WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - Substantial improvements by many domestic models - including the Ford Focus, Ram 1500 LD, and Buick Enclave - drive the overall improvement of domestic automakers in 2010, according to the 24^th annual J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) released June 17.

Findings include:

• Domestic auto brands, as a whole, have demonstrated higher initial quality than import brands for the first time. Overall, the industry average for initial quality is 109 problems per 100 (PP100) vehicles in 2010, increasing slightly from 108 PP100 vehicles in 2009. However, initial quality for domestic brands as a whole has improved by 4 PP100 in 2010 to an average of 108 PP100 - slightly better than the initial quality of import brands, which averages 109 PP100 in 2010, according to J.D. Power.

• Ford models have steadily improved initial quality for the past nine years. In addition, as a corporation, Ford Motor Company (including Volvo) has 12 models that rank within the top three in their respective segments in 2010-more than any other corporation.

• General Motors Company has 10 models that rank within the top three in their segments.

The Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. Initial quality has been shown over the years to help predict long-term vehicle durability, capturing problems experienced in two distinct categories-design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.

Fielded between February and May 2010, the 2010 IQS is based on responses from more than 82,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2010 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership.

Details of the 2010 Initial Quality Study are available at www.jdpower.com.