Trifecta of Ford Vehicles Lead in Recent Initial Quality Study

LONDONDERRY, N.H. (06/28/2012)(readMedia)-- Whether buyers are looking for an SUV, sedan or a sports car, a new J.D. Power and Associates survey has found that Ford offers the greatest number of segment-leading vehicles when it comes to quality after the first few months of ownership. The U.S. automaker had three models top their respective categories in the 2012 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), the most of any mainstream brand and matching the luxury brand leader, Lexus.

The J.D. Power and Associates 2012 IQS features the 2012 Ford Taurus, Expedition and Mustang at the top of their respective segments, with each having the fewest problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) among competitors. Surveying more than 74,000 owners and lessees of new 2012-model-year vehicles, J.D. Power determined its PP100 scores from participants' responses to 228 questions after they had been with their vehicle for 90 days.

"Ford's leading vehicles in the J.D. Power study range from a highly capable SUV to a highway cruiser and a power-packed pony car," said Jim McGovern, general manager of Ford of Londonderry, a New Hampshire Ford dealer. "That variety shows that Ford is delivering high-quality vehicles across its lineup to a broad spectrum of buyers."

As the highest-ranked model in the Large Crossover/SUV category, the 2012 Ford Expedition topped the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Tahoe, while the 2012 Ford Taurus proved to be more dependable than the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300 in the Large Car segment. In J.D. Power's Midsize Sporty Car category, the 2012 Ford Mustang took home a win after ranking higher than the Dodge Challenger.

Technology features are increasingly just as important to drivers as powertrains and interior trims, and new models of the Expedition, Mustang and Taurus are all available with Ford's SYNC infotainment system. Created in partnership with Microsoft, the innovative in-car technology allows voice control of phones and other media devices, and it was recently inducted into the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif.

Joining other impactful technologies from the likes of Apple, Google and IBM, a first-generation Ford SYNC module has been added to the Computer History Museum's permanent collection. Updated several times with new features in the seven years since Ford and Microsoft began development, SYNC now allows hands-free control of popular smartphone apps like Pandora internet radio and MOG music through SYNC AppLink.

"SYNC keeps on getting better with each year, and as smartphone technology continues to improve, Ford's platform is designed to improve right along with it," added McGovern. "There are now more than 4 million SYNC-equipped Ford vehicles on the road, and each one is improving safety because drivers no longer have to take their eyes off the road to access their phone."

About Ford of Londonderry:

Ford of Londonderry is a premier New Hampshire Ford dealer, serving those in nearby Derry, Concord, Nashua and Manchester. Ford of Londonderry has the extensive new and used Ford inventory New Hampshire drivers desire, with amazing prices and specials on all the latest models. They also have a skilled Ford service team that can handle any repairs or maintenance their customers need completed. You can preview their wide selection of Fords at www.fordoflondonderry.com, call them at 888-871- 1155, like them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FordofLondonderry, or visit their Ford dealership at 33 Nashua Road in Londonderry, N.H.