HMC Honda Motor Co Ltd

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has avowed the top vehicle safety rating on Ford Motor Co.’s (F) 2013 Ford Focus Electric. In the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing by NHTSA, Focus obtained a five-star Overall Vehicle Score. NCAP assesses vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

Focus is equipped with AdvanceTrac, which comes with electronic stability control, as well as dual-stage front airbag, front seat side airbags, side-curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock braking system, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) and anti-theft engine immobilizer. The airbags are specifically designed to provide added protection to the passengers in case of any crashes.

The Electric Focus comes with a top vehicle safety rating from NHTSA and a faster-charging technology. The technology helps charging the vehicle fully within three to four hours.

In a separate development, the company also increased the number of certified plug-in electrified vehicles dealership to 900 from 67 last year. The increased dealership was in response to the higher demand for electrified vehicles. Ford’s market share in the electric vehicle market is the second largest following Toyota Motor Corp. (TM).

Recently, NHTSA awarded 2013 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid with the top vehicle safety rating. The 2013 Fusion was rated as the Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Honda Motor Co.’s (HMC) redesigned Accord sedan also received high marks from IIHS.

Ford is one of the largest automobile producers in the world. Currently, the company retains a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

The automaker posted a robust 55.0% rise in earnings per share to 31 cents in the fourth quarter of 2012 from 20 cents in the same quarter of 2011 (all excluding special items). With this, the company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 26 cents.

Net profit surged 55.7% to $1.2 billion from $797 million a year ago, driven by the impressive North American results and, to some extent, solid improvements in Asia Pacific Africa operations.

Total revenue grew 5.5% to $36.5 billion on a 7.5% rise in wholesale volumes to 1.5 million units. It was higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $33.2 billion.

Tesla Motors, Inc. (TSLA) is performing well in the same industry where Ford operates. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

 
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