Lincoln Takes Top Ratings in 2011 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

DEARBORN, Mich., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Lincoln recognized as the leading luxury brand in vehicle satisfaction by AutoPacific

• Lincoln MKZ sedan takes Vehicle Satisfaction Award in Luxury Midsize Car category

• Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedan secures Vehicle Satisfaction Award in Hybrid Car category

• Lincoln MKT three-row premium utility wins Vehicle Satisfaction Award in Premium Luxury Crossover SUV category

Lincoln's owner satisfaction credentials are again highlighted with the luxury carmaker voted "top brand" in the AutoPacific 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA).

"Lincoln has come a long way," said C.J. O'Donnell, Group Marketing manager for Lincoln. "We're very proud to see Lincoln selected as the top premium brand in the 2011 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards on the basis of owner feedback.  You'll feel the difference the moment you get in a Lincoln."

Satisfaction confirms a premium purchase

The Vehicle Satisfaction Award from AutoPacific is an industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied an owner is with his or her new vehicle. This study by the Southern California-based automotive research firm summarizes the results from more than 68,000 new vehicle owners.

"Proof of satisfied customers is as good as gold," says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "We've found that more than one-third of new car buyers are positively influenced by objective awards based on owner ratings when deciding on a new car or truck.

"Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes," says Peterson. "The winners perform well in 48 separate categories that objectively measure the ownership experience."

Lincoln dependability

Satisfaction and dependability are common strengths in Lincoln vehicles and attributes that luxury customers have come to expect. Lincoln recently received the highest score for long-term durability among all vehicle brands in the annual J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study.

The study asked owners about their experience in the past 12 months with their 3-year-old vehicles. (For the 2011 study, 2008-model-year cars and trucks were surveyed.) Survey respondents were asked to indicate any problems they experienced with their vehicle in the previous 12 months, choosing from a list of more than 200 issues in eight diverse categories.

The study shows a strong link between reliability and purchase consideration. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of new vehicle buyers say reliability/durability is one of the most important factors in choosing a new vehicle. Additionally, the study found fuel economy is among the top 10 purchase considerations.

"We are dedicated to meeting and exceeding our customer expectations and providing what they want in a luxury car," said O'Donnell. "Lincoln vehicles offer high levels of standard equipment including the latest in advanced hybrids, safety features and intuitive connectivity systems."

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), 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.

About AutoPacific
AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area.

SOURCE Lincoln