Bangkok--11 Sep--Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide “MAKE EVERY DAY EXCITING” CAMPAIGN INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING FORD ACHIEVE TOP RANKINGS IN 2007 J.D. POWER ASIA PACIFIC STUDIES Ford Records Highest-ever Scores in 2007 Thailand CSI and SSI Studies The phenomenal success of Ford Thailand’s customer-centric “Make Every Day Exciting” (MEDE) brand campaign has demonstrated to be instrumental in achieving the number one overall customer experience in the Thailand automotive industry for both service and sales. This was recently underscored by Ford achieving the highest-ever scores in both J.D. Power Asia Pacific’s 2007 Thailand Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) and Thailand Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) studies. Ford Thailand set a new benchmark in J.D. Power Asia Pacific’s 2007 CSI study with the highest-ever score of 856, well above the overall industry average of 843 and surpassing its own 2006 score by seven points. Ford Thailand was equally impressive in J.D. Power Asia Pacic’s SSI study with a record-breaking 872 points, far ahead of the industry average score of 857 points Tom Brewer, Ford Thailand’s President, said, “Achieving the top scores from an internationally recognized and respected organization like J.D. Power and Associates really validates our ongoing commitment and passion towards delivering world-class customer service in Thailand. It also confirms that our customer-centric “Make Every Day Exciting” campaign is being very well-received and appreciated by our Thai customers. “The customer activities in our MEDE campaign directly address our customers’ needs, and the continuous efforts our nationwide network of dealers is a critical part of improving our new-vehicle sales, delivery process and after-sales services that address our customers’ needs,” added Brewer. Ford has implemented a series of customer-focused programs in Thailand to ensure world-class service standards and consistency across its nationwide network of Ford dealers. These include the dealership development 'Blue Oval Certified Program', the service upgrade 'Quality Care' program, and Brand@Retail, which is Ford’s standardized business solution to strengthen the business capabilities of its dealers. Somsak Paniengthong, Chairman of the Ford Dealer Council, commented, “Ford's nationwide network of dealers is united in its vision, values and commitment to deliver the customer experience in Thailand. Thanks to Ford’s support in all areas, we're able to provide our customers with more of the products and services that they really want and need.” J.D. Power Asia Pacific’s 2007 SSI study showed that Ford performed particularly well in five out of six areas being surveyed, including 'delivery process', 'salesperson', 'dealer facility', 'delivery timing' and 'deal'. Brewer added, “The SSI study showed that more than 60 percent of customers considered several models, and visited an average of three dealers, before making a decision. We're confident that the Ford showroom and product-test experience is the best in the industry, and when potential customers visit our dealers, they’re impressed with what they see." “The Ford Solutions and Ford Active customer relationship programs have also successfully increased our customer retention and satisfaction. Many fun and colorful marketing activities, such as the recent “Ford Challenge”, provide great opportunities for customers to get closer to the Ford brand.” J.D. Power Asia Pacific's 2007 Thailand CSI Study was conducted between February and May, and based on evaluations from 3,246 new-vehicle owners, who purchased their vehicles between August 2005 and May 2006. Ford performed particularly well in the areas of 'service advisor', 'in-service experience' and 'service delivery'. Ford also received particularly high ratings in the pickup segment, which further closed the overall gap in customer satisfaction with the passenger vehicle segment.About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.About J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2007 CSI and SSI J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2007 Thailand Customer Satisfaction Index StudySM (CSI) based on responses from 3,246 consumers who purchased their vehicles between August 2005 and May 2006. Meanwhile, the Sales Satisfaction Index StudySM (SSI) based on responses from 3,106 consumers who purchased their vehicles between August 2006 and March 2007. www.jdpower.co.jp Contact: Duangkamon Isarapandh Tel. 0 2686 4000 Mob. 08 1922 7474 Email: [email protected]