A first for Ford and for Car and Driver magazine. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E earned Car and Driver’s inaugural Electric Vehicle of the Year Award, adding another coveted honor to its trophy case and beating overall top-rated EV competitors along the way.
The popular auto publication put 11 top-rated electric vehicles (EVs) through rigorous testing over a three-week period, including a 1,000-mile road trip to evaluate each in real-world conditions. Drum roll…. the Mustang Mach-E took the No. 1 spot.
“We felt that if a carmaker was looking to convert people from EV skeptics to EV evangelists, there’s not a better vehicle out there than the Mustang Mach-E,” said Sharon Carty, Car and Driver editor-in-chief. “It’s a familiar shape and size of crossover. It’s in the sweet spot of what Americans love. It’s beautiful. It’s a design that gets noticed. It has a range and charging speed that is very competitive.”
The newly created electric vehicle award uses the same criteria as Car and Driver’s 10 Best Awards: The vehicle must deliver exceptional driving engagement, offer indisputable value and/or practicality, fulfill its mission better than any of its competitors and, lastly, be fun to drive – a great description of Mustang Mach-E.
It’s a rEVolution
“Mustang Mach-E is the start of what we can do to compete in the EV revolution,” said Darren Palmer, Ford general manager, battery electric vehicles. “Its continued success in the form of happy customers, sales and awards are all signs of the momentum we are building. Accolades like the Car and Driver Electric Vehicle of the Year are particularly rewarding for the team who designed this performance battery electric vehicle to be truly fun to drive. It can only get better as we continue to learn from and grow with our customers.”
Other contenders include Audi e-tron, Kia Niro, Nissan Leaf Plus, Polestar 2, Porsche Taycan 4S PBP, Tesla Model 3 Performance, Tesla Model S Long Range Plus, Tesla Model Y Performance, Volkswagen ID.4 and Volvo XC40 Recharge. Car and Driver employed instrumented testing, subjective evaluation and side-by-side comparison in both practicality and entertainment value.
The 2021 Mustang Mach-E has claimed a number of other awards including Car and Driver’s Editor’s Choice Award earlier this year, plus the Cars.com Eco-Friendly Car of the Year Award, AutoGuide’s Utility of the Year, Green Vehicle of the Year and Autoweek’s Car Buyer’s Award.
“We could have made a boring electric vehicle, a compliance vehicle that looks like a dust buster,” said Palmer. “But we decided people need an EV with soul. So we built them an all-electric Mustang SUV that is disrupting the status quo in electric vehicles. And the Mustang Mach-E GT and GT Performance Edition are still to come.”
The full story on Car and Driver’s very first Electric Vehicle of the Year can be found here and in the new July/August issue of the magazine, available now everywhere magazines are sold.
Big truck news you can use from The Reed Factor. There have been months of rumors, spy images, and automotive media speculation. Finally, Ford has revealed that there is a new pickup truck heading coming your way. The American automaker is adding an all-new compact pickup to the lineup, called Maverick.
Sound familiar?
Of course, it does. it’s a classic name from a vehicle from the past. Now, it is the creation of a new choice for truck customers, the all-new Ford Maverick. It will make its debut on June 8 with the help of actress Gabrielle Union. She will be showing off the all-new truck on her own Instagram and TikTok channels, on Ford’s social channels as well as on Hulu.
The Maverick will be Ford’s first vehicle to debut on its new U.S. TikTok channel. Once it’s revealed, we know many will be counting the minutes until they can reserve their very own. From what the insiders have to say, this truck is going to check a lot of boxes for the compact truck buyer.
Mark your Calendar!
Get a closer look at the all-new Maverick on June 8th at ford.com. Ready for your Ford truck now? Visit www.ReedHasit.com to shop for your new Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty truck!
The Reed Factor has electrifying Ford news you can use! The American automaker has revealed the much-anticipated all-electric F-150 Lightning. It is said to be the smartest, most innovative truck Ford has ever built. From near-instant torque to intelligent towing, seamless connectivity to software updates, plus power for your home, a power trunk, and a digital screen that’s larger than any currently offered on a full-size truck – F-150 Lightning is a driving and ownership experience like no other!
Ford says the F-150 Lightning will begin rolling off the production line next year at its new high-tech factory that is using sustainable manufacturing practices at Ford’s Rouge complex in Dearborn.
“For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future,” said Bill Ford, executive chair, Ford Motor Company. “F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.”
F-150 Lightning is a pillar of the company’s more than $22 billion global electric vehicle plan to lead electrification in areas of strength. Ford is starting with zero-emissions versions of its most popular and best-loved franchises – Mustang, Transit, and F-150 – with much more to come in the years ahead.
F-150 Lightning delivers truck owners a new experience and at a starting price on par with today’s similarly configured F-150 trucks. The new electric platform also unlocks new capabilities – such as enough energy to power an entire home and a massive lockable frunk with power and charging capabilities to spare. Ford will deploy standard over-the-air software updates — called Ford Power-Up — to improve the technology experience, add new features and fix issues without trips to the dealership.
Of course, this all backed by the Built Ford Tough F-Series durability and capability and the largest public charging network in North America, according to Ford. According to the automaker the commercial-oriented entry model starts at $39,974 MSRP before any federal or state tax credits. The mid-series XLT model starts at $52,974 MSRP, offering additional comfort and technology.
Super Power Only Your Electric Vehicle Can Deliver F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, charges into the future with the F-150 Lightning, elevated by all the advantages of electrification and packed with connected technology. F-150 Lightning is a powerhouse that delivers a targeted 563 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any F-150 ever – an exhilarating drive, a high-tech trunk, and the ability to power your home if needed.
Advanced Tech to Guide You F-150 Lightning offers an ingenious array of connected, intelligent features that improve over time via over-the-air software updates; FordPass app provides seamless access to charging stations and remote vehicle controls; available BlueCruise offers true hands-free driving on the highway, while enhanced Pro Power Onboard powers job sites or campsites.
Built Ford Tough Comes Standard Powered by dual in-board motors and with standard 4×4, F-150 Lightning can take on rough terrain with Built Ford Tough durability and capability. Along with a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body, a new independent rear suspension delivers improved ride comfort, while an all-new frame uses the strongest steel ever put in an F-150 frame and supports a maximum 2,000-pound payload and up to 10,000-pound towing capacity.
Reed Factor safety news you can use. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport as a TOP SAFETY PICK+. This is the highest possible rating issued by the independent, non-profit group.
The new Bronco Sport scored a rating of good in all six of the IIHS crashworthiness tests, the top rating in each category. The IIHS tests included a driver- and passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints.
“As the Bronco of small SUVs, Bronco Sport was engineered to help our customers get out and adventure, both on- and off-road, and to do so safely,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product platform and operations officer. “This IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating validates that commitment.”
For a vehicle to qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK+, it must also be available with a front crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations. Ratings of good or acceptable for headlights must be standard on all models, regardless of trim level.
This prestigeous IIHS award is the latest of many honors and accolades earned by the all-new Bronco Sport, including Popular Science’s Best of What’s New 2020 and Esquire magazine’s Best Compact/Midsize SUV.
Ready to get your very own Bronco Sport? You can find it at www.ReedHasIt.com!
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The Reed Factor has truck’tastic news. Ford swept the pickup categories in the influential Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. The adventurous Ford Ranger and F-150 were both named the most affordable trucks in their respective classes over the course of a five-year ownership period.
Award-Winning Projections
This accolade recognizes vehicles with the lowest projected ownership costs over the initial five-year ownership period and considers depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees. The Kelley Blue Book award, well-regarded among truck customers, highlights the longstanding Built Ford Tough tradition of exceptionally capable pickups that reliably serve the needs of their owners.
Ready to shop for your own award-winning Ford truck, visit www.ReedHasIt.com!
Dallas and Houston-area locations recipients of numerous accolades for sales and service
The World Class Automotive Group is pleased to announce the family-owned dealership group’s Lincoln and Ford locations have once again earned the highest customer-based satisfaction and sales awards, including the Ford Triple Crown, Ford President’s Award, and Lincoln Leaders in Excellence.
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Planet Ford in Spring, and Planet Ford 635 in Garland are all repeat recipients of Ford’s utmost honors, the Triple Crown and President’s Award. Planet Ford Dallas Love Field garnered the Ford President’s Award. In addition, Planet Lincoln in Spring was named a Lincoln Leader in Excellence. The Texas-based locations are among a select and leading group of Ford and Lincoln dealerships to receive the exceptional recognitions from the Ford Motor Company.
“It’s amazing. We’re so very proud of our World Class team and the continued recognition for their award-winning work helping our customers with their automotive needs,” said Randall Reed, CEO of World Class Automotive Group and Reed Family Enterprises. “These are difficult awards to achieve once, so to earn these elite accolades again and again, especially during the past year’s challenges, is nothing short of incredible. It speaks to and shows how committed our dealership family is to providing the very best automotive experience for our community,” he added.
The awards – only bestowed to a small number of dealers – distinguish the top-dealerships that have excelled in automotive retailing by providing both exceptional service and customer satisfaction. The Triple Crown is earned by only one percent of dealerships. In order to be recognized, a dealership must receive all of Ford’s top honors, which include the President’s Award for customer service; One Ford Elite, which is based on vehicle sales; and the Ford Customer Service Premier Club.
“Customer satisfaction is paramount,” said Shelby Reed, co-owner of the dealership group and President of Reed Family Enterprises. “That makes these awards all the more important because they are based on our customers’ feedback and overall happiness. As a family-owned dealership group, we believe in taking care of every customer like one of our own. That core philosophy is carried out by our team who continues to provide consistent, quality, and award-winning service.”
Sherry Reed, co-owner, agreed. “These awards happen because of our team and how much passion they have for the people they help every day. Keeping our customers happy is always at the heart of all we do. We’re blessed to have caring dealership families that help us attain and maintain this high level of satisfaction. We are thankful for our team and our wonderful customers. We look forward to assisting with their automotive needs.”
Planet Ford in Humble, Texas has earned the Triple Crown and President’s Award an astounding nine years in a row. Planet Ford in Spring, Texas has earned five Triple Crown and seven President’s Awards since 2002. It is also the No. 1 dealership in greater Houston for the past 19 years.* Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas has earned 12 President’s Awards, nine of which have been consecutive and eight Triple Crown Awards since 2001. Planet Ford Dallas Love Field in Dallas, Texas has earned the President’s Award 19 times, among other honors. In addition, Planet Lincoln in Spring, Texas has earned the Lincoln Leaders in Excellence Award for its 10th consecutive year.
In total, the World Class Automotive Group has earned over 260 awards and achievements since 1996. In addition, Mr. Reed is the 7th inductee into the Ford Hall of Fame for Dealers and a recipient of Ford’s Salute to Dealer Award for his commitment to the community. “That’s what it all comes down to – helping our community,” said Shelby Reed. “We’re here to serve their needs to make the road of life easier and more enjoyable.”
About World Class Automotive Group
World Class Automotive is owned by Randall, Sherry, and Shelby Reed. The family-owned business is comprised of several award-winning dealerships throughout Texas, including The #1 Ford dealership in Texas, Planet Ford in Spring, Planet Lincoln in Spring, Planet Ford in Humble, Planet Ford 635 (formerly Prestige Ford) in Garland, Planet Ford Dallas Love Field (formerly Park Cities Ford), Planet Lincoln Dallas Love Field. Learn more at ReedHasIt.com.
*Based on retail Ford sales reported by Ford annually since 1998
Today, Ford Motor Company revealed its brand new 2021 F-150 Police Responder, America’s only purpose-built, pursuit-rated pickup truck. It opens the government order bank on March 17, 2021. The Ford F-150 Police Responder features increased capability, including an improved 120 mph top speed, automatic four-wheel-drive mode with torque-on-demand transfer case to help patrolling police officers transition from busy urban streets to rural roadways.
Introduced in 2017 as a unique all-terrain law enforcement tool, the F-150 Police Responder is built on the all-new 2021 F-150 SuperCrew® platform and engineered to meet a wide range of agency needs – from allowing officers to travel with more emergency response gear to transporting mobile command centers. The truck continues to deliver greater towing capacity**, payload capacity*** and interior passenger volume than any other pursuit-rated police vehicle, and for 2021 adds even more capability.
“Law enforcement agencies told us they would love to add F-150 Police Responder towing, hauling and off-road performance to their fleets, but they need more confidence in speed and handling,” said Greg Ebel, Ford police vehicle brand manager. “Whether suburban police departments, border patrol agents or rural sheriffs, officers never know where the job might take them, but the all-new F-150 Police Responder provides a pickup truck option engineered to get them there faster and with greater agility than ever before.”
Improved performance where ever it needs to go!
F-150 Police Responder pickup’s standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine produces 400 horsepower, and its 500 lb.-ft. of torque tops all pursuit-rated police vehicles. The engine is paired with a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission – both uniquely calibrated to meet rigorous law enforcement use while enabling speeds significantly higher than a stock F-150.
To reach and withstand high speeds, the F-150 rides on specially Goodyear LT265/70R18 LRC BSW Wrangler Enforcerall-terrain tires. As the only all-terrain tires available on a pursuit-rated police vehicle, they’re designed to handle fast acceleration, high speeds, and aggressive cornering. Plus, they can endure the heat generated in pursuits without sacrificing the off-road capability Police Responder drivers have come to expect.
According to Ford, a new torque-on-demand transfer case includes 4-Auto mode, with an electrically actuated clutch that automatically adjusts torque as needed to provide exceptional “set it and forget it” capability for seamless terrain transition. On high-friction surfaces such as dry pavement, the system runs in two-wheel drive for maximum performance and improved handling around corners, avoiding the “crow-hopping” that commonly slows a four-wheel-drive vehicle. If a pursuit shifts to slick or loose surfaces, the 4-Auto system simultaneously directs power to all four wheels, allowing officers to remain focused on the job at hand.
“4-Auto mode bridges the gap between 2-High and 4-High, and you see performance improvements as a result,” said Allen Magolan, Ford police vehicles integration manager. “On dry pavement is where you see the real payoff, because it allows you to carry more speed when cornering – a rare benefit in a pickup truck.”
The torque-on-demand system is coupled with the standard F-150 FX4 Off-Road Package to give officers outstanding off-road capability. The FX4 package includes underbody skid plates, off-road-tuned shocks, electronic-locking rear axle, and Hill Descent Control™ to help maintain speed while driving down an incline.
Many police departments need to tow a boat, horse trailer, mobile command center or other equipment. The F-150 Police Responder tops all other pursuit-rated vehicles with a standard towing capacity of 7,000 pounds and an available towing capacity of 11,200 pounds, in addition to its payload capacity of 2,030 pounds. An available Trailer Tow Package adds the convenience of Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The available Tow Technology Package adds a 360-degree camera, Trailer Reverse Guidance and integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Smart Trailer Tow Connector is standard on Class IV hitch-equipped vehicles and adds Trailer Coverage to the available Blind Spot Information System.
Built for officers needs
Available new Police Engine Idle lets an officer remove the key from the ignition and securely exit the truck with the engine running. Officers can continue to power lights and sirens without the worry of vehicle theft. Agencies can choose the type of keys to operate their trucks – up to four traditional fleet keys per truck or up to four available fobs with a keyless entry per truck.
SYNC® 4 with cloud connectivity is standard. The system includes an 8-inch touch screen in the center stack and an embedded modem with wireless updates, allowing agencies to receive software updates and potentially avoid unplanned service or maintenance. An upgraded 4-inch productivity screen in the instrument cluster is standard.
F-150 Police Responder offers available Ford Telematics™ – like other commercial Ford trucks — an intelligent fleet management tool that can help improve uptime, optimize running costs, enable predictive planning of unscheduled maintenance and improve driver behavior over time. New driver-assist features include a standard Reverse Sensing System, which provides an audible alert if the vehicle approaches an object while backing up. Available Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that includes Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking now comes with a unique one-touch temporary disable switch exclusively for law enforcement. Blind Spot Information Systemwith Cross-Traffic Alert is available.
F-150 Police Responder is stands out among police vehicle. It provides more interior passenger volume and more head, hip and shoulder room than any other pursuit-rated offering. Front seat bolsters are sized to make it easier for an officer wearing a duty belt to enter or exit the vehicle, while enhancing comfort over the course of an eight-hour shift.
Upfitting is made easy with features such as a front console-delete, universal top tray on the instrument panel and rear power lug. The 40-blank-40 front seat configuration lets agencies install their own department-specific center console. A new factory-installed center console is available as part of the Interior Upgrade Package, as is a new Interior Work Surface that provides an adjustable flat surface for writing or computer work.
The updated darker-colored interior, including police-grade heavy-duty cloth front seats, was influenced by officer input. It features built-in steel intrusion plates in both front seatbacks for officer safety, as well as red-and-white task lighting. LED police warning beacons are available pre-installed in red and blue, amber, or amber and white.
F-150 Police Responder arrives later this fall.
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We heard so much about self-driving cars and how they were coming. So, wonder where they are and if you’ll see them soon? Right now, a lot of autonomous Ford vehicles are in Miami, Florida. In fact, they have been there and being tested for three years.
So, how is it going? According to Alex Buznego, Miami Autonomous Vehicle Market Manager, Ford Motor Company, the journey so far has been one marked by progress. The goal is that Miamians will soon have the ability to hail a ride or receive a delivery in a way that is safe, consistent, valued and efficient.
If you’re wondering how this all works, Buznego says Ford and their partners at Argo AI have been developing the self-driving technology to build a ride experience that feels natural on the streets while Ford has been building the various elements needed for a business of this nature, including our Transportation-as-a-Service software (TaaS), fleet operations, the overall user experience, the vehicle itself, and the business collaborations with the brands.
So, it looks like there has been autonomous vehicle magic happening in the Magic City. Can’t wait to see what is down the road for us all. Stay tuned to The Reed Factor for more news you can use. For vehicles you can use right now, visit ReedHasIt.com for a huge selection of new Ford, new Lincoln, certified pre-owned, and used of all makes and models.
Reed Factor readers, are you ready to roam? Adventure-ready to its core, the all-new Bronco Sport small SUV is ready. Designed with an understanding of what off-road vehicle owners demand from their vehicles. Whether to the top of the ski hill, the bank of the river or the deep-woods campsite, Bronco Sport has the chops to get them there – and their adventure gear as well.
Equipped with customers’ choice of any of five dealer-installed accessory bundles, Bronco Sport can easily transport kayaks, bikes, skis and more. It can also be outfitted to support rooftop camping.
“Every adventure is unique, just as every Bronco Sport owner is unique, and with these accessory bundles it’s easier than ever to make sure your vehicle fits your lifestyle,” said Jovina Young, Bronco Sport marketing manager. “Before it even leaves the showroom, your Bronco Sport is a true reflection of you.”
All five Bronco Sport dealer-installed accessory bundles feature gear-specific equipment from Yakima™, available at the time of order and rolled into vehicle financing. Bundle details are:
Bike
Yakima hitch-mounted bike rack (tilt, two-bike)
Roof rail crossbars
Yakima roof rack-mounted basket (medium, with net)
Ford all-weather floor mats
Water
Yakima kayak carrier with locks
Yakima awning
Roof rail crossbars
Ford all-weather floor mats
Snow
Yakima hitch-mounted ski/snowsport rack
Roof rail crossbars
Ford all-weather floor mats
Camping
Yakima Skyrise™ HD two-person rooftop tent
Yakima awning
Roof rail crossbars
Ford all-weather floor mats
Cargo
Yakima 16-cubic-foot roof-mounted cargo box
Roof rail crossbars
Ford all-weather floor mats
Bronco Sport customers also can build their own accessory bundles. Yakima gear represents only a portion of the catalog of more than 100 vehicle accessories Bronco Sport buyers can browse. Shop for yours today at ReedHasIt.com!
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Randall Reed’s Family-Owned Dealerships Align Under Planet Name
World Class Automotive Group, a leader in the automotive industry in Texas, is pleased to announce two dealerships are now operating under a stellar new name. Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford in Garland, Texas is now Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635. Randall Reed’s Park Cities Ford in Dallas has changed its name to Randall Reed’s Planet Ford Dallas Love Field. The rebranding reflects a vision to align the entire dealership group’s Planet-branded locations already across Texas to create the “Power of the Planets” for consumers.
“Planet Ford is a new dealership name in the Dallas area, but it’s well known across Texas for being No. 1 in sales and service for decades,” said Randall Reed, owner and CEO of World Class Automotive Group. “At our Dallas and Garland locations, our loyal customers will work with the same hard-working team who will continue to deliver the same award-winning service, selection, and out-of-this-world savings they have come to expect from our Randall Reed family of dealerships for the past 30 years.”
The Planet power-house of dealerships now includes the following locations:
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635 at 3601 S. Shiloh Rd., Garland, TX 75041
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford Dallas Love Field at 3333 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75235
Randall Reed’s Planet Lincoln Dallas Love Field at 7767 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford at 20403 I-45, Spring, TX 77388
Randall Reed’s Planet Lincoln at 20403 I-45 North, Spring, TX 77388
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble at 19000 Eastex Frwy, Humble, TX 77338
The Reed family is proud to own one of the largest, privately held, award-winning dealer groups in the country with locations throughout Texas. In addition to its Planet Ford and Lincoln locations, the group also has multiple Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centers in Dallas, Garland, Spring, Humble, and Porter.
“For over three decades, our family of dealerships have delivered excellence in sales, service, parts, and collision repair to our wonderful customers,” said Shelby Reed, co-owner and President of World Class Automotive Group. “Under the united Planet name, we will continue to grow and enhance the exemplary service that has earned us many accolades including multiple Triple Crowns, President’s Awards, and recognition as a J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence year after year,” she added.
The Reeds and their partners have transformed the automotive experience for customers by providing “autotainment” that includes cafes, comfortable lounges, work zones with Wi-Fi, and customer care beyond compare. They have evolved the traditional automotive purchasing process into a distinctive experience that revolves around the customer and their total automotive satisfaction.
About World Class Automotive Group World Class Automotive Group is owned by Randall, Sherry, and Shelby Reed. The family-owned business is comprised of several award-winning dealerships throughout Texas, including: Randall Reed’s Planet Ford Dallas Love Field in Dallas, Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Randall Reed’s Planet Lincoln Dallas Love Field in Dallas, Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring, Randall Reed’s Planet Lincoln in Spring, and Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Texas. To learn more, visit http://www.PlanetFord.com or http://www.ReedHasIt.com.
