October 28, 2009
To:All Ford and Lincoln Mercury DealersSubject:A Message from Bennie Fowler: Ford Now Has World Class Reliability I’m very pleased to share with you some great results from the Consumer Reports’ 2009 Vehicle Reliability results that were released yesterday. Consumer Reports' press release reads: Ford has secured its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability.... About 90 percent (46 of 51) of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln products were found to have average or better reliability.
The Consumer Reports survey measures vehicle quality in the first three years of service. The results show Fusion and Milan having better reliability than Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and MKZ beating Acura TL and Lexus EX.

Not only do we continue to deliver consistent, strong initial quality results, but we can now claim excellence in long-term reliability. Superior craftsmanship is helping Ford establish a track record for reliability, while beating our Asian peers in the process.

• Ford already holds the top spot in initial quality for having the fewest number of defects of any full-line manufacturer and is on par statistically with Toyota and Honda. Ford also is equal to Toyota in the percentage of customers satisfied with the quality of its products. [RDA Group’s quarterly GQRS results]
• Superior reliability is the key to changing customer perceptions about our products. Fusion is helping to drive this change.

Ford is challenging long-held beliefs that only Asian or luxury manufacturers lead in long-term durability and reliability. This is no longer true, making this a very good time for consumers to consider Ford when considering their next purchase decision.
Two years ago, the Fusion was on the cover of the newsstand issue announcing the 2007 Consumer Reports’ Reliability Survey results. At the press conference, David Champion, auto test director for Consumer Reports, talked up Fusion and Milan's superb reliability results, but cautioned that the "real test" is how well the cars would perform over a three-year period.
Now they have their answer.
Long-term reliability is critical to strengthening our brand and developing greater levels of trust with car buyers.
Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. It’s paying off.
Bennie Fowler
Group VP, Global Quality
Ford Motor Company
Recent News Coverage
CBS Evening News
Consumer Reports says Ford is now showing world-class reliability and is pulling away from its domestic competition. 90% of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products have average or better than average reliability. The Ford Fusion was ranked more reliable than the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. http://mms.tveyes.com/MediaCenter/377153.5041/WWJ_10-27-2009_18.50.42.wmv
Fox Business
Ford Executive Vice President Mark Fields is interviewed about the latest Consumer Reports Reliability report. Ford scored well and is the most reliable U.S. automaker. The Fusion was #2, followed by the Mercury Milan at #3. Fields says Ford's strategy is bringing out great quality products that have world-class fuel efficiency, technology and safety. http://mms.tveyes.com/MediaCenter/376988.3279/FBN_10-27-2009_15.23.56.wmv
Ford shows improvement in Consumer Reports reliability survey - LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-consumer-reports-vehicles28-2009oct28,0,1091338.story
Ford called 'world-class' - Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/article/20091028/BUSINESS01/910280369/1318/Ford-called--world-class-

Way to Go FORD!

KC

 

I really don't believe anything Consumer Reports say. They say whatever public wants to hear and whatever sells the magazine.

 

Great news for FMC!

 

None the less, alot of people hold CR as gospel.

 

Hey KC, sent you an email about a 3Dcarbon rear GT bumper, you ever get it??

 

Good, now if Ford can do it consistently across the product range, that would be even better news.

 

Ford Stock Climbing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!