Ford shifting into high gear in Automobile Protection Association annual report

Maybe you’re getting that new car itch …  after all, it is springtime and the Conference Board of Canada has said we’re feeling better about the economy.

And if you need more incentive, Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, feeling the heat of inflation, is again warning of higher interest rates sooner rather than later.

So it’s very timely that the Automobile Protection Association is out with its annual snapshot of the Canadian automobile industry.

It seems Ford has come a long way from teetering near the edge of bankruptcy just over a year ago.

A new report on the state of the Canadian auto industry finds Ford is tops among the major automakers.

The APA said GM has some appealing products but also has some quality issues with several models.

Chrysler, it said, is in a holding pattern with most new vehicles a year or two away.

But the group has nothing but good things to said about Ford – the APA said that automaker has some fantastic cars due to hit the market soon.

680News automotive specialist Tim Dimopoulos is looking forward to the Ford Fiesta.

“It’s a beautiful car, it’s cute it is very fuel-efficient,” Dimopoulos said.

And the APA said for luxury automakers, Canada is a lock.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have been breaking sales records in Canada.

“The price points have come down, a Mercedes e-class is cheaper now than it was a few years ago,” Dimopoulos said.

And the APA also said, despite all the recalls, it still recommends buying a Toyota.