ld for facilities producing vehicles for the North American market.) All efforts made by the company are aimed at exceeding customer expectations. Through these efforts, it is in Ford's best interest to reach potential customers and to keep them. Quality and satisfaction are two of the major roles Ford takes to ensure competitiveness.FOR NOW. FOREVERFord's successes include having the best selling vehicle in the U.S. - the F-series pickup- for the 16th year in a row, and four of the best selling vehicles in 1997. Aston Martin recorded a 7% increase and Jaguar also recorded its highest sports car sales in the company's 75-year history. By maintaining these qualities and trends, Ford Motor Company continues to improve, transform and grow keeping ahead of today's vehicle market. Ford continues to research public trends and to expand and improve accordingly. An excellent example of how Ford performed a customer needs analysis and manufactured an automobile following all of today's trends, is the Ford Focus. (See appendix with regards to the comparison of the Ford Focus and the Honda Civic.) Ford's research led them to expect that men will be nearly a half-inch taller and women a quarter-inch taller in 2000 than they were in 1990. Following these guidelines, they provided extra roominess and comfort in the Focus that future customers require. "Buying a small car doesn't have to mean making compromises in comfort, roominess, appearance, driving character, safety or value. Focus combines these elements so there are no compromises." (Jim O'Connor, Ford Vice President and Ford Division President.) The Ford Motor Company will continue to be one of the leading car and truck manufactures in the world by enforcing these trends. FOR NOW. FOREVER. ...
