While Chrysler and GM took bailout money from the federal government to stay afloat, Ford seems to be humming along, becoming the new "Comeback Kid" for the auto industry.(As a side note, GM just made its first loan payment to the government ahead of schedule.) Here's how they plan on driving to the number one spot.
*The projected resale value of 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles after 36 months in-service increased by an average of $1,310 per vehicle compared to the 2009 model year – the industry's largest increase among full-line manufacturers.
*The improvement allowed Ford to narrow the residual value gap with leading Asian automakers and maintain its advantage over U.S.-based automakers.
*The 2010 Ford Fusion is expected to bring customers $687 more than the 2010 Toyota Camry after 36 months in service; the residual value of the 2010 Ford Flex commands an $1,800 premium over the Toyota Highlander.
*Improved quality, new features and popular redesigned products are helping to boost Ford's residual values. Ford improved more than any other automaker in ALG's (American Leasing Guide) Perceived Quality Survey released in the fall of 2009.
*Compete Inc., a Massachusetts research firm that studies online car shopping, says Ford has surpassed Toyota in customer consideration for the first time since it began tracking such data in 2002. The compete data show Ford surpassed Toyota in customer consideration in September, October and November.
* According to Automotive News late next year, the next generation of Ford Motor Co.'s Sync infotainment system will let drivers turn their vehicles into Wi-Fi hot spots. GM, Chrysler and VW currently provides this feature in some of their models. In Ford's vehicles, occupants will be able to access the Internet by inserting a mobile broadband modem, also known as an air card, into a USB port in the vehicle. Once connected, they can use their existing service plans -- and their own portable devices, such as laptop computers or smart phones -- to go onto the Internet.
*After underestimating the popularity of the new Taurus, the automaker plans on building a higher mix of upscale packages: SHO and SEL.
Based on the aforementioned information, Ford is definitely on a path to make a statement, taking Toyota down and becoming the "Comeback Kid" for the domestic auto industry.
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