Introduction:
Ford Motor Company is America's one of the largest car manufacturer and seller. In year 1987 it faces an external business environment change in the form of new warranty policy announcement by its major competitors General Motor, which changes the current philosophy of warranty in U.S car market. This policy change may have implications not only on Ford’s sales and market share but also on various departments within organization (such as manufacturing, quality assurance, parts and service, and extended service plans) and their dealer network. In answer, Ford executives have to respond through a best suitable course of action by carefully analyzing the current market variables.
Changes in the business environment created …show more content…

72% of buyers financed their cars, the vast majority 80% bought on four to five year loan period. The percentage of loyal customers was 46% and it is around highest in 10 years, percentage of the customers who switched from other manufacturers had increased and ratio gain/loss had increased.
The market research has helped Ford to anticipate customers buying criteria like Core Benefits and Augmented product that included quality, reliability and warranty for different type of cars. This data also helped to know owner’s Buying Behavior and loyalty influencers like quality, drivability, engine and transmission etc. It helped in understanding that the introducing of successful new car models had become a key to the success in industry. Ford changes it product policy from focus on standardization and narrow product line to proliferate and upgrade its models with quality as corporate philosophy and released multiple modifications in different models in one year. 1986 cars quality measured by TGW and was 50% better than of its 1980 models. Nationwide independent surveys were conducted to collect quality ratings data during years 1981-1986.

Warranty and Service Plans:
Warranty: Till 1960, basic warranty of 3 months/4000 miles was offered as a limited liability which increased to 1 year/12000 miles in 1960 and increased to 2 year/24000 miles. Due to market’s competitive forces, the auto industry’s downturn started in 1969-1970 which leads to efforts of