Ford of Ocala is Committed to Quality!
Ford quality cant be beat by Honda or Toyota.(1)
Quality, fuel efficiency, cutting edge technology and products built with a commitment to safety. That s what you find at your Ford of Ocala Dealership.
Every Ford vehicle passes as many as 30,000 virtual tests before a single car is produced.
Fords commitment to deliver the best quality possible for its customers is unwavering, and the company is committed to pushing its quality levels even higher.
Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel efficient midsize sedan in America with best-in-class 41 miles per gallon in city driving.(2)
Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet.(3)
Available radar technology can monitor traffic even in your blind spots. Available EcoBoost delivers
the performance of a V8 with the fuel economy of a V6.(4)
Available active park assist can parallel park your car in as little as 24 seconds. And with SYNC technology, you can voice activate your phone and MP3 player and get traffic information, driving directions, weather and news, all with simple voice commands.(5)
Ford has even introduced adaptive cruise control to help maintain a preset distance between you and traffic ahead of you.
Ford has earned more NHTSA five star safety ratings than Honda, Toyota and Nissan combined.(6)
Ford has the most Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
We invite you to come into our showroom today and drive one.
1Based on RDA Group’s GQRS surveys conducted 2/09 and 5/09 of 2009 Ford and competitive model owners at three months of ownership.
2EPA-estimated 41 city/36 hwy mpg. Actual mileage will vary. Midsize class per R. L. Polk & Co.
3Based on unadjusted city fuel economy from EPA (10/08) and VCA (5/08). EPA-estimated 34 city/31 hwy/32 combined mpg, FWD. Actual mileage will vary. Excludes vehicles built for Mazda.
4EPA-estimated 17 city/25 hwy mpg, Taurus SHO.
5Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so.
6Star ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s SaferCar.gov program (www.safercar.gov).Labels: best gas saving cars, high quality, IIHS Top Safety Pick, Quality is job one, www.fordocala.net
Quality is Job #1 at Ford of Ocala!
 On Monday June 22, 2009, 1:01 pm EDT
- Ford brand's quality continues to improve faster than the overall industry; Ford brand remains statistically tied with top Japanese automakers
- Ford brand's initial quality improved for the eighth consecutive year
Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge and Mercury Sable were quality leaders in their respective vehicle segments - F-250/F-350 Super-Duty manufacturing plant, Kentucky Truck in Louisville, was awarded a Bronze Plant Quality Award
DEARBORN, Mich., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company (NYSE:
F - News) recorded another strong improvement in J.D. Power and Associates' 2009 Initial Quality Study, putting the Ford and Mercury brands in a statistical tie with the top Japanese brands.
The Ford brand, which continues to outpace the overall industry's quality improvement, now has posted eight consecutive years of gains in the closely watched quality study based on consumer evaluations after the first three months of new-vehicle ownership. Overall, the Ford brand improved by 10 points over last year's study.
"It is gratifying to see our commitment to quality paying off," said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality. "Ford has demonstrated consistent and continuous quality improvement. We're now tied with the best of the Japanese automakers and we won't be satisfied until Ford is the industry's global quality leader."
Some of Ford's most popular nameplates received top honors for their respective segment, including Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge and Mercury Sable.
J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from 80,930 new 2009 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.
In April, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based RDA Group's Global Quality Research System (GQRS) showed that Ford has surpassed Honda and is in a statistical tie with Toyota in initial quality. That report, an analysis of "things gone wrong" in new vehicles as measured by customers, is commissioned quarterly by Ford.
"The blue oval is becoming synonymous with high quality with customers," Fowler said. "We're not only dramatically reducing defects, we are delivering the long-term durability and the superior craftsmanship that today's customers demand."
Labels: high quality, Quality is job one, www.fordocala.net, www.fordofocala.com
Quality is Still Job #1!
Study: Ford Surpasses Honda in Initial Quality
Ford surpasses Honda in initial quality and remains in a statistical tie at the top with Toyota.
Ford’s initial vehicle quality improved 5 percent over last year.
Ford customer satisfaction continues to improve and is equal to Toyota and Honda.
Ford has five segment leaders: Ford Mustang, Taurus, Taurus X and Ranger, and Mercury Milan.Ford Motor Company, continuing its rapid quality improvement, surpassed Honda in initial vehicle quality for the first time and reached new levels of customer satisfaction with vehicle quality, a new survey shows.
Ford is also statistically tied with Toyota at the top of the industry when it comes to initial vehicle quality, according to the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) survey conducted quarterly for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
“This is truly a significant accomplishment for us,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality. “Honda and Toyota have claimed bragging rights for years, but now we are seeing our hard work pay off. It’s evident in study after study.”
The latest GQRS survey measured 2009 model year vehicle initial quality in two categories: the number of “things gone wrong,” and customer satisfaction with vehicle quality in the first three months of ownership.In the first quarter of 2009, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles saw things gone wrong fall by 5 percent to 1,228 per 1,000 vehicles, significantly better than Honda’s 1,422 things gone wrong per 1,000 vehicles and statistically equal to Toyota’s 1,150.
In addition, the survey shows that Ford Lincoln Mercury improved two percentage points to 79 percent in customer satisfaction with vehicle quality, which puts Ford’s domestic brands in a tie with Toyota and Honda for industry leadership.“Ford’s commitment to quality is really paying off as they continue to rival Honda and Toyota on both initial quality and customer satisfaction with the quality,” said Donald Pietrowski, president, RDA Group.
The following models led their respective segments in the survey:
Ford Mustang – initial quality and customer satisfaction for sports cars
Ford Taurus – initial quality for large cars
Ford Taurus X – initial quality for crossover utilities
Mercury Milan – initial quality for midsize cars
Ford Ranger – initial quality for compact pickups
The new 2009 Ford F-150 recorded quality levels that equate to less than one problem per vehicle, as did the Taurus, Taurus X, Fusion, Milan, and Edge.
“We are energized by the continuous improvement we are seeing on both initial vehicle quality and customer satisfaction,” said Fowler. “This survey validates the hard work and dedication to quality from Ford employees, suppliers and dealers. We will keep the momentum going as we strive to become the clear global quality leader.”
The GQRS study is conducted on a quarterly basis with scores assessed from survey responses collected from owners of vehicles purchased within specific short-term time frames.
New vehicle owners are asked to report any defects or issues as well as rate their satisfaction with vehicle quality on a scale of 1 to 10 across an array of vehicle systems and features. Labels: high quality, Marion County Ford dealer, Quality is job one, www.fordocala.net, www.fordofocala.com
Quality is Ford's Best Product!
 Better quality is translating into fewer trips to the car dealership for warranty repairs and that leads to happier customers. The latest J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Customer Service Index (CSI) study shows a historic low across the industry in the proportion of customers bringing their vehicles to the dealer for repair work versus maintenance, as well as an increase in overall satisfaction.For example, 51% of Ford service customers were in for maintenance work back in 2005 and 49% were in for repair work. In 2008, the maintenance rate jumped to 66% and the repairs dropped to 34%. The company’s ongoing efforts to increase quality can be pinpointed as one reason for the trend.“This is further proof that Ford’s quality processes are working,” says Bennie Fowler, group vice president, Quality. “We’re launching with quality – right out of the factory – and that leads to long-term durability for our customers.”The CSI study – which explores satisfaction with dealer maintenance and repair services – ranked Lincoln and Mercury fifth and sixth, respectively, while Ford brand improved at a greater rate than the industry average. Labels: high quality, Quality is job one, www.fordocala.net, www.fordofocala.com
CNN says Ford is 'Last One Standing'!
Ford Technology Improves Ford Quality!
Ford is the Leader in Technology Again!
STUDY: FORD RANKED AS INDUSTRY LEADER FOR QUALITY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF TECHNOLOGY PATENTS- Leading patent analyst ranks Ford above all other automakers for the quality and significance of its technology patents.
- The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid – America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan – sets new standard for technology innovation with 119 U.S. patents and patent applications
DEARBORN, Jan. 28, 2009 – A new study by the world’s leading patent analyst, The Patent Board™, found that Ford Motor Company outperformed all other automakers in the quality and significance of its technology patents.
“Ford’s patented technologies are closer to the cutting edge than its competitors,” says Christine Wren, director of business development for The Patent Board, which tracks and analyzes patents across 17 industries globally.
Technological innovation is a core value at Ford as the company drives for leadership in quality, safety, fuel efficiency and in-car connectivity. For example, the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, which is America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan, have 119 patents, a record for Ford.
The Patent Board recently issued its Top 10 Innovators in Automotive & Transportation Patent Scorecard™ for the fourth quarter of 2008, which ranks Ford above all other automakers in Research Intensity™ and Industry Impact™. Ford’s Research Intensity score, which is more than twice that of the industry average, indicates the extent to which its portfolio includes patents with strong scientific support.
Similarly, The Patent Board’s Industry Impact score measures the broader significance and impact of a company’s patent portfolio across the industry. This indicator analyzes how other patents build on Ford’s innovation by looking at patent-to-patent citations.
“Ford’s overall patent portfolio plays a significant role in serving as a foundation for other technology innovation as shown by receiving 20 percent more citations than the average portfolio in this industry,” Wren says.
For the Fusion Hybrid, for example, teams of research scientists and engineers developed Ford-exclusive technologies that helped the vehicle achieve a certified 41 mpg in the city, 8 mpg better than the Toyota Camry hybrid.
“Ford is using technology to remake our lineup with the green, high-tech vehicles customers want,” says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The Fusion Hybrid team set the bar high – to develop America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan – and that’s what they delivered.”
Patents on the Fusion Hybrid pertain to technologies such as Ford’s new-generation hybrid powertrain and SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster that helps coach drivers to achieve better fuel efficiency.
“We focus on getting high-quality patents that have the best breakthrough potential for the company,” says Bill Coughlin, president and CEO of Ford Global Technologies.
Specific Fusion and Fusion Hybrid patents include: - Hybrid technology – The Fusion Hybrid’s powertrain system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. The overall system upgrade allows the hybrid to operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. The city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.
- SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – This unique instrument cluster helps coach Fusion Hybrid drivers on how to optimize performance of their vehicle for maximum fuel efficiency. It features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant mpg report.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert – Ford’s new Cross Traffic Alert feature will help warn drivers of impending traffic while backing out by using radars to pick up moving objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the vehicle. Two warnings are given: an indicator lights up in the corresponding outside mirror and an audible alert is sounded. The feature works in conjunction with Ford’s radar-based Blind Spot Information System, utilizing this system’s two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels – one per side. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding sideview mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching.
- EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System – This industry-exclusive feature eliminates the need to touch dirty gas caps and helps to reduce evaporative emissions that create smog. When fueling is completed and the fuel pump nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.
Patenting is a global activity at Ford, with experts in the United States, Europe, India and China sharing common processes and reporting through Ford Global Technologies, LLC, a wholly owned Ford subsidiary responsible for managing Ford’s intellectual property worldwide.
# # # Labels: high quality, Quality is job one, www.fordocala.net, www.fordofocala.com
Quality is job 1 at Ford!
At Ford, Quality is Job One!
 Today, everyone associated with Ford should take pride in the quality of the cars and trucks we build that resulted in the latest headlines on Consumer Reports Annual Car Reliability Survey. Among those headlines: Ford Reliability Gains on Honda, Toyota, from Bloomberg News, and Ford Builds Most Reliable American Cars, from The Detroit News.
The results from Consumer Reports further validate the quality story we at Ford have been telling for some time. Our efforts to design, build and launch with quality are paying off. As David Champion, director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, noted, This has been a systematic, structural change within Ford.
That structural change shows in the dedicated work by teams in manufacturing, product development, purchasing, marketing, sales and quality using disciplined, standardized processes to deliver significant quality gains. Despite the challenges of the current automotive climate, our teams have remained focused on the goal, to become the highest quality automotive manufacturer. We are well on our way to achieving that goal.
A total of 44 FLM vehicles / configurations earned average or better reliability ratings compared to 41 FLM vehicles / configurations in last years survey.
Some highlights from the Consumer Reports auto issue, which features the Ford Fusion on the cover with the caption, Ford Fusion, top rating in Reliability.
* Ford was singled out as on par with the Japanese automakers and the best of the domestics. The magazine writes: Fords three nameplates Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury lead the domestic automakers and continue to pull away from the rest of Detroit.
* Almost all Ford products now carry average or better than average reliability ratings. The Ford
Fusion and Mercury Milan continue to rank among the most reliable family cars. The freshened Ford Focus sedan rated above average, with the magazine citing a vast improvement. The Ford F150 2WD versions with V6 and V8 are rated better than average. The 2009 model has not yet
been tested.
We all should be pleased with the survey results, but not surprised. We have set a high standard for ourselves and our customers and we are making progress every day to deliver on that standard.Labels: ford of ocala, ford of ocala.com, high quality, Quality is job one
Quality is job one!
Ford Motor Company has taken another stride in quality, reducing Things Gone Wrong (TGW) levels for the third straight year, and is now within striking distance of the best in class, according to U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS). Ford quality has improved by 11 percent, much more than the industry improvement average of two percent by the same study, in which no fewer than 16 Ford vehicles ranked for the top three positions in either TGW performance or customer satisfaction categories or both after three months in service, the usual cut off period for this study conducted by the RDA Group. The results are based on what the study hears from customers on all or some of the parameters such as vehicle trouble and customer satisfaction, after they have used their vehicles for at least three months. The Mustang, Shelby, GT500, E-Series, Crown Victoria, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Mark LT, Mazda MX-5, and Miata ranked best in their respective segments and, not surprisingly, these ten Ford models outperformed the competition. The company`s new launches, Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, and Lincoln Navigator L cemented their already strong positions for strong customer satisfaction, while Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ did well during the quarter, sustaining their high levels since their launch in late 2004. Are these not enough reasons for you to come to our Ford of Ocala dealership to look for your next Ford? Labels: ford of ocala, ford of ocala.com, high quality
2008 Ford Focus Is a Hit with Online Consumers
- "Awesomeness!"
- "I have never, ever enjoyed a vehicle as much as I enjoy this one."
- "The absolute best part of this car is the SYNC system!"
- "You will not be disappointed. Did I mention that this car gets around 35 miles per
gallon as well?"
The 2008 Ford Focus is generating rave reviews among consumers as it enjoys a brisk sales pace. Focus sales were up 44 percent in January compared with a year ago. It's bolstering Ford’s share of the important small car market: Retail sales have been up every month (3) since the new model was introduced. Following are verbatim consumer reviews of the 2008 Ford Focus as posted on three top automotive research sites: http://www.autos.yahoo.com/, http://www.edmunds.com/ and http://www.autos.msn.com/
1. The Best Compact Car I’ve Known - "I've been driving Civic for 6 years and kind of tired of driving no-character car. Finally I was hooked up by the new Focus, especially the cool design. Unexpectedly, the interior was also neat and clean. Very quiet, too. I traded in my Civic with no regret. Frankly, I didn't know Ford has come this far matching, actually exceeding, Japanese sedans. Great work, Ford!" - posted by Mike on http://www.edmunds.com/
2. Inexpensive High Quality Car - "For the price and the discounts you get, this is the best buy in 2008, period. The cabin is super quiet, even when shifting gears (can barely hear the engine) and the shifting is smooth as butter. It handles awesome, the ride is very soft, has plenty of power, the seats are very comfortable, the Microsoft SYNC is just perfect. I have the Audiophile system and music sounds awesome with the built-in Subwoofer. Ambient lighting is great as well. Do yourself a favor. If you want to get a high quality inexpensive car, this is the one! Plus, the gas mileage is great. I am very happy with this car. Can't believe how quiet and smooth it is....Awesomeness!" - posted by Focused on http://www.edmunds.com/
3. Great Car - "This car has all the extra features of a luxury car at 1/2 the price. Heated seats, great stereo, Sirius radio, minimal road and wind noise (it has a very quiet interior), cool Sync system, nice leather seats, great handling and a good ride quality. All that and great gas mileage too." - posted by Chris from Walled Lake, Mich. on http://www.autos.yahoo.com/
4. 2008 Ford Focus is a definite WINNER!!! - "Wonderful re-design by Ford... this is my 5th Focus … and I think more than likely will be the best. I love the new styling inside and out …car design has been well thought out ... the interior is spacious and the "Sync" media system is great ... I own European and Japanese autos, but I really enjoy this car…this size and economy is great...the price ... wonderful ...THANKS FORD FOR A JOB WELL DONE !!" - posted by WB Samples from Raleigh, N.C. on http://www.autos.yahoo.com/
5. Need to Consider - "Very well put together, interior has improved in quality, noise is reduced greatly, drivability is awesome. Beats Corolla hands down, very good competitor for Civic." - posted by Chester to http://www.autos.msn.com/
6. Check Out the New Focus - "My daughter just purchased this car and I’ve driven it quite a bit. Appears to be very solid and well built. Nice acceleration even with automatic. (I have a 24V DOHC Taurus and the Focus impressed). On her first tank of gas she got 30.5 mpg in around town driving. Interior is nicely done. I’m impressed enough that if I were buying a new car it would be this. I think it’s a nice new change for the Focus." - posted by Fred on http://www.autos.msn.com/
7. 2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe - "I have owned all sorts of vehicles....Dodge, Ford, Toyota, Chevy, Mazda and BMW. I have never, ever enjoyed a vehicle as much as I enjoy this one. The cabin is SUPER quiet, even when shifting gears (can barely hear the engine) and the shifting is smooth as butter. It handles awesome, the ride is very soft, has plenty of power, the seats are very comfortable, the Microsoft SYNC easily plays all my artists on my Wolverine 5160 (160GB). It took about 5 minutes or so to index all the files, but when it finished, I asked it to play whatever artist I wanted and it responded beautifully. Hands-free phone conversation is another gem with this vehicle. The person on the other end can hear your voice perfectly. This is the real Bluetooth! I have the Audiophile system and music sounds awesome with the built in Subwoofer in the trunk. Also, Ambient lighting is great as well. Do yourself a favor. If you want to get a great vehicle that is inexpensive, but has quality to boot, please look into this car. You will not be disappointed. Did I mention that this car gets around 35 miles per gallon as well? I am so happy about this car....Can Ya Tell? It’s perfect in every way." - posted by Coozy from Hilton, NY on http://www.autos.yahoo.com/
8. 2008 Ford Focus SES (5-Speed) - "I use this car to commute to work in the winter (60 miles a day). The car is a gem! I am extremely impressed with the car comfort, ride, and handling (much better handling than I expected). It drives great here in the northwest wet, snow, and ice. With mixed city and highway driving I average 33mpg. The absolute best part of this car is the SYNC system! I have used it with my new 80GB Zune, a Gen 1 apple Nano, and music on several USB memory sticks. The audiophile audio system sounds amazing (I usually swap the stock speakers - but I think I will keep these). I love the hands free calling. Do not buy this car without the SYNC!" - posted by Mike from Seattle on http://www.autos.msn.com/
9. Good Little Car - "This little car is more than what I expected for the cost. I would have to say it moves nicely and does not have any issues getting around for a little 2.0 liter. I am happy to lower my payments as this is a great car for the money – I would choose it over a Honda Civic any day of the week. Our other car is a '06 Honda Accord and the Focus is quieter than my fully loaded V6 Accord. The interior is clean and well thought out as the controls with the satellite radio and Sync take a little getting used to. I will have to say that the Sync is far superior to the i-control of the BMW 5 series and the Honda Accord that I own….this is a gas saver and a great commuter car." - posted by Bryan to http://www.edmunds.com/
10. Great price / mpg - "I am completely satisfied with this car so far. I have only driven 430 miles but I love the way the car handles. I got the base model with the 5-speed manual transmission. I filled up at 400 miles so the mpg is as advertised. I love the styling and have had several compliments. I feel good driving this car. I needed an economical car that fit my budget and this was it!" - posted by Philip to http://www.edmunds.com/Labels: 2008 Ford Focus, compact car, ford motor company, ford of ocala, high quality
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