Ford models top in J.D. Power's for Vehicle Dependability Segments in India

Ford Ikon and Ford Endeavour ranks highest in the entry midsize and SUV segments.

Ford models rank highest in the entry mid-size and SUV segments according to the 2009 J.D. Power Asia Pacific India Vehicle Dependability Study released last weekend.

The Ikon and the Endeavour had won the top scores for Vehicle Dependability Segment in India in the entry midsize and SUV segment respectively. In addition, Ford Fiesta also stood second in the midsize segment.

The double victory is a testament to the growing popularity of Ford vehicles in the country and Ford's commitment to produce world-class vehicles for this market.

The Ford Ikon has been ranked No. 1 in the mid-size entry segment (228 PP/100), coming ahead stronger in vehicle dependability compared to Maruti Esteem (295 PP/100) and Tata Indigo/ Marina( 376 PP/100) in the segment. The Ikon was instrumental in reducing the segment average which stands at 330 PP.

Ford Endeavour continues to lead and has been ranked No.1 in its segment for the second consecutive year. The Endeavour has vastly improved its score with only 75 PP/100 compared to 204 last year. The Endeavour beats the Honda CRV and the Tata Safari DICOR in the segment to achieve the top dependability ranking. The segment average stands at 334.

Not far behind, the Ford Fiesta has been ranked No.2 in the mid-size segment (scores 183 PP/100) achieving significantly better than the segment average of 214.  

Ford came strongest as one of the only two manufacturers to lead in two vehicle segments this year.

Commenting on the results an elated Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India said, ''We are extremely delighted and encouraged by the outcome. Our hard work is now demonstrating success and is a testimony of our single-minded focus in developing superior products that not only meet but exceeds customer expectations. ''

The J.D. Power Asia Pacific India Vehicle Dependability StudySM, measures the dependability of three-year-old vehicles, and ranks vehicles in 10 segments and examines more than 150 problem symptoms across nine categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features, controls and displays; audio and entertainment; seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); vehicle interior; engine; and transmission.

Overall dependability is based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating a lower rate of problem incidence and higher long-term vehicle quality.

The 2009 India Vehicle Dependability Study was based on evaluations from 5,105 owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2005 and October 2006. The study includes 39 vehicle models covering 12 nameplates and was fielded from January to April 2009 in 20 cities throughout India.

The VDS is one of three J.D. Power and Associates quality metrics, along with the Initial Quality Study (IQS) and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which measures customer perceptions on design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles.

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 close to 2100 employees, the company's models include the Ikon, Fusion, Endeavour and the Fiesta.

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