Awards for Figo and EcoSport in Kinsey Report

Two Ford nameplates have been honoured with category wins in the annual Kinsey Report, which details parts and maintenance costs for new vehicles sold in South Africa. The 2014 report is the 25th edition of the publication, and marks the eighth award in the last ten years, for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA).

This year’s winners include the Figo1.4-litre Ambiente derivative– which also won its category in 2013 – as well as the EcoSport 1.0-litre EcoBoost Trend derivative, which has proven popular with buyers, and led sales in its segment for the last six months.

The Kinsey Report evaluates parts baskets for new models, with winners being vehicles that have the lowest replacement costs for their baskets. These include regular consumables and service items such as spark plugs; air, oil, and pollen filters; wiper blades; as well as brake pads and shoes. Pricing of long-term maintenance items is also considered, including brake discs or drums; cam belts or timing chains; shock absorbers; and clutch assemblies.

Regarded as an essential resource for Fleet owners, the report also covers replacement costs for exterior body items that could be damaged in light accidents. Here the parts bin consists of items such as the bonnet, bumpers, doors, glass, wheels, headlights, and tail lights.

For the Figo, its parts bin totaled R43 199.80, which comprises 31.79% of its retail purchase price. The EcoSport won its category with a parts bin of R58 414.02, representing 25.41% of the chosen model’s retail price.

“We want consumers to not only have high-quality vehicles that last longer, but that those vehicles are also affordable to maintain,” said Mark Kaufman, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service, FMCSA. “This is especially important for the Figo and EcoSport, which are volume-selling entry-level models in their class that offer buyers excellent value in their categories.”