When it Comes to Value, Ford Flex Customers Are Feeling the Love

    WATERTOWN, MA, March 30, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Owners of one of Ford's least-marketed models are among the most pleased with the value they're getting from their vehicle, according to Strategic Vision's recently released Total Value Index (TVI). The new research found that Ford Flex owners rate the vehicle as providing the most value in the Mid-Size Crossover Utility category. That finding may help explain how Ford can largely sell the vehicle on word of mouth alone, as the automaker's group marketing manager recently revealed to WardsAuto.

To calculate a vehicle's Total Value score for the TVI, Strategic Vision first surveyed 68,088 buyers about their vehicle-ownership experience. Topics touched upon included reliability, dealership experience, warranty details and expected operating costs. Strategic Vision then translated survey answers into a formula to calculate the vehicle's value out of 1,000 points. Currently available at Ford dealerships, the Flex topped its class with 763 points, which was enough to overtake the second-place Ford Edge by 22 points.

"The Flex's unique styling brings a different type of buyer to the brand, but they're extremely passionate about the crossover and end up selling their like-minded friends on it," said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealer. "A lot of Flex drivers appreciate that they can go shopping and then pick up the kids without having to make a pit stop at home to drop anything off. The kicker is that they can also do all that in style."

Refreshed by Ford for the 2013 model year and going on sale this spring, the latest Ford Flex received a new chrome grille for a more contemporary feel, as well as an available two-tone roof that helps it stand out in the crowded crossover market. A standard 3.5-liter V6 engine sits under the hood, though buyers can upgrade to a more-powerful EcoBoost V6 that delivers 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Inside, the 2013 Flex has room for up to seven people, or, for those who would rather tote around camping gear than kids, up to 83.2 cubic-feet of cargo room behind the first row of seats.

For buyers eyeing a pickup truck rather than a crossover, Strategic Vision's study revealed that Ford truck owners value their vehicles highly as well. The Ford F-150 scored 787 points in the TVI to take the Full-Size Pickup segment crown, while the Ford F-250 and F-350 topped the Heavy-Duty Pickup class with 733 points.

The Ford F-Series lineup saw another big sales month in February, moving 47,273 units in the United States. That figure represents a 25.9-percent sales increase compared to February 2011, bringing F-Series sales up by 16.9 percent year-to-date.

"Ford's F-Series trucks have a tremendous reputation for durability and capability, which is why we are seeing so many of them roll out of here as quickly as they come in," added King. "Whether you're a suburban mom bringing mulch and potting soil to your garden or you're a construction worker transporting heavy-duty tools, there is an F-Series truck to help you out."

About Watertown Ford:
Watertown Ford is where Greater Boston Ford lovers head for the best deals on new and used Fords. No other Massachusetts Ford dealer has the same dedication to the customer, and that dedication has earned Watertown Ford the loyalty of Ford owners all over the state. Their new and used Ford inventory can be viewed online at www.watertownford.com, and interested customers can visit their showroom at 625 Pleasant St. in Watertown, Massachusetts. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyWatertownFord and reached by phone at 800-584-6486.

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