A big part of a new-car sales psychology is what a vehicle will be worth a few years down the line. 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 Dearborn, Mich. 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.
Ford says it has reduced warranty
repair costs by $1 billion in the past three years and that repair rates are down 40% globally in the past three years.--Karl Greenberg