In Loving Memory of Gary L. Scott - Ford of Ocala Vice president
Friday, April 23, 2010
Gary L Scott (1940-2010) Gary L. Scott, age 69, former Vice President and General Manager of Ford of Ocala, quietly passed away in his home surrounded by his wife and two daughters on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. Gary was born on October 14, 1940 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Jewell Scott and the late John Scott, both of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He moved to Florida in 1961 where he began his longtime career in the automobile industry.
Gary's relationship with Ford Motor Company began in 1961. Over the last fifty years, Gary received numerous awards and accolades from Ford Motor Company. He was President of Ford Motor Company's Jacksonville District Parts and Service Manager's Club for several years. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Parts and Service Manager's Club. He was Vice President, General Manager of Griffin Ford in Frostproof, Florida prior to becoming Vice President, General Manager of Ford of Ocala. He was on the Board of Directors for Marion Technical Institute (M.T.I.) and one of his greatest career achievements was playing an instrumental part in the formation of M.T.I.'s automotive program.
Throughout his life, Gary was a member of many influential organizations. He was Rotary Club President in Frostproof, Florida, member of the Tampa Lions Club and was proud to serve on the Marion County Board of Chamber of Commerce. Gary was also a 32nd Degree Mason. Gary was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Ocala where he was an Elder and served as Chairman of the Pastor Nominating Committee. Anyone acquainted with Gary knew his passion for music and guitars. He was a member of the Praise Team at First Presbyterian Church where he played the guitar each and every Sunday.
Gary is survived by his caring and devoted wife of 41 years, Janie, his eldest daughter and her husband, Stacey and Jim Flemister of Winter Garden, FL; his youngest daughter and her husband, Kari and Scott Reece of Ocala, FL; five grandchildren, Chelsea, Quint, Dixie, Chase, and Ashton; his mother, Jewell Scott and two brothers, Doug and Calvin Scott. He is also survived by his daughter Sherry Lynn Jordan and her daughter Jennifer, as well as 5 nieces and 1 nephew. Gary loved and adored his wife, children and grandchildren. He cherished his companion of nine years, Morgan, their golden retriever. His world revolved around God, his Family and music. He enjoyed playing golf, hunting and fishing.
Visitation will be held Friday from 5-7 PM at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church 511 SE 3rd St., Ocala, with Dr. Raymond Guterman, Rev. Darren Bess, Dr. Joseph Pickard, and Rev. Sam Harris officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Marion County or First Presbyterian Church of Ocala Praise Team.
AOL reports the best selling vehicle in America for 2009 was a Ford F-Series truck~ again! Ford of Ocala is also happy to report that 3 of the Top 10 sellers in America are from Ford Motor Company~ the Ford Escape came in at #7 and the Fusion at #9. Only Ford and Honda placed 3 vehicles in the Top 10 Picks for 2009. We are proud that we are the only company with diversity in that a truck, a car and an SUV made the list. And that more people bought the Ford Escape than the Honda CR-V in 2009~ a testament to American design and engineering.
Please come to Ford of Ocala and see why we are proud of what we sell or call 1.800.292.3338 for more information!
Ford of Ocala Drive One 4UR School a Huge Success for MTI!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
From Ford Program Headquarters:
We wanted to inform you that we have completed the validation process for the waivers and surveys from your Drive One 4 UR School event. For your background, we use a computerized system that is set up to recognize duplicate and/or fraudulent addresses, invalid vehicle test-drives as well as remove incomplete forms. After completing this process, the total donation will be $,6000 for 300 valid test-drives. Congratulations on raising these much-needed funds for your participating school!
Final Tally, with the additional incentives provided by Ford of Ocala, Marion Technical Institute received over $7,000 to fund their programs.
Alan Mulally is Automobile Magazine's 2010 Man of the Year.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Because we did not take a bail out~ Because a man with vision and determination can make a difference~ But mostly because we put customer satisfaction, quality and safety first. Alan Mulally has been chosen as 2010 Man of the Year by one of the industry's most prestigious magazines, Automobile. Click his name to read the whole story.
Ford of Ocala is part of a community involvement task force and organizes Initiatives for the benefit of the local community in the Ocala and Marion County area. The High Schools at Ocala usually got their senior portraits taken in the Schools' gymnasiums. After recent budget cuts, the schools no longer opened during the summer, leaving the seniors without a location to have their portraits taken. Ford of Ocala came up with a solution and offered to host the Senior Portraits for the local High Schools affected by the budget cuts at no cost to the school and students. The participating schools were North Marion High, Vanguard High, Trinity Catholic High, and Dunnellon High.
Steve Hollosi and the Ford of Ocala team were commended by the local community for allowing several hundred students to be photographed for senior portraits in their dealership over the last several weeks. Jeff Wilkinson from SWI Photographers was very grateful because he could not find a place which could accommodate this number of students anywhere in Marion County. We all know what an important milestone senior portraits represent, and it goes without saying that the students were very appreciative as well.
Ford of Ocala is part of a community involvement task force and organizes Initiatives for the benefit of the local community in the Ocala and Marion County area. Ford of Ocala was instrumental in coordinating a blood donation drive in Florida during July. The drive was a success and the willingness of the donors to contribute towards saving lives was inspiring. The efforts of Ford of Ocala have always been greatly appreciated and their support of the community blood program will go a long way toward replenishing blood supplies and ultimately saving lives. Around 6 units of valuable blood were collected during this drive. Ford of Ocala hopes to further increase the contribution and ongoing support of the local community towards this important community program in the future and generally spread awareness about the significance of blood donation.
Ford Says June U.S. Auto Sales Slide Lowest Among Major Makers
Monday, June 29, 2009
By Keith Naughton June 29 (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co., the only major U.S. automaker that hasn’t filed for bankruptcy, said its June sales of cars and trucks will be the “lowest” decline of any major automaker. “The worst is behind us,” said George Pipas, in a briefing at the company’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. “We may see economic growth in the second half and a higher level of auto sales.” Automakers for June may post an annual U.S. sales rate that exceeds 10 million vehicles for the first time this year, according to estimates by Edmunds.com, J.D. Power & Associates, CSM Worldwide and Deutsche Bank. U.S. sales of cars and light trucks fell to 13.2 million last year after averaging more than 16 million annually through this decade. Ford is benefiting from being the only major U.S. automaker not going through a government-financed bankruptcy, said John Wolkonowicz, auto analyst for IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Massachusetts. The company is the second-largest U.S. automaker, behind General Motors Corp. “Ford has a good product line, excellent quality and they don’t have the stigma of having taken government money,” Wolkonowicz said in an interview. “They’re like the little engine that could and the public likes that.” Ford’s U.S. sales fell 24 percent in May while the industry total dropped 34 percent.
The 2010 New Car Premiere Event @ Ford of Ocala is scheduled for July 6, 2009 from 1pm to 7pm.
This special event will celebrate the 4 new Ford cars that are making their debut for 2010 MY:Ford Fusion, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Mustang, and - making its first appearance at Ford of Ocala during the New Car Premiere Event - the 2010 Ford Taurus.
The Highlights of the event are:
A Touch Screen Product Information station where customers can learn more about Ford's new 2010 cars
2010 Taurus point-of-purchase materials
Door prizes for customers attending the Event
Food and Drink
And a chance to win an experience of driving the NEW FORD FUSION for 30 days.
Customers can enter their name in a drawing for the chance to win an all-new 2010 Taurus!*
The Congress has finally passed the 'Cash for Clunkers' bill. I reported on it early in March while it was still being hammered into shape, I believe. It sailed thru the House but was stalled in the Senate this week as they hashed out some of the details. I believe it had to do with the difference in MPG, gas mileage difference between your trade in and the vehicle you were buying.
Basically what it says is that if you trade in a car with limited MPG on a new, more fuel efficient ride the government will allow up to $4500 in trade. I'll see if I can locate a definitive article and post it here soon. In the meantime, come on in and speak to a sales associate or product specialist to see what is available. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how many of our vehicles provide better gas mileage without compromising power or comfort.
Call us @ 1.800.292.3338 or locally @ 352.732.4800 for more information. Or you can visit us 24/7 @ www.fordocala.net or www.fordofocala.com to browse our inventory, check the latest incentives and submit a credit application for pre-approval!
DEARBORN, Mich., June 11, 2009 – Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally today commented that, as part of Ford's transformation plan, the company remains committed to improving the balance sheet and reducing debt. The company, however, has no current plans to issue additional equity. Mr. Mulally's comments were intended to reflect the company's ongoing and long-term transformation plan, which remains centered on:
Aggressively restructure to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix
Accelerate the development of new products that customers want and value
Finance the plan and improve the balance sheet
Work together effectively as one team, leveraging Ford's global assets
By ASHLEY BROWN -- 6:19 AM EDT, Tue, Apr 28, 2009 In the shadows of the nation's capital, Ford set a new standard for future cars. Monday night, Ford's hybrid, the 2010 Fusion, managed to go more than 1,300 miles on a single tank of gas. That means you could drive a Fusion straight from New York to Miami without stopping to fill up. A team including Ford hybrid engineers, a fuel efficiency expert, and NASCAR star Carl Edwards started the "1,000 Mile Challenge" on Saturday morning in Mount Vernon, Virginia. They were still going along the George Washington Parkway by late Monday night, getting an average of 81.6 miles per gallon. The team of experts had some strategies (what they call "Eco-Driving" techniques) to maximize mileage on the hybrid's journey, including: - Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking - Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear - Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum Besides giving us another reason to drive hybrid cars, the 1,000 Mile Challenge also raised funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Internet Buzz about the Ford Family One Concept vehicle!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Already a hot seller in Europe, the Transit Connect is slowly making its way across America. Originally a diesel powered vehicle designed for business/family use it is being introduced as a gas powered family vehicle in the $20k neighborhood. Being one of the TOP 100 Ford Dealers in the USA we were lucky to preview it in person last fall. (I have the pictures somewhere) The link below is one of the first reviews I've found with out a lot of work. :)
Today is the Last Day for 2008 Employee Pricing Plu$!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Well, I certainly didn't expect them to offer these great prices any longer than last Monday, but the deadline has been extended. But that doesn't mean you should wait till next Monday to buy as the great selection of models and features is going fast. Call or visit today to see what a great deal you can get!
Kelley Blue Book Selects 2009 F-150 "2009 BEST REDESIGNED VEHICLE"!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
FORD’S ICONIC F-150 NAMED ‘2009 BEST REDESIGNED VEHICLE’ FROM KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KBB.COM"The 2009 F-150 is more than a truck – it’s a work system," said Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com in naming the truck its "2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle"Accolade offers additional proof that Ford’s success comes from listening to its customers and delivering the capability and fuel economy they requireDEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 10, 2008 – Editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com today announced that Ford’s all new 2009 F-150 – an American icon with class-leading capability and unsurpassed fuel economy – has earned the title of “2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle.” (http://www.kbb.com/kbb/NewsAndReviews/BestRedesignedVehicleAward.aspx)“I just really like this truck,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “I think it’s the sheer power of it that’s so impressive. It’s such an important truck in the market; it’s so important to Ford and to the domestic auto industry in general. There are so many variations, and so many innovations. In some ways, the F-150 is more than a truck – it’s a work system.”The all-new 2009 F-150, new inside and out, is the new benchmark in the full-size pickup segment.Improvements include a new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that allows this tough truck to deliver even more horsepower, unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading towing and payload capacity.Nerad noted the array of available technology – from the industry-exclusive SYNC to Ford Work Solutions. SYNC provides hands-free, in-car communication. Ford Work Solutions is an innovative suite of options including an in-dash computer with Internet access, Tool Link to track tools, Crew Chief technology to dispatch workers and reduce vehicle operating costs and Cable Lock to improve security. He also singled out the added conveniences of the Box Side Step and Tailgate Step that helps customers easily gain access to the truck’s pickup box.“There really is something there for everybody,” Nerad said. “There are so many interior and exterior design changes on this truck, and all of them are stellar.”The F-150, he said, was chosen after the editors looked at all the redesigned vehicles on the market – cars, CUVs, SUVs and trucks – and winnowed the selections down to a top 10.The accolade is gratifying, said chief engineer Matt O’Leary, not only for the prestige it carries, but because it also offers an indication of how Ford’s continual interaction with its unparalleled customer base brings results.“When we set out to redesign the F-150, we said we would leave no stone unturned to ensure that our 31-year leadership on full-size trucks continued for many more years,” O’Leary said. “This recognition is just another indication that our success is founded on listening to the customer better than anyone else and finding innovative solutions to their concerns. That’s not something we take lightly – we live it every day.”In addition to being named the 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com since its launch in October, the new 2009 F-150 has won the following awards:
Top honors as “Truck of Texas” as well as “Best Luxury Pickup” for the 2009 F-150 King Ranch from Texas Auto Writers Association
“Best Overall Half-Ton Pickup” from PickupTrucks.com
“Automotive Excellence” award in the Workhorse Category from Popular Mechanics
“Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its standard safety technology: Safety Canopy side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
“Residual Value” award from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG) for retaining the highest percentage of its original price among 2009 full-size light duty pickups at the end of a conventional three-year lease, based on ALG projections
Motor Trend's Truck TrendTop 5 Trucks from Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept
Ford of Ocala Sponsors Ocala HOG Chapter 0702 Toy Run this Sunday!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
18th ANNUAL TOY RUN To Benefit Underprivileged Children of Marion County SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14th Escorted Ride by Marion County Sheriff, MC Fire & Rescue and the Ocala P.D. Starts at Kent Furniture Plaza 10651 SE US HWY 441 Belleview (behind Regions bank). Line Up starts at 10am Registration closes 11:30 Ride Leaves at Noon Ride Ends at Harley Davidson of Ocala 5331 N. US Highway 441 "WHERE THE SMILING CHILDREN WILL BE WAITING" **Unwrapped Toys Only Please** Food, Soft Drinks & Bottled Water Provided Free with Donation A TOY BOX WILL BE SET UP FOR DONATIONS AT H-D of OCALA FROM NOV. 14th TO DEC. 14TH For more info, call Guy 352-854-1190 or H-D 352-732-2488 2008 TOY RUN SPONSORS HARLEY- DAVIDSON BUELL OF OCALA FORD OF OCALA WIND-FM RADIO KENT FURNITURE BELLEVIEW DIXIE BIKER INC
The 2009 Ford F-150 Blows the 'Competition' Away!!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
We are the Country's Leader in Trucks for a reason! And we have just added residual value to our long list as the industry leader for 31 years. Basically that means your truck will be worth more longer than any other brand. It retains its value because it is better built from the beginning... even the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety consistently gives it a higher crash rating than most passenger cars! And its payload and towing capacity are the highest... hey, enough of me! Click on this link http://www.fordvehicles.com/2009f150/ to get it straight from Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs.
What do NASCAR, NASA and Ford of Ocala have in common? We have discovered what replacing the air in our tires with Nitrogen can do! And we would like to share it with you. Experts agree it can help improve your gas mileage, save wear and tear on your tires and improve cornering and braking, especially in an emergency. Now you can Google it for a scientific explanation but I would like to share with you an article we found in the local paper. It is about the Marion County Sheriffs Department and their experiment with adding Nitrogen to their scout cars and other vehicles.
And to introduce you to this cutting edge technology we would like to offer the discounted price of $19.95 for a limited time. (*Note in the article where someone is offering the same thing for $49.95) This is for cars and sedans, SUVs and trucks are more. See your Service Advisor for complete details or give us a call 1.800.292.3338 for more information.
Certified Pre-Owned Means Much More than Peace of Mind!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Take the guesswork out of buying a used car and purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle. We only certify vehicles that have passed a rigorous inspection process designed to test every aspect of a vehicle to verify it meets our standards.
Before you purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle, we'll provide you with the vehicle's history report. Along with extensive warranty coverage* and 24/7 roadside assistance backed by Ford Motor Company and our 100-year heritage, you'll know you've made the right choice.To qualify for Certified Pre-Owned status, each used Ford must be less than six model years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer. Then before we certify any Ford pre-owned vehicle, it must first pass a rigorous 169 point-by-point exam. All our Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with extensive warranty coverage*. and 24-hour roadside assistance. And to top it off, your dealer provides a full tank of gas, new wiper blades, and fresh oil and filter at delivery.
*See your sales specialist for limited warranty coverage details and more information about the right certified pre-owned vehicle for you.
Now through November 30, 2008 you can winterize your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle or get the service you've been putting off due to the economy. We're offering savings on over 30 service procedures for gas and diesel powered vehicles. If you are like most of us, we don't put money aside for repairs, especially with the price of gas and food being what they are. Ford of Ocala understands this and also knows maintaining your ride saves money now and over the long haul. So we've joined with Ford Motor Company to save you money today! And because we are a Blue Oval Certified Service Center we can offer even bigger savings on servicing your vehicle. You can click on the photo or this link Ford Genuine Service to get more details on this money saving offer. Many of these services can be done without an appointment but for your convenience you can set one by phone or online at Ford of Ocala Service Appointment And of course, we invite you to call or visit with a Service Advisor today to find out more. 1.800.292.3338 or locally at 352.732.4800
Where Every Day really is a Sale Day! Being a High Volume, Discount Dealer gives you a price advantage over every dealer in Florida. Just ask our 'competition'- We guarantee the lowest price on a new Ford in the state of Florida in writing. Check around- we should have more trucks, mustangs, SUVs and passenger cars than any other dealer in North Central Florida. And we have an award winning Commercial Sales Division as well. Our Automotive Group increases our available inventory tremendously and we are part of the largest network in the SouthEast.And it isn't just other Ford dealers. We pride ourselves in delivering more vehicle for less money, regardless of make or model. If you are in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle please check us out online, on the phone or in person. You, your family and your pocketbook will be pleasantly surprised by the great staff at Ford of Ocala. Call 1.800.292.3338, visit www.fordofocala.com or www.fordocala.net or come to 2816 NW Pine Avenue (Hwy 301/441) in sunny Ocala, Florida today!
Florida Soldier wins Mustang in Ford Motor Contest
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 3, 2008 – Few things are more American than the Ford Mustang. And fittingly enough, the winner of the “Mustang Stories” online contest is U.S. Army Specialist Kory Chesher, a member of the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division serving in Iraq.Online voters selected Chesher’s story from the top 25, giving him the grand prize of a new 2010 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and a trip for two to Los Angeles for the reveal of the next generation of the classic American muscle car at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 19.“Kory’s story perfectly captures the passion and enthusiasm that Mustang has created for more than 40 years,” said Mustang Brand Manager Fritz Wilke. “We’re pleased to award him his first Mustang and hope it brings him many years of enjoyment. We also want to sincerely thank all the Mustang enthusiasts who submitted their stories and voted at http://www.the2010mustang.com/ to make this contest such a great success.” Chesher’s entry was one of several thousand received for the “Mustang Stories” contest. Entries, which were limited to a maximum of 250 words, were submitted from Aug. 27-Oct. 15, with the top 25 stories posted Oct. 18. Online voting ran through Oct. 28.“I want to thank everyone at Ford and everyone who voted for helping my dream of having my own Mustang come true,” Chesher said via e-mail from Iraq. “I opened up my e-mail and saw the first bold message said, ‘Congratulations: You are a Winner in the Mustang Stories Contest.’ I couldn’t read it fast enough. I’m just overwhelmed.”Chesher, who lives in Edgwater, Fla., just south of Daytona Beach, hopes to be at the unveiling at Los Angeles. His group is returning to the United States this month.The 22-year-old Chesher developed his passion for Mustang during a traffic stop with his father while in Louisville, Ky.“This Mustang was in the left turning lane and I was like, ‘Wow, what kind of car is that?,’ ” Chesher recalled. “My dad said, ‘Oh, that’s a Mustang.’ I was immediately hooked. That must have been sometime in the summer of 1991 or ’92. I must have been about 6 or so.”Chesher submitted his story with a photo of him standing in front of an Army vehicle called an MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protectant). A super-size Mustang Pony badge gallops proudly on the grille of the truck, which tranports soldiers and equipment across dangerous terrain.Chesher’s mother, Susan DuMond, says he had been saving money to buy a Mustang when he returned to the United States. “He’s got Mustang blood – he eats, sleeps and breathes Mustang,” DuMond said. “It’s his dream car. Kory was saving as much money as possible to buy a Mustang. Now’s he’s won a Mustang. It doesn’t get better than that.”DuMond said she received a phone call at work that Chesher won. “I was jumping up and down in the office and running around,” she said. “I’m so happy for Kory. This is just fantastic!”Chesher’s 242-word essay, “A Life Obsession,” follows:It started when I was about 6 years old. I was in the truck with my father and we were at a stoplight. Across the road at the other light was this “car.” It drew my attention away from everything else in the world. I asked my dad what it was and he simply said, “Oh, that’s a Mustang.”I remember it like it was yesterday. I now know that it was a 1968 black Fastback. That was almost 20 years ago. Twenty years of love, addiction, obsession. Twenty years of longing and desire.Now I’m a solider in the United States Army deployed to Iraq. I spend my spare time tearing through Mustang magazines that my family and total strangers are kindhearted enough to send to me. Every opportunity I get I’m online poring through forums and pictures; studying every little tidbit of knowledge I can get my hands on; meticulously memorizing seemingly insignificant trivia. Names, dates, specs, colors, paint codes, production numbers, costs, anything, everything.A Mustang of my own wouldn’t quell this life I live – it would supercharge it. The only thing greater than a life loving Mustangs is a life with a Mustang. With a Mustang to call my own I could finally experience the pride and freedom that I’ve only been watching from afar. It will ignite a passion like nothing I have ever experienced. Mustangs are my one true love.
The Sales Staff at Ford of Ocala is eagerly waiting to assist you!
OK,OK normally we keep these guys locked up in the back but we let them out for the Halloween Costume Contest. Not all the contestants showed up for the judging( several escaped) but in the end it was so close they awarded 1 first prize and 3 second prizes.
Prices were the lowest in October than they have been in a long time. And though some of the rebates changed on Halloween, several others were increased for November. If you have been looking to buy a new or pre-owned vehicle or even just thinking about it, you owe it to yourself to visit Ford of Ocala. Call 1-800-292-3338 or visit www.fordofocala.com today!
While Ford Motor Co. launches TV ads for the all-new 2009 F-150 today, the company is planning a new online application that will launch in mid-November at http://www.fordvehicles.com/. It's a series of real-world comparison tests that pit the F-150's capability in towing, hauling, durability and fuel economy against rival trucks. The four documentary-style webisodes were filmed at Ford's Michigan Proving Ground in Romeo. But for now, you can check out the specs yourself and see why Ford of Ocala has been the truck leader in North Central Florida since 1925.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Millions Available To Consumers at 0% Interest!!!!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
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.
Ford Motor Company has taken another stride in quality, reducing Things Gone Wrong (TGW) levels for the third straight year, and is now within striking distance of the best in class, according to U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS). Ford quality has improved by 11 percent, much more than the industry improvement average of two percent by the same study, in which no fewer than 16 Ford vehicles ranked for the top three positions in either TGW performance or customer satisfaction categories or both after three months in service, the usual cut off period for this study conducted by the RDA Group. The results are based on what the study hears from customers on all or some of the parameters such as vehicle trouble and customer satisfaction, after they have used their vehicles for at least three months. The Mustang, Shelby, GT500, E-Series, Crown Victoria, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Mark LT, Mazda MX-5, and Miata ranked best in their respective segments and, not surprisingly, these ten Ford models outperformed the competition. The company`s new launches, Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, and Lincoln Navigator L cemented their already strong positions for strong customer satisfaction, while Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ did well during the quarter, sustaining their high levels since their launch in late 2004. Are these not enough reasons for you to come to our Ford of Ocala dealership to look for your next Ford?
2009 Ford f-150 UNSURPASSED IN fuel economy, CAPABILITY
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 18, 2008 – America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, is raising the bar once again – this time with unsurpassed fuel efficiency on the new 2009 F-150, thanks to significant miles per gallon improvement across the entire F-150 lineup.
On sale in October, 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 3-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.
In addition, Ford is announcing the introduction of the new F-150 SFE “superior fuel economy” edition delivering up to 21 miles per gallon on the highway while still providing 7,500 pounds of towing capability – fuel economy that is unsurpassed in the full-size pickup segment.
“Ford has committed to have the best or equal to the best fuel economy with every new product we introduce, and we are delivering with the new F-150,” said Matt O’Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “Fuel economy has moved from 10th to third place among pickup buyers’ top purchase considerations – right behind durability and value. The new F-150 delivers on all three as the industry leader.
”F-150 SFE
The new SFE package will be available on F-150 SuperCrew XL and XLT 4X2 vehicles with 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 engines and 5.5-foot beds. The SFE pickup will achieve 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
The SFE package trucks also feature a new fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission, a 3.15:1 rear axle and 18-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels with low rolling resistance P265/60R18 all-season tires.
“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,” O’Leary said.
“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.
”The SFE package will be a no-cost option on XLT SuperCrew pickups with the chrome package and will cost $1,095 when ordered on XL SuperCrew pickups with the decor package.
Fuel Economy throughout the Lineup
The 8 percent improvement in fuel economy across the entire lineup of V-8 F-150s is the result of using lightweight ultra-high-strength steel to lighten the truck up to 100 pounds versus the current model and aerodynamic refinements.The new F-150 is now best-in-class for aerodynamics.
The new F-150 SuperCrew 4X2 with a 5.5-foot box has the lowest coefficient of drag – 0.403 – in the segment. That’s 6 percent lower than a comparable 2008 F-150. Key aero improvements for the new F-150 include:· A new chamfered shape to the rear of the cab, which incorporated the center-high-mount stop lamp. This shape helps direct aerodynamic wake over the pickup box efficiently.
The top of the tailgate, which angles outward to create a bold lip. This wider surface at the top of the tailgate works with the cab chamfering to direct airflow over the box efficiently.· The front bumper valence and spoiler design, which has been improved to better manage airflow underneath the truck without compromising off-roading.
In addition, as part of the fuel economy improvements, Ford’s powertrain team delivered technology upgrades to make the F-150 powertrains more efficient.
The new six-speed automatic transmission offers a wider gear ratio span than four-speed transmissions, allowing engineers the flexibility to have responsiveness in low gears and better fuel economy in the taller gears.
The new double-overdrive gearbox is designed to contribute a 4 to 6 percent fuel economy improvement.Both the 5.4-liter and 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engines utilize open valve injection. This unique feature improves the air/fuel charge conditions in the combustion chamber, allowing greater spark advance at higher loads and engine speeds.
This delivers increased horsepower during towing and higher rpm operations, lower emissions and more efficient use of fuel.The F-150 also regulates gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off. The fuel shut-off is automatic and requires no unusual actions from the driver. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the system temporarily turns off the fuel. The flow of fuel seamlessly resumes when the truck reaches a low speed or the driver accelerates again.
To prevent engine hesitation normally associated with fuel interruption, Ford’s powertrain team developed proprietary software to integrate the technology with the F-150’s powertrains.
