In June, the Ford brand achieved the highest initial quality among all non-luxury brands in J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS).  For the second consecutive year Ford was the only non-premium brand to achieve above industry average scores in both J.D. Power’s IQS and APEAL studies.

In this year’s APEAL survey, owners of the 2010 Ford Fusion, Taurus, Flex, Expedition and Explorer Sport Trac, rated these vehicles highest in their respective segments for vehicle appeal, which is comprised of style, comfort, performance and other vehicle attributes.  

“It’s a significant accomplishment to do so well in APEAL on the heels of receiving high marks from J.D. Power on initial quality,” said Bennie Fowler, group vice president, Global Quality and New Model Launches.  “The APEAL results stand as another proof point that Ford is redefining quality. We know it’s not enough to build defect-free cars and trucks. We move to the next step by delivering an experience that exceeds our customers’ expectations with features they would expect to find only in high-priced luxury lines.”

APEAL surveys customers on what they like about the performance, execution and layout of their new vehicle after the first three months it is in service. Customers rate their level of “gratification” on a variety of vehicle attributes, including safety, fuel economy, cargo space, roominess and exterior styling. 
  
“At Ford, we are accelerating the development of vehicles customers will fall in love with at first sight and grow even fonder of over time,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “To deliver on that promise, our goal is nothing less than product excellence in design, feature content, safety and quality at an exceptional value.”

Since “gratification” is difficult to define and even harder to measure, Ford looked for new ways to understand how customers define it.  Researchers combed through surveys, looked at historical trends and studied customer satisfaction rates. They spoke with people who recommended Ford to their friends, and to those who dismissed the brand out of hand. By discovering what makes customers feel good about their cars, Ford was able to develop customer-driven standards—Ford’s product DNA.

This strict set of guidelines is designed and built into every vehicle for a consistent feel and sound that is unmistakably Ford.

This “emotional engineering,” which focuses on the senses of sight, sound and touch, is helping Ford deliver vehicles that are satisfying to own and drive.

To add structure to the efforts to build in a Ford DNA strategy and increase customer satisfaction, Ford focuses its quality efforts in three main categories:
• Basic quality – the fundamental reliability of a vehicle.
• Performance quality – includes attributes such as fuel economy and quietness
• Excitement quality – those unexpected convenience features that surprise and delight the customers.

Ford is working to extend customer quality satisfaction beyond durability and functionality to   excitement quality – the parts of the vehicle that surprise and delight. Excitement quality includes features from seats specially designed for comfort, to materials and surfaces that look good and feel right, and interiors with ambiance and innovative exterior paints.

The ownership experience is also enhanced by features such as MyFordTouch in-car connectivity technology, multi-contoured massaging seats, changeable ambient interior lighting, and refined sound quality.

“When applying the three categories of quality, it’s never about either/or; it’s all three,” said Kuzak. “We’re still consumed with basic quality, but we’re now also very focused on providing appeal and excitement to meet customers’ desires.”  

ATM Group photo of Certified Sales Team

DUBAI, UAE, July 12, 2010 – Ford Middle East recognized Al Tayer Motors, the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury importer in the UAE, and Premier Motors, its subsidiary in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, for achieving 100 per cent certification across their retail sales operations.

Ashok Khanna, CEO, Al Tayer Motors said: “This achievement is one more step in our commitment to making the buying experience at our showrooms one of the best for our customers. Our aim is to provide them with all the information that can facilitate their purchase decision.”

Hussein Murad, director of Sales at Ford Middle East said, “We congratulate the team of Al Tayer Motors for this achievement. It is because of their constant efforts and passion to learn extensively about our products and services that they have completed their sales certification.”

“We have an excellent lineup of world class award winning products across the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands that are setting the industry trend globally. And with the excellent sales support of Ford certified personnel, our customers know that they have the peace of mind,” concluded Murad.

July 12, 2010

Kamil Al Jawhari

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) automotive sector is poised to sustain a positive growth outlook over a five-year period with sales value expected to reach over SAR 80.6 billion by 2014, according to a recent report by BMI. The robust growth forecast is underpinned by the positive performance of the commercial vehicle segment, which is expected to remain strong over the next five years.

Riyadh Motor Show 2010 – The 28th International Exhibition for Motor Vehicles, and Saudi Autoshop 2010 – The 14th International Exhibition for Auto Repair Equipment, Tools, Parts and Accessories, will feature an expanded showcase of the latest automotive products and services as part of a strategy to complement the positive growth trend by providing a gateway for leading local and international brands to strengthen their foothold in the Saudi automotive market. Thousands of visitors from all over the world are expected to participate in the Riyadh Motor Show and Saudi Autoshop, which will be concurrently held from December 5 to 9, 2010 (29 Dhu al Hijjah 1431 till 3 Muharram 1432) at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Kamil Al Jawhari, Project Manager of Riyadh Motor Show at Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: “The robust growth forecast underlines the resiliency, the strength and the sound fundamentals of Saudi Arabia’s automotive market, creating a genuinely attractive business environment for local, regional and international investors and key industry players. Riyadh Motor Show and Saudi Autoshop will help usher in new investors and businesses and enable them to take advantage of the excellent long-term growth prospects in Saudi Arabia.”

“There are several new exhibitors participating this year, while thousands of visitors will be converging for the back-to-back events, providing the perfect opportunity to explore business opportunities and expand into new markets. Moreover, in line with the growing demand for commercial vehicles, we have created dedicated sections that provide an extensive range of products and services for this segment during the Riyadh Motor Show,” added Al Jawhari.

Riyadh Motor Show 2010 will showcase the latest models of passenger cars, station wagons, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV), pick-up trucks, motorcycles, Special Purpose Vehicles, and 4×4 vehicles. It will also include automobile financing and insurance services.

Saudi Autoshop 2010 will feature the latest automobile accessories and repair service equipment; gas station equipment; automobile parts; tires, exhausts and batteries; and automobile care products.

Building on the success of the new XK and XF models globally and in the Middle East, the introduction of the all-new XJ is a landmark for the revitalised Jaguar Brand. Clearly positioned as the company’s four-door flagship, it extends the appeal of the XJ to a new generation of customers.

Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director said: “The new XJ is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the quintessential Jaguar. It is the most emphatic statement yet of Jaguar’s new design direction.”

Distinguished by unique exterior and interior design features, the XJ includes, an innovative new panoramic glass roof, an integral part of the all-new XJ’s design concept, enabling the car to have a lower, more streamlined roofline, while dramatically enhancing the feeling of light and space inside.

The all-new XJ’s cabin offers four specification levels – Luxury, Premium Luxury, Portfolio and Supersport – allowing the customer to tailor the car to suit their tastes of choice in colours, veneers and leathers not seen before in a Jaguar.

The XJ benefits from the most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar powertrains ever. The XJ features a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine with 385 horsepower or a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 available in 470 and 510 horsepower versions.

Proven Jaguar dynamic technologies are taken to new levels in the all-new XJ. Features such as air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar.

Inside the car there are advanced new technologies; 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instruments complement an innovative, Dual-View technology 8-inch Touch-screen that can project DVD movies or television programmes to the passenger while the driver views vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation.

Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, as well as advanced infotainment features like hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

The all-new XJ also takes a new approach to sustainable motoring. Constructed using Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminium body technology, the XJ is lighter than its rivals by at least 150kg which significantly improves performance, handling and economy, while delivering increased strength, refinement and safety.

Alan Whaley, General Manager, Alfardan Premier Motors, said, “We’re delighted to have the All-New XJ in our market. The Jaguar Brand and its new design direction have witnessed a huge success in Qatar and we look forward to taking it further with the new XJ.”

Robin Colgan, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Middle East and North Africa said: “We are very excited about our all-new flagship which sets benchmarks in terms of design, performance and engineering. Jaguar customers in this region look for luxury, individuality and performance and we’re certain the flagship XJ, which is truly beautiful and exhilarating to drive, will enjoy success here, just like the XK and XF.”

The all-new XJ offers extremely attractive cost of ownership with impressive fuel economy and emissions performance across the range. 

DUBAI, UAE, 03 July 2010 – Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co., the Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer in Saudi Arabia, is headed to Ford Motor Company World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan to compete for the 2010 World Cup Walk-Around Sales Champion title. After an intense regional competition in Dubai, UAE, Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co. advanced to the World Cup Finals along with thirteen other regional winners from the Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa and Caribbean and Central American regions.

The competition will reward sales consultants for their knowledge and passion in presenting the 2010 Ford Ranger or 2010 Ford Taurus. Contestants will be judged on their ability to create effective presentations that connect elements of the Ford Story (www.thefordstory.com) and vehicle features with customer needs in a memorable way.

World Cup Finals contestants Mohammed Rashidi, Abdulaziz Al Sayed and Mouaid Yahya, representing Al Jazirah Vehicles, beat out 14 competitors from 9 dealerships around the globe by effectively demonstrating their product expertise and enthusiasm.

“We are very proud of our team for making it all the way to the World Cup Finals in Dearborn,” said Sheikh Abdullah Al Kraidees, AJVA’s president.” They are truly dedicated and deserve to be recognized for their product knowledge and hard work.”

Along with the World Cup Walk-Around Champion title, finalists will compete for US$9,000 in stored value MasterCards and trophies for themselves and their dealerships.  Other participants from the Middle East are:  Ahmad Hanfi - Ghriwati Auto in Syria and Adil Jal Mistry - Premier Motors (Abu Dhabi, UAE).

“This is a great event on multiple levels,” said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East’s director of Sales.  “It serves as an incentive to help sharpen the knowledge of our sales consultants while encouraging them to better share their passion for Ford with customers. The World Cup recognizes excellence among a practice that is not used to being center stage and, for many of the participants, it serves as an opportunity to travel to North America and to Ford headquarters for the first time ever.” 

“Traditionally the Saudi auto market has been known for its large sedans and SUVs. However, we have been observing a small but definite change over the recent years, with small and compact cars generating significant interest in the local market. Suzuki, with its wide array of cars in this segment, has seen its customer base in KSA growing steadily over the last few years. Suzuki Celerio, our recent introduction in the compact car category, in particular has witnessed excellent sales in the Saudi market due to its build quality, aerodynamic design, fuel efficiency, safety features and overall performance,” said Maher Al Nabawi, Deputy General Manager, Suzuki Saudia.

The Suzuki Celerio comes with a naturally aspirated, 1.0L, 12-valve three cylinder, 67 horsepower engine. The compact dimensions of the engine block significantly contribute to reducing the weight of the car, which in turn results in increased fuel mileage. Also, the Celerio’s Euro 3-rated emissions level is the best in its class.

The full-option Celerio features a radio, CD and MP3 player; double airbags; an anti-lock breaking system; and power steering. The Celerio fully complies with the safety requirements set by the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization through Total Effective Control Technology (TECT). TECT creates crushable structures to absorb impact energy and disperse it away from occupants during a collision. Despite being small and compact, the Celerio has spacious interiors that can comfortably accommodate four passengers, unlike some of the other small cars that only look spacious from the outside. The Celerio has become highly popular among Saudi Arabia’s young drivers and small and limited-income families due to its low carbon dioxide emission, high fuel efficiency, style, comfort and user-friendliness, in addition to services provided by Suzuki Saudia throughout the Kingdom.

 The Range Rover celebrates its 40th birthday on 17 June 2010
 The Range Rover was the world’s first fully capable luxury 4×4
 There have been three generations of Range Rover: the original (Classic) in 1970, second-generation (P38a) in 1994 and third-generation (L322) in 2001
 Second model line – Range Rover Sport – launched in 2005 became Land Rover’s biggest selling vehicle worldwide in 2007
 Third model line to be revealed at Paris Motor Show 2010

Alan Whaley, General Manager, Alfardan Premier Motors, said: “With the growing success of the Range Rover brand and the increasing demand for premium vehicle brands in Qatar, we would like to reiterate Alfardan Premier Motors’s commitment to promoting Range Rover in Qatar amongst our discerning clientele.”

Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director said “Land Rover has a unique history of product innovation. But the Range Rover probably remains the most historically significant vehicle we have ever launched. It is one of the most important vehicles in the history of motoring.”

Robin Colgan, Managing Director Land Rover MENA said “Range Rover is by far our best selling model in this region – our flagship Range Rover Vogue and Range Rover Sport account for around 80% of our volume and are very popular with ex-pats and local buyers alike. When the Range Rover arrived in the region it was the world’s first luxury utility vehicle, and its arrival coincided with the regions first major oil boom, which meant people had the disposable income to purchase a vehicle that was luxurious but could handle the arduous conditions of the Middle East. This established a special relationship between Range Rover and the Middle East and it’s a relationship that endures to this day.”

There have been three generations of Range Rover. The original, now known as the Classic, went on sale in 1970 and continued in production, with numerous upgrades and a multiplicity of variants, for just over 25 years.

The second-generation vehicle, known as the P38a, went on sale in 1994 and was replaced in 2001 by the current model. The continuing success of the Range Rover ensured that other premium makers jumped into the booming luxury SUV market. The latest version has enjoyed higher annual sales than any previous models and continues to be popular around the world. Sold around the world, from London to Los Angeles, Sydney to Shanghai, Turin to Tokyo, the Range Rover remains the ultimate choice for the luxury SUV customer.

“The Range Rover is really four vehicles in one,” says managing director Phil Popham. “It’s a seven-days-a-week luxury motor car; a leisure vehicle that will range far and wide on the highways and noways of the world; a high performance car for long distance travel; and a working cross-country vehicle.”

From princes to politicians, from rock Gods to rock climbers, from footballers to farmers, the Range Rover has always appealed to a diverse group of customers.

A second model line, the Range Rover Sport, was launched in 2005, aimed at more sports-oriented driver-focused customers. It has been a great success, and in 2007 was Land Rover’s biggest selling vehicle worldwide.

Later this year, a further member of the Range Rover family will be added, taking the portfolio to three model lines. The new vehicle will be smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient, tying in perfectly with the Range Rover brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Yet it will be no less premium, no less luxurious, and no less special than the other Range Rover models

A Brief History of Range Rover

1966 Work began on the first Range Rover prototype, known as the ‘100-inch station wagon’
1970 The original two-door Range Rover – known as the Classic – goes on sale
1971 Range Rover receives the RAC Dewar award for outstanding technical  achievement
1972 The Range Rover is the first vehicle to cross the Darien Gap on a British Army Trans-America expedition
1974 Range Rover completes west to east Sahara desert expedition – 7,500 miles  in 100 days
1977 A modified Range Rover wins the 4×4 class in the London-Sydney Marathon, a gruelling 30,000 km (18,750 miles) event and the longest ever speed-based car rally
1979 A specially modified Range Rover wins the first Paris-Dakar rally (a Range Rover wins again in 1981)
1981 First production four-door Range Rover appears along with the first  factory-produced limited-edition Range Rover – the ‘In Vogue’
1982 Automatic transmission becomes available on Range Rover
1983 Range Rover 5-speed manual gearbox is introduced
1985  The diesel-powered Range Rover ‘Bullet’ breaks 27 speed records, including a diesel record for averaging more than 100mph for 24 hours
1987 Range Rover launched in North America
1989 Range Rover is the world’s first 4×4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes
1990 Limited Edition CSK – named after founder Charles Spencer King – is  launched as a sportier Range Rover
1992 Range Rover Classic is the world’s first 4×4 to be fitted with electronic  traction control (ETC)
1992 Long-wheelbase LSE (known as County LWB in the US) launched
1992 Automatic electronic air suspension introduced, a world first for a 4×4
1994 Second-generation (P38a) Range Rover goes on sale
1996 Range Rover Classic bows out after total production of 317,615 units
1999 Limited Edition Range Rover Linley appears at London Motor Show
2001 All-New Range Rover (L322) launched
2002 Half-millionth Range Rover produced at the Solihull plant
2005 Second model line – the Range Rover Sport – launched
2006 Terrain Response and TDV8 diesel introduced
2009 Range Rover features all-new LR-V8 5.0 and 5.0 supercharged petrol engines and technology updates
2010 Range Rover celebrates its 40th anniversary
2010 All-New compact Range Rover to be revealed at Paris Motor Show

DUBAI, UAE, June 22, 2010 – For the first time, the Ford brand has the highest initial quality among all non-luxury brands in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS).

The Ford brand moved to fifth place among all brands from eighth last year. This is the highest rank position Ford has achieved in the IQS since ranking 23rd in 2004.

Both the Ford and Lincoln brands demonstrated significant improvements, with the Ford brand moving to the best in the industry among all non-luxury brands. Lincoln, which was 26th on the list last year, now sits at eighth.

The Ford brand, which continues to outpace the overall industry’s quality improvement, has posted nine consecutive years of gains in the closely watched quality study, based on consumer evaluations after the first three months of new-vehicle ownership.

“These results are remarkable in many ways,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality & New Model Launches. “Steady and meticulous attention to new model launches along with consistency in how we do them across the brand and the globe are having a very positive effect on the initial quality of our all-new or redesigned products. These results are a true testament to the strength of the One Ford plan.”

Some of Ford’s most popular nameplates received top honors for their respective segment, including Ford Focus, Taurus and Mustang. As a company, Ford has eight models in the top three positions within their respective award segments. The company’s Hermosillo Assembly Plant also received the Silver Plant Quality Award for outstanding quality in manufacturing.

J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 82,000 new 2010 model-year vehicle owners after they have driven their new vehicles for three months. It measures problems per 100 vehicles and was based on November through February registrations.

“The blue oval is becoming synonymous with high quality,” Fowler said. “While we are pleased with where we are today, our job is not done. Our plan is to keep improving quality each and every year.”

The UAE franchise of YellowHat Japan, one of the world’s largest chains of auto accessory superstores and service centres, has announced that customers can expect an array of value-added offerings during the summer through a range of special offers, privileges and discounts of up to 70 per cent, which are in line with YellowHat’s participation in the 2010 Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). YellowHat also revealed that it will be giving away gifts on purchase of selected products of brands such as Alpine, Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate, JVC, 3M and Total.

Anthony J O’Donnell, General Manager, Times Square Center, said, “Customers will definitely enjoy great deals and exciting privileges when they visit YellowHat during the summer. Furthermore, we are offering discounts of between 30 to 70 per cent wherein customers can save up to AED 2,800 on some products. Our participation in the DSS festivities is in line with our commitment to strengthen our relations with customers and to showcase YellowHat’s premium range of products and services.”

For those planning to drive down the beach to cool off or take a long drive to a summer resort, getting an upgrade for their car stereo system will make their summer holiday all the more pleasurable, and YellowHat has stepped in with a packaged showcase just for that. YellowHat announced a special summer offering of a 7-inch Touch-screen multi-media player with mp3, avi, DivX and DVD playback, bundled with navigation features, Bluetooth handsfree and drive cameras at AED 4,999. As a free gift, customers also get an integrated 3-inch LCD Console for complete control over iPhone/iPod music. The bundled offerings add up to total savings of AED 2,870 exclusively at YellowHat.

On the other hand, those needing to get their cars ‘sun-blocked’ for protection against the harmful dessert hear can avail of a premium window tint solution for just AED 1,495. With temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius at mid-day, Dubai residents are best protected with the industry-best 3M window tint film to keep heat out of the cabin, while 3M’s NASCAR-standard paint protection film protects brand new paint on any expensive ride.

“YellowHat offers quality products installed at quality facilities by expert technicians.  Our prices are reviewed to match and beat offers across Dubai, and where we may not be competitive in price, we can back by quality and our extended customer satisfaction program plus customer service guarantees, which are unheard of in most retail establishments in the UAE. Even in the heat of the summer months, our expert technicians remain steadfast in delivering nothing but unbridled service excellence. We continue to challenge ourselves as Dubai’s first and only One Stop Shop for Car Accessories and Services, benchmarking ourselves against the expectations and satisfaction demanded of us by our customers,” said O’Donnell.

YellowHat Japan, Dubai’s first auto accessories superstore located in Times Square Center, stocks thousands of car products from hundreds of manufacturers, including car audio, alloy wheels and tyres, navigation systems, car mats, seat covers, air fresheners, cleaning products and suspension technology. As a one-stop-shop for all auto accessory needs, YellowHat, which is a complete car care provider with a large retail section and a full service centre, also offers installation and service facility for all the products they sell. The company was established in Japan in 1961 and now has a turnover of more than USD 1 billion, with more than 500 stores globally.

DUBAI, UAE, June 16, 2010 – Five more 2010 Ford Motor Company vehicles – Ford Flex, Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln MKT and Mercury Milan – have earned Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The rating also applies to the Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid.

Ford has 11 IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings for 2010 model vehicles – the most of any automaker – as well as the leading number of five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Flex, Fusion, MKZ, MKT and Milan previously earned top possible scores for occupant protection in IIHS’s front, side and rear tests, but had to pass IIHS’s new roof strength test to maintain the rating. Vehicles also must offer electronic stability control to be eligible for a Top Safety Pick.

“Leading the industry in both Top Safety Pick ratings and government five-star crash test ratings is very significant because customers increasingly consider IIHS and NHTSA ratings when choosing a new vehicle,” said Sue Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “These latest test results further demonstrate Ford’s commitment to continuous improvement on the safety front.”

Strong by design

Ford’s use of high-strength steels, including low-alloy, dual-phase and boron steel in the A- and B-pillars, roof headers and bows, rocker panels and rocker baffles of its newest vehicles helped the company perform well in IIHS testing. In addition, composite reinforcements were used to augment and stabilize the key pillar sections against collision forces.

Many new Ford vehicles are built with the company’s Trinity Front Crash Body Architecture. The energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness, and designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.

In addition, Ford’s Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE®) Architecture is used to optimize side-impact occupant protection. The SPACE system integrates a high-strength steel structure in the floor that runs the width of the vehicle, and reinforcements along the rocker panels to help protect passengers in side-impact incidents.

“Ford’s use of high- and ultra-high-strength steels in our vehicles complements our development of advanced crash protection and crash avoidance technologies,” Cischke said. “With each new model year, we’re raising the bar on vehicle safety.”