A big part of a new-car sales psychology is a vehicle will be worth a few years down the line when a consumer decides to get a new vehicle. Ford says resale values of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury
vehicles are up 23% over the past year, because of stronger demand for Ford's new vehicle lineup and improved quality and durability ratings. The company says warranty repair rates on are down 40%
globally in the past three years. The Dearborn automaker says the 2010 Ford Taurus is selling 50% higher at auction than the 2009 Taurus after one year in service and that the 2010 Ford Fusion V-6
sells for 26% more at auction than the 2009 model after one year in service. "Wholesale used vehicle prices have generally been firming over the last year and a half; however, the price performance
of Ford products has generally exceeded that of the market as a whole," said Tom Kontos, EVP, customer strategies and analytics, for used-vehicle auction network ADESA Analytical Services, in a
statement. Ford says it has reduced warranty repair costs by $1 billion in the past three years.