The popular Ford Focus bests industry segment average as most improved model.
A top industry study named Ford Focus the most improved model in the industry. The 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study by J.D. Power and Associates showed that Focus gained 88 index points over last year.
With the biggest improvement score in the industry, Focus performed better across all categories with significant improvements in the areas of fuel economy, audio/entertainment/navigation, interior styling and exterior styling.
Earning a 36-index point improvement was the Ford Escape, which put the strong seller in the top 10 of most improved vehicles in the industry. Five Ford Motor Company vehicles received second or third honors in their segments:
- Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 2nd place in Midsize Pickup segment
- Mazda CX7, 2nd place in Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) segment
- Mazda CX9, 2nd place in Midsize MAV segment
- Ford Focus, 3rd place in Compact Car segment
- Lincoln Navigator, 3rd place in Large Premium MAV segment
Overall, Ford moved up five positions to 22nd, with a 14-point improvement. Lincoln checked in at 12th place and Mercury placed 29th, improving by 12 index points.
