Friday, April 17th, 2009
RDA survey shows Ford outperformed Honda in initial quality and improved upon its previous customer satisfaction scores.
Ford’s quality performance efforts are paying off; the latest customer satisfaction survey reports that in initial quality –a vehicle’s performance during the first three months of use– Ford’s 5 percent increase over its last scores has allowed it to surpass Honda and statistically tie at the top with Toyota.
Specifically, the study shows Ford’s domestic brands with a combined average of 1,228 TGW per 1,000 vehicles during the first three months of ownership, besting the 1,422 TGW level for Honda and statistically equivalent to the 1,150 TGW level of Toyota.
Pushing up customer satisfaction two points to 79 percent, Ford's domestic brands have tied the top place finishers of Toyota and Honda for overall customer satisfaction.
The following models are segment leaders:
- Ford Mustang – TGW and satisfaction for sports car
- Ford Taurus – TGW for large car
- Ford Taurus X – TGW leader for crossover utility
- Mercury Milan – TGW for midsize car
- Ford Ranger – TGW leader for compact pickup
The 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), a survey conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., measures 2009 model year vehicle initial quality in two categories: by the number of things-gone-wrong and customer satisfaction with overall vehicle quality.
Quotes
“We are energized by the continuous improvement we are seeing on both initial vehicle quality and customer satisfaction,” said Fowler. “This survey validates the hard work and dedication to quality from Ford employees, suppliers and dealers. We will keep the momentum going as we strive to become the clear global quality leader.”
“Ford's commitment to quality is really paying off, as they continue to rival Honda and Toyota on both vehicle satisfaction and quality.”
- Donald Pietrowski, president, RDA Group
Tags: Ford Mustang, Ford Quality, Ford Ranger, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus X, Global Quality Research System, GQRS, Mercury Milan, TGW
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Friday, January 9th, 2009
At 34 mpg, the four-cylinder Ford Fusion gets top marks in fuel economy.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified the new four-cylinder Ford Fusion S at 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city – beating both the gasoline-powered Camry and Honda Accord models. The news comes on the heels of certification of the Ford Fusion Hybrid at 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
The Ford Fusion S and the base-level Mercury Milan, both powered by a new 2.5-liter Duratec 4-cylinder engine mated to a fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission, will carry an EPA label of 34 mpg for highway driving and 23 mpg in the city when they go on sale this spring. The fuel-economy leading Fusion S with the six-speed automatic transmission features a base price of $20,870 USD, plus destination and delivery charges. The base price of the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid is $27,270 USD.
Ford is continuing to work on alternative fuel solutions, such as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) currently in testing and the hybrid version of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, which gets 41 mpg in the city. However, Ford believes it is equally important to continue to make advancements in its internal combustion engine technologies, so that millions of vehicles can achieve better fuel efficiency and economy today.
Quotes
“Take your pick: Whether you want a gas-powered or hybrid mid-sized sedan, the new Fusion offers the best fuel economy in America, We promised to offer best-in-class or among the very best fuel economy with every new vehicle we introduce, and we are making good on that pledge with hybrids, new high-tech gasoline engines, new six-speed transmissions and other fuel efficient technologies.”
- Barb Samardzich, Ford’s Vice President of Powertrain Engineering
Tags: 2010 Ford Fusion, Environmental Protection Agency, fuel economy, Mercury Milan
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Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008
In 2010 Ford Reveals Exciting New Product Developments
What’s on the horizon for Ford? Here’s a glimpse at some fuel efficient, new product developments scheduled for 2010.
With up to 10 percent higher mileage, the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are available in efficient six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid models get up to 47 mph in electric mode with a range of 700 miles on a tank of gas.
Drivers can look forward to an American version of the award winning and highly fuel efficient European Fiesta hitting the streets of the U.S. in 2010. Features such as front, side, curtain and even driver knee airbags, electric power steering and a front strut/twist beam rear suspension have earned it kudos from AutoWeek magazine, which said: “Clearly, Ford has learned how to make cars that are among the best available – and it’s coming to play on American roads.”
Tags: Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan
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Tuesday, October 14th, 2008
Ford’s Domestic Brand Quality in Statistical Dead Heat with Toyota and Honda for 2008 Model Year
Ford Motor Company’s surging domestic quality is now equal to the best in the industry for the 2008 model year, according to the latest U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles collectively reduced “things gone wrong” (TGW) by 7.7 percent compared to last year and are now statistically equivalent with Honda (including Acura) and Toyota (including Lexus and Scion) atop the list of seven major automakers in the survey.
”This is One Ford at its best. It's taken thousands of people continuously working together with laser-like focus every day to boost vehicle quality for our customers to the top of the pack,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality. “But this is a never-ending journey. The goal now is to distance ourselves from our top competitors. We want to be the sole quality leader."
Other highlights:
- The 2008-launched Ford F-Series Super Duty and the Lincoln Mark LT ranked first in their respective segments in both TGW and customer satisfaction.
- Ford Mustang GT 500 topped the sports car category in fewest TGW.
- Overall, 18 of 24 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles recorded TGW improvements.
- Ford's newly launched Focus improved significantly in TGW and customer satisfaction, now equaling the Toyota Corolla in both categories.
- The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are significantly better in TGW than the Toyota Camry, which they tied in customer satisfaction.
- Ford ranked best in class for TGW performance in the functional areas of Vehicle Engineering and Electrical among major manufacturers.
The 2008 model-year GQRS survey, conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., solicits feedback on vehicle trouble and customer satisfaction from owners of all major makes and models after three months in service.
Tags: 2008, F-Series, Ford Focus Ford Escape, Ford Mustang, Ford Sport Trac, Ford Taurus, Global Quality, GQRS, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln Navigator, Mercury Milan, Mercury Sable, Research System, ShelbyGT500, TGW
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Monday, October 6th, 2008
Advanced structures, AdvanceTrac help four Ford vehicles earn “Top Safety Picks”
With a total of 16 to date, Ford Motor Company has earned more Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Picks” than any other automaker. Four of Ford’s 2009 models – Ford Flex, Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKS and Mercury Milan – received the honor, allowing Ford to surpass its closest rival, Honda.
Flex, MKS, Fusion and Milan excelled in each of the Institute’s crash tests, which requires that vehicles earn the top “good” ratings in the Institute’s high-speed front and side crash tests, and a rear crash test simulation that evaluates seat and head restraints. As well, since 2007, it is required that vehicles must offer electronic stability control.
All four vehicles feature AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control. The safety system uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. IIHS has stated “stability control significantly reduces crash risk by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.”
Quotes
“Flex and MKS are built on a platform that has a tremendous safety heritage – one that it shares with the 2009 Ford Taurus, rated America’s safest full-size car. And Fusion and Milan prove that a high level of safety can come in a midsize package.”
- Steve Kozak, Ford’s Chief Engineer for Safety Systems
“Safety is a top purchase consideration, second only to fuel efficiency, so the top safety ratings and competitive fuel economy of Flex, MKS, Fusion and Milan are a winning combination.”
- Michael Crowley, Ford North America Car and Crossover Marketing Manager
Tags: AdvanceTrac, Ford Flex, Ford Fusion, Ford Safety, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Lincoln MKS, Mercury Milan
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Monday, April 7th, 2008
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury quality increases by 8 percent and customer satisfaction up to 77 percent in GQRS study.
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury is now in statistical tie with Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus/Scion according to the first quarter 2008 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study. The study, which is conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, surveys customers of all major automotive makes and models on car troubles and asks owners to rate their overall satisfaction with their three-month-old vehicles.
With a combined average of 1,284 things-gone-wrong (TGW) per 1,000 vehicles during the first three months of ownership, Ford’s domestic brands improved 8 percent versus last year. This performance is statistically equivalent to the 1,250 TGW level of Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus/Scion.
Some other key findings from the GQRS report include:
- Ford/Lincoln/Mercury’s customer satisfaction rating has also risen to 77 percent.
- The new 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable both recorded quality levels that equate to less than one problem per vehicle, as did the Volvo S80 (947).
- The Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ were close, with 1,030 TGW and 1065 TGW, respectively.
- Taurus showed a 33 percent quality improvement compared with the product it replaced.
- The new Ford Escape improved 16 percent over the out-going model, and the new Ford Focus improved 13 percent.
- 36 of 40 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda nameplates improved this year versus 2007.
- Ford earned best-in-class honors for interiors and electrical, two important engineering functions.
- Ford tied for best-in-class in two other functions, paint and vehicle engineering, which includes such areas as ride and handling and cabin quietness.
When it comes to TGW, customer satisfaction or both, a total of 15 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles ranked in the top three of their respective segments. Segment leader models are:
- Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – TGW for sports car
- Ford Taurus – customer satisfaction for large car
- Ford Sport Trac – customer satisfaction for medium traditional utility
- Mercury Milan – TGW for midsize car
- Lincoln Navigator – TGW and customer satisfaction for large premium utility
Tags: 2008 Ford Focus, Ford Escape, Ford Mustang ShelbyGT500, Ford Sport Trac, Ford Taurus, Global Quality Research System, GQRS, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln Navigator, Mercury Milan, Mercury Sable, TGW
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Monday, February 25th, 2008
Ford’s Commitment to Quality Results in 102 Accolades in 2007
Ford’s 102 quality accolades in 2007 are the result of everything that Ford is doing right. A focused "quality first" effort has put Ford at the forefront of numerous consumer and industry surveys and reports.
Some of the quality achievement highlights include:
- Ford Motor Company earned five initial quality model segment awards – more than any other automaker – from J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study.
- Ford quality leapt 11 percent, soaring above the industry’s two percent improvement according to a U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study by RDA Group released in October 2007.
- A GQRS study named six Ford vehicles that ranked best in their segment: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford E-Series, Mercury Milan, Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Mark LT, Mazda MX-5 Miata.
- Twenty Ford vehicles lead their segment in quality.
- Ford received quality accolades from 12 important customer surveys in 2007, including three from J.D. Power and Associates: Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study and the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
- Ford has quality winners in virtually every major vehicle segment including:
- Mid-size sporty car - Ford Mustang
- Mid-size car - Ford Fusion
- Large car - Ford Five Hundred
- Van - Ford Econoline
- Large pickup - Ford F-150 LD
- Eleven of 15 Ford vehicles received quality awards in 2007, and 4 of 5 Lincoln vehicles received quality awards.
- Ford Edge, Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Lincoln MKX were named as top performers in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA), an industry benchmark for objectively measuring new-car or light-truck owner satisfaction.
- Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan &Lincoln MKZ have maintained their high quality levels since launching late 2004. And, in 2007 all three models achieved their best quality showing of any first-year vehicle in Ford’s history.
Tags: automotive quality, durability, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford E-Series, Ford Econoline, Ford Edge, Ford F-150 LD, Ford Five Hundred, Ford Fusion, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford Quality Links, GQRS, initial quality, J.D. Power and Associates, Lincoln Mark LT, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln Navigator L, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercury Milan, quality vehicles, reliability
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Monday, February 25th, 2008
Ford Closes the Gap on Asian Automakers
Ford's recent year-end Global Quality Research System survey (GQRS) shows that Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan overtook both Toyota Camry and Honda Accord to have the lowest number of TGW, or Things Gone Wrong, for any of the company's first-year vehicles.
Mercury Milan had 934 TGW, and Ford Fusion had 1,088 TGW versus Toyota’s Camry with 1,311 and Honda’s Accord at 1,221. The rankings reflect things gone wrong per 1,000 vehicles at three months service.
The GQRS results are just one example of Ford’s desire to close the gap on Asian carmakers by adopting a global approach to business and product development.
Under CEO Alan Mulally, Ford created a single, global management team to be able to leverage its global assets by eliminating duplication, implementing best practices and a systematic approach to quality, and utilizing common components for the advantage of scale.
The new integrated approach can be seen in the upcoming Fiesta, Ford’s first global car. The Ford Fiesta was designed and produced in Europe where it will launch in the fall of 2008. It is expected to go into production in Asia, Australia, and North and South America by 2010. Selling one high-volume vehicle helps Ford cut costs, solidify the global brand and continue to make quality strides.
Tags: automotive quality, customer satisfaction, Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion, Ford Verve, global automotive manufacturing, Global Cars, global operations, GQRS, Mercury Milan, TGW Alan Mulally
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