Ford tops in quality survey

Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Ford Motor Co.'s newest automobiles had fewer problems than any other manufacturer -- including Toyota Motor Corp. -- according to a new survey of initial quality, details of which were obtained by The Detroit News.

It was the first time ever that the Dearborn automaker beat its arch-rival in the survey, which was conducted for Ford by the RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills. The study also put Ford in a dead heat with Toyota in customer satisfaction. "We've been tied with Toyota before, but it sure feels better to be on the top!" wrote Bennie Fowler, Ford's global head of quality, in a memo to employees Friday, a copy of which was obtained by The News. "We can all be pleased with the progress we have made in quality, even as we face external and internal challenges in a tumultuous climate. Our progress has come as the result of our union partnerships in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, along with the work of dedicated teams in manufacturing, product development, purchasing, marketing, sales, service, legal, IT and others who follow disciplined, standardized processes."

RDA's research is used by a number of automakers, both foreign and domestic, and has historically tracked closely with other independent research by firms such as J.D. Power and Associates. Its second quarter study showed new Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars and trucks had 1,185 issues per 1,000 vehicles. Toyota had 1,215 problems, while Honda Motor Co. had 1,291.

Both Toyota and Ford had an 80 percent positive customer satisfaction rating, Fowler said.

The results come a year after he vowed publicly to seize Toyota's crown as the quality leader among fullline manufacturers in the United States. But Ford has found that its quality gains have still not convinced all consumers that its products are on par with those from its Japanese competitors.

Fowler said more work is needed, particularly on the luxury brand, which faces even tougher competition.

"There is more work to be done," he said." We want nothing less than to be the highest-quality automotive manufacturer year over year!"

Find this article at:
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090721/AUTO01/907210377/Ford-tops-in-quality-survey

Ford's New 'Active Park Assist' Makes Parallel Parking a Breeze for Lincoln MKT and MKS Owners

FAQ on MTO Weights and Licensing

What you don’t know about the “Highway Traffic Act” and the MTO will cost you.
There are some Facts you must know when operating a Commercial Vehicle in Ontario.

CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operating Registration)
Any Corporation, Company or Person operating a vehicle with a registered Gross Vehicle Weight over 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs) or any Bus with 10 or more passengers must have a CVOR. The registration of a CVOR is free. (www.mto.gov.on.ca)

G License
G License allows you to drive a vehicle with a GVW or GCW of up to 11,000 kg (24,250 lbs)
GVW Gross vehicle weight (the weight of the Vehicle and its contents)
GCW Gross Combined weight (the weight of the Vehicle and it’s contents plus the weight of the Trailer and it’s contents.) The Trailer and its contents can weigh no more than 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs.)

D License
D license allows the Driver to operate any Truck or Trailer with a GVW or GCW over 11,000 kilograms (24,250 lbs) provided the Trailer and its contents are under 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs)

Z Endorsement
Is required to operate any vehicle with an Air Braking System regardless of any other Criteria.

A License
“A” License is required to operate a vehicle pulling a Trailer and contents greater than 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs). Provided it does not exceed the weight restriction of the Manufacturer or the Length and Width restrictions of the MTO.

Weigh Scales
All Commercial Vehicles regardless of size are required to stop at Weigh Scales when the Amber Lights are flashing. This includes Pick Up Trucks. The MTO is mainly concerned with Heavy Trucks and Trailers however Light Duty Trucks may also be pulled over.

Vehicles with Plows
Roof Clearance Lights and Rear Marker Lights must be on every Vehicle that is over 81” Wide.
(This would pertain to Dual Rear Wheel Vehicles and most Plow Trucks)

Ford FAQ on Pre Paid Maintenance

A prepaid maintenance plan is a great way to keep your vehicle in top running condition at all times and will save you money along the way! The list of benefits in choosing a Ford plan to protect your road-going investment is substantial.

The Ford FMPP is the only prepaid maintenance plan that provides all the following features:
Fully backed by the Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited
Replacement of these eight critical wear items, if required, due to failure caused by normal wear: brake pads and linings, brake rotors, clutch disc, engine belts and hoses, shock absorbers, spark plugs, light bulbs(excluding headlamps) and wiper blades
Honoured at over 4500 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships across Canada and the United States
Provides a predictable expense schedule and price protection against maintenance cost increases down the road
Helps you manage your records through an electronic maintenance record that tracks service visits and payments
A zero deductible
Support from certified Ford technicians who know your vehicle inside and out
Protection of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty by helping to ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and can enhance your vehicle's residual value at the same time.


The Ford FMPP offers plans that cover all scheduled maintenance service recommended in the vehicle’s Customer Information Customer Information Guide (formerly the Owner Information Guide)for the time/distance selected.


The plan is available for a normal maintenance schedule (every 6 months/10,000 kilometres) or a Special Operating Conditions schedule (every 3 months/5,000 kilometres). For peace of mind and a great method of planning your scheduled maintenance expenses, the Ford FMPP is the way to go.


Ford Maintenance Protection PlanCovers the scheduled maintenance service recommended in the vehicle's Customer Information Guide (formerly the Owners Information Guide) for the time/distance selected.


Your Driving habits will determine the optimum maintenance interval for your vehicle. Please follow these guidelines:Follow a 6 months/10,000 kilometres maintenance interval if none of these conditions apply:
you tow a trailer or use a camper or car-top carrier
most trips include prolonged idling (such as frequent driving in stop and go traffic)
carrying heavy loads
the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, or other commercial application
you operate in dusy conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
you operate off-roadFollow a 3 months/5,000 km maintenance interval if any of the above conditions apply.

Download brochure:
New Vehicles Ford Maintenance Protection Plan consumer brochure (front)
New Vehicles Ford Maintenance Protection Plan consumer brochure (back)

Ford FAQ on Roadside Assistance

You can count on Ford Quality now and down the road. That's because every new Ford of Canada car and light truck includes the assurance of an emergency no-cost Roadside Assistance Program during the 3-year/60,000 km (48 month/80,000 km for Lincoln cars) new vehicle "Basic" warranty period. -->
Help is just a toll-free phone call away - 24 hours a day anywhere in Canada or the continental United States - should you ever need trip planning, towing assistance, fuel delivery, tire change, a jump-start, emergency travel reimbursement or even help when you're locked out of your vehicle.

COVERED SERVICES

Road Service (labour performed at disablement site).
Service Calls (delivery of up to 10 litres of fuel or battery boost).
Towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford dealership, or your selling dealer if within 25 kms of the nearest Ford dealership (one tow per disablement).


EMERGENCY LOCK-OUT SERVICE
When your ignition key is lost, broken or accidentally locked inside your vehicle, call the Ford Roadside Assistance Club and service will be dispatched. If circumstances require you to use an independent lock-out service, we will reimburse you up to $75 (see Claims Procedure page for details).

EMERGENCY TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
Should your vehicle become disabled due to collision or mechanical breakdown while you are more than 160 km from your residence address, we will reimburse you up to $500 (in total), for the following reasonable emergency expenses, (when not covered by insurance):
Covered Expenses:
Local lodging and meals.
Vehicle rentals from bona fide car rental agencies (excludes gas expense).
Commercial transportation to your destination, and return trip after repairs are completed. Coverage period is the lesser of: date of vehicle disablement up to three (3) days in total, or the time at which your vehicle is repaired.


ELIGIBILITY

Ford of Canada's Roadside Assistance Club covers all Ford and Mercury cars and light trucks. Service will be provided to the driver of the registered Ford or Mercury vehicle.Roadside assistance benefits are transferable to subsequent owners of your vehicle, at no cost, within the initial coverage period. Roadside assistance initial coverage is transferred when the vehicle ownership is transferred.ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CARDYour Ford Roadside Assistance Club cards are valuable. Ensure you print your name and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the front of your cards when you take delivery of your vehicle. The 17 digit VIN is stamped on the front of the driver's side dash. We recommend you keep a card with you at all times.

COVERAGE

This program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, but the initial coverage is concurrent with the 36 month/60,000 kilometre "Basic Coverage".Initial coverage expires after 36 months or 60,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first, from the original vehicle delivery date or date of first use.All coverage is limited to vehicles using publicly maintained roads (excludes off-road use, logging roads, etc.) and adjacent sites, and any other locations, which in the discretion of the service provider constitutes a publicly travelled thoroughfare.This initial coverage is a complimentary service. Ford of Canada may cancel your initial coverage at any time by written notice. There is no refund available to you in the event of cancellation.

EXTENDED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CLUB BENEFITS
Ford Of Canada's Roadside Assistance Club coverage is also available beyond the initial coverage. For a low yearly fee of $49.95 you can continue to enjoy this important benefit to ensure your safety, pleasure and convenience during the operation of your Ford or Mercury car or light truck.
For immediate registration or for further information please contact 1 877 294-CLUB (1 877 294-2582).
Ford of Canada Roadside Assistance ClubP.O. Box 190Richmond Hill, OntarioL4B 4R5
NOTE: The Extended Ford Roadside Assistance Club Program covers up to two usages per year. Vehicles towed to a Ford Dealership are not subject to usage limitations.

ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE
Parts, tire repairs, rental of towing equipment, storage fees, or any labour performed at a garage or service station. Any form of impound towing by other than a licensed service station or garage. Parts involved in lock-out service. Assistance from private citizens. The Ford Roadside Assistance Club coverage is not a warranty, but a service provided to you by Ford to minimize any unforeseen vehicle operation inconvenience. All service operators providing service are independent contractors and are not employees of Ford. Therefore, the Ford Roadside Assistance Club does not assume any liability for any loss or damage to your vehicle or your personal property resulting from the rendering of such service. Any loss or damage is the sole responsibility of the servicing facility and should be reported to the proprietor of the facility and your own insurance company within 24 hours and prior to any repairs being carried out.