The Reed Factor

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Ford Teaming Up with Best Buy on Transit Connect and E-Series

Ford is looking to build a better and more fuel-efficient fleet line, and the company is teaming up with Best Buy’s Geek Squad to make that happen. Ford’s Transit Connect and E-Series vehicles are the focus of this team up, and it will start with 290 Transit Connect compact utility vans being used instead of cargo vans by the Geek Squad.

Also, Best Buy will be using 738 E-Series vans that will be used by the Geek Squad to install and service home theater equipment. Since Ford’s E-Series line has smaller displacement engines, they will provide better fuel economy than Best Buy’s current vans.

Here’s the official release from Ford:

The Ford Transit Connect and Ford E-Series van are joining Geek Squad as part of Best Buy’s continuing efforts to build a more fuel-efficient fleet and streamlined transportation system.

Best Buy – an international leader in consumer electronics and entertainment – will soon take delivery of 290 Ford Transit Connect compact utility vans and 738 Ford E-Series vans. The Transit Connects will be used instead of larger cargo vans by Geek Squad technicians who deliver, install and service home appliances. The E-Series vans will be used by those who install and service home theater equipment.

“We appreciate Best Buy’s business and confidence in our commercial van lineup,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Truck Sales and Marketing. “The combination of Transit Connect and E-Series provides a wide range of utilization that will help Best Buy meet its customers’ needs.”

Ford Transit Connect provides utility and fuel efficiency
According to Jason Pucely, senior manager, Best Buy Fleet Operations, the selection of the Ford Transit Connect was dictated in many ways by the company’s new operating model, which drives to deliver superior client service through more efficient scheduling, inventory management and transportation systems.

“We’re streamlining all of our activities,” he explained. “We’ve developed a more effective routing system, and we’re more efficient with the tools and parts we carry when we do our work. That has enabled us to put the same technician doing the same work in a smaller, lighter vehicle.”

Pucely says the Ford Transit Connect offers the functionality Geek Squad technicians require to get their work done, while not compromising on some of the space requirements that a full-size cargo van offers.

In addition to the cost and environmental benefits, Pucely foresees other advantages.

“Our technicians typically carry diagnostic equipment, motors and other electronic parts, so having the side access panels will make it easier for them to get to the equipment they need,”
he said.

The unique appearance of the Ford Transit Connect promises to be an added bonus, says Pucely.

“A distinctive vehicle has been part of the history of Geek Squad in the marketplace,” he said. “We value our fleet as a tool to enhance our brand messaging, and the Transit Connect will certainly help in that effort.”

All of the vehicles will carry the familiar Geek Squad branding – black-and-white with the orange-and-black Geek Squad logo.

Ford E-Series vans provide functionality and improved fuel efficiency for larger jobs
While Ford Transit Connect provides an ideal solution for Geek Squad technicians who service home appliances, a full-size cargo van is essential for those who install and service home theater equipment. With fuel efficiency a priority, Best Buy opted to purchase 738 Ford E-Series vans with smaller – 4.6-liter – displacement V8 engines that provide better fuel economy than its current vans with larger engines.

“Home theater equipment is large, and it requires the space of a full-size van,” said Pucely. “But our technicians can do the same amount of work using a vehicle with a smaller engine, which is less expensive to run and burns less fuel.”

Ford Motor Company and Best Buy: Teaming up in other ways
Ford recently teamed up with Best Buy to ensure consumers have a great experience learning about and using Ford industry-leading SYNC system. Best Buy Mobile offers thousands of specially trained associates to assist with Ford SYNC mobile device/phone compatibility and basic feature setup, and SYNC training for consumers.

Best Buy also includes Ford SYNC mobile device/phone compatibility results in its monthly Best Buy Mobile Buyer’s Guide to identify which of the latest mobile devices work seamlessly with Ford SYNC. The ratings are based on phone compatibility tests conducted by Best Buy’s Geek Squad and are updated frequently. The SYNC ratings also can be found at www.syncmyride.com.

In addition, Best Buy is the primary sponsor of the No. 43 Best Buy/Insignia Ford Fusion of Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series. The Fusion is driven by A.J. Allmendinger. In August, Best Buy and Ford will launch a national sweepstakes focused around the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta, the Insignia television brand, Richard Petty, Allmendinger and Ford’s Rally America and X Games Fiesta driver Ken Block.

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Sep 3

Posted by Randall Reed in Ford Technology, New Autos, News and Updates | No Comments

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Understanding Trim Options on Your New Car

If you’ve been out shopping for a car recently, you have probably noticed that your favorite car comes with different trim options. Trim lines will basically tell you what equipment is offered from model to model, and this usually includes powertrains, too.

There is often a base model that offers minimum options, and this is usually the least expensive of all trim lines available. Once you move up in trim levels you will find more features that will include convenience, comfort, and technological options. Whichever you choose should depend on what needs you want that new car to meet and you might have to make compromises depending on your budget.

Yahoo! Autos published a great article about this topic and I wanted to post it for you here so you can get some insights on trim lines before you decide to purchase:

Which trim line is best for you?

So, what is the best trim for your money? Most people opt for the middle trims that usually has added comfort features such as a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, keyless entry, and minor upgrades to the audio system—useful benefits appreciated on a daily basis.

Pragmatically, the most important reason to upgrade trims is the availability of safety features. Today, most vehicles have standard electronic stability control (ESC) and side air bags, but if you find a model that doesn’t, upgrading to the next trim level to get that protection is something you shouldn’t hesitate to pay extra for. Curtain air bags are another important safety feature that is worth the additional cost.

When comparing other features between a lower and higher trim line, you need to look at whether the added conveniences are worth the higher price. A test drive will help you determine whether, for example, controls on the steering wheel are necessary. With the low cost of portable GPS units and the influx of GPS-enabled smart phones, a built-in navigation system may not be worth the extra cost.

Then there is resale value. Often a top-trim will depreciate more significantly than a middle trim. And a base model may be harder yet to sell. Conversely, when buying used, you can often get a better-equipped car than you could if buying a new one.

If you have any questions or comments, come on over and see me or feel free to comment below!

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Sep 1

Posted by Randall Reed in New Autos, Pre-Owned Autos, Tips and Hints | No Comments

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The Ford Mustang: Timeless Design

The Ford Mustang is arguably the most iconic car ever made in America. The years pass and the models change, but the true heritage of the Mustang never does. One look at a new Mustang brings back feelings of nostalgia for any long-time fan of the pony car.

2007 Ford Mustang

In April 1964, the Mustang went on sale for the first time and dealers received over 22,000 orders for it. One special piece of Mustang history lives right here in Garland, TX: the day the car was first available, 15 bidders were wanting the same model, and the winner slept in his car overnight until his check cleared the following day.

While I’ve talked about the history of the Mustang before, Road & Track recently provided a story to Yahoo! Autos with a listing of timeless vehicles. It shouldn’t be any surprise that the Ford Mustang made that list, and you can see the writeup right here:

In 1964 the Ford Mustang inspired the term “pony car,” an entire breed of high-performance sports coupes with a budget price and good performance. With the exception of a few fallow years in the 1970s, the Mustang has remained at the cutting edge of the pony car market in both looks and performance.

Completely revamped for the 2005 model year, and freshened for 2010, the latest Mustang is arguably the best-looking pony car ever. For approximately $30,000, the 2010 Mustang GT offers a growling V-8 engine and enough attitude to make Russell Crowe think twice before picking a fight. For 2011, the Mustang is available with a 305-horsepower V-6 engine capable of 31 mpg on the highway (when equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission).

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Aug 30

Posted by Randall Reed in Ford History, News and Updates | No Comments

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Jeremy Hart Travels the Globe in a Pair of Ford Fiestas

The Ford Fiesta World Tour 2010 is such a great idea, and it looks like the event is off to a great start. Jeremy Hart, a contributor at Wired.com, is touring the world with some friends and a pair of new Ford Fiestas. Wired posted the first part of the tour and you can read all of it right here:

Cheerleaders, fanfares, a scrum of paparazzi? Not exactly. The most pizazz on the pier at Santa Monica for the start of our global drive to Sydney, Australia was glamour model in a slinky dress.

But that’s how we wanted it. No, not the glamour model. The low key bit. Almost 60 days on the road, crossing the United States and Canada before skipping across the pond to Ireland and then driving across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and, finally, Australia is still an achievement, even in the 21st Century. Especially in the new Ford Fiesta, a car more suited to commuting in the city than circumnavigating the globe.

The drive, named, in rock star style, the Fiesta World Tour 2010, was my idea. I am lucky to have driven just about everywhere — Rolls Royces in the Atacama, Smart ForTwos in the Arctic and many cars in many, many countries in between. But I’ve never done a lap of the earth. The Fiesta is Ford’s first truly global car since the Model T, so in Uncle Henry I found someone willing to share my planetary perambulation.

The plan was to do the old favorite of London to New York, but the Fiesta is brand new to North America and Asia so Los Angeles became the starting line. L.A. to Sydney sounds more like a Qantas flight than a drive, but that’s what this 15,000 mile, 21 country extravaganza became.

In the hot seat are me and a few media mates like cameraman Hilaire Brosio and ace snapper (photographer in British) Anthony Cullen. We’re in a convoy of two Fiestas. One bright magenta metallic, the other blue flame metallic. Ford named ‘em, not me.

The drive started at the western end of Route 66, Santa Monica Pier. The first leg would take us to Vegas, but since I’m friends with Jay Leno we decided to swing by his garage. The closest thing he has to a Fiesta is a wild nitrous oxide-injected 300 horsepower Ford Festiva from 1989.

Now Jay is a homeboy. Driving to the state line is pretty well his limit, so I didn’t expect much enthusiasm from him. “Come by with your pictures when you get back, I might look at the first five,” he giggled. But he does like the Fiesta. “It is a great little car,” he said.

And so we sped northeast toward Vegas. Rick Seaman runs the The Motion Picture Driving Clinic at Willow Springs, where the next generation of stuntmen and women learn the art of “controlled crashing.” But anyone can sign up for a taste of stunt stardom, so we paid him a visit.

“Keeping the car fluid is the trick,” said former snowmobile racer and ballet dancer Olivia Summers, a veteran of 30 car commercials. With that, fellow stunt driver Harry Wowchuk swapped his Ford Mustang for a Fiesta and did a series of forward and reverse 180 degree spins called the “Rockford” after the 70’s TV series The Rockford Files.

“Modern cars handle almost too well for stunts but we got a few nice moves from the Fiesta,” he said. (Ed note: We’re currently testing a Fiesta sedan. We’ll have to try that…)

It was scorching in Death Valley. Although we wouldn’t dare touch the roof of the car, it turns out 124 degrees is not hot enough to fry an egg. I was disappointed.

With that we were in Vegas. Ah, Vegas. There’s no point making excuses for Sin City. It is what it is. Like everyone else in Vegas, I would either lose my shirt or gain a spouse. For the sake of the story, I opted for the latter.

“Drive up to the second window and the minister will marry you there,” said the kindly receptionist at Fast Lane drive-thru weddings. I half expected her to ask if we’d like fries with our vows. I pulled up a bit fast and the Fiesta’s tires chirped irrelevantly. It seemed somehow fitting.

At the window, Heidi, our minister, half leaned out of the drive-thru window and told us our road to happiness will be one of valleys and troughs. The driving analogies were a nice touch. Alas, because ours was a dummy wedding, she would not actually pronounce us husband and wife.

Down the Strip a ways at Viva Las Vegas Weddings they make you get out of your car, only to put you in a pink 1964 Cadillac with Elvis at the wheel to literally drive you up the aisle. With dry ice blowing and a mirrored disco ball spinning, the dearly beloved stand before Elvis as he intones, “By the power vested in me, The King, I pronounce you man and wife.” And with a thrust of his bejeweled belt buckle, he breaks into “Viva Las Vegas.”

And with that, we hit the road. After less than a day in Las Vegas, Arizona beckons.

The only place to access the Grand Canyon by road is Just off Route 66 at Peach Springs. It’s Hualapai Tribal Nation land. They have a lodge in town where you can get fried flatbread tacos that are to die for. It’s well worth the journey, one not a lot of people make.

“Not even many Americans know you can drive to the bottom of Grand Canyon,” Nancy Echeverria told us from the Hualapai Lodge. The Hualapai own one million square miles of the area, including part of the canyon. They’re the ones who opened Diamond Creek Road to drivers. They also run rafting and other tours. Alas, our little Ford wasn’t stout enough for the trip.

“The road is too rough at the moment for cars, so we will have to go in my Expedition,” said Ruby Steel, our guide.

The road descends 2,500 miles over the course of 20 miles. The lower we go, the the hotter it gets. Cacti border the dusty track and cliffs five times higher than the Empire State Building dwarf us. We’re tiny, almost insignificant, in this ageless and spectacular valley. This is the best way to see the Grand Canyon. No tourists, no RVs, no helicopters carrying sightseers overhead.

It’s just you and some of the most magnificent scenery in the world.

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Aug 27

Posted by Randall Reed in Events, Just for Fun, New Autos, News and Updates | No Comments

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Jay Leno & the 2012 Ford Mustang 302 Boss

I just came across this great video and writeup of Jay Leno visiting the 2012 Ford Mustang 302 Boss. Take a look at the video and be sure to read the Mustang Boss 302 history information beneath the player:

Unlike the rest of the Mustang-loving fan base, Jay Leno is one of those people that can thoroughly enjoy being a Mustang aficionado because, well, he can afford to buy the best of the best without even making a dent in his bank account. The rest of us? Yeah, wishful thinking.

And being that he is Jay Leno, he can also take the time out of his busy schedule to meet a few people directly associated with the Mustang, one of which is Tom Barnes, the car’s vehicle engineering manager.

During a recent trip to the Monterey Motorsports Week at Laguna Seca, Leno caught up with Barnes to talk about the latter’s new — and returning — pride and joy: the 2012 Mustang GT 302 Boss Edition.


The first special edition Mustang Boss 302 came to life 40 years ago in 1969 where it was the only time the model ever met the production block. That is, until, today. Forty years after the car captured the hearts and minds of Mustang fanatics, Ford has finally released the special edition Boss 302, which has also been tagged as the “Laguna Seca” model to commemorate Parnelli Jones’ 1970 Trans-Am victory at the race while piloting a Boss 302.

Fast forward back to Leno and Barnes. After a few introductory pleasantries between the two, they then take us on a detailed tour of the new Boss 302, including a description of what lies under the hood of the special edition Mustang. The numbers translate to a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing about 440 horsepower, 7,500 rpm, and 380 lb/ft. of torque. In addition to that, the car is also mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with revised camshafts using a more aggressive grind, a more aggressive control calibration, a Boss-specific intake system, and a retuned induction sound tube.

There’s more to the video that we won’t elaborate on — so you have to watch it! — but Leno does point out a rather interesting aspect of an electronic technology with the key that in his words, “changes the whole face of performance driving.” — via Top Speed

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Aug 26

Posted by Randall Reed in Ford Technology, Just for Fun, New Autos, News and Updates | No Comments

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Having Back Problems? Check Your Car Seat!

The position of your car seat while driving can have a big impact on your back, and this can be a problem that a lot of people don’t even think about. One of the first things you should do when you get in your car for the first time (other than putting on your seat belt!) is adjust the driver’s seat.

There are a few other factors that have an effect on your back while driving — such as the vehicle’s vibrations and length of commute — but there’s little you can do about them. So, let’s take a look at what you can change to give your back a break!

Find the right distance and position. When positioning your seat from the pedals, you want your legs at around a 45-degree angle, and your legs should not be fully stretched when reaching the pedals. When reaching for the steering wheel, your arms should be bent at about 20 to 30 degrees, and set your steering wheel’s position somewhere in the center if your vehicle has the option to adjust it.

Find the right seat position. To give your back the most support, sit as far back in the base of the seat as possible. Some vehicles feature a lumbar support, so take advantage of it if your car has this feature! Incline your backrest to about 10 to 15 degrees until it feels natural and comfortable to you. Lastly (but very important) is the headrest adjustment. Not only can it help with posture, but it can also help lower the possibility of an injury during an accident. Leave about one inch between the back of your head and the headrest to allow the muscles in your neck to control the posture of your head and giving better support.

For more help with adjusting your seat, and to see the changing designs of car seats, take a look at this video that I found for this post:

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Aug 24

Posted by Randall Reed in Driving Safety, Tips and Hints | No Comments

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Ford Racing’s Supercharger Boosts 5.0 V8 to 624 HP

If the Mustang didn’t already have enough power for you, Ford Racing is releasing new supercharger packages for the new 2011 Ford Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8. I just came across a great writeup about it and I wanted to share it with you so you can go ahead and decide which of the three packages you’re going to want!

Things just got a lot more interesting for owners of the 2011 Ford Mustang. This weekend at the Woodward Dream Cruise, Ford Racing released its new supercharger package for the new 5.0-liter V8, turning the already potent pony car into a serious drag-strip contender.

The supercharger system is available in three packages, each utilizing a 2.3-liter Whipple twin-screw supercharger, air-to-liquid intercooler and 47 lb/hr fuel injectors. The base package provides 525 horsepower and 470 pound-feet torque and comes with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty when installed by a Ford or Lincoln dealer, while the second kit offers 624 hp and 536 lb-ft torque.

Finally, those that want to build their own custom system can opt for the tuner kit, which comes with only the core components but needs to be independently calibrated to work with the engine’s computer. — Autoblog

Are you planning on looking onto one of these supercharger packages? I’d love to know your thoughts, so feel free to comment below!

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Aug 23

Posted by Randall Reed in Ford History, Ford Technology, New Autos, News and Updates | No Comments

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Are You Going to the Great Texas Plate Auction?

The first ever seven-character license plate auction is coming to Texas on September 22, 2010! Even better, the event will be held at Cowboys Stadium — I can’t think of a better location to house such a great event.

According to the Great Texas Plate Auction site, there will be high-stakes bidding with no reserves, and plates have 25-year terms with full transferability and the option to renew. Also, auction revenue will benefit the Sate of Texas General Revenue Fund, My Plates, and selected charities.

The press release for the auction suggests that the bidding might definitely be high stakes:

In Abu Dhabi, an oil sheikh paid $14 million for “1.” In Delaware, a collector paid $675,000 for “6.” What will a Texan pay for “COWBOYS?” We’ll find out at the state’s first-ever live auction of official Texas license plates.

So, if you’re looking for that perfect vanity plate for your new vehicle, make sure you attend the Great Texas Plate Auction! If you want a Texas vanity plate that might not be so sought after, go over to the myplates.com site and see if what you want is available. Here’s how it works according to the site:

Step 1: Choose a plate category, like one of our personalized options from Custom, T-Plate or Luxury series, or you can simply choose the background only option.. Each personalized series offers different levels of customization.

Step 2: Then choose a design and create your message. You’ll then be able to check if your preferred combination is available for purchase.

Step 3: Once you’ve decided to purchase a plate, you’ll then need to complete all the purchase and payment information.

Step 4: Pick up your plates! About two to three weeks after you ordered your plate, you can pick them up at your local county office, then put them on your car and enjoy!

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Aug 19

Posted by Randall Reed in Custom Corner, Events, In the Community, Just for Fun, News and Updates, Tips and Hints | No Comments

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Looking for Something to Do This Weekend? Come on Over!

We’d love to see you at my Randall Reed’s Planet Pre-Owned at 1919 Oates (off of 635) for the Reed Speed Car Meet on August 21st! Not only will you get to see cool cars, but you will also get to listen to some great live music while enjoying delicious free food. The meet is from 9am-1pm, and foreign and domestic vehicles are welcome.

Plus, you can enter to win the 2010 RADbrid Fusion Turbo Hybrid from RAD-Rides. Click on the image below for more information about this one-of-a-kind ride.

If you have any questions about the Reed Speed Car Meet or the 2010 RADbrid Fusion Turbo Hybrid, come on over and let me know.

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Aug 17

Posted by Randall Reed in Custom Corner, Events, In the Community, Just for Fun, News and Updates | No Comments

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How to Check the Fuses in Your Car or Truck

Changing the fuses in your car or truck is one of the easiest fixes you can do, so if your car doesn’t start or you notice that your lights don’t come on, check your fuses first. A customer recently came in and told our service department that her dashboard lights didn’t come on anymore and her friends told her that it might be the battery going out. Now, this might be an issue, but once we checked it out we noticed that it was a problem with her fuses.

The first thing you’ll want to do is locate your fuse box and you can find its location by checking with the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle. If you don’t have the manual, the box is generally located under the hood or somewhere around your steering wheel (either underneath or sometimes on the left side by the driver’s door).

Once you find the panel and remove it, you should see something similar to this:

That image shows a collection of fuses, and for further help on finding and changing any that are out, take a look at this video I found for this post:

There you go! If you have any questions please comment below.

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Aug 16

Posted by Randall Reed in Maintenance and Service, Parts and Accessories, Pre-Owned Autos, Tips and Hints | No Comments

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