Ford outpaces the industry, and creates long-lasting and environmentally safe paint processes.

Even though Ford leads the industry with the most long-term paint durability and fewest chips and scratches, according to Global Quality Research System studies, the automotive company is committed to exceeding customer expectations through continuous quality improvements.

The Ford paint team examines the competition by conducting rigorous side-by-side paint resilience testing to ensure that the vehicle looks as good several years later as it did when it rolled off the assembly line. Additionally, Ford engineers are developing new techniques and processes that benefit consumers as well as the environment.

For example, the upcoming 2009 Lincoln MKS uses an industry-leading pigment named Tuxedo Black. Ford owners will get a vehicle that shimmers, shines and is exceedingly scratch resistant; and from an environmental standpoint, Tuxedo Black will be the first paint to contain flakes derived from glass rather than metal.

Recently, Ford has also unveiled two other paint application innovations:

• A new eco-friendly anti-corrosion system that uses a zirconium oxide vehicle bath to help prevent rust and corrosion. Not only does it cut paint shop water use nearly in half, but it also reduces the production of sludge by an impressive 90 percent. Currently in use at Twin Cities Assembly plant, the new process will be installed in all North American plants within the next 18 months.
• A three-part wet application process that reduces CO2 emissions by 15 percent. Ford lab tests show that the solvent-borne paint used in this process provides better long-term resistance to chips and scratches than water-borne paint.