Ford's Newest Hybrid will Outperform Imports!!
Fighting the long-held perception that much of the technology in their company's first "full"-hybrid system for the Escape hybrid SUV was bought or licensed from Toyota, executives and engineers at Ford were crystal-clear during this week's media preview of the all-new hybrid architecture for the company's upcoming Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid sedans: Everything, they said, was designed by Ford in North America.The new hybrid system is "100 percent Ford technology; 100 percent Ford design, invented right here in North America," said Nancy Gioia, Ford Motor Co.'s director of sustainable mobility technologies and hybrids. She and other engineers say every major component was developed under Ford engineering.In detailing the key components, engineers said they stressed an interdisciplinary approach that helped optimize all components for maximum system efficiency. The process developed several intriguing new components and advances, they said.Labels: 2010 Fusion, Ford Hybrids, ford of ocala, green cars
Save Money, Save Gas & Save Time at Ford of Ocala!
During October and November we are offering over 30 service specials for gas and diesel vehicles. From the pavement to the roof, now is the time to save money on your Ford, Mercury or Lincoln.The brake special is actually $79.95 after the $25 mail-in rebate. We also have a wiper blade special for $9.95 after a $10 rebate. There is also a 100 month battery on sale for $79.95 with a free towing warranty. You can get the full synthethic "The Works" for $49.95- a savings of $25 with the mail in rebate. We have special deals on tires and we guarantee the lowest price! The fine print might be hard to read but essentially it says that the mail-in redemption form must be postmarked by 12/31/2008. The forms are available at Ford of Ocala and you can get the complete details by talking to your Service Advisor. The brake special applies to one axle only and does not include machining rotors or drums. Battery prices are with exchange and does not include installation. These specials expire 11/30/08 (Saturday the 29th, actually) and are a great opportunity for you to save big on scheduled or preventive maintenance. Labels: ford car service, fordof ocala, rebates, the works, truck service
Ford of Ocala proud to support Ocala Shrine Club!
Ford of Ocala proud Ocala Shriners Rodeo Sponsor!
 We salute the Ocala Shrine Club for donating almost $50,000 to the Shriner's Children Hospital this year. This brings the total to $1.35 million in donations from our local Shriners. When you think about all the kids in Marion County and how kids are our future, we have nothing but the highest praise for all the hardworking members of the Ocala Shrine Club and their contribution to our community.This is a professional rodeo, Public Relations Chairman Larry Koblentz said. Rodeo cowboys get points toward national finals. The Ocala rodeo is a sanctioned Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event. Events include bull riding, steer wrestling, bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing and tie down roping.One of the high points of the Ocala Shrine Rodeo for members is the special rodeo for the nearly 200 physically challenged children who are sponsored by the Ocala club. These Marion County children are receiving or have received medical care at Shriners Tampa Orthopedic Hospital or the Shriners Burn Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.These children are invited to attend the rodeo, and about 30 are selected to participate in a series of rodeo events appropriate for their special needs. Kids are paired with a rodeo professional and guided through such events as goat riding, roping dummy steers, riding a hand-rocked bull or taking a real horseback ride. The kids all get a cowboy hat, bandanna, contestant number, lariat rope and T-shirt, Koblentz said, adding that each also gets a trophy. They are all winners. In previous years, this special rodeo took place on Sundays before the regular performance, but members thought the heat would be less severe in late afternoon. This year the event is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. and is free. Each year, a Rodeo Princess and Rodeo Buckaroo are selected from the young patients and will be introduced at this Thursday event. Last years princess was Megan Simons, and the buckaroo was Joshua Logsdon. Because the rodeo is completely produced by the club, it keeps members working throughout the year, Koblentz explained. From hiring specialty acts to selecting concessions to obtaining sponsors to selling tickets, the club members do it all. They also oversee at least 200 volunteers at each performance.When we finish this rodeo, we are already working on the next one, he said. All proceeds from the rodeo go to the Shriners childrens hospitals. The club has raised $1.2 million from the rodeos over the years, Koblentz said. He calls the work provided by the 400-member club a labor of love because proceeds go to such a worthy cause. There is no charge for treatment at any Shriners hospital, Koblentz said. Labels: ford of ocala, Ocala Shriners Rodeo 2008, Shriners Hospital
Ford of Ocala means Quality from start to finish!
FORD AWARDED $10 MILLION ENERGY DEPARTMENT GRANT
 FORD AWARDED $10 MILLION ENERGY DEPARTMENT GRANT TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT OF PLUG-IN VEHICLES
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 6 – Ford Motor Company has been awarded a $10 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy for research, development, and demonstration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).Ford received the grant for the continued development of a demonstration fleet of 20 PHEVs. The total project cost is $20 million, and the government will fund $10 million, or 50 percent, of the program.
In June, Ford delivered the first flexible fuel capable plug-in hybrid electric SUV to the Department of Energy. The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, capable of running on gasoline or E85, is part of a demonstration fleet Ford is developing in a partnership with Southern California Edison, the Electric Power Research Institute, DTE and Johnson Controls/Saft.Advanced vehicle testing is underway on vehicles in California, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. The company delivered the first gasoline-only Escape PHEV to Southern California Edison in December 2007.“As a leader in both hybrid and flexible fuel technology, Ford is well positioned to bring the two together in a plug-in vehicle. With plug-in hybrids, we have the potential to significantly change our transportation and energy future,” said Nancy Gioia, director of Ford’s Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. “Our ultimate goal is to create plug-in vehicles that can be mass produced and meaningfully contribute to our nation's energy security.”The Ford Escape PHEV is equipped with a 10 kilowatt advanced lithium ion energy battery supplied by Johnson Controls/Saft that stores enough electric energy to drive up to 30 miles at speeds of up to 40 mph. The battery works in tandem with a small four-cylinder engine.Based on current estimates, the vehicle would emit 60 percent less CO2 than a conventional gasoline powered vehicle. The CO2 reduction would reach 90 percent if cellulosic ethanol is used in place of gasoline. Labels: electric cars, ford of ocala, green cars, marion county ford
Need Room? SUVs looking better and better...
 Pat yourself on the back for buying that Toyota Prius. You're gonna love driving it -- it sips gas, has low emissions and lets everyone know how responsible you are.
To celebrate what a good choice you made, why not take the whole family camping? Load up the car, head up to the mountains and -- oh wait. The Prius won't be able to hold a family and all of its camping gear, and probably can't handle the dirt roads that lead to the campsite. Okay, no problem! We'll all go to the lake and do a little fishing -- except the Prius can't tow your boat. That's fine. Why not stay around the house and do a little gardening? Hmmm. Looks like all the plants and mulch you need aren't making it into the Prius, either.
Face it, as good as it is to go green by buying a hybrid or gas-saving small car, there are just some things those cars can't do. Plus, because of their popularity, small car and hybrid buyers are now paying an extra premium for the honor of driving a little econobox that may not suit their needs. Before you fork over a lot of green to go green, check out five resons why buying a large truck or SUV may still make sense.
#1 Families and Carpooling
People may be having fewer kids than they used to, but today's kids are hyper-scheduled activity machines. Between soccer, Akido, ballet and basket weaving, it takes a lot to get kids to where they need to be. That's where carpools come in. The most popular carpool parents aren't the ones with the best gas mileage -- they're the ones with captain's chairs, multi-zone climate controls, and cupholders out the wazoo. That's exactly what you'll find in Ford Expedition. Seating for up to eight, room for the entire team's gear, and incredible deals as dealerships look to unload the unpopular SUV. Plus, having the entire team in one large vehicle uses less oil and emits less carbon than splitting them into three tiny ones.
#2 Home Improvement
Maybe you've gone green this year by opting for a stay-cation. There's nothing like spending some time close to home, working on your house. When you're doing major repairs or upgrades, a MINI (even the stretched wheel-base Clubman) isn't going to cut it. A full-size pickup like the new 2009 Ford F-150 is what you'll need to haul mulch, pull out old stumps and bring home a load of lumber. There's even a high mpg trim, so you can use less gas in the truck that helps you plant more trees. What's greener than that?
#3 Tailgating
The Audi TT is a great looking and surprisingly fuel-efficient sports car. Ever try tailgating in it? I have. It was awful. To really get amped for the game, you need something with an actual tailgate, as well as space for extra chairs, a cooler, your friends and a grill (space for your giant foam finger helps too). The Ford Explorer has all that with comfortable seating for up to 7 passengers, a big tailgate and plenty of storage for all your stuff while grilling your brats.
#4 The Great Outdoors
A Honda Civic is a great choice if your only outdoor activity is walking to and from Starbucks. But if you like to hit the slopes, catch a wave, catch a fish or explore the back country, you're going to need something more capable. The Ford F-150 has available four-wheel drive that can tackle most snow-covered mountain roads, as well as tow anything from a jet-ski to a horse trailer. If you want something more nimble, the Explorer Sport Trac will have no trouble getting you well off the beaten path.
#5 The Amazing Deals
A lot of people have declared the age of the SUV over. But while gas prices are still higher than a year or two ago, there are just some things that only a truck or SUV can do. If those things are part of your lifestyle, an SUV isn't an image vehicle. It's a tool that helps you live the way you want to. Right now dealers are having trouble selling SUVs, which puts you in the driver's seat when it comes time to negotiate. Automakers are helping by offering plenty of incentives on their largest models. If you really need an SUV, there may not be a better time to buy one. Labels: 2008 Ford Expedition models, Explorer, ford F-150, ford of ocala, Sport Trac
At Ford, Quality is Job One!
 Today, everyone associated with Ford should take pride in the quality of the cars and trucks we build that resulted in the latest headlines on Consumer Reports Annual Car Reliability Survey. Among those headlines: Ford Reliability Gains on Honda, Toyota, from Bloomberg News, and Ford Builds Most Reliable American Cars, from The Detroit News.
The results from Consumer Reports further validate the quality story we at Ford have been telling for some time. Our efforts to design, build and launch with quality are paying off. As David Champion, director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, noted, This has been a systematic, structural change within Ford.
That structural change shows in the dedicated work by teams in manufacturing, product development, purchasing, marketing, sales and quality using disciplined, standardized processes to deliver significant quality gains. Despite the challenges of the current automotive climate, our teams have remained focused on the goal, to become the highest quality automotive manufacturer. We are well on our way to achieving that goal.
A total of 44 FLM vehicles / configurations earned average or better reliability ratings compared to 41 FLM vehicles / configurations in last years survey.
Some highlights from the Consumer Reports auto issue, which features the Ford Fusion on the cover with the caption, Ford Fusion, top rating in Reliability.
* Ford was singled out as on par with the Japanese automakers and the best of the domestics. The magazine writes: Fords three nameplates Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury lead the domestic automakers and continue to pull away from the rest of Detroit.
* Almost all Ford products now carry average or better than average reliability ratings. The Ford
Fusion and Mercury Milan continue to rank among the most reliable family cars. The freshened Ford Focus sedan rated above average, with the magazine citing a vast improvement. The Ford F150 2WD versions with V6 and V8 are rated better than average. The 2009 model has not yet
been tested.
We all should be pleased with the survey results, but not surprised. We have set a high standard for ourselves and our customers and we are making progress every day to deliver on that standard.Labels: ford of ocala, ford of ocala.com, high quality, Quality is job one
Buy a New 2008 Ford F-150 for $12,000!
Rebates and incentives are stronger than ever on this brand new 2008 Ford F-150! Take advantage of our lowest price ever on a new truck. Last month this truck was almost $14,000 but with factory rebates and dealer discounts you can drive away in a new Ford truck today!
The fine print:Price is plus $499 admin fee, tax, and title. All rebates and incentives to be assigned back to dealer. Not combined with any other special offers. Price reflects special f.m.c.c customer incentives in special offer. Only one per household. W.A.C.
We have a large selection available at this price but only for a limited time. Call 1.800.292.3338 or locally at 352.732.4800 for more details. Or write fordofocala@dagmail.com You can visit FordofOcala.com for this and other specials. You'll be glad you did! Labels: ford F-150, ford finance, ford of ocala, Truck month
Ford 'Honors' Army Wife with new Mustang!
Chelsea Shand, the winner of Army Wives Gives Back, and Kim Delaney, one of the stars of "Army Wives"
FORD, LIFETIME ‘GIVE BACK’ TO REAL ARMY WIFE
*Ford Warriors in Pink and Lifetime Television’s “Army Wives” today announced the winner of the “Army Wives Gives Back” program, which honors real-life army wives who have survived breast cancer
*The winner, 34-year-old Chelsea Shand, filmed a vignette that will air during the Oct. 26 episode of “Army Wives”
*Ford honored Shand by presenting her with a limited-edition 2009 Warriors in Pink Ford Mustang convertible
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 22, 2008 – Officials from Ford Warriors in Pink and Lifetime Television’s “Army Wives” today announced the winner of the “Army Wives Gives Back” program, which honors real-life army wives who have survived breast cancer. Thirty-four-year-old Chelsea Shand, who is currently stationed with her husband at Fort Bragg, N. C., was selected from more than 1 million entries for embodying the spirit of many of the country’s military spouses. She will appear in a special two-minute vignette that will air during the Oct. 26 episode of “Army Wives” at 10 p.m. EST. Shand was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2004, the same time that her husband was being deployed to Iraq. After undergoing surgery and several rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, she received devastating news from her doctor. “The doctor said that my husband and I would not be able to conceive a child,” she recalled. “We didn’t have any children, so the news hit us pretty hard.” Exemplifying the true fighting spirit of a Warrior, Shand didn’t give up. After nearly four years in remission, she found out that she was pregnant. “I was shocked and overjoyed,” she said. In July, Shand and her husband welcomed their son. As the winner of the “Army Wives Gives Back” program, Shand was granted a wish. She had long dreamed of owning a convertible, and Ford made that dream come true. Shand says she was stunned when “Army Wives” cast member Kim Delaney presented her with a limited-edition 2009 Warriors in Pink Mustang convertible during the filming of the vignette, which airs Sunday night. “I was totally overwhelmed,” she said. “There’s not a lot of good that comes out of a breast cancer diagnosis – and if I could choose, I would choose never to have breast cancer – but this was really cool.” Connie Fontaine, manager, Ford Brand Content and Alliances, says Ford is proud to partner with Lifetime Television for the “Army Wives Gives Back” program to raise awareness of breast cancer and help save lives. “This program has given Ford the opportunity to honor someone who truly demonstrates the fighting spirit when faced with adversity, which is the cornerstone of our Warriors in Pink campaign,” said Fontaine. Prior to her diagnosis, Shand admits she knew little about breast cancer. “I didn’t know what breast cancer meant,” she said. “I never knew anyone who had it, and I was very uneducated about the subject.” Now, as a breast cancer survivor, Shand says she is determined to help increase awareness of breast cancer – especially among younger women. “It is a cause that is incredibly dear to my heart,” she said. “When I first found the lump in my breast, everyone told me that I was too young to have breast cancer, but I wasn’t. I want other women to learn more about this disease and know that it can happen to anyone.” Ford has been a national series sponsor of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for 14 years and has dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind donations to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Since its launch in 2006, Warriors in Pink apparel and gear – available for purchase at www.fordcares.com – has generated more than $1.5 million, with all net proceeds going to Komen.
About Susan G. Komen for the CureNancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and it launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. For more information, visit www.komen.org or call 1-800-I’M AWARE.
About LifetimeLifetime is the leader in women’s television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, Lifetime is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Lifetime television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and the Walt Disney Company.
About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.Labels: Army Wives, breast cancer survivor, ford of ocala, ford of ocala.com, warrior in pink
Ford Supports Charities during Difficult Times
CHICAGO, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Feeding America (formerly named America's Second Harvest) announced today that Ford Motor Company and Newman's Own will continue their longstanding commitment to combating rural hunger by extending their innovative and effective partnership with Feeding America called the "Partnership for Hunger Relief." This month, under the partnership, seven refrigerated trucks containing Newman's Own food will be donated to food banks that serve struggling rural communities across the country. In November, 100 million pounds of food will have been distributed nationwide under the partnership. The "Partnership for Hunger Relief" enables nutritious food such as meat, dairy and produce to be delivered via refrigerated trucks to remote communities which are often underserved. The announcement was made today by Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America.This year marks the eighth consecutive year of the "Partnership for Hunger Relief." The 75 Ford trucks previously donated have traveled a combined total of 3.4 million miles and distributed over 97 million pounds of food -- equivalent to over 76 million meals -- to rural areas in need. The "Partnership for Hunger Relief" not only focuses on the importance of supplying food to rural communities but supplying nutritious protein-based foods and produce that require refrigeration.Vicki Escarra said, "The economic downturn and the dramatic increase in fuel and food costs have made it extraordinarily difficult for our nation's food banks to meet the increase in demand. Rural areas are often underserved and throughout the last seven years, the 'Partnership for Hunger Relief' has provided tremendous relief to millions of families experiencing hunger. We could not he happier that Ford Motor Company and Newman's Own are continuing to support our efforts to feed millions of Americans.""The Partnership for Hunger Relief began eight years ago when Paul Newman asked me if Ford would join with his company and Feeding America in addressing the growing problem of hunger in rural America," said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. "While the effort has produced significant results, the need is even greater today, especially given the current economic environment.""Feeding America and Newman's Own are both about doing good through food. Thanks to our generous partner Ford Motor Company, we can expand with our alliance and help more people in struggling rural communities throughout the country." said Mike Havard, vice president, marketing Newman's Own Inc."Today's donation of seven additional Ford trucks to the Partnership for Hunger Relief brings our total to more than 80 vehicles on America's roads helping to serve the needs of people who are struggling to make ends meet," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "More work needs to done and Ford Motor Company remains committed to doing its part to address the hunger issue."The seven food banks receiving trucks this October are: The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Chattahoochee Valley in Columbus, Ga., Mid-Michigan Food Bank in Lansing, Second Harvest Food Bank of San Diego, The Food Bank of North Alabama in Huntsville, The Northern Illinois Food Bank in St. Charles, IL, The Southeast Missouri Food Bank in Cape Girardeau, MO, and The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana in Monroe.Hunger among rural households is higher than the national average with an estimated 2.3 million rural households facing hunger. Ironically, many of these hungry families are in the very rural and farm communities whose productivity feeds the world and provides low-cost wholesome food to American consumers. Many people need to turn to a food bank or church pantry just to eat in the very same communities where the food is raised. Due to the economic downturn, it is imperative that extra food assistance is sent to remote communities who are underserved.According to the USDA report Household Food Security in the United States, 2006, 12 percent of all rural households are food insecure, an estimated 2.3 million households. The Feeding America study, Hunger in America 2006, found that 42.6 percent of the adult clients served by the network live in suburban or rural areas.This announcement falls on the heels of a troubling nationwide local impact survey conducted by Feeding America. The May 2008 survey of 180 food banks nationwide found that 99% of the food banks reported between a 15 percent and 20 percent increase in the number of people being served, compared to one year ago. 81 percent of the food banks reported that they are unable to meet the growing demand without having to dramatically reduce the amount of food given to each household. Rising food and fuel prices are cited as primary reasons why more individuals are turning to food banks.To learn more about rural hunger please visit: http://feedingamerica.org/learn_about_hunger/fact_sheet/rural_hunger.htmlAbout Feeding America (Formerly America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network)Feeding America provides individuals and families facing hunger with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks operate 63,000 agencies that address hunger through emergency food assistance and programs. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org.About Newman's OwnNewman's Own(R), Inc., founded on a lark by Paul Newman and his buddy A.E. Hotchner in 1982, is now (to our own surprise!), a leading (and growing) premium food company that offers more than 175 varieties of delicious all-natural food and beverage products. Based in Westport, CT, the charitable mission of Newman's Own is expressed in its Company motto: "Shameless exploitation in pursuit of the Common Good." The continuation of the company's charitable mission is reflected in the following statement that will appear on every package of Newman's Own products: The Newman's Own Foundation continues Paul Newman's commitment to donate all after tax net profits from this product and related royalties for educational and charitable purposes. Paul Newman and the Newman's Own Foundation have given over $250 million to thousands of charities worldwide since 1982.Visit www.newmansown.com for the nearest retailer/s that carry Newman's Own products and for recipe suggestions using Newman's Own products. Newman's Own(R) Organics, founded by Paul's daughter Nell Newman, offers a wide array of delicious organic products, www.newmansownorganics.com.About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
SOURCE Feeding America Labels: ford of ocala, ford of ocala.com, Newman's Own, Second Harvest
Ford of Ocala Supports Local Education with Electric Car
  Ford of Ocala Donates Electric Car to MTI - Students in the Automotive Technology Academy at Marion Technical Institute (MTI) are charged up about a gift from a local auto dealer.Ocala EDC Investor, Ford of Ocala, has donated a 1995 Tropica E.V., an electric car for students to learn more about this unique technology while possibly developing a new alternative fuel source. “This may sound like an impossible dream for a group of High School students,” says Randy Arnold, MTI Auto Instructor, “but if we don’t aim high we will never know what we can achieve.”Arnold plans to lead his students in repair and restoration of the vehicle, as well as a possible future conversion into a hybrid vehicle. The donation from Ford of Ocala brings a unique learning opportunity to MTI students.Although an electric car is not normally associated with the automotive technology curriculum, there are numerous hands on lessons for students to learn. Introductory level students will learn battery construction, maintenance, and service. Advanced students will use the car to understand electronic circuitry, charge rates, power consumption, and electric motor operation. All lessons include math, science, and english skills.MTI Principal Mark Vianello gratefully acknowledges the gift, “Gary Scott with Ford of Ocala has been on board with our program from the very beginning. This is just one more example of his generosity and passion to help our students succeed. The support we have received from all our business partners has brought a level of education to our students that classroom lecture alone cannot provide.” Recently, 14 students in the Automotive Academy earned certifications through the National Association for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). MTI automotive academy students have the opportunity to participate in paid internships while in high school. Since the school opened in 2005, several academy graduates have been sponsored by business partners Ford of Ocala and DeLuca Toyota to attend further training to become high wage, specialized mechanics now employed with the local dealerships.Labels: ford of ocala, ford of ocala.com, Tropica
Ford Foundation donates $600,000 to South Florida programs
SOUTH FLORIDA TO RECEIVE $600,000 IN NEW FUNDING FROM FORD AS PART OF AUTOMAKERS COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Ford Motor Company launches Operation Goodwill in South Florida, contributing an additional $600,000 over the next year to community organizations in the region
*Ford is partnering with its area dealers in new ways to increase the focus on the needs of local communities
*44 Hispanic students in South Florida who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in a field that is pertinent to the automotive industry will receive scholarships from the Ford Blue Oval Scholars Program
*New funding will support organizations related to education, human services, automotive safety, volunteer programs, among others
*The Operation Goodwill program kick-off will take place on October 17th in partnership with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
Miami, Fl, October 15th, 2008 - Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford, announced today that they plan to invest an additional $600,000 over the next year in South Florida’s community programs and charities.
The new funding will support a combination of organizations related to education, automotive safety, human services and other volunteer activities that enhance the quality of life in South Florida.
Operation Goodwill gives us the opportunity to better target our philanthropy and community relations activities in key U.S. markets, such as South Florida, and to solidly demonstrate that Ford has been, and will continue to be a supportive corporate citizen in the community,said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. Ford Motor Company is actively committed to South Florida, and now in conjunction with the local dealers we’re increasing the level of involvement, added Vella.
Ford and its area dealers are working together to increase the impact of the company’s philanthropy in South Florida. Ford’s dealers identified more than 15 organizations that will receive support through Operation Goodwill. Ford allocated funds to partner and contribute with these organizations and the local dealers are participating actively with program partners. The company and dealers are pooling resources like never before to support the community outreach efforts.
Operation Goodwill South Florida will be on October 17th in partnership with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Jim Vella will outline the details of the Operation Goodwill program that significantly increases philanthropy and community relations in South Florida.
South Florida Ford dealers are joining forces with Ford Motor Company to regionalize its philanthropic giving, said Lombardo Pérez, Owner/President, Metro Ford Lincoln Mercury. We think this is the right thing to do because the needs within our communities have never been greater, and we can provide guidance to Ford on how to best target programs in our community. Labels: comunity works, ford of ocala, ford of ocala.com, foundation
Ford Trucks are BIG in Texas!
 NEWS
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
F-150 named one and only truck of Texas; new truck offers best capability, unsurpassed Fuel Economy!
DALLAS, Oct. 19, 2008 – The new 2009 F-150 has been recognized as the one and only “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) – the sixth consecutive year a Ford truck has won top honors.
Ford’s lineup of trucks also was named Truck Line of Texas, while the Ford Flex and Expedition King Ranch received top honors as CUV and SUV of Texas, respectively. Sweeping all four vehicle-centered top honors, Ford emerged the clear winner at this year’s TAWA Texas Truck Rodeo.
“This is high praise, especially the coveted ‘Truck of Texas’ top prize,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of the Americas. “Texas Auto Writers are the toughest truck critics because they know firsthand and truly appreciate how core truck customers really use their pickups.
“We’re honored that TAWA recognizes that the new F-150 offers consumers class-leading capability, unsurpassed fuel economy and durability that shows how closely we’ve been listening to our customers for the 31 years Ford trucks have been America’s favorite,” he added.
According to Harold Gunn, President of TAWA, this year’s competition was tighter than ever because all of the manufacturers are delivering outstanding trucks.
“‘Truck of Texas’ is really the most important award of its type in the industry,” said Gunn. “We love trucks down here, and we really use these vehicles everyday. And since we spend so much time in our vehicles, for us it’s not just about how the horse feels being towed, but how your butt feels sitting in the truck, too.”
On sale now, the new F-150 offers fuel economy that has improved an average of 8 percent across the entire lineup as a result of a wide-range of engineering enhancements. The fuel economy gains reach as high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on F-150 models equipped with the high-volume three-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. At the same time, the new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.
“Earning the trust of so many truck customers during the past 31 years has taught us a lot about what they want and value from their F-150,” said Matt O’Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “In the past, there was a tradeoff – more fuel economy meant less capability and vice versa. With the new F-150, we didn’t accept tradeoffs. We delivered capability and fuel economy, and that’s why the F-150 is the definitive full-size pickup on the market.”
Other Ford Motor Company vehicles winning top honors in their categories at the TAWA Rodeo include:
· Best Luxury Pickup: 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch
· Best Full-Size CUV: 2009 Ford Flex
· Best Mid-Size CUV: 2009 Mazda CX9
· Best Luxury CUV: 2009 Lincoln MKX
· Best Mid-Size SUV: 2009 Ford Explorer
· Best Heavy Duty Pickup: 2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty Cabela’s Edition
Labels: 2008 ford, ford F-150, Ford F-350, ford trucks
Ford Flex gets Rave Review!
When Others say NO, Ford says "YES!"
 Ford to consumers: Loans are available... Ford Motor Co. has a message for consumers: "We have our own finance company and we are still loaning money and leasing cars, the The Detroit News reports. All the talk about the credit crisis is keeping consumers away from dealerships. But Jim Farley, Ford's head of sales and marketing, says his company is still able to get loans and leases for most customers with decent credit through its finance arm, Ford Credit. He said this is "a critical advantage" at a time when some manufacturers are turning people away. "Ford Credit is still in business," he told journalists at a dinner Monday night. "We have to start pointing that out. It's up to us to communicate it."Labels: ford finance, ford of ocala, ford of ocala.com, loans
Ford introduces the new 2009 F-150!
As we introduce the new F-150, I encourage you to tell your friends and neighbors some of the reasons why this truck has no rival. A few key features include: * Unrivaled Capability: Best-in-class towing (11,300 lbs.), hauling capacity of 3,030 lbs. and more standard safety equipment than any other half-ton pickup on the market, at a real value. * Unsurpassed Fuel Economy: The 2009 F-150 has a fleet-wide fuel economy improvement of 8 percent versus the 2008 model. For trucks equipped with the 5.4-liter V-8 engine, fuel economy improves by as much as 12 percent. A new superior fuel economy package - called SFE, available on our highest-volume F-150 XL and XLT models - will deliver an unmatched combination: 15 mpg in the city/21 mpg on the highway while still offering7,500 lbs. of towing capacity. * More Choice: With three cab styles, four box options and seven unique trim levels, the F-150 meets the widest range of customer needs and wants. It's powered by one of three V-8 engines, mated to either a four-speed or a new fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission. * Smart Features: F-150's industry-exclusive smart features and class-leading technology help make truck owners more productive and driving,towing and hauling easier and safer. Cutting-edge connectivity technologies include Ford SYNC, SIRIUS Travel Link, voice-activated navigation and Sony audio. Through Ford Work Solutions, customers will have the connectivity,flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business from their Ford truck - even on the job site. We've also made the F-150's pickup box easier to use, more flexible and accessible.
* Quality and Durability Legacy: There are more F-Series trucks with 250,000 miles or more on the road today than any other trucks. No company has a more durable pickup than F-150 at three years in service.
F-Series has been America's best-selling pickup for 31 consecutive years -and counting - because our designers and engineers listen to customers. We draw from a truck customer base that's 9 million strong to learn what they need, engineer solutions and then test our trucks to make sure they're "Built Ford Tough." The new 2009 F-150 shows we're still listening to customers and that our team of F-150 engineers and designers has been working hard to deliver a world-beating pickup.
Ford Ranked #1 in Quality Among US Automakers!
 FORD'S DOMESTIC BRAND QUALITY IN STATISTICAL DEAD HEAT WITH TOYOTA AND HONDA FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR * Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles continue their impressive quality gains, collectively improving for the fourth straight year and moving into avirtual tie with Honda-Acura and Toyota-Lexus-Scion for the 2008 model year,according to the latest U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study. * Ford F-Series Super Duty and Lincoln Mark LT rank atop their respective segments with fewest "things gone wrong" (TGW) and in customer satisfaction. Ford Mustang GT500 had the least number of TGW among sportscars. * Overall, 18 of 24 Ford domestic brand vehicles posted TGW improvements, including the hot-selling Ford Focus, which matched the Toyota Corolla. DEARBORN, Oct. 10, 2008 - Ford Motor Company's surging domestic quality is now equal to the best in the industry for the 2008 model year, according tothe latest U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles collectively reduced "things gone wrong"(TGW) by 7.7 percent compared to last year and are now statistically equivalent with Honda (including Acura) and Toyota (including Lexus andScion) atop the list of seven major automakers in the survey.>From 2004 to 2008, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle quality, as measured bya reduction in TGW, has improved by 33 percent. "This is One Ford at its best. It's taken thousands of people continuouslyworking together with laser-like focus every day to boost vehicle qualityfor our customers to the top of the pack," said Bennie Fowler, Ford groupvice president, Global Quality. "But this is a never-ending journey. Thegoal now is to distance ourselves from our top competitors. We want to bethe sole quality leader." The 2008-launched Ford F-Series Super Duty and the Lincoln Mark LT rankedfirst in their respective segments in both TGW and customer satisfaction.Ford Mustang GT 500 topped the sports car category in TGW. Overall, 18 of 24 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles recorded TGWimprovements. Ford's newly launched Focus improved significantly in TGW andcustomer satisfaction, now equaling the Toyota Corolla in both categories.The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are significantly better in TGW than theToyota Camry, which they tied in customer satisfaction. "We are consistently delivering improved quality by following standardized,disciplined processes throughout Ford," said Fowler. "This is particularly impressive considering the difficult challenges we've had to overcome." Ford also ranked best in class for TGW performance in the functional areas of Vehicle Engineering and Electrical among major manufacturers. Ford,Lincoln and Mercury vehicles averaged 1,287 TGW per 1,000 vehicles, a reduction of 108 versus a year ago. Customer satisfaction with the company'svehicles reached its highest level ever, improving one point to 77 percent. The 2008 model-year GQRS survey, conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., solicits feedback on vehicle trouble and customer satisfaction from owners of all major makes and models after three months in service.
Ford of Ocala's Latest Economic Stimulus Package
 Ford Motor Company and Ford of Ocala have teamed up to put you in a new truck for the lowest prices this year. Our economic stimulus package will free up your money for the other things you want and need. Call Amanda at 1.800.292.3338 or locally at 352.732.4800 for more information. Or write fordofocala@dagmail.com for complete details!
SuperDuty @ 0% for a limited time!
 Now is the time to buy that 2008 Super Duty to get the best financing! Call Amanda at 1.800.292.3338 or locally at 352.732.4800. Or email them at fordofocala@dagmail.com for full details with no obligation today!
Millions Available To Consumers at 0% Interest!!!!!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ocala, Florida-In an extraordinary effort to spark the local economy in Marion County, Ford of Ocala and Ford Motor Company joined forces to combat sagging auto sales. In an unprecedented event, Ford Motor Company just announced that through Ford of Ocala, a local Marion County dealership,they will make immediately available millions of dollars in auto loans at 0% interest! Ford of Ocala and its entire staff have risen to the occasion. According to General Sales Manager, Scott Reece, the entire new car and truck inventory is marked down for this unprecedented event. For the next five days, all Marion County residents are eligible to participate and benefit from this offer. Every credit application will be processed. The dealerships effort to successfully help facilitate this will determine their ability to borrow at the lowest interest rates available, said Reece. In addition to the thousands of dollars of savings on every vehicle, eleven million dollars of inventory is slashed. A Ford Motor Company spokesman said yesterday that the 0% is only available for a limited time. These loans are available at both of Ford of Ocala locations, Pine Avenue in Ocala and Highway 441 in Belleview. According to Reece, all credit applications will be accepted and processed and this extraordinary event will only last for a limited time. To further boost the local economy, in addition to this unprecedented loan release, Ford of Ocala will give each qualifying purchase a $500 American Express prepaid gift card to go out spend and spur the local economy. According to Don Palko, Financial Director for Ford of Ocala, in the past these type of credit offers and loan releases were only available to a very select group with above average credit scores. It is not the case this time! The 0% loans are offered to everyone with the best credit down to a level 4 scoring credit. We have never seen events like this before, said Palko. This program is available for everyone in Marion County to take advantage of these loan offers. All anyone has to do is come to Ford of Ocala right now and let them show you how you will benefit from this extraordinary savings and take advantage of this 0% loan program. Remember; receive your $500 American Express spending spree also. Offer ends soon so hurry to one of the two Ford of Ocala locations, 2816 NW Pine Ave in Ocala or Highway 441 in Belleview. Due to overwhelming response to these offers, Ford of Ocala will extend their hours to accommodate every Marion County resident. They will be open Monday~Friday 8:30AM~8:30PM, Saturday8:30AM~7:30PM and Sundays 11:00AM~6:30PM. Labels: credit, ford of ocala, zero percent
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