- Ford is expanding its Lincoln lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years – including its first-ever C-segment vehicle
- Lincoln’s plan accelerates with more investment and attention on standout product design, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency
- Lincoln product development, marketing, sales and service resources expanding as the brand competes with Cadillac and Lexus in the marketplace
- Ford will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing Lincoln
- Existing Mercury owners to receive continued access to parts and service support at Ford
and Lincoln dealers; current Mercury vehicle warranties and Extended Service Plans will be honored; special offers available on new Mercury vehicles through the summer
- Affected dealers to receive specialized support during the transition, as the company continues its transformation to a more profitable dealer network
DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company will expand and enhance its Lincoln brand lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years as part of an aggressive growth plan focused on standout product design, class-leading technology and new powertrains – all aimed at competing with Cadillac and Lexus in North America.
Ford also will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing the Lincoln brand.
Soundbites from Mark Fields,
president, The Americas
“We have made tremendous progress on profitably growing the Ford brand during the past few years. Now, it is time to do the same for Lincoln,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “The new Lincoln vehicles will transform luxury for North American premium customers through an unexpected blend of responsive driving enjoyment and warm, inviting comfort. We will also offer our customers a world-class retail experience through a vibrant retail network.”
Lincoln’s hallmarks will be refined, modern design, the most fuel-efficient premium powertrains and industry-leading technology that create a unique driver experience both in the cabin and on the road.
“Profitably growing Lincoln in North America is an important part of our One Ford plan,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “Our Ford brand is gaining momentum and winning customers around the world. Now, we are going to use the same laser focus to further strengthen Lincoln and deliver even more products luxury customers really want and value.”
Foundation Set
The future of Lincoln is building from a strong base that includes the all-new flagship MKS large sedan, the all-new MKT seven-passenger crossover and a significantly refreshed MKZ mid-size sedan – all now in showrooms. The hybrid version of the MKZ will reach showrooms later this year and is expected to be the most fuel efficient premium sedan on the market.
Lincoln’s product actions continue later this year with the debut of the significantly refreshed 2011 MKX crossover, the first vehicle to feature MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology.
This will be followed by another six all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles within four years developed with Lincoln’s DNA of standout design, precise and confident driving experience, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency.
Lincoln will be led by expanded product development and marketing, sales and service teams to support the brand’s growth plan and ensure it has a strong cadence of distinct products that are well positioned in the market. Plans for Lincoln include:
- Lincoln’s first-ever C-segment vehicle
- New Lincoln-exclusive powertrains, including an all-new V-6 engine and advanced fuel-efficient transmissions
- EcoBoost engines available in all Lincolns – from the Navigator full-size SUV to the new C-segment Lincoln
- Fuel economy leadership with each new vehicle – leading to Lincoln emerging as the most fuel-efficient luxury lineup on the market
- More useful technology and features than any other competitor – with a special focus on comfort and convenience. New advanced features include: fully retractable glass roofs; adaptive computer-controlled suspensions; electronic, push-button gear-selectors; active noise control; and exclusive MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology
“Lincoln vehicles will reward drivers with smooth, effortless power complemented by agile handling and responsive steering,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global Product Development. “The cabin is a sanctuary with segment-leading quietness, genuine materials and intuitive, useful technology.”
Lincoln has started gaining traction with customers, as evidenced by market share gains during the past five years. Lincoln’s share of the retail U.S. luxury vehicle market has grown from 4.5 percent in 2005 to 6.3 percent through the first quarter of 2010.
In addition, Lincoln’s reputation with consumers has risen, with favorable opinion and purchase consideration reaching its highest level in the past five years. Lincoln’s long-term durability was second only to Porsche’s in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Survey.
Mercury
Mercury originally was created as a premium offering to Ford and was an important source of incremental sales. However, the continued strength of the Ford brand – particularly during the past three years – has accelerated the migration from Mercury to Ford for many customers.
Today, Mercury’s customer profile, pricing and margins are almost identical to Ford, but Mercury’s incremental sales have been declining.
The majority of current Mercury sales are to fleet buyers and customers purchasing through employee, retiree and friends and family discounts, which Ford anticipates largely can be satisfied by Ford brand vehicles.
Of Ford Motor Company’s 16 percent market share in the U.S., Mercury accounts for 0.8 percentage points, a level that has been flat or declining for the past several years. That contrasts with the Ford brand, which has increased market share by 2.2 percentage points so far this year on the strength of new products and improved quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.
Ford’s strengthening financial position – including the return to profitability and positive cash flow – allows the company to absorb short-term costs associated with the discontinuation of Mercury and to consolidate future product investments into Lincoln.
Today, there are no stand-alone Mercury dealerships in North America. Ford is working closely with dealers to maintain properly located stand-alone Lincoln or Ford-Lincoln dealers, which will offer dealers and the company the greatest opportunity for long-term profitable growth.
New operational standards developed with the company’s dealers will facilitate a Lincoln customer experience that exceeds the expectations of North American luxury customers.
Personal Attention
Ford will work closely with Mercury dealers and customers during the transition, including providing existing Mercury owners with continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers and by honoring current warranties, including Ford’s Extended Service Plans.
“We are 100 percent committed to supporting Mercury owners through Ford and Lincoln dealerships and working hard to keep them as valued customers in the future,” Fields said. “At the same time, we will work closely with our dealers to phase out Mercury franchises and continue to build a healthy, growing Lincoln with strong new products and a profitable dealer network that delivers a world-class customer experience.”
Mercury owners will receive additional details in the coming days explaining the transition and assuring them that Ford and its dealers will continue to provide all necessary parts and service support for Mercury products.
Ford has notified Mercury dealers of the decision and provided details of a financial package that includes payment in exchange for resigning the franchise.
Ford today also informed dealers of special offers on new Mercury vehicles that will be available through the summer to support the sell down of current Mercury inventory and remaining Mercury vehicle production.
“We are taking decisive action and moving into the future with the right plan to deliver profitable growth for all stakeholders,” Fields said. “These moves position us to continue building momentum through strong brands, great products and an unwavering focus on the customer.”
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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 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
April 29, 2010 – Attorney General Steve Six announced today that his office filed lawsuits against a pair of extended auto warranty companies, alleging an array of deceptive advertising, marketing, and sales practices used to mislead consumers into purchasing motor vehicle service contracts. The filings allege US Fidelis, formerly National Auto Warranty Service, of St. Louis, MO, and Credexx Corporation of Irvine, CA made false and misleading statements in connection with the sale of extended auto warranty plans in violation of several Kansas statutes, including state and federal no-call laws.
Kansas joins several other states in suing US Fidelis and Credexx. According to the lawsuits, the companies represented to consumers they were selling extended warranties to cover “just about anything mechanical that can go wrong,” when in fact they offered and sold service contracts covering only certain repairs. The suits also allege the companies falsely represented themselves as offering products on behalf of the manufacturer of the consumer’s vehicle and falsely indicated the consumer’s existing warranty was about to expire.
“Every time a company tricks consumers into purchasing a phony product, it sheds a negative light on the business community,” said AG Six. “The Attorney General’s office is committed to protecting consumers and giving Kansans confidence in knowing they are dealing only with reputable firms. If you’re breaking the law in the name of making the sale, we will come after you.”
The Attorney General’s Office is also alleging US Fidelis and Credexx violated the Kansas No Call act with aggressive telemarketing techniques and robo-calling. In addition, the US Fidelis suit alleges US Fidelis instructed consumers to “push 8 to be removed from our lists” but would instead simply disconnect the call.
“Violations of our No Call act demonstrate how important it is to strengthen this law,” said AG Six. “That is why my office introduced the Robo-Call Privacy Act this year to establish a comprehensive restriction on robo-calls in Kansas, including both commercial and political calls. Unfortunately, the Legislature has failed to act on this much needed bill.”
The Attorney General’s Office is asking for restitution for all Kansas consumers, investigative fees and over $75,000.00 in civil penalties for violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. The cases were filed in Shawnee County District Court. As many as nine states filed lawsuits today, and more states are expected to file in the near future.
Attorney General Steve Six has committed himself to making the Consumer Protection Division in the Kansas Attorney General’s Office one of the best in the nation. This Division investigates scams, mediates and prosecutes violations of the Consumer Protection Act, the Restraint of Trade Act, Kansas Charitable Organization and Solicitations Act, the Funeral and Cemetery Merchandise Agreements Act and the Kansas Cemetery Corporation Act.
Last year, the Consumer Protection Division saved or recovered $8 million on behalf of Kansas consumers.
• New ownership benefit debuts in conjunction with launch of the all-new 2011 Jaguar XJ luxury sedan
• Jaguar builds on its customer service leadership
• Jaguar Platinum Coverage offers longer protection and lower ownership costs
MAHWAH, N.J., April 22, 2010 – Coinciding with the launch of its new flagship model, the 2011 Jaguar XJ, and thus the completion of its modern lineup renewal, Jaguar North America today announced they will provide their customers class-leading “Jaguar Platinum Coverage” customer care, standard for all 2011 Jaguar models sold in the United States and Canada. Jaguar Platinum Coverage will give Jaguar owners increased vehicle warranty coverage and the best maintenance plan in the business.
The new Jaguar Platinum Coverage features a five year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance for the duration of the warranty period, including no-cost replacement of select wear and tear components, and 24/7 roadside assistance. This no-cost coverage includes oil changes, filters, brake pads, brake discs, brake fluids and wiper blade inserts. The four programs combined offer customers class-leading coverage.
2011 marks the complete revitalization of Jaguar’s lineup, now featuring three modern, beautiful fast cars: XF Sports Sedan, XK Coupe and Convertible, and the XJ Luxury Sedan. In recent years, Jaguar has led numerous industry studies for providing leading ownership experiences with their vehicles and from dealerships.
“Jaguars have always been known as beautiful, fast cars, and now, with our modern lineup supported by Jaguar Platinum Coverage, they will be known as beautiful, fast cars with exceptional customer care and dealership service,” said Jaguar North America Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Richard Beattie. “We are delighted to now provide our customers the class-leading warranty and maintenance package in the luxury segment; we hope to turn our customers’ affair with Jaguar into a long term relationship. We are firm on our mission to continue to provide an extraordinary level of customer satisfaction.”
The 2011 Jaguar lineup:
2011 Jaguar XF, starting at $53,000
2011 Jaguar XK Coupe and Convertible, starting at $83,000
2011 Jaguar XJ, starting at $72,500
For further media information on Jaguar North America, please visit http://us.mediajaguar.com or www.interactivejaguar.com.
Jaguar Platinum Coverage includes all factory recommended scheduled maintenance for five years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Wear and tear items are limited to brake pads, brake discs, brake fluid changes and wiper blade inserts based on factory specified wear limits. All work must be performed by an authorized Jaguar dealer. For complete details on Jaguar Platinum Coverage, including warranty and maintenance coverage and exclusions, please visit your local Jaguar dealer or jaguarUSA.com.
- Certified Pre-owned Vehicle (CPOV) program re-launches with customer friendly attributes and ‘certified peace of mind’ for consumers
- Customers enjoy complimentary three months of SIRIUS Satellite Radio when purchasing a SIRIUS-equipped certified pre-owned vehicle
- New dedicated CPOV Web site and continued partnerships with Autotrader.com, Cars.com and Edmunds.com assist consumers in finding a certified pre-owned vehicle that fits their lifestyle and budget
- More Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck dealers now sell Certified Pre-owned Vehicles
- Increased inventory of vehicles offers better selection for consumers
March 15, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich.
As clocks move forward, Chrysler Group LLC’s Certified Pre-owned Vehicle (CPOV) program springs ahead with improvements that bring customers “certified” peace of mind. The program helps customers enjoy more of their daylight hours with a new Web site, more features they want, more Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck dealers selling certified pre-owned vehicles and more inventory from which to choose.
Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck certified pre-owned vehicles offer many benefits, including peace of mind to consumers in the market for a pre-owned vehicle. Chrysler Group CPOV program vehicles have less than 65,000 miles and are less than six model years old. Among the many benefits for consumers purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle are:
- A 125-point vehicle inspection with upgraded reconditioning using MOPAR® parts exclusively. MOPAR parts are engineered to the same standard as the original equipment part
- A Carfax vehicle history report
- A three-month/3,000 mile Maximum Care Warranty that covers virtually all operational components
- A six-year/80,000 mile transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty with 24-hour/365-day “sign and go” roadside assistance
- A three month complimentary SIRIUS satellite radio subscription on equipped vehicles
- A $35 rental vehicle allowance if the vehicle needs to be in for overnight service
- A full range of service contracts, including lifetime warranty upgrades (Chrysler Group LLC is the only manufacturer to offer this option)
“Now is the perfect time to benefit from a certified pre-owned vehicle purchase,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Chrysler Group LLC’s Certified Pre-owned Vehicles take the uncertainty out of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle,” added Diaz. “Our program offers consumers ‘certified’ peace of mind with benefits like a Carfax vehicle history report, 125-point inspection, and some of the best warranty options in the business.”
Certified Pre-owned vehicle sales are growing, and participating Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck dealers have increased their inventories, resulting in customers having a better selection of vehicles for customers. Customers purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle reap many of the benefits that new vehicle purchasers receive, such as the ability to service and maintain vehicles at the same point of purchase and the peace of mind that comes with a 125-point inspection and some of the best warranty options in the industry.
“We are excited about, and believe customers will appreciate, the improvements to the program,” said Diaz. “The new Web site, www.certifiedpreowned.chrysler.com, offers a number of features that help customers easily find a vehicle that fits their lifestyle.”
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, Mopar® and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
| Florida Insurance Commissioner Orders Three Entities to Cease and Desist Sale of Unlicensed Products |
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| Tuesday, February 16, 2010 |
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Contact:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty yesterday announced the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has issued cease and desist orders to three entities, including their subsidiaries, for the unauthorized sale of warranty products and service agreements. These companies include an order to National Home Protection, an order to Nationwide Home Warranty, and an order to National Automotive Services.
Office investigators determined National Home Protection and Nationwide Home Warranty conducted home and service warranty transactions in Florida without a license. Investigators also found National Automotive Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Warranty Financial Inc., Warranty Financial O.R.G. Inc., Warranty U.S.A., and Warranty Services) sold motor vehicle service agreements without a license.
“I commend our investigators for their work in halting the unlicensed sale of warranty products and service agreements in the State of Florida,” remarked Commissioner McCarty. “The Office is committed to protecting Florida consumers from purchasing products that are sold by unlicensed entities that do not comply with Florida law.”
The entities are required to submit letters of certification, within 30 days, stating their company no longer provides services in Florida. The orders also require that the companies honor and fully service all valid claims and fulfill their contractual obligations.
Consumers may determine if an insurer or warranty company is licensed in Florida by visiting the Company Search tool on www.floir.com. About the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets.
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HERNDON, Va., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) today announced it would initiate a new customer service program to address concerns raised by its customers with certain Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSG(®)) in Volkswagen and Audi models, and to affirm its confidence in the sophisticated technology represented by those components.
“Safety, customer satisfaction, quality and long-term reliability are top priorities at Volkswagen and Audi. We have been studying the symptoms customers have reported, and are working closely with the NHTSA,” said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, VWGoA. “We listened to our customers’ concerns, and are taking action to address them. We are focused on taking all the appropriate actions to ensure the complete satisfaction of our existing customers.”
This new comprehensive service program affects a limited number of model years 2007-2009 Volkswagens and Audis. Covered models are the Volkswagen R32, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, Eos, as well as Audi A3 and TT.
Some customers have reported transmission performance issues under certain driving conditions. This was due to a faulty component inside the Mechatronic unit within a limited production range. VWGoA will repair or replace the components in the transmissions of approximately 43,000 Volkswagens and 10,300 Audis at no charge to the vehicles’ owners. Additionally, VWGoA will reimburse customers who have had this repaired at their own expense.
The company has begun increasing the parts supply to expedite this customer service program. As the parts become available, owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted to schedule an appointment at their dealer. The company will make loaner vehicles available at no charge.
In the meantime, owners who may have experienced problems with their transmissions are requested to contact their dealers or the Audi/Volkswagen toll-free customer service numbers (see below).
This new customer service program is unrelated to a voluntary safety recall that VWGoA announced August 20. Under that recall, VWGoA is replacing a faulty temperature sensor in a separate and smaller group of vehicles. (The earlier action addresses a potential for a faulty temperature sensor to cause the transmission to shift into neutral while the vehicle is being driven.)
The company will extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranty to cover the DSG(® )transmissions affected by the customer service program and the voluntary safety recall. This extended warranty is for 10-years/100,000-miles, transferrable to subsequent owners.
VWGoA is confident these actions will address issues noted by owners of the affected Volkswagen and Audi models. The DSG(®) gearbox is an industry leading technology that combines the fuel economy of a manual gearshift with the automatic shifting capacity of an automatic transmission.
Customers who have questions or concerns should call the Volkswagen Loyalty Center at 1-800-444-8982 or the Audi Customer Relations Campaign Help Line at 1-800-253-AUDI (2834).
SOURCE Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
SOURCE: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
If you’ve ever wondered if your vehicle had an open recall on it and were unsure, now you’ve got a way to do it, as long as your automaker makes it easy for you.
Here’s the web site pages for some automakers that make checking up on recalls fairly simple.
A few automakers make it easy to check the current recall status of vehicles. We’ll keep a list going here. If you find any others, post the information and we’ll add it to the list.
Chrysler
http://www.chrysler.com/en/owners/
Daewoo
http://www.daewoous.com/Recalls.aspx (Must be a registered user)
Dodge
http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/
Ford
http://www.ford.com/owner-services/maintenance-service/recall-information
Jeep
http://www.jeep.com/en/owners/
Lincoln
http://www.ford.com/owner-services/maintenance-service/recall-information
Mazda
http://www.ford.com/owner-services/maintenance-service/recall-information
Mercury
http://www.ford.com/owner-services/maintenance-service/recall-information
Volvo
http://www.ford.com/owner-services/maintenance-service/recall-information
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the November 2008 list of safety related recalls. We have the list for you. Click here.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the October 2008 list of safety related recalls. We have the list for you. Click here.
Dealerships seem to be shutting their doors in record numbers this year. The economy, gas prices and the credit situation are putting a tight squeeze on dealerships and those that were on the edge are being forced to close. Automotive News reports that 226 GM dealerships have closed this year through the end of August and quotes a GM executive as saying the total by the end of the year could be 350 to 400.
News stories about individual dealerships closing have been splashed on TV and in local newspapers. GM’s largest Chevrolet dealership, Bill Heard Enterprises, that owns 13 dealerships across the country abruptly closed all their locations on Tuesday, September 23rd.
Consumers are worried that their warranties won’t be honored. As far as factory warranty coverage goes, there’s no need to worry. All the manufacturers will honor their factory warranty at any of their franchised dealerships. The factory warranty is not just for one dealership. With all the closings though, you may have a more difficult time getting into the next closest dealership for warranty work because everyone will be rushing in to get warranty work performed.
You may have to do some legwork if you have a used car warranty or bought a service contract through a dealership that is now closed. If the used car warranty or service contract is backed by a separate company, contact them to put your mind at ease and find out how the closure could impact you. If the warranty is one offered by the dealership with their name on it, I strongly suggest you look over your contract. Find the name of the insurance or service contract company that’s backing it and call them as well to find out what is going on. It’s better to do it now than wait until you need a problem repaired.
At the rate closures are going, we could see a very different situation with dealerships in the next year or two. There will be fewer dealerships around. The drop may be far more significant than in past years. You could be driving much further to get your warranty repairs done.
Gregg Tompkins has been working
in the automotive industry for
21 years focusing on warranty
administration. He is bringing
his knowledge and insight of
warranty to the public through
this blog.
