A cocktail of advertising, performance, customer service and social prominence leads to the elusive concept of brand loyalty. Judging from an R.L. Polk study of 5.2 million new vehicle-buying households, Ford has nailed the formula more effectively than its competitors recently, because the company has surpassed GM for the top spot it previously held.

A USA Today story on the study says Ford helped itself in the eyes of the public by dodging bankruptcy proceedings that befell GM and Chrysler. Ford’s 60.3 percent owner loyalty edged GM’s 59.9, followed by Toyota’s 58.8.

If you’re loyal to a particular brand of auto manufacturer, what did the company do to win you over?

Ford leaps in owner loyalty, takes top spot from GM [USA Today]

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