2012 Ford Focus News

Ford Motor Company has released some new information regarding the new 2012 Ford Focus.

One of the most appealing features of this new Focus is the torque vectoring control technology. The “torque vectoring control uses the Focus braking system to imitate the effect of limited-slip differential, constantly balancing the distribution of engine output between the driven front wheels to suit driving conditions and road surface”*. More simply put, this added technology helps drivers have more control when handling curves. This type of control system was only available for “premium sports cars”*.

The 2012 Ford Focus will be available in a S, SE, SEL and a Titanium Sport hatchback. The torque vectoring technology will be included in all four models. Additionally, customers will have the option of choosing from eleven different exterior colors.

Ford Motor Company is also taking advantage of the automotive aftermarket with their Ford Custom Graphics. The new trend of vehicle tattoos is growing at a rapid speed and Ford will offer over 200 tattoos to 2012 Ford Focus owners to customize their new ride. Each tattoo will be unique as there are endless options with different designs, shapes and colors. These tattoos will cost anywhere from $120 to $470. In addition, they will also be removable. Ford Custom Graphics are currently offered on the Fiesta, Mustang, F-150 and Explorers. ** Create your own tattoo at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/

For more information regarding the 2012 Ford Focus, please visit these articles below:

** http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33693


* http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33739

Happy Holidays from Everyone at Murphy Ford

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Ford and Honda lead the Automotive Industry in Brand Loyalty

We here at Murphy Ford are proud to be able to say that Ford is tied for a first place in . According to the 2010 Customer Retention Study conducted and released by J.D. Power and Associates, 62% of Ford and Honda customers are repeat customers. Both companies have higher retention rates compared to the top performer last year, Mercedes-Benz (48%).

J.D. Power and Associates state in their press release that for Ford, the vehicles responsible for their top retention rates are the Edge, Fusion and F-Series models. The press release also revealed that customers perceive Ford cars as being stylish and fun.

These are important factors, but the employees of Ford and Honda dealerships cannot be discredited. The sales professionals at the dealership are a major contributor as to why customers are brand loyal. According to Sales and Management Training Specialist Joe Verde, 71% of customers stated that the reason they bought their vehicle is because they liked their salesperson. I can not speak for all Ford sales professionals, but I know that at our dealership, our staff does a great job of educating their customers. And being that Ford’s retention rates are the highest, Ford employees collectively must be creating positive brand awareness and promotion.

It is also interesting to note that J.D. Power has found that the industry average retention rate is 48% and Joe Verde states that over 50% of customers “are product loyal and will buy the same product again”.

Below is a chart with J.D. Power and Associates’ findings.

Ford Continues to Thrive Heading into 2011

2010 is rounding out to be a successful year for Ford Motor Company. In October of this year, Ford Motor Company announced that the end of the third quarter of 2010 marked the sixth profitable quarter in a row. *

More recently, Ford has showed a 20% increase in sales from November 2009. The auto industry average was about a 17% increase with an annual rate of sales at 12.3 million. **

Ford expects that for the first quarter for 2011, production for North America will see an increase of over 11%. The newly redesigned 2011 Ford Explorer is unquestionably evidence for this increase. The auto company has received over 15,000 orders from customers for this vehicle. Dealerships across the country are receiving countless calls and inquiries about when this vehicle will become available. Ford is also expecting their average transaction prices to increase as well.

What are you opinions of Ford’s continuing growth? Any changes you would make if you were Alan Mulally?

*http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/27/business/27auto.html?_r=1&src=me

**http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101201/RETAIL01/101209972/1401