Ford reports Vista Roof sales are through the... ceiling

Ford Vista Roof Sales Through the Roof, Seen as Popular, Healthy, Cool Feature

Vista Roof sales are at a 48 percent 2012 year-to-date take-rate for Explorer, 56 percent for Edge and 32 percent for Flex.

The UV-filtering capability of the panoramic glass roof is comparable to sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of approximately 50, which exceeds the dermatologist-recommended sunscreen strength of at least SPF-15.

Scientific studies show increased exposure to sunshine or bright light – like that provided through a panoramic roof – is therapeutic because it regulates the body's mood-regulating hormone and triggers Vitamin D

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. DD, 2011 – Light has become the new luxury.

As drivers desire more sunlight and a better view, demand for Ford's Vista Roofs have continued to increase across the company's line-up. Vista Roofs popularity with customers hasn't slowed down, with year-to-date sales reaching 56 percent on Edge, 48 percent on Explorer and 32 percent for Flex.

The uptake in Vista Roof sales is following a popular trend that we have seen in architecture, said Sheryl Connelly, Manager Global Trends and Futuring. As opening up structures to let light in is popular, giving a car larger viewing spaces has become one of the most requested vehicle options over the last five years.

"We are seeing more buildings utilizing glass structures because letting natural light in is a popular architectural trend," Connelly said. "This trend has crossed over to the automotive industry, and Ford's Vista Roofs open the car to more sunlight which keeps drivers energized and gives the luxurious feel customers desire."

In 2007 Ford was introduced panoramic Vista Roof's to the CUV-SUV market by making it an option on the Edge. Since then Ford has added it to the Mustang, Flex and in 2011 to the Explorer, with sales continuing to grow. In its first year with a Vista Roof, the 2011 Explorer has already sold almost 25,000 vehicles equipped with the roof, and the Edge has increased sales 4 percent from 2010 and 16 percent since 2007.

"The Vista Roof is great because it's like getting a convertible with added benefits," said Amy Marentic, Ford Group Marketing Manager. "It is a unique feature that offers consumers open-air-like driving without the need for sunscreen."

Ford's panoramic glass roofs filter the sun's heat-generating infrared (IR) rays and burn-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays. The UV-filtering capability is comparable to some sunscreen lotions.

"It is important to be cautious when exposing yourself to the sun because IR and UV rays are dangerous for your skin," said Dr. Douglas J. Arends, a Psychiatrist from Royal Oak, Mich. "But exposing yourself to the light is good because it releases Vitamin D which actively improves your mood."

Scientific research has shown that increased exposure to sunshine is therapeutic because it regulates the body's synthesis of the mood-regulating hormone melatonin, and it triggers the body's conversion to active vitamin D.