Ford South America

Ford’s principal markets in South America include Brazil and Argentina; we were the fourth-largest automaker in both markets in 2013. Brazil’s economy and demographics – with growing per-capita income, low vehicle ownership rates and a young population – have helped its automotive market to more than double since 2002. These favorable factors are expected to continue to contribute to growth in vehicle sales in Brazil.

2013 Performance Highlights

In the past year:

• We introduced global products, such as the Ford Focus, with additional global products to come.
• We continued our largest-ever five-year investment in the region, committing $2.07 billion by 2015 to accelerate the delivery of more fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles.
• Ford Argentina celebrated its 100^th anniversary. Over our 100 years of continued presence in the country, Ford has established a lasting bond with the Argentinians by offering high-quality, innovative products. We have contributed to the community’s development with steady investment, quality job generation and long-term, sustainable development through our education programs.
• The new Ford Fiesta received an “A” rating for fuel efficiency in the new Brazilian fuel-efficiency labeling system.
• We were the first automaker to participate in Campus Party Brazil, the biggest technology festival in Brazil.

Awards

• The new Focus was the most recognized product of the year, collecting awards from automotive press associations in Brazil, Argentina and Latin America, as well as Brazilian television journalists. The awards included “Best Mercosur Car of 2014” by Motorpress magazine.
• The Ford Fusion Hybrid was named “Car of the Year” in Brazil by readers of EXAME magazine, one of the main technology-oriented publications in Brazil.
• The new Ford Ranger was recognized in Brazil by Jornal do Carro (Best Medium Pickup), Carro magazine (Best Cars – Pickup), Best Cars website (Best Medium/Large Pickup) and as best purchase by Quatro Rodas and Autoesporte (one of the most recognized auto magazines).
• Steven Armstrong, Ford South America president, was selected “Executive of the Year” by Autoesporte magazine.
• Ford of Venezuela built the highest-quality vehicles among all Ford facilities around the world, according to the 2013 second-quarter customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Global Quality Research System (GQRS). This research compares quality data between Ford facilities globally, and reflects that vehicles produced in the Valencia plant have a satisfaction level of 91 percent. That means that for every 10 cars produced, nine customers are very satisfied with the product they bought. This fact puts the quality of Venezuelan vehicles at the top of the ranking when compared to the rest of Ford facilities.
• For the ninth-consecutive year, Selecciones magazine (a Readers’ Digest publication) honored Ford with its “Trusted Brand” award. The award is based on a poll in which consumers chose their favorite brands.