OWNERS of Ford and Lincoln vehicles get a pat in the back for choosing to buy Ford Mustang, Ford Mustang GT, Ford Explorer, Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKT as the five models were recently recognized in the 2013 Kelley Blue Book “5-Year Cost to Own Awards”.
The award from KBB.com intends to highlight total spend on vehicles or cost to own a vehicle in the United States, way beyond the purchase price. It factors in financing, insurance, fuel consumption, maintenance, depreciation and other extra expenses that most owners do not include in their calculations when buying a vehicle.
“It’s great to see more and more industry experts recognizing Ford and Lincoln products, and the KBB.com award is yet another great testament,” said Larry Prein, Ford Middle East’s MD. “Cost of ownership is really two-pronged: First to consider is the depreciation and the second, of course, is what you spend with the use of your car such as fuel, maintenance, and repair costs. At Ford, we already address the factors that influence depreciation within our Ford pillars of Quality, Green, Safe and Smart.”
Maintenance cost, another driver of total ownership cost, is significantly lower with Ford vehicles, according to Chris Noel, Ford Middle East’s regional director for customer service. “Over the past years oil change cycle has been increased from 5,000 km to 8,000 km, which translates to lowering maintenance cost at least half of what was normally spent.
“Additionally, Ford dealers in the region are adding free service and maintenance packages starting with 3-year/60,000 km, and offering plans of up to 5-year/200,000 km, tailored to meet owner needs,” Noel explained.
In Saudi Arabia, Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co. (AJVA), the local Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer, currently offers additional warranty coverage of 5 years/200,000 km (over and above the Ford manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years/60,000 km) together with a 5 year/100,000 km 24-hour free roadside assistance. This, in addition to a 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty and a 3-year/60,000 km free service and maintenance package on select vehicles, giving Ford owners complete peace of mind.
Lincoln products in the Kingdom are offered with AJVA’s 5-year/200,000 km warranty (over and above the Lincoln manufacturer’s warranty of 4 years/80,000 km), along with a 6-year/110,000 km powertrain warranty, as well as 6-year/120,000 km 24-hour free roadside assistance.
KBB.com presents the “5-Year Cost to Own Awards” annually to honor individual winners in 22 different market segments, plus two overall brand winners.
Ford, Lincoln vehicles cited for favorable ownership cost
