Motor Trend First Look: 2013 Ford Escape

Motor Trend took a First Look at the 2013 Ford Escape last month:

"Tangible showroom features will include interior quality up to the modern standard, and a simplified MyFordTouch reverting to actual knobs for radio volume and tuning. It also will have Ford's hands-free liftgate, which allows you to open it simply by sliding your foot under the rear bumper when your hands are full, as long as the key fob is in your pocket. Improvements to MyFordTouch also include more tactile climate and navigation controls, a reaction to thorough market research Ford conducted to fix the updated version of Sync that sold so many cars and trucks in the last few years, and is now blamed for helping sink Ford's quality scores. Ford shouldn't worry so much. The hands-free liftgate is a cool enough feature to distract most buyers from any finicky MyFordTouch controls. It could be Ford's biggest wagon-back feature breakthrough since the magic liftgate on 1966 models, and will assure that the Escape remains one of the most popular models in its class for years to come."

Read entire article here.

Ford to Power Heaviest and Longest Float

From Ford.com:

• Natural Balance Pet Foods and Ford team up for the "World's Heaviest and Longest Float" in this years big Jan 2 parade in Pasadena.
• The float, weighing more than 50 tons and powered by a Ford F-Series Super Duty gasoline engine, will be certified by Guinness World Records® as the "World's Heaviest and Longest Float"
• This float follows other beloved floats from Natural Balance like the snowboarding, skateboarding and skimboarding dog floats

Read entire article here.

Ford Introduces Ford Focus Electric

From Ford.com:

•Ford introduces gasoline-free 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger electric vehicle with a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)
•Nearly one-third of Ford’s vehicle lines will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012
•Focus Electric is the first all-electric vehicle to offer faster charging technology, allowing it to charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf using 240-volt outlets
•C-MAX Hybrid is projected to achieve better fuel economy than Toyota Prius v and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid projected to achieve better miles per gallon equivalent in electric mode than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.With the C-MAX lineup, Ford becomes the largest hybrid transmission producer in North America

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's electric vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Offers Safe Winter Driving Tips

Ford has offered 10 tips for safe winter driving:

10. DO allow a few minutes to brush and scrape your vehicle. Clearing windows is crucial for visibility and removing snow or ice from the top of your car will spare cars behind you from encountering an unexpected snow assault, impairing visibility or even cracking a windshield.

DON’T forget to clean snow and ice off your headlights and taillights as well.

9. DO use winterized windshield wiper fluid to make sure your wiper sprayer doesn’t freeze over or crack, preventing you from washing away dirt and salt.

DON’T try to melt ice from your windshield by pouring hot water on it. Using hot water can crack the windshield.

8. DO wash your car regularly to remove salt and dirt from the roadways.

DON’T let road grime prematurely age the body of your vehicle by neglecting to bathe it.

7. DO maintain at least half a tank of gas to prevent unnecessarily stranding yourself in adverse conditions. To help get the most out of your tank, Ford offers fuel-saving technologies such as its EcoBoost® engines, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and hybrid electric vehicles.

DON’T forget to check that all fluids are at proper levels and ensure all tires, including the spare, have the required pressure and tread.

6. DO prepare your car for an emergency. Essential items to keep in the trunk are a blanket to stay warm, proper attire (boots, jacket, hat and gloves) in case you have to be outside for an extended period of time, a shovel, flashlight with fresh batteries and snacks. Keep your cell phone charged to call help if necessary.

DON’T forget the kitty litter or sand, which can be used to provide added traction if your car becomes stuck in the snow.  

5. DO remain aware of what’s around you on the road, including checking your blind spots and keeping an eye out for pedestrians or lost reindeer from Santa’s sleigh.

DON’T follow too closely. The general rule is the vehicle ahead should pass a road marker two seconds before you. In slippery conditions, it is recommended to double the amount of space between you and the vehicle in front.

4. DO apply even pressure when braking in slick conditions if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes. Keep in mind anti-lock brakes do not shorten stopping distance, but they do help you maintain control.

DON’T become overconfident in snowy and slippery road conditions. Always test road conditions with cautious driving when the surface area is wet or icy, particularly on bridges and overpasses. 

3. DO turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide when driving on snowy or icy roads until you gain control.
DON’T apply power or change directions suddenly on snow or ice.

2. DO stay calm if you find yourself stuck in the snow or broken down on the side of the road in adverse conditions.
DON’T leave your car unless available shelter is close by. If you need to run the engine to stay warm, make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow so the interior stays clear of harmful carbon monoxide.

1. DO make sure you are awake and alert behind the wheel. If necessary, take a break and grab a coffee.
DON’T lose track of how many eggnogs you consumed at the holiday party. The most important holiday safe driving tip of all is to refrain from drinking and driving under all circumstances. If you think you will drink, arrange for alternate transportation ahead of time.

Read entire article here.

2012 Ford F-150 Named Motor Trend 2012 Truck of the Year

Motor Trend has named the 2012 Ford F-150 their '2012 Truck of the Year':

•2012 Ford F-150 has been awarded the prestigious Motor Trend Truck of the Year® award, the fourth time F-150 has won the accolade. F-150 has won the award more times than any other truck
•F-150 outshone all other contenders in various tests that evaluated the truck’s design, engineering, performance, efficiency, safety and value
•With class-leading fuel efficiency, capability and durability coupled with affordable technology, the 2012 Ford F-150 meets the demands of today’s full-size light-duty pickup customers

Read the entire article here.

Learn more about the 2012 Ford F-150 at Lakewood Fordland.

2012 Ford Focus Makes Best Redesigned Vehicle List

kbb.com has named the 2012 Ford Focus to its '10 Best Redesigned Vehicles' list. 

"The Ford Focus has been more than just redesigned for 2012; it's been reworked, restyled and completely changed from the model it replaces."

Read the article here.

Learn more about the Ford Focus at Lakewood Fordland.

2012 Ford Focus Featured on DriveLiveTV

Watch a video about the 2012 Ford Focus on DriveLiveTV.  Then schedule your own test drive at Lakewood Fordland. 

High Gear Media Named Ford Focus a 'Best Car to Buy 2012'

High Gear Media has named the Ford Focus as one of its recommended 'Best Cars to Buy 2012':

High Gear Media, the fastest growing automotive publisher on the Web, today named three cars as its “Best Cars to Buy 2012”–the Ford Focus, the Porsche 911 and the Toyota Prius. The awards were named by expert editors from High Gear Media’s premium destination sites The Car Connection, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports.


The Ford Focus was named The Car Connection’s Best Car to Buy 2012 after being chosen by the site’s editors from amongst a field of 40 nominees using the site’s unique “meta reviews” that combine reviews by staff journalists with opinions gathered from around the Web – all presented together with a simple rating. “The 2012 Ford Focus has great looks, gas mileage and handling, plus some of the most advanced technology features in its class,” according to Marty Padgett, editorial director of High Gear Media. The Focus earned the highest rating from editors this year, topping other brand-new vehicles such as the Hyundai Veloster, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and Chevy Sonic.

Read entire press release here.

Learn more about the 2012 Ford Focus at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford F-150 With Fuel-Saving Technology Popular With Customers

From Ford.com:

•F-150’s fuel-saving EcoBoost engine and electric power assist steering earn high ratings from customers in Ford quality survey.

•F-150 also was the highest-ranked full-size pickup this year in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study (IQS), and Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

•Ford’s EcoBoost technology is helping lead a consumer shift to smaller engines. Ford sold over 13,000 F-150 pickups equipped with EcoBoost engines in both September and October.

The F-150’s EcoBoost engine and another fuel-saving technology – electric power assist steering – earned high ratings from customers in Ford’s 2011 U.S. Global Quality Research System, or GQRS, helping to power the F-150 to some of the industry’s strongest independent quality rankings in 2011.

The V-6 EcoBoost-equipped F-150 is achieving customer quality ratings on par with F-150s equipped with the popular 5.0-liter V-8 engine, according to data from GQRS, a quarterly survey conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. The data was gathered from surveys of more than 1,600 F-150 owners who purchased their trucks between September 2010 and May 2011.

“Ford F-150 customers are very discerning so we are pleased they rate our new EcoBoost technology as highly as V-8 engines that some thought truck customers would never give up,” said Doug Scott, group marketing manager, F-Series trucks. “We believe this is a good sign as we plan to roll out this innovative, powerful and fuel-saving technology to most of our lineup during the next few years.”

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford F-150 at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Focus Electric to Use Recycled Materials in Fabric

From Ford.com:

Sitting on empty plastic bottles while driving or riding in a car would be less than ideal. That’s not the case when it comes to the all-new Ford Focus Electric, as it features seat fabric made of recycled material that includes the equivalent of more than 20 plastic bottles per car.

The fiber – called REPREVE® – is made from a hybrid blend of recycled materials and manufactured by Unifi, Inc. (NYSE: UFI), a global leader in sustainable textile solutions.

Unifi officials say 22 plastic, 16-ounce water bottles are used in the seat fabric of a single Focus Electric. The figure is based on the amount of REPREVE branded fiber used in the production of fabric in each vehicle.
Ford is the first automaker to use REPREVE branded fiber in its seat fabric.

“What better vehicle than the Focus Electric to put seat fabric made of recycled materials?” said Carol Kordich, lead designer of Sustainable Materials for Ford. “Not only does the use of this fabric in Focus Electric help reduce waste, it also helps to offset the need to produce new raw material from crude oil – a process that consumes precious energy and natural resources.”

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric is green in other ways, too. Focus Electric runs on battery power alone, requiring no gasoline and producing zero carbon dioxide emissions.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford Focus Electric at Lakewood Fordland!

Ford Offers Holiday Gift Ideas

From Ford.com:

Don’t fret this holiday season, the Ford Marketplace will help simplify shopping with hundreds of gifts for any Blue Oval enthusiast. For the 2011 holidays, Ford is offering all-new gifts with special pricing including presents for the young kid who wants to “drive” a Mustang like his or her dad, teenagers looking to accessorize cell phones with Ford-themed vinyl skins, or cabinetry and flooring for the ultimate Dream Garage.

“We couldn’t be more excited to reveal the new gifts the Ford Store has to offer for your Blue Oval enthusiast this holiday season, including an all-new Fisher Price Boss 302 Power Wheels, and cabinetry and flooring to create the ultimate Dream Garage,” said Betsy McKelvey, marketing manager for Global Brand Licensing.

Items are available at store.ford.com/holiday and at hundreds of retailers including Toys ‘R’ Us, Target, WalMart and Hobby Lobby.

New items for holidays 2011 include:

•Fisher Price Boss 302 Power Wheels:The little one can roll around like the old man – this brand-new Power Wheel is a mini-Mustang for young tykes

•Build-A-Bear Mustang:Bossy the Mustang Pony is a soft, plush pony that gallops a bit more slowly for the next generation of Mustang enthusiasts

•Skin It: Skinit Ford skins are an easy way to show your love for everything Built Ford Tough! Protect and customize your phone, laptop, gaming device and more with high-quality vinyl skins

•Dream Garage: Take your garage to the next level with Ford’s own flooring and cabinets

•Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Set:Quench your thirst and celebrate the spirit and tradition of Ford with these special glasses

•Vintage wooden signs: Bring Ford memorabilia into your man cave and even customize your own sign

Read entire article here.

All New Ford Escape: The 'Smarter Utility Vehicle'

From Ford.com:

•Ford’s newest sport utility vehicle (SUV) arrives next year, bringing clever technologies and features designed to make life easier, and fuel economy projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market


•Versatile vehicle features new hands-free technology – including liftgate with motion-sensing technology similar to video games’ and upgraded MyFord Touch® system that makes connecting with digital devices on the go even easier

•New Escape’s projected fuel economy is up to 5 mpg better than outgoing Escape; 1.6- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engines save customers fuel and money

•Customers globally will start seeing this sleek small SUV next year, too. Named the Ford Kuga in Europe and China, this vehicle makes its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will offer unique powertrains and features for customers in those markets

Read more about the 2013 Ford Escape here.
 
Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information.

New Design for Ford Mustang

From Ford.com:

•New exterior design with more prominent grille, new hood and new LED signature lighting give the latest Mustang a high-tech look


•Drivers of automatic-equipped Mustangs will be able to shift their own gears with new SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, now a standard feature

•Industry-first technology allows drivers to monitor their own acceleration, g force and braking on the track with new 4.2-inch LCD screen showing Track Apps

Read all about the new design and driving technologies featured on the Ford Mustang here.
 
Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information on the Ford Mustang.

Ford to Use Game to Reveal All-New Escape

From Ford.com:

Fans of the popular mobile and online social game, “Words With Friends,” will be able to participate in a bigger version of the game on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Actress Jenny McCarthy will compete against the entire country in the world’s largest Words With Friends game, and in the process reveal the all-new 2013 Ford Escape.

Ford and Zynga, the world’s largest social game developer, are collaborating to reveal the all-new Escape in a novel integration of social platforms and mobile gaming. The use of mobile devices has grown, with nearly 33 percent of Americans owning smartphones and one out of three mobile phone users playing mobile games on their devices.

“By revealing the new Escape through a popular social game like Words With Friends, Ford is able to expand its reach beyond traditional social channels to mobile platforms that engage a broader audience,” said Matt VanDyke, director, U.S. Marketing Communications for Ford. “This will be the first of a series of social gaming initiatives that are integrated into the launch of the Escape next year.”

This partnership with Zynga marks the first time an automotive company has revealed a vehicle through a social game.
 
The event will be live-streamed at www.Facebook.com/fordescape and www.livestream.com/ford so fans at home can play along.

New Ford Flex Will Debut This Month

From Ford.com:

•The latest three-row, seven-passenger Ford Flex offers comfort and advanced technology in a distinctive package, including sleek new front end and modern interior

•New Flex features the latest MyFord Touch® system, new safety and driver-aid features such as adaptive cruise control, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) as well as push- button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist

•Under the hood, Flex is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 that delivers 20 more horsepower and projected 1 mpg better fuel economy, or the popular and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine


Read more about the features on the Ford Flex here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for information on the Ford Flex.

MyFord Touch Upgrades for 2013

From Ford.com:

Ford customers said MyFord Touch® could be faster and feature simpler graphics that are easier to use and that’s exactly what Ford plans to deliver with a broad set of performance upgrades to the system – launching first on the new 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus.

Available early next year – and offered at no charge to existing MyFord Touch owners – the software upgrade enhances the ownership experience as it was developed by listening and responding to customer feedback.

“SYNC® has clearly been a game-changing technology and now we’re changing the game again, showing how quickly we can deliver more of what customers really want,” said Graydon Reitz, director, Ford Global Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “Our strategy to create the SYNC software platform and add the customizable screens of MyFord Touch gives us a level of flexibility and speed to respond to customer input like never before seen in the auto industry.”

The new touch-screen interface features simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. Customers will also experience significantly faster touch-screen response times, one of the top requests from owners.

New features include support for tablet devices and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and enhanced voice recognition interaction.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about vehicles with SYNC and MyFord Touch at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Introduces Hands-Free Power Liftgate

From Ford.com:

Ford this month is introducing its all-new Escape SUV featuring a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key.

The new Escape, which makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 16, will be the first SUV to use gesture-based technology – similar to that found in video games – to open the rear liftgate. A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates the system and raises the liftgate. The same kicking motion closes the liftgate as well.

“The hands-free power liftgate is yet another innovative Ford technology that makes customers’ lives easier,” said Jason Sprawka, Escape brand manager. “New Escape owners will be able to load their vehicle without ever having to set packages or gear down.”

The hands-free liftgate builds on Ford’s Intelligent Access push-button start. It allows customers to unlock and start their vehicles without having to take the key out of their pocket or purse.

The hands-free liftgate uses two sensors in the rear bumper to detect a person’s shin and kicking motion. The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions – not when an animal runs under the car or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

The liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford Escape at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford's New MyKey Technology

From Ford.com:

• Ford will become the first automaker to allow parents to block their teens from receiving phone calls and deter text messages while driving with a new MyKey® Do Not Disturb technology that launches on the Ford Explorer in early 2012
• The most complete research shows manually operating electronic devices while driving substantially increases the risk of accidents. Ford SYNC® reduces that risk by allowing drivers to operate their devices through voice commands while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road
• The riskiest drivers on the road, teens are a special group that would benefit from restrictions such as those offered through graduated drivers licensure programs and MyKey’s practical limits that provide a technological complement to such laws
• The Do Not Disturb feature, which can be controlled by parents, adds to MyKey’s other innovations such as a “No belts, no tunes” feature that mutes the audio system until front occupants buckle up

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the technological features of Ford's vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

2012 Ford F-150 Named "Truck of Texas"

The 2012 Ford F-150 was named "Truck of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Assoc. at their annual Truck Rodeo:

•The 2012 Ford F-150 is named Truck of Texas, the most prestigious award presented by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at its annual Truck Rodeo in the country’s largest truck market. In addition, Ford products and technologies win top honors in seven other categories

•The 2012 Ford Edge is named CUV of Texas

•Ford EcoBoost® technology – available for both F-150 and Edge – is named best vehicle feature. EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger displacement engines

•Ford also is named Truck Line of Texas for the 12th consecutive year, in recognition of the best-in-class capability and durability of its truck lineup

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford F-150 at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Finds Use for Recycled Plastic Bottles in Next Ford Escape

From Ford.com:

•The next Ford Escape uses 25 recycled 20-ounce plastic bottles in the carpeting of each vehicle
•That means more than 4 million bottles could be diverted from landfills and instead find a home in the next Ford Escape, based on current sales

•The new Ford Escape will be revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November

Ford is using 25 20-ounce plastic bottles to make the carpeting in every all-new Ford Escape utility vehicle it builds. It’s the first time Ford has used this type of carpeting in an SUV.
“It’s a good use of recycled product and keeps it out of landfills,” said Laura Sinclair, a materials engineer for Ford and mother of two young boys.

Read entire article here.

Find out more about the Ford Escape at Lakewood Fordland.

Safer Texting Alternatives With Ford SYNC

From Ford.com:

• Latest Ford SYNC® software updates will give owners of select SYNC Generation 1-equipped 2011 and 2012 vehicles access to the emerging Bluetooth® standard – Message Access Profile (MAP) – so SYNC can stream and read text messages aloud from compatible smartphones
• Ford elected to voluntarily adopt MAP in an aggressive effort to improve the number of phones that will work with the hands-free text message readback feature of SYNC
• Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) sees growing MAP adoption among leading cell phone manufacturers

Ford has released its latest free SYNC® software update, G1 V3.2.2, to give more SYNC users the ability to have text messages read aloud to them while driving.

Tailored for owners of select SYNC-equipped 2011 and early-release 2012 vehicles, the update includes the emerging Message Access Profile (MAP) Bluetooth® standard, which is custom-made for the automotive hands-free environment and outlines a set of features and procedures used to exchange email, SMS and MMS between devices – in this case SYNC and the smartphone.

Last year, Ford announced it was voluntarily integrating MAP into SYNC for all 2011 MyFord Touch®-equipped vehicles and is now extending the capability to the broader SYNC user community – with thousands of 2011 and 2012 vehicles equipped with the first generation SYNC system.



Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's SYNC at Lakewood Fordland.

Auto Manufacturers Collaborate on Electric Vehicle Charging Solution

From Ford.com:

Recognizing the importance of a single international approach for DC fast charging, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed on the combined charging system as an international standardized approach to charge electric vehicles (EV) in Europe and the United States.

The system is a combined charging approach integrating all charging scenarios into one vehicle inlet/charging connector and uses identical ways for the vehicle to communicate with the charging station. This allows electric vehicles from Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen can share the same fast charging stations.

The seven auto manufacturers believe the development of a common charging approach is good for customers, the industry and charging infrastructure providers. Standardization will reduce build complexity for manufacturers, accelerate the installation of common systems internationally and most importantly, improve the ownership experience for EV drivers.

The endorsement of the combined charging system was based on reviews and analysis of existing charging strategies, the ergonomics of the connector and the preferences of customers in both the United States and Europe. The harmonized approach – across both continents and all manufacturers - will provide a framework for future infrastructure planning as well as a communication protocol to assist in the integration of electric vehicles into the smart grids.

The seven auto manufacturers also agreed to use HomePlug Green Phy as the communication protocol. This approach will also facilitate integration of the electric vehicle into future smart grid applications.

Read entire article here.

Ford Debuts New Vehicle Colors

From Ford.com:

• Color on vehicles is extremely important to customers; research shows up to 40 percent of car buyers say they would walk out of a dealership if they could not buy a vehicle in the color they want
• Ginger Ale, a classic gold neutral with slight green undertones found in rocks and minerals, debuts on the all-new Ford Escape at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show
• Kodiak Brown, a deep brown with warm highlights, is a color widely used in the fashion industry, paired with caramels, blues and greens

“The new colors coming on vehicles this year are fresh, rich and grounding,” said Susan Swek, group chief designer, Color & Material Design. “We don’t just choose a color and it winds up on a car. We study and understand how important color is to all kinds of our customers.”

New color choices arriving on the freshest vehicles from Ford include:

• Ginger Ale, which will be seen on the all-new Ford Escape when it debuts at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, was named for its energy and refreshing qualities. A classic gold neutral with slight green undertones, it’s found naturally in rocks, minerals and sandy beaches as well as jewelry, gems and textiles
• Kodiak Brown, named after Alaska’s Kodiak bear for its richness and strong presence, is a deep brown with slight warm highlights. The fashion industry pairs it as a neutral with black, caramels, blues and greens
• Frosted Glass, a signature color of the Ford Focus Electric, is an icy light green that elicits a sense of calm, relaxation and tranquility, remindful of a spa or warm tropical waters. Seen in the fashion world, from light shades of green to dark teal

Ford's Inflatable Seat Belts Earn Award

From Ford.com:

•Ford’s industry-first rear inflatable seat belts combine the attributes of traditional seat belts and airbags to provide additional crash protection, giving parents particular peace of mind since children are common rear-seat passengers


•Lead developer Srini Sundararajan will accept the prestigious Breakthrough Product Award from Popular Mechanics tonight in New York, on behalf of Ford Motor Company

•Rear inflatable seat belts were introduced on the 2011 Ford Explorer and will be introduced on other global vehicles in the future


Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland for more information on rear inflatable seatbelts and other innovative safety features in Ford's vehicle line-up.

2012 Ford F-150 Offers Variety of New Options

From Ford.com:

•2012 Ford F-150 delivers even more of what customers are looking for with a new FX appearance package, and several new technologies and driveline upgrades. They include the addition of Hill Start Assist, a new automatic 4x4 system for Lariat trim level and above, and greatly expanded availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter engines


•Debuting stealthy, flat-black accents, the FX appearance package offers a unique 20-inch flat-black wheel, a stylized bodyside graphic and black badges with red lettering. Customized interior touches include black leather seating surfaces with red trim, brushed-metal accents and a red-stitched steering wheel

•All of the upgrades complement the fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain offerings that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy, with each engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission


Read entire article here.

Learn more about the 2012 Ford F-150 at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Partners in Box Tops for Education Program

From Ford.com:

• By purchasing a Ford vehicle, ordering a brochure or watching a product video, consumers will be able to raise money for schools of their choice from Ford, thanks to its new tie-up with General Mills’ Box Tops for Education® program
• Ford is the first automotive company to partner with General Mills’ Box Tops for Education® program
• Ford estimates it will provide more than $1 million dollars to schools during the two-month program through box top redemptions
• America’s schools have earned more than $400 million through Box Tops for Education® since the General Mills program started in 1996; Ford has donated more than $100 million to education in the same timeframe

Ford, the first automotive company to partner with General Mills on its Box Tops for Education® (BTFE) initiative, today kicks-off a two-month program, which aims to generate $1 million in support for schools throughout the U.S.

“Since this company started, Ford has always looked for ways to support our country’s young people and their education,” said Jim Farley, group vice president, Ford Global Marketing. “We are delighted to be the first automotive company to partner with General Mills on Box Tops for Education because it provides us a unique way to reach and help students across the whole country.”

Ford has taken General Mills’ consumer fundraising effort and evolved it so Ford vehicle owners and shoppers can now easily participate and generate funds to support their local schools. Starting Oct. 3, participants can earn and collect Box Tops for their local school in three new ways. They can request a brochure from the official Ford/BTFE program website at FordDrivesBoxTops.com; watch product videos on the program website; or purchase a Ford vehicle at dealerships during October and November.

“The partnership with Ford is a major step for Box Tops for Education as we continue to offer new ways to activate the program beyond the packaged goods category,” said Mark Addicks, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for General Mills. “Ford’s involvement in the program will allow us to drive needed revenue for schools across the country in a very interactive way with one of America’s most storied brands.”

During the two-month “Ford Drives Box Tops” Sweepstakes, Ford will provide sweepstakes winners with eBoxTops, which will be automatically credited to the school of their choice. Five 10,000 Box Top prizes worth $1,000 and one 200,000 Box Tops prize worth $20,000 will be given to the BTFE-eligible school of the winner’s choice at the end of the Sweepstakes. Schools can use the money in any way they choose.

Read entire article here.

SYNC Adds Live Operator Assist

From Ford.com:

•After successful beta test, Ford adds live operator assist as standard feature of SYNC Services, providing another free enhancement to the SYNC® owner experience

•Customers driving SYNC Services-equipped Ford cars and trucks now can talk to live operators when seeking directions or searching for business addresses

•SYNC Services provides access to information about traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions

In a step to further enhance the SYNC® experience, Ford is adding Operator Assist, a new free service that allows users to connect with a live person, as a standard feature of SYNC Services.

Previously in beta test trial phase, the service is now available as part of SYNC Services and joins the growing list of cloud-based driver assistance features offered by Ford Motor Company.

“This isn’t just about offering customers a back-up option to the services we have already. This is about giving customers a variety of choices when it comes to how they would like to receive information,” said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about vehicles equipped with the SYNC system at Lakewood Fordland.

New Website Highlights SYNC Technology

From Ford.com:

• Ford Motor Company has launched a new, easier-to-use website that is focused on all things SYNC®, the voice-activated, in-vehicle connectivity system
• Owner experience videos on the new website feature customers talking about the role SYNC plays in staying in touch, driver assistance, entertainment and safety
• SYNC is installed in more than 3 million Ford cars and trucks

The new Ford SYNC website, www.ford.com/sync, is designed to help visitors understand how and why SYNC® matters by enhancing the instructional approach of the original site with a more experiential feel.

Ford web designers said they built the easy-to-use and understand website for anyone interested in SYNC – from those shopping for a SYNC-equipped Ford car or truck who want to know more about the technology to those who have it already.

Since the introduction of SYNC in the 2008 Ford Focus, Ford has installed the system on more than 3 million vehicles. Ford’s entire North American retail lineup offers this must-have technology, demonstrating its rapid, consumer-driven adoption.

“What we’ve tried to do is deliver a simpler and more intuitive way for consumers to understand the benefits of SYNC,” said Cole Buccafurri, Ford Digital Marketing Communications. “It’s delivering contextually relevant information to them at the right time. If they’re an owner and want educational material, it’s right there. If they’re a shopper and just want to know about SYNC, it’s all right there, too.”

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the SYNC technology at Lakewood Fordland.

Design Your Ultimate Ford Mustang With New Customizer Website

From Ford.com:

• New Ford Mustang Customizer website allows enthusiasts to create their very own Mustang, selecting colors, accessories and decals to complement the classic design
• The website lets enthusiasts customize a Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 or Shelby GT500 with three different backgrounds, five different angles and hundreds of accessories from which to choose
• Additionally, users can connect to the site via Facebook with a tool that lets them share and store all of the Mustangs they have created. They can even use “battle mode” to ask people to vote for their Mustang

Visit the website at www.ford.com/cars/mustang.

Read the entire article here.

Ford Offers Anti-Theft Tips

Auto theft numbers have decreased, likely due to the increased availability of anti-theft devices.  Ford Motor Company supervisor of security products, Mark Zielinski, offers some tips and information on reducing auto theft in sound clips found here. 

Ford Notes Customer Interest in Warning Technologies

From Ford.com:

•Customer interest in radar-based technology systems designed to help drivers avoid crashes, including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and collision warning with brake support, has soared since 2009 at rates double or triple initial expectations

•Ford has sold nearly 320,000 radar warning systems, including 30,000 systems on the new 2011 Ford Explorer, after pioneering the technology in mainstream vehicles

•2011 Ford Explorer and Edge were the company’s first mainstream vehicles to have their forward collision systems recognized as a “Recommended Technology” from NHTSA; 2011 Lincoln MKX also earned this rating

Ford customers, more than ever, are buying vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems. Ford’s radar-based technologies that help alert drivers of potentially dangerous situations are being purchased at rates sometimes approaching double or triple what was anticipated.

“Today’s customers are extremely informed about technology and advanced features available in vehicles,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “They have an incredible amount of access to information, and we’re responding to their interest by offering vehicles with the technologies they want.”

Overall, approximately 320,000 radar systems – such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and collision warning with brake support – have been purchased by Ford customers across the 2010 and 2011 vehicle lineup. For example, nearly 30,000 BLIS packages were sold on 2011 Ford Explorers. The customer take rate was almost three times higher than anticipated.

BLIS employs sensors on the outboard rear quarter panels that help monitor the traditional blind spot area. The system can notify the driver with a warning indicator light on the corresponding side mirror if the sensors detect a vehicle in the blind spot.

Increased interest in smart features by customers goes hand in hand with increased focus by Ford Motor Company on delivering technologies that can help drivers avoid a crash, and is shifting the discussion from one of crash worthiness to one of helping drivers avoid crashes.

The adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support integrated system, for example, allows the driver to set vehicle speed and maintain it without using the accelerator. Radar sensors detect moving vehicles ahead and warn the driver of collision risks. On the 2011 Ford Edge, almost 10,000 systems have been sold, about twice what was projected.

Research indicates such forward collision warning technologies could help in warning a driver who is distracted or drowsy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of accidents involve driver inattention. The agency’s research found one extra second of warning could prevent up to 90 percent of rear-end collisions.

Read entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland for more information.

Lincoln MKZ Named Most Dependable Entry Premium Car by J.D. Power and Associates

From Lincoln.com:

The LINCOLN MKZ is the "Most Dependable Entry Premium Car" for the second year in a row according to J.D. Power and Associates.*

"The Lincoln transformation toward becoming a world-class luxury brand is underway," said Ken Czubay, Ford Motor Company Vice President, U.S. Sales, Marketing & Service. " It's personally gratifying to our Lincoln-dedicated team that third-parties are seeing the results of the Lincoln team's long-term quality focus."

This year's study was based on responses from almost 44,000 owners of 2008 model year vehicles. The three-year, new-car dependability survey covers 202 different problem areas that may occur within eight major vehicle categories, such as engine and transmission, seats and exterior. The rankings are determined by the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles.

And seven new or significantly refreshed models are planned in the next three years. The Lincoln team continues to push even harder to deliver class-leading technology, standout vehicle design and new powertrains - all with an eye toward long-term dependability.

*The Lincoln MKZ received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among entry premium cars in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2011 Vehicle Dependability StudiesSM. 2011 study based on 43,779 consumer responses measuring problems consumers experienced in the past 12 months with three-year old vehicles (2008 model-year cars and trucks). Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed October-December 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Lincoln MKZ at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Increases Sustainable Material Usage

From Ford.com:

•Ford and Lear Corporation have introduced a new head restraint foam with 25 percent of the polyol replaced with soy
•75 percent of Ford’s North American-built vehicles feature bio-based foam in the head restraints. Vehicles include the Ford F-150, Taurus, Explorer and Fusion

•All Ford North American-built vehicles use bio-based foam in seat cushions and backs. Ford’s use of bio-based foam has helped the company reduce its petroleum oil usage by more than 3 million pounds annually and carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 million pounds

Ford and Lear Corporation are taking another leap forward in sustainable technology with the introduction of new head restraint foam that has 25 percent of the polyol replaced with soy.

Seventy-five percent of Ford’s North American vehicles feature bio-foam in the head restraints, including the Ford F-150, Taurus, Explorer and Fusion. All Ford Motor Company vehicles built in North America use bio-foam content in the seat cushions and backs.

“We are continuously looking for new ways to expand our use of bio-based foam, and head restraints are a perfect example,” said Debbie Mielewski, technical leader, Ford Plastics Research. “It’s a new location with higher soy content. We’re not stopping at head restraints, either. There are still many other applications in which traditional foam can be converted to bio-based soy foam on vehicles, such as energy-absorption areas, steering wheels and armrests.”

The extended use of soy foam results from the continued research collaboration between Ford and Lear; Ford first used sustainable soybean oil-derived seating foam on the 2008 Mustang. The collaboration also generated the recent complete conversion of all Lear North American Ford seating cushion foam to Lear SoyFoam™.

SoyFoam is up to 24 percent more renewable than petroleum-based foam. The biomaterial has helped Ford reduce its annual petroleum oil usage by more than 3 million pounds. The use of SoyFoam also has helped Ford reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 million pounds. SoyFoam also can provide a 67 percent reduction in volatile organic compound emissions.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's use of sustainable materials in their vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

Get Exclusive Ford Focus ST Progress Reports on Facebook

From Ford.com:

•Exclusive video and photography of the all-new Ford Focus ST to be shared first on the Focus Facebook page, highlighting the car’s technology, performance and practicality
•Videos will give global Focus fans insights into the project from key members of the development team, as well as previously unseen vehicle footage ahead of next year’s launch

•Online campaign will be ongoing, helping Focus Facebook fans – more than 300,000 strong – stay up to speed with the progress of Ford’s first global performance car

Since Ford first announced its all-new Focus ST, performance car fans around the world have been eager to find out more. To answer this demand, Ford will begin actively sharing both exclusive video and photography, first on the Ford Focus Facebook page, to keep enthusiasts up to date on the development of this sporty new model.

The materials will explore technical highlights, the driving experience and high levels of refinement that make up the core DNA of the new Focus ST, which is expected to deliver an estimated 247 HP/250 PS when production begins. The more than 300,000 fans of the Focus Facebook page will be able to access newly generated and previously unseen footage of Focus ST development cars undergoing testing, plus insights into the car’s features from key members of the Global Performance Vehicle team.

“Our Facebook page allows us to reach out to enthusiasts around the world for the first time and share with them the final stages of development of the new Focus ST as it happens,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles. “This is Ford’s first truly global performance vehicle, and social media gives us a rare opportunity to show enthusiasts how this car is progressing, gives insight into its technologies and builds excitement in this community as we finalize Focus ST’s technical specifications.”

To follow the new Focus ST story and get involved in the action, visit Ford’s Focus Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fordfocus

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford Focus at Lakewood Fordland.

3 Ford Vehicles Make 2011 Best Cars for Families List

Three Ford vehicles have made the U.S. News 2011 Best Cars for Families list: 

2011 Ford Fusion--  Best Affordable Midsize Car for Families
2011 Ford Taurus-- Best Affordable Large Car for Families
2011 Ford Explorer-- Best Off-Road SUV for Families

The 2011 U.S. News Best Cars for Families awards highlight vehicles that make family life easier. The awards are based on a combination of data from the U.S. News car rankings, safety and reliability ratings and long-term ownership costs. The winners are cars, SUVs and vans that impress car reviewers with their family-friendly features and space, but also keep families safe and on budget – factors that matter to any parent.

Read the article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland to learn more about the many family-friendly Ford vehicles.

Ford Commits to More 2012s With EcoBoost

From Ford.com:

•2012 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost® delivers full-size three-row SUV segment-leading fuel economy with an EPA-rated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway

•Edge with EcoBoost for 2012 raises fuel-efficiency bar for Ford’s popular crossover utility, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway

•Expanded EcoBoost product offerings reflect Ford’s commitment to this fuel-saving global technology

•Focus – all-new for 2012 – offers small car buyers an expanded range of model series and premium features unexpected in a small car

Ford Motor Company is expanding its range of vehicles with the award-winning EcoBoost® engine, offering the fuel-efficient powertrain in the 2012 Ford Edge and Explorer that are arriving in dealerships now.
Edge and Explorer are the first vehicles in North America to be offered with Ford’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. The four-cylinder EcoBoost marks the next chapter in the company’s strategy to downsize engines and use turbocharging and direct injection to deliver the power customers want from their vehicles with the fuel economy they demand.

The success of Ford’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in Europe – its blend of fuel economy, lower emissions and usable performance and pulling power – makes it the ideal powertrain for Edge and Explorer.

Ford has committed to offering fuel-efficient, high-technology EcoBoost engines in 90 percent of its global vehicle portfolio by 2013. Combining turbocharging with direct injection of gasoline in a smaller-displacement engine, EcoBoost delivers the power customers desire with the fuel efficiency the challenges of today’s world demand.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the vehicles currently available with EcoBoost technology at Lakewood Fordland.

Consumers Provide Feedback on Potential Ford Focus Electric In-Dash Displays

From Ford.com:

•Ford driving simulator helps ensure the MyFord Touch® interface will best fit the needs of drivers in the all-new Ford Focus Electric

•The simulator takes users on an 11-mile circuit through a variety of terrain that a typical drive might include – hills, cities and flat land

•The new Ford Focus Electric includes a unique extension of MyFord Touch driver connect technology that provides easy-to-understand information about range, destinations and charge points, helping owners plan trips most effectively

Potential customers are getting a chance to help develop the final in-dash display for the Ford Focus Electric through the use of a specially designed driving simulator. The driving simulations and feedback are helping Ford engineers make sure the unique extension of the MyFord Touch® interactive display in the Focus Electric is easy to use and meets the needs of potential owners. The new Ford Focus Electric uses the high-tech driver interface to help drivers optimize range and experience the freedom of fuel-free driving.

When stepping into the simulator, a user sees exactly the same information that would appear in the real Ford Focus Electric, including two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking the speedometer in the center. These screens provide details on battery state of charge, distance to charge point, the corresponding budget and expected range surplus.

“These screens are an integral part of Focus Electric and we thought the best way to make sure they would do their job is to have people come in and try them out for themselves,” said Paul Aldighieri, HMI engineer. “The only true way to get a feel for what the screens are telling the driver is by actually getting behind the wheel.”

Since last year, nearly 30 drivers have participated in the simulator exercise, an 11-mile circuit that traverses a variety of terrain that a typical drive would include. Hills, city streets, country roads and flat lands make up the circuit.

The studies evaluated how well participants comprehended the gauge concepts and validated the gauge design. Feedback showed the core behaviors of the system were well understood, and the engineering team received feedback on how to improve the interface. The team incorporated the feedback and received high acceptance levels for the new graphics.

Read entire article here.

Ford and Toyota to Collaborate on New Hybrid System

From Ford.com:

•Ford and Toyota are collaborating as equal partners to accelerate consumer availability of a new advanced hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs


•New co-developed hybrid system ready for use later this decade on Ford and Toyota rear-wheel-drive light trucks and SUVs, delivering greater fuel efficiency while still providing customers the capability they want and need

•Ford and Toyota also will collaborate on development of next-generation standards for in-car telematics and Internet-based services

Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation – the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles – today announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers.

Ford and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year.

Both companies have been working independently on their own future-generation rear-wheel drive hybrid systems. The two now have committed to collaborate as equal partners on a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs. This new hybrid powertrain will bring the full hybrid experience of greater fuel efficiency to a new group of truck and SUV customers without compromising the capability they require in their vehicles. Ford and Toyota believe that their collaboration will allow them to bring these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than either company could have accomplished alone.

Read entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland for more information on the current fuel-efficient vehicles available from Ford.

Ford Kicks Off F-150 EcoBoost Challenge

From Ford.com:

•The Ford F-150 EcoBoost Challenge kicks off today on Facebook, with drivers in eight cities putting EcoBoost®-equipped Ford F-150s to the test – in fuel efficiency challenge and community projects

•Winning driver receives a year’s supply of free Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline; two Shell-branded stations in the winning driver’s city will offer residents free regular-grade gasoline for two hours and 22 minutes on Sept. 2, in a nod to the 22 mpg the Ford F-150 EcoBoost achieves on the highway

•The 2011 Ford F-150 equipped with the all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine delivers an unbeatable combination of power, capability and efficiency, making it perfect for this challenge. It is EPA-certified at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, complementing the best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque the engine produces. It also offers best-in-class conventional towing of 11,300 pounds and best-in-class payload of 3,060 pounds


The 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost® has survived a series of torture tests – racing in the Baja 1000 and towing a maximum 11,300 pounds at high speeds around a NASCAR track for 24 hours straight – and this month, eight truck fans will put the truck to the test in their own communities.

Up for grabs: bragging rights tied to a week-long fuel-efficiency driving challenge, the satisfaction that comes from inspiring community members to give back and, ultimately, two free gasoline giveaway events for the winner’s city.

The challenge goes live today on the EcoBoost Challenge tab on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ford.

“This challenge is a great way to highlight the capacities of the F-150 EcoBoost – a truck specially engineered to deliver the capability people need and the fuel efficiency they really want,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 marketing manager. “Plus, this challenge speaks to the spirit of our F-150 owners, who work hard for their families as well as their communities.”

Each driver will represent a city, driving an F-150 EcoBoost truck for one week. The first five days of the challenge involve a real-world fuel efficiency competition, with the average miles per gallon monitored via Ford’s Crew Chief™ system installed in each truck.

Challenge cities are Louisville, Ky.; Pittsburgh; Houston; San Diego; Orlando, Fla.; Denver; Kansas City, Mo.; and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. The EcoBoost Challenge drivers come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from a middle school biology teacher to a Twitter user with more than 40,000 followers.

Read entire article here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information on the F-150 EcoBoost.

Ford Gives Car-Washing Tips

From Ford.com:

Saving a few dollars, getting a little exercise in the sun or prepping your classic for a summer cruise are just a few reasons to clean your vehicle by hand.

Besides, a freshly-washed and cleaned car just looks better, right?

Here are a few tips from Ford for the next time you’re in the mood to grab a hose and a bucket to make the star of your driveway look its best.

Visit www.TheFordStory.com to watch "Ford Makes Car-Washing Easy," a short and entertaining video featuring Gerry Bonanni, senior engineer, Paint and Body Repair and the Ford GT Mustang.

Cleaning your car’s exterior:

•Be well-soaked: Make sure the car is fully rinsed off first and kept wet during the wash. You want to float the dirt off the surface

•Use the right soap: Ford recommends soap specifically formulated for cars. “Even a mild dishwashing liquid can strip wax protection and possibly cause waterspotting concerns,” said Gerry Bonanni, senior engineer, Paint and Body Repair

•Grab your mitt: Ford recommends a sponge or wool mitt. Keep the sponge or mitt wet and sudsy to help float the dirt away instead of rubbing or scratching the surface

•Start at the top: Wash the top, then the sides and save the bottom for last, which is where the most grit typically accumulates

•Dry it off: Use a water blade and a soft towel to fully dry the vehicle

•Wax on: Ford recommends waxing your car to help keep the surface protected

•Wiper blades: Use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

Each Ford vehicle undergoes a five-layer paint process designed to enhance long-term durability. The procedure starts with a pretreatment that protects against corrosion and ends with a clearcoat that aids in reducing chips and scratches.

Cleaning your car’s interior:

•Instrument panel: Wipe the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a clean, damp white cotton cloth, then use a clean and dry white cotton cloth to dry those areas. Household or glass cleaners are not recommended

•Vacuum: For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and loose dirt

•Use the right cleaners: Ford recommends using auto-specific carpet and upholstery cleaner for light stains. If grease or tar is present, Ford recommends spot-cleaning the area first with an auto-specific spot-and-stain remover

•For leather seats: For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap-and-water solution. Dry the area with a soft cloth. Leather cleaning products designed for automotive interiors also are available

Summer-specific issues

Ford recommends never washing a vehicle that is hot to the touch or during exposure to strong, direct sunlight. In addition to warm weather, summer also presents other challenges when it comes to keeping your car looking nice. When you’re hit with the following, try to clean off quickly and follow these tips:

•Bird droppings, bugs, suntan lotion, insect repellent: Wash off with car wash soap and water as soon as possible

•Tree sap and tar: Use a good quality bug and tar remover and wax afterward

•Bothered by bugs? Going on a long trip and don’t want to face a windshield and/or bumper full of dead insects by the time you arrive? Wipe down your windshield with a tumble dryer sheet; bugs won’t stick to the glass as easily. Also, give your bumpers the once-over with cooking spray

•Don’t scratch it; smear it: Can’t get that sticker from the amusement park or beach parking lot off your window? Saturate it with cooking oil before you start scrubbing

2 Ford Vehicles Make Back-to-School List

Two Ford vehicles have made kbb.com's Back-to-School list:

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com has announced its picks for the 2011 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars, a mix of both new and used cars and trucks. Ford has two vehicles on the list, the 2012 Focus and the 2007 F-150. Young drivers love the Focus, kbb says, because “it looks cool on the outside, modern on the inside, handles with more than a hint of sportiness and offers advanced audio and information technology.” For those who subscribe to “bigger is better,” kbb says the 2007 Ford F-150 is their back to school ride. It “boasts five-star NHTSA front crash ratings, beefy good looks and all the practical hauling and towing abilities afforded by a proper pickup truck.”

Read article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about these vehicles.

Ford Presents 2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

From Ford.com:

•2012 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 offers distinctive new design enhancements with snakeskin leather interior accents and unique bodyside graphic. Also new for 2012 are 22-inch machined-aluminum wheels with painted accents and unique center cap as well as a new premium exterior color choice – White Platinum Tri-Coat

•Standard content includes the voice-activated Navigation System, a 4.2-inch productivity screen, power moonroof and Remote Start System

•The truck is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture to deliver a best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides maximum trailer towing capability of 7,500 pounds

Read entire article here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information on the Ford F-150 truck line.

Ford Vehicles Achieve High J.D. Power APEAL Ranking

From Ford.com:

Customers increasingly are demanding top fuel efficiency, and they are rating Ford highly for delivering, according to the J.D. Power 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study released today.

All of Ford’s newer retail vehicles earned fuel efficiency ratings above their segment averages, according to the J.D. Power 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout study.

“Ford is an industry leader in fuel efficiency, and customers are pleased with the way we are helping them at the pump,” said Bennie Fowler, group vice president, Global Quality and New Model Launches. “Ford also is absolutely committed to the highest vehicle quality, delivering vehicles that surprise and delight customers while eliminating defects.”

The new Ford Fiesta and F-150 were first-place segment winners in the survey, which measures customer satisfaction in design, content and vehicle performance. The 2011 Ford Taurus and Flex were rated second in their segments. The new Ford Explorer, F-Series Super Duty, Expedition and Mustang scored third-place segment rankings.

Ford vehicles excelled in many areas of the study, particularly fuel efficiency. Specifically:

•All of Ford’s newer retail vehicles earned fuel efficiency ratings above their segment averages

•Fiesta performs particularly well in the area of fuel efficiency in the subcompact car segment

•New F-150 outperforms industry average for fuel efficiency

APEAL surveys customers on what they like about the performance, execution and layout of their new vehicle after the first three months in service

Read entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland for more information on the Ford line of vehicles.