury, production of which has
been announced by the company to be
ending in the fourth quarter of 2010,
and, until its sale, Volvo. The company
provides financial services through Ford
Motor Credit Company.
Ford vehicles are known the world over
for their exceptional safety, luxury and
unsurpassed technological superiority.
Ford ploughs in millions of dollars into
R&D each year to ensure that every Ford
offers maximum safety and motoring
pleasure for its customers. Ford
vehicles are also thoroughly tested in
the tough Middle East conditions to
withstand climatic extremes and terrain
conditions of the region. Ford’s
advanced range of feature-loaded
vehicles have grown in popularity in
Oman, earning a well-deserved reputation
for being technologically superior.
Ford vehicles are marketed in the
Sultanate by Arabian Car Marketing, a
part of the renowned Saud Bahwan Group,
with 6 years unlimited mileage
protection, service and parts network
that stretches across the Sultanate,
over 98% parts availability - and Ford
Privilege Card – which provides 24 hours
On-road assistance from AAA. |
