J.D. Power: Ford's Quality Vehicles Earn High APEAL Rankings from Customers for Fuel Efficiency

DEARBORN, Mich., July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --  

• All of Ford's newer retail vehicles earned fuel efficiency ratings above their segment average, according to the J.D. Power 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study

• Eight Ford vehicles, including Fiesta, Explorer and F-150, ranked in the top three in their respective segments

• Ford F-150 is the only large pickup to receive an award for both Initial Quality and APEAL in 2011

Customers increasingly are demanding top fuel efficiency, and they are rating Ford (NYSE: F) highly for delivering, according to the J.D. Power 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study released today.

All of Ford's newer retail vehicles earned fuel efficiency ratings above their segment averages, according to the J.D. Power 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout study.

"Ford is an industry leader in fuel efficiency, and customers are pleased with the way we are helping them at the pump," said Bennie Fowler, group vice president, Global Quality and New Model Launches. "Ford also is absolutely committed to the highest vehicle quality, delivering vehicles that surprise and delight customers while eliminating defects."

The new Ford Fiesta and F-150 were first-place segment winners in the survey, which measures customer satisfaction in design, content and vehicle performance. The 2011 Ford Taurus and Flex were rated second in their segments. The new Ford Explorer, F-Series Super Duty, Expedition and Mustang scored third-place segment rankings.

Ford vehicles excelled in many areas of the study, particularly fuel efficiency. Specifically:

• All of Ford's newer retail vehicles earned fuel efficiency ratings above their segment averages

• Fiesta performs particularly well in the area of fuel efficiency in the subcompact car segment

• New F-150 outperforms industry average for fuel efficiency

APEAL surveys customers on what they like about the performance, execution and layout of their new vehicle after the first three months in service.

Customers rate their level of "gratification" on a variety of vehicle attributes, including safety, fuel efficiency, cargo space, roominess and exterior styling.  

"Customers are falling in love with Ford vehicles at first sight and growing even fonder of them over time," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Customers increasingly are saying our fuel efficiency leadership is a reason to buy a Ford vehicle."

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Ford Motor Company today has 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel efficiency – including four vehicles with EPA-certified 40 mpg or higher ratings – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

The company also is introducing five new electrified vehicles in North America by the end of next year.

Smart technology

The study also ranked customers' happiness with smart new technologies and features, including MyFord Touch™, multicontour massaging seats, changeable ambient interior lighting and refined sound quality.

"MyFord Touch is helping to define the future of automotive interiors, and Explorer and Edge customers rank this new technology very highly," said Kuzak. "Customers also told us where they have questions, and we have been improving the ownership experience with software upgrades, dealer training and even more support to address their concerns."

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company