Ford brand quality improves faster than industry average in 2008, says J.D. Power and Associates survey

The Ford brand was also the only full-line brand to show continuous improvement since 2004.

The research firm's 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) showed the Ford brand improving by eight points over last year's study, besting the industry average seven-point rate of improvement and continuing its five-year upward trend.

Mercury improved by four points over last year, and the Lincoln brand exceeded the industry average.

Furthermore, Ford and Mercury are among the study's top non-luxury brands, with both placing in the top ten and moving up in the brand level rankings compared with last year's performance. The Ford brand moved up to eighth place from 10th, while Mercury moved up two spots to sixth place, just ahead of the Honda brand. Lincoln ranked 15th among all brands.

"For customers who make their purchase decision based on quality, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles must be on their shopping lists,"

said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality.

"It is gratifying to see our commitment to quality paying off in such recognition by J.D. Power and Associates."

Hussein Murad, Sales and Marketing director of Ford Middle East said:

"Middle Eastern customers have become more discerning and demand quality vehicles and service. We are proud of the world-class lineup we feature across our dealerships and are confident that our customers are also discovering the great value and quality our products bring, and this is evidenced by the increasing sales performance year over year."

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales for January-May 2008 have seen an impressive growth of 32% over the same period last year.

Overall, Ford Motor Company received 10 vehicle honors, including three vehicles that scored highest rankings in their respective segments.

Highest ranked:
• Lincoln Navigator, large premium multi-activity vehicle segment
• Ford E-Series, van segment
• Mazda MX5 Miata, compact sporty car segment
Second:
• Ford Ranger, compact pickup segment
• Mercury Sable (Montego in the Middle East), large car segment

Third:
• Ford Fusion, mid-size car segment
• Ford Escape, compact MAV segment
• Mercury Grand Marquis, large car segment
• Volvo S40, entry premium vehicle segment
• Volvo C70, compact premium sporty segment

J.D. Power and Associates 2008 IQS is based on responses from 81,500 new 2008 model-year vehicle owners after having driven their vehicles for three months. It measures problems per 100 vehicles and was conducted between February and April. The study is the latest third party to demonstrate Ford's significant quality improvements.

Recently, Strategic Vision released its Total Quality Index showing Ford Motor Company brands with five segment winners: Ford Edge, Mustang, F-250/350, Mercury Sable and Volvo C30. And Ford topped or tied for six segment awards in AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

Earlier in April, RDA Group of Bloomfield, Mich., released the Global Quality Research System (GQRS) report showing Ford in a statistical tie with Toyota and Honda. The report, an analysis of "things gone wrong" in new vehicles as measured by customers, is commissioned quarterly by Ford.