Ford's efforts gain fans at auto show [View All]

[Project Grudge]

Source: The Courier-Journal

DETROIT -- Amid the bleakest auto sales crisis in a half century, Ford Motor Co.'s steady progress in quality, reliability, fuel efficiency and style is showing results, analysts said yesterday at the North American International Auto Show.

Ford's announcement that it will enter the market with battery-powered vehicles in coming years also was welcomed.

"The stuff they have coming for 2009 is exactly what they need," IHS Global Insight analyst Aaron Bragman said of new cars that include a hybrid Fusion sedan, with fuel efficiency touted to exceed Toyota's Camry hybrid; a redesigned Taurus; and the Transit Connect van. "Finally, they can say the quality is better than Toyota."

The new F-150 snagged the title of North American Truck of the Year. The boxy and well-appointed Flex sport utility vehicle fell only nine votes short,

Read more: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090112/BUSINESS/301120002&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

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Ford has been the strongest of the big three and it looks to continue.