Ford Ranks Highest in Initial Quality Among Non-Luxury Brands

Ford announced some big news yesterday. For the first time, the Ford brand has the highest initial quality among all non-luxury brands in J.D. Power and Associates' 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS).

The Ford brand moved to fifth place among all brands from eighth last year. This is the highest rank position Ford has achieved in the IQS since ranking 23rd in 2004.

Both the Ford and Lincoln brands had improvements, with the Ford brand moving to the best in the industry among all non-luxury brands. Lincoln, which was 26th on the list last year, moved up to eighth.

"These results are remarkable in many ways," said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality & New Model Launches. "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."

Three Ford models rank highest within their respective segments: Ford Focus, Mustang and Taurus. As a company, Ford has eight models in the top three positions within their respective award segments. The company's Hermosillo Assembly Plant also received the Silver Plant Quality Award for outstanding quality in manufacturing.

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 blue oval is becoming synonymous with high quality," Fowler 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."

For more information regarding Ford's products, visit www.ford.com.