For the 8th year in a row, Ford Motors has kept in step with the consistent Japanese car manufacturers as far as brand quality is concerned. While many would think that Ford would have dropped due to the impending crisis and of course the celebrated “Bailout” issue, Ford is still up there with its Ford and Mercury brands.

Ford is in a statistical tie with Japanese car brands based on a study by J.D. Power and Associates. Overall the Ford brand improved by 10 points since 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.”

Among the cars that have contributed to Ford’s success included the Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge and Mercury Sable. But as far as Ford is concerned, that achievement is nothing. The goal, like any other car company to date, is to be the global leader in the car industry.

(Source) Press

Tags: bailout, brand quality, car brands, car industry, ford f 150, ford group, ford motors, impending crisis, industry source, j d power and associates, japanese automakers, japanese car, mercury sable, quality ford

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Today marks the 45th year of the King of American Road and thousands of Mustang fans from all over the world are gathering in Birmingham, Ala. to mark the occasion.

“The Ford Mustang is one of the world’s most beloved automotive and cultural icons,” said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Since April 17, 1964, it has been a symbol of American freedom and fun.”

Ford and the Mustang Club of America are commemorating the birth of America’s favorite pony car with a four-day celebration at the Barber Motorsports Park. The event is expected to draw more than 2,500 Mustang enthusiasts and their beloved steeds, as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators. Included among those enthusiasts are nine of the muscle car’s most enduring fans: original owners of the 19641/2 Mustang.

A host of exciting events are planned for the 45th anniversary celebration. For example, professional road racers – including four-time Mustang champion and SPEED TV personality Tommy Kendall – will be on site to provide hot laps for lucky attendees around the park in Mustang FR500S race cars. And world champion drifter Vaughn Gittin, Jr., will be on hand all weekend to give demonstrations and rides.

(Source) Press

Tags: barber motorsports park, ford group, ford mustang, hot laps, jim farley, mustang club of america, mustang enthusiasts, mustang fans, speed tv, world champion

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If you are a Mustang fanatic as well, chances are you better start packing and head on down Birmingham, Alabama this April 17 which was officially declared “Mustang Day” by the state of Alabama – to celebrate the 45th anniversary of an American icon: the Ford Mustang.

Ford and the Mustang Club of America will mark the 45th anniversary of America’s favorite pony car with a four-day celebration at the Barber Motorsports Park. The event is expected to draw more than 2,500 Mustang enthusiasts and their beloved steeds, as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators.

“For four and a half decades, Ford has connected with more than 9 million owners celebrating their individuality, passion and love of the Mustang,” said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Mustang created the segment and remains America’s number one muscle car delivering a fast, fun and affordable car that personifies the freedom of the open road.”

Hundreds of Mustang owners also will be given the opportunity to experience firsthand the excitement of driving their own cars around the racetrack in organized open track run sessions.

(Source) Press

Tags: barber motorsports park, birmingham alabama, ford group, ford mustang, jim farley, muscle car, mustang club of america, mustang enthusiasts, mustang fans, mustang ford, mustang owners, racetrack

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For the potential car buyers on a tight budget, you can turn to the 2010 Ford Fusion and the Mercury Milan for potential vehicles catering to your budget. Aside from that they are fuel-efficient, further sweetening the deal for wise car buying today.

The gas engine-powered and hybrid-electric models leapfrog the competition in every area that counts:

• fuel economy
• power
• technology
• overall value

“We’ve priced Fusion to beat the competition as it does in every area that matters most to customers,” said Chantel Lenard, Ford group marketing manager, Global Small and Medium Cars. “This vehicle does more than compete; it aggressively positions Ford to take back its share of the mid-size car segment and sets the tone for the upcoming Taurus and Fiesta launches.”

The front-wheel-drive Fusion S, with a new fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine, has a base price (including $725 destination and delivery) of $19,995; the SE trim level is $20,545; the SEL is $23,975. An optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine also is available on SE and SEL models.

Performance-minded buyers can opt for the Fusion Sport equipped with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 263 horsepower and 249 ft.-lb. of torque. Fusion Sport FWD starts at $25,825; AWD at $27,675.

The Mercury Milan ranges from $21,180 (including destination and delivery) for the FWD model with the I-4 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, to $27,800 for the well-equipped Milan Premier AWD model with a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

(Source) Press

Tags: automatic transmission, car segment, ford fusion, ford group, front wheel drive, horsepower, mercury milan, power technology

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