Ford Fusion grabs mid-size segment title in J.D. Powers and Associates' 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, April 19, 2011 - The Ford Fusion added yet another major accolade to its growing line of recognitions from industry experts, as it grabbed the mid-size segment title in the recent J.D. Powers and Associates 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study.

The news comes as the new 2011 Fusion model sees tremendous feedback from the region with sales recording an impressive 64 per cent increase in the first two months of 2011, thanks to its improved quality, technologies, fuel efficiency and driving performance.

"With its impressive driving dynamics, safety and enhanced technology features, the Ford Fusion continues to be a serious contender in the mid-size segment thanks to its rich package and great value for money," said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East's director of Sales. "This latest recognition from the JD Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study lends further proof to this strong product. And growing preference towards the Fusion from both retail and fleet businesses alike is outstanding."

Fusion's exterior design gives the car a sporty, upscale appearance along with aerodynamics

that help reduce wind noise and improve fuel economy. The car's front end sports a powerfully domed hood and aggressive grille, while underbody treatments further boost Fusion's fuel economy.

The mid-size sedan is even better for 2011 with more safety, technology and convenience offerings, including standard MyKey® and integrated blind-spot mirrors, together with optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) that join the award-winning Ford SYNC® communications and infotainment system. Customers also have the option of two engines, the standard 2.5L I-4 with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions as well as the 3.0L V6 with the 6-speed SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission for a sportier ride.

Ford Fusion is no stranger to accolades from the automotive industry thanks to its undeniable overall quality and capability. Some of its key awards include:

  • 2010 Motor Trend Car of The Year

  • 2010 Most Appealing Mid-size Car, JD Power & Associates

  • 2010 Best Redesigned Vehicle by kbb.com

  • Highest Rating in Overall Initial Quality, JD Power & Associates

  • Best long-term durability, Midsize Car segment, JD Power & Associates 2011 VDS

The 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 43,700 original owners of 2008 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded between October and December 2010.

The Vehicle Dependability Study is used extensively by vehicle manufacturers worldwide to help design and build better vehicles - which typically translates to higher resale values and higher customer loyalty. It also helps consumers make more-informed choices for both new- and used-vehicle purchases. Among new-vehicle shoppers, perception of quality and dependability is the most influential factor in their decision to purchase a specific vehicle model, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Ford's history in the Middle East goes back to over 60 years. The company's local importer-dealers operate more than 100 facilities in the region and directly employ over 7,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals. For more information on Ford Middle East, please visit www.me.ford.com.

Ford Middle East is also a responsible corporate citizen in the region, with the Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants, a grass-root level program that has offered US$1.1 million in grants to over 130 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000. For more information on the Ford Grants please write to fmegrant@ford.com

Contacts:
Sue Nigoghossian
Ford Middle East Public Affairs
971-4-3327767
snigogho@ford.com

Chloe Martinez
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
971-4-3344550
c.martinez@asdaa.com 

Tarek El Moukachar
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
971-4-3344550
t.elmoukachar@asdaa.com

Iman Ahmed
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
971-4-3344550
i.ahmed@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2011