The Reed Factor is sharing some news you can use on this International Earth Day! 🌍 Volkswagen has announced that the company’s upcoming ID, an all-electric concept car, will be designed to be completely carbon dioxide-neutral throughout its lifespan, by ensuring that its factory production uses all clean energy to avoid emissions.
Courtesy of Volkswagen Media
Clean Decarbonization is the keyword in Volkswagen’s sustainability strategy. In order to limit rising global temperatures and reduce man-made CO2– emissions as quickly as possible, the Company is expressly committed to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. It provides for a climate-neutral society by 2050. And the automaker is already drawing the necessary conclusions. At the annual press conference on 12 March 2019, the goal of Co2-neutral mobility plays a central role. “The CO2-problem is the greatest global challenge,” said Michael Jost, Chief Strategist of the Volkswagen brand, recently.
Courtesy of Volkswagen Media
The long-term goal is to create a CO₂-free global economy. In this context, car manufacturers such as Volkswagen must make their contribution alongside other economic sectors. According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), the transport sector accounts for around 14 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions – and this figure is rising. Automobile manufacturers are therefore called upon to do their bit.
Over the next few years, the company will launch the industry’s largest spectrum of e-vehicles. The models of the ID. family are specially designed for e-mobility and optimally exploit the possibilities of this technology: They offer long ranges, plenty of space, dynamic driving behavior and a whole new level of digital networking.
Courtesy of Volkswagen Media
Volkswagen is not only building electric cars, but they are also being cautious and monitoring the life cycle from raw materials to recycling. The new ID., already set for production this year, the brand will be putting a climate-neutral car onto the road. CO2-emissions will be avoided or reduced from the beginning, and currently, unavoidable emissions will be offset by investments in climate protection projects.
To meet the ID family click here. To learn more about how Volkswagen is doing their part in saving our planet click here.
The Reed Factor encourages you to do something eco-friendly on this #InternationalEarthDay.
You stay up to date on the latest in automotive news by following the Reed Factor via Facebook and Twitter.
The 2020 Shelby GT500 will be the most powerful street-legal Ford Mustang ever! How did the engerineers pull this off?
Inspired by the best practices of racing, Ford Performance designers, powertrain and aerodynamics engineers functioned as a virtual racing team to test hundreds of designs both digitally and physically. They used state-of-the-art digital and additive manufacturing prototyping tools as part of a mission to make the ultimate, most advanced performance street-legal Mustang of all time.
“We created and studied designs among the engineering teams and proved out different strategies long before we built our first prototype cars,” said Matt Titus, Ford Performance vehicle engineer. “Not only did this improve the effectiveness of the designs, it dramatically reduced the time it took to develop the GT500 – and the costs associated with that.”
Courtesy of Ford Media
Speeding development time, the most promising designs were printed in a matter of days, not months, allowing the team to increase the fidelity of performance and aerodynamic refinement. For example, more than 10 front splitter wickers were printed and tested, some with minute modifications to perfect their design, with multiple versions of parts simultaneously sent out for track evaluation.
“This all-new aero design merges state-of-the-art design and materials technology with the craftsmanship of Ford racing expertise to create the most aero-capable Mustang ever,” said Steve Thompson, Ford Performance vehicle dynamics engineer. “It’s powerful, balanced and consistent – even over extended track runs – which works to deliver more fun and greater confidence for drivers.”
That is some Reed Factor news you can use. Do you have a need for speed? Keep watch for the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 coming to Randall Reed Dealership near you!
We have all been there with a jack in our hand and our knees in the gravel in an effort to change a flat tire. The Reed Factor has some news you can use. The all-new Ford Explorer offers a way to keep you on track as they #ExploreOurAmerica in the form of new Michelin Selfseal® tires.
Tires that are designed to withstand common nail and screw punctures, these environmentally friendly tires are lined with a natural rubber sealant to fill most tread punctures and dramatically slow the rate at which air leaks – helping ensure your road trip continues without interruption.
“Nothing derails a family vacation like a flat tire,” said Joseph Billman, Ford wheel and tire engineer. “Explorer is the ultimate road trip family hauler – and it’s the perfect fit for these new Michelin Selfseal tires.”
The Ford Explorer is the first SUV in the world to offer Michelin Selfseal tires, which are standard on Explorer Platinum and Explorer Limited Hybrid four-wheel-drive models, and optional on Explorer Limited two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models. Tire size for all models is 255/55R-20. All Explorer models are equipped with a spare tire.
If a nail or screw comes in contact and punctures a Selfseal tire and remains in place, the sealant surrounds the object to help seal the puncture and avoid air loss. If the object punctures the tire and comes back out, the sealant is designed to fill tread punctures up to a quarter-inch in diameter.
Your Explorer will let you know if tread puncture or low pressure is detected. If so, the tire should be inspected and repaired by a qualified tire professional.
Michelin Selfseal tires are designed to help avoid:
Dangerous side-of-the-road stops
Lost time
Loss of vehicle control
“The all-new Explorer is designed to help our customers feel unstoppable and worry-free,” said Craig Patterson, Explorer marketing manager. “The availability of these new Michelin Selfseal tires is another great example of that.”
The Reed Factor has some news you can use. Ford Motor Company has upgraded their commercial line of vehicles and in addition introduced the all-new F-600 Super Duty.
America’s truck leader has added to the legacy with the all-new F-600 Super Duty chassis cab, a medium-duty truck with the right size, power and technology to challenge the toughest job.
F-600 delivers the capability of a Class 6 truck – including a maximum GVWR of 22,000 pounds – in a familiar Class 5 Super Duty package. Consumers now are not faced with a choice between a truck that doesn’t have enough payload to carry all the tools they need to a job site and a truck that’s too big.
“For 34 years, Ford has consistently sold more commercial vehicles every year than any other manufacturer because we listen to our customers then get to work developing the products and technologies they need,” said Mark Buzzell, Ford director of fleet, lease and remarketing operations. “The updates we’re announcing today were driven by our customers’ focus on improving safety, reducing cost, and increasing uptime and productivity. Giving our customers the freshest lineup plus driver-assist technologies and connectivity is a great example of Ford delivering smart vehicles for a smart world.”
Staying Connected
You can stay connect. All Ford commercial vehicle product lines are updated with standard modems with 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices to help keep drivers and crews connected while on the job or on the road. New Ford Telematics™ and Ford Data Services™ are available across the lineup to help commercial customers operate their fleets more efficiently.
Driver-Assistance
Ford Co-Pilot360™ technologies become available on Ford commercial vehicles for the new model year. Super Duty chassis cab adds standard auto high-beam headlamps and available lane departure warning. For F-650 and F-750 medium duty trucks, plus E-Series and F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis, traction control, hill start assist and auto headlamps are standard. Optional elements on these vehicles are:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Electronic Stability Control
Lane Departure Warning
Driver Alert System
Auto High-Beam Headlamps
New F-600 Proves its Capability
Courtesy of Ford Media
Ford refers to the F-600 as hitting the “sweet spot” for customers who need additional payload or need to mount heavier uplifts but don’t want to move into a larger truck. The vehicle is the same size as an F-550, F-600 and uses upgraded driveline and chassis components, as well as higher-weight-rated 19.5-inch tires and wheels to help it achieve a higher GVWR. With Ford’s class-exclusive choice of gasoline or diesel powertrains and 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains, F-600 lets fleets spec the truck they want instead of settling for one that’s available.
You get to choose! F-600 customers can pick from two engines – the 7.3-liter gas V8 or the third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel. An all-new 10-speed TorqShift® automatic transmission is available across all engine offerings with available live-drive power takeoff provision with up to 300 lb.-ft. of torque.
The all-new Ford F-600 will be available for order early 2020 and arriving in mid-2020. Stay connected with The Reed Factor for updates, or you can find more news via Facebook and Twitter for the latest in the automotive world.
New features for best-selling Ford Transit family include available all-wheel drive for improved traction; 2020 Transit also sees two all-new engines and new 10-speed automatic transmission Courtesy of Ford Media
Built Ford Proud once more! America’s van leader for 40 years has just boosted the bar once more with its best-selling Transit family by upgrading smart new technology, advanced driver-assist features and enhanced capability for a wide range of customers whether they use their vans to carry kids, seek out adventures or deliver cargo.
“When we introduced Transit five years ago, it immediately became America’s go-to full-size van for fleets, small businesses and large families,” said Mark Buzzell, Ford director, fleet, lease and remarketing operations. “We listened to our commercial and family customers and updated Transit with useful amenities like standard Wi-Fi so kids or crew can stay connected, and helpful driver-assist features like available adaptive cruise control to take the stress out of traffic.”
There is now an available all-wheel-drive system, all-new 2.0-liter EcoBlue® bi-turbo I4 diesel, all-new 3.5-liter PFDi V6 gasoline engine with port fuel and direct injection and new 10-speed automatic transmission, and new interiors and seating options.
The 2020 Ford Transit lineup (cargo van, passenger van, chassis cab and cutaway) will be getting a member. The new crew van will be able to carry five people in two rows of seating with side curtain airbags. Tailored for owners who need to move larger crews plus gear to a job site, the crew van is an enhancement to the 2020 Ford Transit family based on customer feedback.
The Go-Getter Transit
Courtesy of Ford Media.
Ford Motor Co. knows that the job must be done. With the intelligent all-wheel-drive system, your work doesn’t stop. The system provides enhanced traction on icy, snowy or muddy roads.
“We integrated Transit’s new all-wheel-drive system into the vehicle design early on to ensure it does not raise the load floor or seat height, making this van configuration as easy to enter and exit as the standard rear-wheel-drive model,” said Ray Eyles, Ford Transit chief program engineer. “This is a significant benefit for commercial drivers who are in and out of their vehicles dozens of times a day, as well as for shuttle bus passengers and families.”
In normal mode, this all-wheel-drive system continuously monitors and optimizes torque output with the capability of sending up to 100 percent of available torque to the front wheels to help prevent slipping on loose surfaces. When the driver uses selectable drive modes, the driver can engage mud and ruts or slippery modes at any speed to help increase the all-wheel-drive system’s capability for traveling in challenging conditions.
With 2020 Transit chassis cab and cutaway models, customers can also carry more, as the maximum GVWR increases from 10,360 pounds to 11,000 pounds.
The Smart Transit
Ford enhances the technology by adding new driver-assist features. New driver-assist features standard on every 2020 Transit cargo van, crew van, passenger van, cutaway and chassis cab include:
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
Pedestrian Detection
Forward Collision Warning
Post-Collision Braking
Lane-Keeping System
Auto High-Beam Headlamps
Transit passenger van XLT is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360™, which includes the features listed above plus Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage and cross-traffic alert. A new side sensing system joins the existing reverse sensing system as standard on XLT.
Courtesy of Ford Media
Staying connected comes standard with the new Transit with an embedded FordPass Connect™ modem with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and connectivity for up to 10 devices – fun for families and incredibly useful for commercial customers who use their van as mobile office or workshop. USB outlets in every row of the passenger van can even mitigate family squabbles.
The Design
The exterior updates include an available power sliding door for the cargo van and passenger van to make loading and unloading that much easier. Premium high-intensity discharge headlamps with signature LED surround are available. Vans equipped with the powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine get a larger grille for maximum cooling.
Transit has a new interior with a modern dashboard and features designed to improve comfort and practicality, such as durable new fabrics on the seating surfaces, plus myriad cupholders and compartments for storing gear and gadgets. The grab handles are improved and the vents are updated to better direct heated and cooled air. Optional swivel front seats are available for the first time in response to recreational vehicle customer requests.
Are you ready to get the job done? Stay tuned, the 2020 Ford Transit will be heading to a Randall Reed Dealership near you this fall. Stay connected via Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates in the automotive world.
On of the weeks all students and teachers look forward to most is right around the corner. Do you and your family have any special spring break plans? The Reed Factor has a few quick tips and suggestions to consider bore you hit the open road.
Prepare your vehicle: Check your tire pressure, brakes, battery, oil and coolant. Not sure where to go? Here is a quick tip for our Houston area friends, Quick Lane in Spring, Humble and Porter give free battery and brake checks! Dallas friends our Quick Lane at Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford in Garland, Texas and Quick Lane at Park Cities Ford also has great offers like a free battery and brake checks! In the McKinney, Texas area, try Service Xpress at McKinneyWw.com also services all makes and models. They even offer a World Class Service Valet that lets you get service without leaving your home of office.
Plan your route: Set your destination in your navigation well before your departure. This keeps your eyes on the road while driving and can give you an idea of long your trip might be.
Check the weather and road conditions: Even for the most experienced drivers, road hazzards and bad weather can be challenging and stressful. The Federal Highway Administration’s is one resource you can use to pre-plan your departure.
Always be prepared: It is better to be safe than sorry. You should always be prepared for a flat, dead battery, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Watch your speed: Speedy to cut travel time is especially risky when highways are packed with traffic. It’s just not worth it. Plus, state police will be out with a radar ready for the rule breakers.
How to save fuel on the road: Long trips are the best way to boost your MPG score.
Avoid aggressive driving. Not only can it be dangerous, but constant speed changes and quick, uneven stops and starts also waste a lot of fuel. Taking it easier behind the wheel can improve your gas mileage by as much as 33%.
Set your cruise control. It’s almost always more fuel-efficient to travel at a constant speed whenever possible.
Try to avoid idling. It’s more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine when you’re waiting in the car.
Don’t speed. Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 MPH.
In case of an emergency, keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times. AAA and many other companies offer smartphone applications that enable motorists to request help without making a phone call.
You can’t control other drivers’ actions on the road, especially with busy road days, but you can prep, slow down and take actions to help keep yourself and others as safe as possible.
The Reed Factor hopes you have a great and safe spring break of 2019! If you need new tires, automotive service or are ready for a new car, truck or SUV visit ReedHasIt.com.
The loved Ford Taurus sedan has made it’s final mark on history. On March 1, 2019 Ford Motor Company announced that the last Ford Taurus rolled off the line at Chicago Assembly Plant, marking the end of U.S. production of the historic and pioneering nameplate.
More than 8 million Taurus passenger cars were built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant over 34 years of near continuous production.
“Taurus broke new ground at its start and we’re thankful for its role in our portfolio,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. “Those same kinds of innovations will continue for today’s customers with Ford Explorer and the rest of our lineup.”
The first Taurus was introduced at the 1985 Los Angeles Auto Show representing the latest in Ford  engineering and design, developed to meet shifting consumer needs. It set for bar for sedans, by its sleek design that was a departure from the boxy sedan shapes of the time. Its 140-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine featured multi-port fuel injection.
Keeping up with the rest in 1989 the SHO model came equipped with a 220-horsepower high-performance V6.
1992 Ford Taurus. Courtesy of Ford Media
By 1992, Taurus had become America’s best-selling car.
Taurus went on to become a staple in American stock car racing when it entered NASCAR in 1998. The Taurus NASCAR was the vehicle of choice for numerous race teams and it delivered many championships for them and for Ford Motor Company.
Like the original Taurus met changing consumer preferences, Ford is also expanding its lineup with new and returning nameplates tailored to today’s consumers, including the all-new Ranger, all-new Bronco, a yet-to-be-named rugged off-road small utility, a Mustang-inspired fully-electric performance utility and more still to come.
That is some Reed Factor news you can use. If you want to get your hands on this legacy just visit Reedhasit.com to be apart of the Taurus family.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI model marks 35 years of power packed fun. The first Volkswagen Jetta GLI was created in 1984 on the idea of pairing a four-door, affordable compact sedan designed for everyday usability with the engine and handling prowess of a hot hatchback.
The original formula still stands today. The 2019 GLI has more power, technology and more handling prowess than its predecessor, in a package that’s within reach of the compact-sedan market.Â
“Volkswagen has long been synonymous with small, sporty cars,” said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The 2019 GLI takes the redesigned Jetta foundation and adds performance features from the Golf GTI to give buyers a true sport sedan that’s the best blend of European and American flavors.”
The Power
The 2019 GLI borrows the GTI’s 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine, good for 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, an increase of 18 horsepower and 41 lb-ft from the previous GLI. That power gets to the road through a choice of either a six-speed manual or an advanced seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission – a type of transmission usually reserved for high-end performance vehicles.
The GLI uses a strut front suspension and a new multilink independent rear suspension to keep the 18-inch wheels planted. Volkswagen took the same brakes that are used on the Golf R and upgraded the rears from the regular Jetta. And the GLI also employs the VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential, a key part of the GTI performance package that helps to mitigate understeer while powering through corners.
The New Design
Courtesy of VW Media
The 2019 Edition gets a bit of a tweak in the design department. Starting with a 0.6-inch drop in ride height. The red GTI-themed lined in the grille to the red brake calipers and integrated spoiler, finned diffusor and dual chrome exhaust tips. The GLI is packed with more performance under the hood to keep it sophisticated to give it a more grown-up look for those who aren’t going for the boy racer look.
Hot Features Include:Â *
Blind Spot Monitor
Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
App-Connect Cellphone Connectivity
10-color Ambient Lighting
Automatic Climate Control
Keyless Access
Heated Front Seats
If you are looking for some additional upgrades, GLI options include 400-watt BeatsAudio system, a sunroof, ventilated seats and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.
This year there will also be a Jetta GLI 35th anniversary edition, with unique, dark gray-painted wheels, a black roof, mirror caps and spoiler, and badging. Inside the 35th Anniversary edition has unique seat tags, floormats and sill kickplates. This model also features the DCC adaptive damping system.
New standard Drive Mode Selection
Courtesy of VW Media
The GLI will a new standard Drive Mode Selection which allows drivers to pick their GLI’s dynamic behavior. Including four modes of  “Normal,” “Sport,” “Eco,” and “Custom.”Â
Normal mode allows a balanced experience, while Sport gives a dynamic throttle and shift response, tighter steering, and more exhaust note. Eco mode optimizes shift points, throttle response and climate control settings for improved fuel economy.*
The pricing hasn’t yet been revealed, but the new Jetta GLI is scheduled to hit dealerships this spring. So, keep watch on The Reed Factor for the new Volkswagen Jetta GLI to land at ReedHasIt.com.
*Driver Assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.Â
Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted. Not all features available on all operating systems. Standard text and data usage rates apply. App-Connect features require compatible device, operating system, and mobile apps. See mobile device and app providers for terms and privacy.
33See Owner’s Manual for further details and important warnings about the keyless ignition feature. Do not leave vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly in enclosed spaces.
*44Your fuel economy will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition. See fueleconomy.gov for details.
It’s no surprise that the spacious and luxurious Lincoln Navigator achieves the Edmunds Editors’ Choice Award in the Luxury Large SUV category.
The Lincoln Navigator exceeds in the categories that matter most to consumers, according the the editors at Edmunds.
Lincoln Navigator kept a consistent roll of sales in 2018, posting a 43.6 percent gain in December on tight inventory, according to sales statistics. High-series Lincoln Black Label and Reserve Navigators represented 90 percent of the SUV’s sales mix.
“Our editorial team tests more than 300 vehicles a year ― that’s more than a collective 17,000 hours behind the wheel,” said Alistair Weaver, editor-in-chief at Edmunds. “We’re going beyond what’s hot and new to showcase the best of the best from all the cars on sale today. An Edmunds Editors’ Choice winner represents the gold standard of automotive excellence.”
The Edmunds Editors’ Choice Award winners were selected by the Edmunds editorial team based on their extensive vehicle testing and ranking process. The highest-ranked vehicles are those with the highest overall rating scores given during the Edmunds’ testing process and are based on the following criteria:
Driving and Performance
Comfort
Interior
Utility
Technology
Fun Factor
Value
The 2019 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln Navigator Highlight Features:
Twin-Turbocharged 450- Horsepower Engine
Lincoln Drive Modes
Adaptive Suspension
Approach Detection
Automatic Power-Folding mirrors
Power-Deployable Running Boards
Panoramic Vista Roof
Second and Third Row Comfort and Leg Room
Lincoln Connect
Heads-Up Display
Driver-Assist Technologies
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lincoln Pickup & Delivery
Are you ready to have Lincoln’s most wanted luxury large SUV? Visit ReedHasit.com for your new dream car, truck, or SUV!
Attention Ford and NASCAR Fans! This Sunday, Ford Performance will get to see their new pony in action. The NASCAR Mustang will compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for the 2019 Daytona 500.
“Mustang has raced since it was first sold in 1964,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s executive vice president, Product Development and Purchasing, who was on hand to help unveil the car. “After more than a half-century, it feels great to finally let Mustang run in the top echelon of America’s most popular stock car racing series.”
Even before Mustang became a global icon, its first competition was in 1964, when it surprisingly won the Tour de France Automobile, a grueling 4,000 mile, 10-day rally. Soon after, it began a racing legacy in SCCA Trans-Am, IMSA, NHRA, Formula Drift and NASCAR Xfinity – NASCAR’s second tier series.
“Ever since we announced in April that Mustang would be going to the Cup level in 2019, we’ve heard nothing but positive feedback,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “Our Ford Performance team has worked hard with the Ford Design team to create a Mustang that will be competitive on the track while remaining true to its proud heritage. We can’t wait to see it winning races in the NASCAR Cup Series next year.”
NASCAR Mustang in the Making
“We look forward to seeing the Ford Mustang, a cultural icon, on the track in the most competitive series in all of motorsports,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “Our sport eagerly anticipates the performance, style and fanfare the Mustang will bring to the track each weekend beginning at the 2019 Daytona 500.”
