Ford Ikon shines in 2009 J.D. Power's New-Vehicle Initial Quality in India

Ranks highest in the entry mid-size segment

Ford's entry-level sedan the Ikon scored highest in the entry mid-size segment according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2009 India Initial Quality StudySM (IQS).

Despite new entrants and growing competition, Ford Ikon has come out as a clear  winner in its segment with a score of 90 PP100 in this J.D. Power study. This score is a splendid result with the industry scores averaging at 123 PP 100 in the entry mid-size segment for Overall New -Vehicle Quality in India.

The Ford Ikon has been ranked No. 1 coming ahead and much stronger in the initial vehicle quality compared to the Maruti Swift Dzire (115 PP/100) and Tata Indigo/ (142 PP/100) in the entry mid-size segment.

Commenting on this commendable achievement, Michael Boneham, president & managing director, Ford India said, “The results speak for itself. It’s about a quantum leap in quality that our vehicles demonstrate and our laser-focus and commitment to produce world-class quality vehicles for this market that exceed customer expectations.''  

Earlier this year, both the Ikon and the Endeavour had won top scores for 2009 J.D Power Vehicle Dependability in the entry midsize and SUV segment respectively.

This emphatic double delight for Ikon from the 2009 J.D Power Asia-Pacific Vehicle Dependability Study & now the Initial Quality Study reaffirms Ikon's top-notch quality and its status as the most reliable brand in its segment.

''We will continue to leverage the momentum gained and build on as we launch products in the future.'' added Boneham.

A contemporary, stylish, fuel efficient and great value for money offering, the Ford Ikon continues to prove its mettle. Last summer the Ikon with advanced, common-rail TDCi diesel engine, demonstrated phenomenal outcome in Autocar's gruelling 'Ikon Cross Country Drive' that covered over 20,000kms varied terrains across 25 across Indian states and clocked an impressive fuel economy of 28.54 KMPL and an extremely low running expense measured as cost per km of Rs 1.39 per / km.

The Initial Quality study, which measures problems owners experience with their new vehicle during the first two to six months of ownership, examines more than 200 problem symptoms covering eight vehicle categories. These categories, listed in order of frequency of reported problems, include: engine and transmission; vehicle exterior; driving experience; HVAC; features, controls and displays; vehicle interior; seats; and audio, entertainment and navigation.

All problems are summarized as the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Lower PP100 scores indicate a lower rate of problem incidence and higher initial quality.

The 2009 J.D. Power India Initial Quality Study (IQS), now in its 13th year, is based on evaluations from more than 6,600 owners who purchased a new vehicle between November 2008 and July 2009. The study includes 50 vehicle models covering 13 makes. The study was fielded from May to September 2009 in 20 cities across India.

Editor's Notes:
Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles made at its modern integrated manufacturing facility, at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. With more than 2300 employees, the company's models include the Ikon, Fusion, Endeavour and the Fiesta.

For more information, visit www.india.ford.com