DetroitThe Detroit News has reported that, as of last week, Ford has increased the powertrain warranty on its Certified Pre-Owned vehicles from six years or 75,000 miles to six years or 100,000 miles and added a three-month/3,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 24-hour roadside assistance program. Certified Lincolns will be covered by a six-year/100,000 comprehensive limited warranty.

"Ford is making tremendous quality advances, and that is a tremendous opportunity for us," said Glenn Burke, manager of Ford's Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle program. "We spent a lot of time last year tearing the program apart. We've refocused on the customer for the first time since we launched the program in late 2000."

"It's a great help to our used-car business at a time when the new business is a little off," said Bob Wheat, general manager of Village Ford in Dearborn. "You are getting some people moving from new to used. Having Ford stand behind the cars is a big assurance for them."

Dealers were notified of the changes last week via e-mail, according to The Detroit News.