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Sidewalks at Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn were stenciled in blue chalk to celebrate the company’s achievement in new vehicle quality.
Ford employees helped welcome the company back to the top spot in initial quality, a place Ford has not been in 16 years, Thursday at World Headquarters in Dearborn. Ford was ranked No. 1 for new vehicle quality among mainstream brands in the J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study, up from No. 15 just three years ago.
Employees cheered as the news was delivered via a pre-recorded message voiced by the Detroit Pistons in-arena announcer John Mason, which played over the public address system in the cafeteria at lunchtime.
Mason, known for his famous “Deeeeee-troit Basketball!” catchphrase, remixed the slogan in honor of Ford’s accomplishment, shouting “Deeeeee-troit Quality!” The announcement was also played at other buildings around the Dearborn campus.
Banners recognizing Ford’s long-sought feat were unveiled in the cafeteria at WHQ to employees’ applause. Afterward, several employees from various areas of the business spoke to @FordOnline about what the ranking means to them and to the future of Ford Motor Company.
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Employees heard a special pre-recorded message, voiced by the Detroit Pistons in-arena announcer John Mason. Listen to the full recording above.
