Making the Switch to a C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid

Lyle Dennis is a huge supporter of the Chevy Volt: he founded a website dedicated to the Volt, owned the eighth unit off the production line and drove it for 14,000 miles. So why did he recently make the switch from the Volt to the Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid?

“It all started really when my wife decided she wanted a Nissan Leaf to replace her SUV,” he said. “Since the Leaf could only go 75 miles, and we have three kids, I needed a car that could operate on electricity for my short commute but also have the capability for long drives with the whole family.”

The ability to seat five people comfortably came to the forefront for him during a trip over the summer. At that point, the family owned a Leaf and a Volt, and they planned on renting a larger car to transport the entire family for a road trip. But that didn’t work out quite the way they expected.

“Due to an error at the rental company, we found ourselves without a rental car on the day of our trip,” he said. After that he decided to pursue the C-MAX Energi to make sure they owned a car that could seat five and make long drives when needed.

As a close follower of the automotive industry in general and electric vehicles in particular, Dennis had known about the C-MAX Energi since 2011 when Ford announced it at the North American International Auto Show. The five seats and utility of the C-MAX Energi appealed to him.

He put in his order, and he has been driving his new C-MAX Energi since December. The car’s EV-only range and top speeds impressed him so far.  “It is fun to drive, technical and utilitarian,” he said. “It has lots of cool features and things to try.  It handles my commute to and from work without gas, which was my main goal.  And now I have peace of mind if my family needs to go on a long trip.”

You can learn more about this story by visiting insideevs.com, where Dennis goes in depth on his first impressions of the C-MAX Energi.

Here at Ford Lincoln of Ocala, we are eager to help you receive all the necessary information on your next vehicle purchase.

Spring into Action With Your Ford!

While the first official day of spring doesn’t necessarily feel like it for most of the U.S., we know that spring lies ahead. For many of us, the change of season means we’re preparing to spend more time outside and likely more time in our Ford vehicles, and even more when the summer months come! So, we’ve put together Ford style tips to help get you in the mood to be sprung for spring!

1. Escape the clutter: What is it about spring being synonymous with cleaning? Well, if you can’t beat it, join it! Take this time to clean out and organize your vehicle. Wadded up fast-food wrappers or other trash thrown in the backseat? Toss it for good. Coins deposited in all the cup holders? Organize them and keep them in one place. And do you really need three sweatshirts in the backseat for just-in-case scenarios? Time to clean out the garage too while you’re at it. We’re just sayin’.

2. Maintenance is your Super Duty: Did you park/store your Ford for the winter? Time to get it raring to go again. Even if you didn’t park it for the winter, maintenance still pertains; make spring the time of year to always do some basic maintenance, such as checking the fluids, replacing window wiper blades, checking the engine coolant and ensuring your tires are properly inflated.

3. Focus on a wash and wax: Winter is the time that all sorts of gross gunk can accumulate since some people don’t visit the car wash that often, from dirt to road salt and brake dust. Head to the car wash, or even better, get outside and do the deed yourself!

4. Go on an Expedition: We spend far too much time indoors in the winter; time to plan a road trip! Maybe it’s a weekend adventure, or simply a day-long getaway. See the world’s biggest this or smallest that, or simple become an explorer in a part of town you’ve always wanted to see. Or just drive your Ford vehicle to the mountains and go for a hike! Embrace The Great Outdoors. And whatever you decide to do, be sure to post a photo of you and your Ford right here at Ford Social!

5. Fiesta now, no more siesta! We’ve been known to get a little lazier in the winter – it’s cold, so we hibernate and want to just curl up on the couch and stay warm. But now that the world around us is defrosting, we’re looking forward to doing more activities. How about you? Itching to get into the outdoors? Attend car shows? Tell us your spring plans!

Atlas Concept: Should Ford Build This Truck?

Looking for the latest about the Ford Atlas Concept? Click here to read about what went into the design work that led to the creation of the concept vehicle.

Tell us, what do you tow and haul? Work equipment, toys for weekend activities or something else? And if you could build the ultimate tow/haul truck, what kind of features would it have? Does fuel economy matter? How would you make towing a trailer easier?

While you’re thinking about those questions, allow us to introduce the Ford Atlas Concept, revealed on January 15, 2013, at the North American International Auto Show. The Blue Oval™ has built the Atlas Concept as a way to explore how to improve a truck’s towing and hauling characteristics, and it also offers a glimpse at where Ford trucks may be headed in the future.

Fuel efficiency and productivity are key for the Atlas Concept, which has some breakthrough capabilities. Take for example the Active Grille Shutters that automatically stay open when additional engine cooling is needed in low-speed or hot weather driving situations, then close for better aerodynamics when cruising at steady speeds. There are also Active Wheel Shutters, a Drop-Down Front Air Dam and Power Folding Running Boards. And there’s a next-generation EcoBoost^® under its hood with Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology to save gas in stop-and-go driving, but this truck-enhanced version pauses the Auto Start-Stop when the truck is towing.

The prominent wheel arches, the wide stance and the chiseled grille – all the elements of this truck’s design are both tough-looking and functional, including the multiple integrated tie-down points and 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box as well as the Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle. Ford improved its Tailgate Step, which makes getting in the back of the truck even easier now by adding the ability to also act as a cargo cradle, lifting and holding extra-long cargo items above the truck and freeing valuable bed space. There’s also Trailer Backup Assist, a segment-first innovation for backing a trailer with the twist of a knob while monitoring the maneuver using the large center stack-mounted screen, and Dynamic Hitch Assist helps precisely line up the truck’s hitch with the trailer coupling. Hidden Cargo Ramps are lightweight loading ramps that stow below the cargo box for items such as dirt bikes.

So, what do you think? Should Ford build this truck? And don’t forget to tell us what you tow and haul and what features make doing that easier!

Shelby Launches 575hp Raptor

AUTOS: Shelby Launches 575hp Raptor

The all-terrain Ford F-150 performance pickup is enhanced with more power, improved handling and special graphics.

AutoWeek  | http://www.autoweek.com/  |  Posted March 29, 2013   New York, NY

 

 

 

Three different graphics packages are available for the Shelby-enhanced 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. (Photo: Shelby American)

 

Shelby has revived the muscle pickup truck with the 575-horsepower Shelby Raptor.

Based on the 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, the Shelby Raptor adds enhanced power and handling, along with three Shelby graphics packages.

Shelby unveiled the Raptor at the New York Auto Show, along with the 1,200-horsepower Super Shelby Mustang.

Shelby American president John Luft said the truck was created to conquer any terrain with “serious velocity.”

Shelby mounted a 2.9-liter supercharger to the truck's 6.2-liter V8 engine, boosting it 164 horsepower to 575. A six-speed automatic transfers power to all four wheels.

An “off-road” mode calibrates the transmission, stability and traction control systems to operate under high-speed off-road situations. The Shelby Raptor is also equipped with 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires.

Only 100 Shelby Raptors will be built per model year.

Shelby-fying the Raptor costs an extra $17,995 on top of the cost of the SVT Raptor, which carries a $44,625 base price including shipping.

This story originally appeared at Autoweek.com.

Inside a Top-Secret Lab at Ford

 

There’s a lab within Ford that utilizes 6,000 watts of lighting – close to 300 spotlights and floodlights – to simulate various phases of the Earth’s revolution around the sun. Does that leave you wondering what purpose the sun could serve in developing a Ford vehicle? It’s because the interior and exterior of a vehicle can look a lot different at various times of day. Therefore, the goal is to create harmony, and in particular among interior components and lighting, in an effort to minimize things like glare.

“The Visual Performance Evaluation Lab [VPEL] helps us ensure that the craftsmanship in our vehicles is apparent day or night,” explained Christina Bloxom, Ford Interior Harmony Engineer.

The VPEL gives designers and engineers a controlled environment to see just how lighting is affecting the interior from the driver’s perspective. For example, are the controls visible? Do the textures and materials change with light? Are there reflections? Does the black leather look smokier in bright daylight, appearing almost gray? If something isn’t working based on what’s discovered while researching at the VPEL, the designers can opt for a different shade of black or even switch up the texture. The VPEL has proven to be an invaluable part of the process when it comes to designing illuminated car interior components such as switches, clusters, climate controls, navigation systems, radios and rear entertainment systems.

“We scrutinize minute details to see what the customer sees in all levels of light, from the dark of night to the brightest day,” Christina said.

In the old days (aka, pre-VPEL), the lighting team had to take vehicles on the road under different sky conditions and evaluate the components that way. As you might guess, it took a long time. But now, they can do assessments as early as the clay-model stage. And that translates into saving both money and time when it comes to vehicle development.

 

Fusion, Escape Achieve All-Time Record Sales; Ford Motor Company U.S. Sales Up 6 Percent in March

DEARBORN – Ford’s newest vehicles – Fusion and Escape – set all-time monthly sales records in March, driving Ford Motor Company’s best U.S. sales results since May 2007.
“Customers are buying our all-new Fusion and Escape in record numbers, and we are working harder than ever to keep pace with demand for these fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Full-size pickup demand continues gaining momentum, outperforming the industry for the third consecutive month.”

Ford Fusion posted an all-time record monthly and quarterly sales volume in March with 30,284 vehicles sold for the month and 80,558 during the first quarter – crossing the 30,000 monthly and 80,000 quarterly vehicle sale thresholds for the first time ever in Fusion sales history.  

Escape had its best sales month ever with 28,934 vehicles sold. This 28 percent increase versus year-ago results marks the best sales performance since Escape’s launch 13 years ago. Escape also posted record quarter sales of 72,983 vehicles, surpassing record third quarter 2012 sales of 72,908 vehicles.

Explorer’s March sales totaled 17,509, representing a 33 percent increase over last year and its best monthly sales performance since the current model was introduced in 2010. Explorer retail sales were up 42 percent over last year, providing it best March retail sales performance since 2005. 

With the industry’s March full-size pickup segment estimated to be up 15 percent over last year, America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series sales increased 16 percent to 67,513 pickups in March. This was F-Series 20th straight month of monthly sales increases and represented F-Series’ best March and first quarter sales performance since 2007.  

The company’s overall sales in March were up 6 percent with 236,160 vehicles sold. Cars were even with a year ago, utilities up 14 percent and trucks up 6 percent.

Click here to view the Ford Motor Company March 2013 U.S. Sales tables.

Ford Executive Vice President Shares Insights on Luxury Market, Customers, Technology

NEW YORK - Ford Motor Company’s Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln Jim Farley earlier today delivered the New York Auto Show Opening Press Breakfast Keynote address at the Javits Center. To view video of the keynote, click here.
Recently, Employee Communications had the opportunity to discuss some of the themes of Farley’s planned keynote speech. Below are excerpts from that conversation.

Q. How has the Great Recession affected the luxury automobile market?
A. The luxury car business is stabilizing and consumer optimism is on the upswing. We feel confident that we know how the Great Recession has changed the business, but there are bigger changes in sight that nobody seems to be talking about. Several trends are emerging that will soon transform our business once again and they are all being driven by customers who are changing the universe around us whether we are ready for it or not.

Q. What type of trends are you referring to?
A. Luxury used to be about size, price and lack of attainability. However the recession has helped change that. Today’s consumers don’t necessarily believe luxury needs to come with such a high price tag. In fact, research shows that the majority of them expect to pay less than $60,000 for a luxury sedan. What they are looking for is luxury-level quality, performance and features in a smaller package.

Q. How are Millennials influencing the luxury car market?
A. The trends that we’re seeing in the luxury car market are part of a larger economic shift that’s bringing new faces and preferences into the marketplace. We all know that Baby Boomers drive our industry in the U.S., and they’ll continue to do so for some time. However, Millennials are one group that could surprise us. They have a sense of entitlement. They are discerning and they have high expectations. They want a luxury vehicle that demonstrates prestige and gets them noticed on the road. With prices dropping, their first or second vehicle could very well be a luxury car.

Q. What kind of opportunity do we have with Hispanic consumers?
A. Hispanics are the fastest growing population in the U.S. They are also becoming more affluent. There has been a 126 percent increase in U.S. Hispanic households making more than $100,000 a year and as a group, U.S. Hispanics hold a total net worth of $500 billion. These consumers are also buying luxury automobiles at a faster rate than the overall market. Luxury registrations for Hispanic customers were up 53 percent between 2002 and 2006 versus non-Hispanic registrations at only 13 percent. We have a huge opportunity to reach out to this audience with the Lincoln brand, which is more compelling, interesting and relevant than ever.

Q. How significant are women in today’s global car market?
A. Women are at the center of the most compelling trend of all. Throughout the world, rapid urbanization is drawing women to cities where they are trading agricultural work for careers in business. Here in the U.S., female buyers are outpacing males for the first time. What this means is that one billion women will be entering middle class globally by 2020 and many will be buying vehicles for the first time.

There is a huge potential for these new female buyers to drive luxury growth in developing areas of the world, such as Brazil, India, China, Russia and Turkey. In China alone, women now contribute about half of household income. That’s up from 20 percent in the 1950s. Their educational opportunities have grown considerably, and they’ve entered the white collar workforce.

Women could change the way we develop and sell our products. Their practical preferences for quality, value and safety may reshuffle global product development priorities. For example, globally, women tend to order standard powertrains and wheels and upgrade safety, communication and navigation features. Women will also drive dramatic changes to the retail experience in markets because in certain markets around the world they are unhappy with the dealership experience.

Q. Has consumer focus on fuel economy changed since the recession?
A. That is perhaps the greatest cross-demographic shift we’ve seen since the recession. Fuel economy is now the top consideration for vehicle purchases, and it has resulted in a flood of claims and data that is starting to overwhelm the market. We now have a torrent of “best-in-class” claims hitting consumers from all sides, and it’s starting to become noise. We are seeing more and more confusion as consumers try to make informed decisions. Given the connectivity in our cars and the proliferation of mobile devices, we now have the opportunity to give consumers better and more relevant data to understand what they can expect in on-the-road fuel-economy performance.

Q. How are mobile phones changing the experience we have in our vehicles?
A. We are seeing a shift in the way customers consume and use information, and a lot of that is driven by the mobile experience. Mobile growth continues to explode all over the world and it is already a huge part of our daily lives. The mobile experience is particularly important to Millennials – who expect the latest technology and seamless connectivity – and women – who are passionate about staying constantly connected to friends and family. All of this is having a profound impact on marketing, sales and service experiences.

New Ford Fusion Minimizes Pollen and ‘Touch’ Allergens

DEARBORN – As spring arrives and more Americans prepare to face allergies, the new 2013 Ford Fusion can help combat common airborne and touch-based allergens, while monitoring possible irritants in areas where customers are driving or planning to visit.

Ford engineers tested more than 100 materials and components on the new Fusion and other Ford vehicles for allergy issues. Engineers avoid – or minimize – materials such as natural latex, hexavalent chromium and nickel, which can produce an allergic reaction in some people.

Components requiring allergen testing include common high-touch areas such as the seats, steering wheel, armrests, door handles and shifters.

“Allergies affect large numbers of people, so anything we can do to reduce potential allergens inside Ford vehicles we do through rigorous, controlled testing,” said Linda Schmalz, supervisor of Core Material Engineering for Ford.

WebMD says more than half of all Americans test positive to one or more allergens. Allergies have been increasing for the past three decades across all age, gender and racial groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ford seeks to reduce the irritation of allergens – associated with seasonal weather and possibly rash-inducing materials – by rigorously testing its vehicles and installing cabin air filters that prevent airborne particles such as dust, spores, fungus and pollen from entering the vehicle.

From dust to hexavalent chromium (a chemical sometimes found in dyes, paints and plastics), natural latex to pollen, almost any material or substance can be a potential allergen. Ford testers make sure dyes and formaldehyde are strictly limited to levels that are acceptable even for clothing.
Cleanest possible cabin air
Cabin air filters improve driving comfort by reducing particle concentration, improve cleanliness and protect climate control components from particle deposits. These filters also capture soot, smog and tobacco smoke.

Because of the seamless way it works, many customers may not realize they have a cabin air filter. In most cases, the filter is accessed through the glove box. Ford dealers change the filters as part of the recommended maintenance for all vehicles.

Health and wellness research
In 2011 Ford kicked off a series of research projects for in-car health and wellness-connected services such as medical device connectivity, cloud-based health management services and mobile app integration.

In just more than a year, Ford delivered on the initial research with launch of the SYNC AppLink-compatible Allergy Alert app – available on the 2013 Fusion and other new Ford vehicles – and as one of the first steps toward helping drivers take care of themselves and their passengers.

With SYNC® AppLink™, drivers can quickly access allergy information through the Allergy Alert app. Through the app’s pollen index rating, drivers can request to hear the types of allergen conditions they are likely to encounter that may cause a flare-up in personal allergy symptoms. The app also provides a risk index for asthma, flu/cough/cold and ultraviolet rays.

Drivers can access Allergy Alert app information simply by connecting smartphones or tablets to their cars using simple voice commands, while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The SYNC AppLink-enabled version of Allergy Alert is available for iOS devices and is a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store.

Go Further with the New Ford Fusion and Support the Amercian Cancer Society

SAVE THE DATE as Ford gets ready for Big Act #8 of their Random Acts of Fusion Event, showcasing the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion!

On Thursday, November 15, 2012 join us at Ford/Lincoln of Ocala as we engage in a random act of community with our Go Further with Ford Night, providing the opportunity for everyone to see the new 2013 Ford Fusion up close and personal, PLUS the opportunity to help raise funds to benefit the American Cancer Society - all without any cost to you!  But the great times don't stop there!  Event attendees will have a chance to win their very own 2013 Ford Fusion! 

How, you ask? Simply click here to register your attendance to the event, complete the details in full and Ford will donate $10, for a maximum donation of up to $500!  It's a win-win situation asattendees will experience all the new Fusion has to offer such as a Best In Class Fuel Economy with a 47 combined mpg!*  Also, when you register online, you'll be entered to win a VIP trip to see a taping of American Idol!

Stop by Ford/Lincoln of Ocala, your trusted new Ford and Lincoln car dealership, or contact Tom Males at 352-732-4800 for further information.  Be sure to register today and join us at our dealership located at 2816 NW Pine Ave Ocala, FL 34475 on November 15th to help support a great cause and see the awesome new 2012 Ford Fusion!


*MPG - EPA estimated fuel economy base engine / transmission. Note: Fiesta SE w/SFE Package: EPA-estimated 29 city/40 hwy/33 combined, automatic - Fiesta S, SEL and SES: EPA-estimated 29 city/38 hwy/33 combined, automatic. Note: 2011 Mustang - EPA-estimated 19 city/31 hwy/23 combined coupe, V6 automatic - GT manual. Note: 2013 Focus SE Sedan with SFE Package: EPA-Estimated 28 city/40 hwy/33 combined mpg. Note: F-150 EPA-estimated 17 city/23 hwy/19 combined mpg, 3.7L V6 4x2. For 2012 Edge, MPG’s reflected for 2.0L EcoBoost™ I-4 engine: 21 city/30 hwy/24 combined. For 2013 Explorer, MPG’s reflected for 2.0L EcoBoost™ I-4 engine: 20 city / 28 hwy / 23 combined. For Escape S 2.5L Duratec I-4-22 city/31 hwy; SE/SEL 1.6L EcoBoost I-4 FWD, 23 city/33 hwy, 4WD, 22 city/ 30 hwy; SE/SEL/Titanium 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 FWD, 22 city/30 hwy, 4WD, 21 city/28 hwy. For C-MAX, MPG’s reflected for C-MAX Hybrid 2.0L engine: 47 city/47 hwy/47 combined.

Drive 4 UR Community - Thanks for the Support!

Ford/Lincoln of Ocala recently held their Ford Drive 4 UR Community fundraising event in support of the American Cancer Society.

Similar to Ford's Drive 4 Ur School event which fosters relationships with and helps raise funds in support of schools across America, the Drive 4 UR Community event is Ford's way of helping to raise funds for local non-profit community oganizations.

At this year's event, held at the SE Lodge Pavilion in Ocala, 204 test drives were taken using brand new Ford and Lincoln vehicles provided by Ford/Lincoln of Ocala.  At $20 per test drive, this results in a potential maximum donation of $4,080 benefitting the American Cancer Society.

“The Drive 4 UR Community program is a great example of how Ford dealers can go further in their communities to help local charities raise needed funds for a cause,” said David Mondragon, manager, Ford U.S. Marketing. “This initiative exemplifies ‘people serving people,’ which is a key pillar of Ford’s global brand promise.”  Not only is the program a win for local nonprofits, but it also provides consumers with an opportunity to sample the latest Ford models, says Mondragon.  Further, he said, "It’s a win for both because we donate $20 per test drive to the event while introducing our new lineup of great cars, trucks and SUVs to consumers who are there to support the cause, and many of the people who attend the fundraisers may not have had the opportunity to drive a Ford before.”

 

Since the program's inception in 2010, it has helped to raise over $750,000 for nonprofit community groups.  The donations earned have helped to support feeding the hungry, in addition to funding park upgrades, mentorship programs for at-risk children and housing projects. 

 

Ford/Lincoln of Ocala wishes to thank everyone who came out and participated in this worthwhile cause and looks forward to hosting more such events in the future!