×
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ford Kicks Off 2012 with Rush of Awards

Last updated Monday, January 16, 2012 10:52 ET

Automaker and Its Vehicles Recognized by Polk, U.S. News and Autobytel

STONEHAM, USA, 01/16/2012 / SubmitMyPR /

Barely a dent has been made into 2012, but Ford is already starting to fill its 2012 trophy case with accolades compliments of Polk, U.S. News & World Report and Autobytel. Ford took top honors in the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards this month for having the most manufacturer- and brand-loyal customers during the 2011 model year. Polk found that Ford dealerships saw the highest percentage of repeat customers from October 2010 through September 2011.

Presented annually, Polk’s Automotive Loyalty Awards recognize auto manufacturers that show the most success and improvement in retaining customers over repeat buying cycles. To earn its top honors, Ford won in three overall categories: Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer, Overall Loyalty to Make and African American Market Loyalty to Make. Meanwhile, the Ford F-Series won in the Mid/Full-size Pickup vehicle category, and the Ford Escape took the Compact SUV category.

“Customers are loyal to Ford because its vehicles are loyal to them first,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Massachusetts Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. “All Ford vehicles, even the newer models like the Fusion, have earned a reputation for being reliable and dependable. After owning a Ford and experiencing that first-hand, it’s difficult to picture yourself driving anything else.”

Ford’s individual vehicles were further recognized this month by the U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money Awards 2012. Five Ford vehicles took home awards, the most of any automaker. The 2012 Ford Taurus, Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and Edge all topped their respective segments, while the Ford Fiesta won both the Subcompact Car and Hatchback categories.

In its annual Best Cars for the Money Awards, U.S. News aims to provide consumers with a list of vehicles that successfully deliver value and quality in every possible aspect. Automotive researchers at U.S. News consider the average price paid, five-year total cost of ownership and input from car reviewers when making their decisions. Top-ranked vehicles are those with lower upfront and long-term ownership costs that also receive positive praise from reviewers.

This month, editors at automotive advising website Autobytel also recognized two Ford models for being standouts in their respective classes in the site’s 2012 Car and Truck of the Year Awards. Thanks to its fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, the 2012 Ford F-150 won Autobytel’s Pickup Truck of the Year award, while the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 won in the Sports Car of the Year category.

“Ford consistently delivers what consumers want, and that’s evident when you look at the kinds of awards the company rakes in on a regular basis,” added Melkonian. “Ultimately, all of Ford’s awards recognize the brand for providing drivers with high-quality, durable and reliable models.”

About Stoneham Ford:
Located on Route 28, just 15 minutes north of Boston, Stoneham Ford is a premier new and used Ford dealer in Massachusetts. They offer a wide selection of Ford cars, trucks and SUVS, including the latest Ford hybrid models, and their helpful sales and service staff serve their customers with integrity and respect. For more information and to view the current Ford inventory, visit Stoneham Ford online at www.stonehamford.com, or in person at 211 Main St. in Stoneham, Mass. They can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyStonehamFord, and you can reach them by phone at 781-438-0490.