Planet Ford Whisperer Proud to Support Lil Jesse’s Toy Drive

Lil Jesse Gutierrez is a young cancer survivor with an inspiring story who is now helping spread Christmas cheer to other children battling cancer. Lil Jesse’s family are the winners of the #PlanetFordWhisperer contest from Randall Reed, the Planet Ford Whisperer and Planet Ford. The grand prize was a shiny red new Ford F-150. The Ford sleigh was ready for a big-sized delivery fueled by Lil Jesse’s dream to help others and partners, including Planet Ford in Humble and Spring, Texas.

Lil Jesse’s mother, Angie Gutierez handing out toys at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

This week, Lil Jesse and his family dreams that they shared in their award-winning Planet Ford Whisperer video to help children with is coming true.  Lil Jesse battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer and thankfully he has been in remission for more than two years. He is a true inspiration for cancer patients everywhere.

The 10-year-old now performs as a rapper at venues across Texas. His ultimate dream after winning the Ford F-150 was to bring awareness to pediatric cancer and deliver happiness to other young patients battling cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he was treated. 

Lil Jesse and all the toy donations on the way to surprise the pediatric patients at the hospital.

Planet Ford and Houston Humanitarian Award recipient Mythiquer Pickett have teamed up with Lil Jesse for the special toy drive. They wanted to do all they could to try and brighten the lives of young patients who are currently battling cancer and undergoing treatment during the holiday season.  Pickett says, “Contagious positivity is spreading love, hope, joy and compassion into the lives of people, creating an environment where parents never have to say sorry.” Pickett’s charity is We See Abilities. He gives those with special needs a better quality of life through the joy of sports and community activities.

A big thank you to the greater Houston community. Many customers, neighbors and partners dropped off unopened toys to both Planet Ford in Spring and Planet Ford in Humble. Lil Jesse and Pickett then loaded up the back of the Ford F-150 with toys and goodies that were delivered Monday, December 10th. 

Community Coming Together

The Reed Family and Planet Ford are thankful to our neighboring businesses and local celebrities that took time to lend a helping hand, including, Miss USA 2008, Crystle Stewart. She is now the President & Director of the Miss Houston Pageant. She and her team assisted with the toy drive. The TV host and actress who starred in Tyler Perry’s “For Better or Worse” brought her crown and sash for children try on and take photos in during the event. Miss Houston 2018, Lesha Wincher, was also dressed for the occasion with her crown and sash for photos to be taken with the children.

Other companies like Adidas provided shoes for the kids to kick that cancer out! The shoes will get them moving and assist with rehab therapy. State Farm Insurance donated backpacks stuffed with a teddy bear. Microsoft Corporation donated a game console to the pediatric floor, and Benchmark Bank  provided piggy banks for the kids to save for their bright future ahead of them when they leave the hospital. Plus, The Liquor Cabinet in Kingwood made a monetary donation.

Lil’ Flip Signed On!

To top it off, local Houston rapper Lil’ Flip signed autographs during the toy drive and escorted Lil Jesse to deliver all the toys collected at both Ford dealerships to about 45 pediatric cancer patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center. 

The event was a true success and that is what the holiday season is all about, reaching out to help bring joy, hope and smiles to others. The Reed family is thankful to have the opportunity to be part of this tremendous event. Mr. Reed added, “It goes to show, when we all give a ‘lil’, we can help a lot.”

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College Graduates get Exclusive Offers through Volkswagen and Ford Motor Co.

Attention college graduates! Did you know you there are automakers who want to congratulate you on graduating college, too? Companies such as Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen want to celebrate your graduation by offering you a discount* on your dream vehicle.

Courtesy of Ford Media

Ford Drives U

Ford features plenty of options that is perfect for a recent new graduate, and eligible particpants will get $500 bonus cash* toward their next dream Ford.

To be eligible:

  • Active College/Trade School Students:
    Student is enrolled full-time OR half-time based on the specifications of an accredited four-year College/University, Junior College, Community College, or Trade School that the student is attending
  • Active Graduate Students: 
    Student is currently enrolled based on the specifications of an accredited Graduate School program
  • Recent College Graduates: 
    Student has graduated and is within 3 years from their date of graduation. For example, student graduates May 6, 2017 – they will be eligible until May 31, 2020. A student graduated on May 4, 2015, they are eligible through May 31, 2018.
  • High School Seniors or Recent High School Graduates with a letter of intent to attend a qualifying university: 
    Student must have completed all requirements for graduation to qualify using an anticipated or future graduation date, and have can provide Letter of Intent to attend a qualified university.
  • College Student Internships Participants, Trade School Apprenticeships and Medical Student residencies now qualify with the following restrictions: 
    Student has attended or will attend college classes again between May 1, 2015 and January 2, 2019.

Courtesy of VW Media

Volkswagen College Grad Bonus

Through the Volkswagen College Graduate Program**, qualified recent graduates can get a $500 Contract Bonus*** when purchasing or leasing a new, unused Volkswagen vehicle through Volkswagen Credit.

Program Highlights

  • Up to $500 Contract Bonus
  • If you lease, there’s no security deposit required.
  • Competitive rates even if you have no credit. Credit history is not required, but if you have existing credit, it must be in good standing.
  • No co-signer required.

To qualify: 

• You graduated within the last 24 months or will in the next
six months from a U.S. or Canadian college or university.
• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• You have a full-time (permanent) job or written commitment
from your future employer.

Graduating college is a huge accomplishment and another milestone in someone’s life. Start this new chapter off  behind the wheel of a new Ford or Volkswagen. Visit ReedHasIt.com to start your searching for your next dream graduate gift.

*See dealer or manufacturer site for full details. Not everyone will qualify for special discount. 
*Program #36236 –$500 Bonus Cash for current college students and recent college graduates who purchase or lease an eligible new 2017/2018/2019 model year Ford or Lincoln vehicle. Must take retail delivery from dealer stock by January 2, 2019. Not available on Mustang Shelby GT350®, Mustang Shelby® GT350R, Ford GT, Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, F-150 Diesel and 2018 model year Lincoln Navigator. May not be used with other Ford or Lincoln private offers. Limit of 5 new eligible vehicle purchases or leases. U.S. residents only. See dealer for complete details and eligibility.
**The Volkswagen College Graduate Program® offers a $500 Contract Bonus** (for qualified college graduates who lease or
purchase a new, unused Volkswagen vehicle through Volkswagen Credit.
*College Graduate Program is subject to credit approval and is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who graduate
from a U.S. or Canadian accredited college/university no more than 24 months prior to credit application. Applicant must be
employed in a full-time permanent position or have a written commitment from a future employer. References, proof of income,
copy of degree or official transcript, and contact information for college/university required. Credit history is not required, but
existing credit must be in good standing and have no previous derogatory credit. Program good from January 3, 2018 to January
2, 2019. Program not valid in Puerto Rico. See your local Volkswagen dealer for details or, for general production information,
call 1-800-Drive-VW.
***Volkswagen of America, Inc. will pay a $500 Contract Bonus when customers eligible for the College
Graduate Program lease or purchase a new, unused Volkswagen vehicle through participating dealers and finance the lease or
purchase through Volkswagen Credit from January 3, 2018 to January 2, 2019. Excludes Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. May not be
combined with VW TDI programs (79L and 81R). Subject to credit approval by Volkswagen Credit. Bonus must be applied toward
customer lease or purchase and is not redeemable for cash. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. See your local Volkswagen dealer for
details or, for general production information, call 1-800-Drive-VW.
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Lincoln Navigator & Volkswagen Atlas named “Favorite New-for-2018 Cars” from Kelly Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book has named “Our Favorite New-for-2018 Cars” List.  Among the favorites were the they stylish and luxurious Lincoln Navigator or the family-friendly and fun Volkswagen Atlas. This is not a huge surprise given the popularity of these attractive and dependable SUVs.  Here are a few of the reasons that KBB.com hand-picked these vehicles.

KBB.com loved the luxury of Lincoln. According to their article: Our expert review of the new Lincoln Navigator nicely sums up why it earned a spot on this list: “If you want a high-end off-road-capable family hauler that offers virtually every luxury you can think of, this big Lincoln fits the bill perfectly. Its powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, plentiful technology, and comfortable and distinctive interior combine to make this the most luxurious Lincoln yet, maybe ever.”

Features:

  • Seating for 8
  • Twin-Turbocharged 3.5L Engine
  • 10-Speed Selectshift Automatic Transmission
  • Auto Hold
  • Lincoln Drive Modes-offers six distinct selectable drive modes for

    Courtesy of Lincoln Media

    confidence, exhilaration and control in a wide variety of driving conditions.

  • Adaptive Suspension
  • Towing Capabilities
  • Lincoln Connect
  • Driver-assist technology
  • See More

Per KBB.com: One of the standout stars in the midsize SUV segment, the brand-new Volkswagen Atlas was selected as one of KBB’s 12 Best Family Cars of 2018. Judges from our Best Buy Awards noted that “The Atlas impressed us with its cavernous interior space, excellent third-row access, sharp driving dynamics and masculine appearance. If seven passengers is enough for your lifestyle, and you value ease of cargo loading and ultimate cargo space, the Atlas is worth your time.”

Features:

  • Seating for 8
  • 4Cyl- 2L Engine
  • 8-Speed Automatic with Tiptronic/FWD
  • Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars
  • Vw Car-Net Selective Service Internet Access
  • Electronic Stability Control

    Courtesy of VW Media

    (ESC)

  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control
  • FOB Controls -inc: Trunk/Hatch/Tailgate
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Systems Monitor
  • See More

 

 

Are you ready for your next top-ranked SUV? It’s the end of the year sales event, visit Reedhasit.com for your all-new 2018 SUV at a great price.

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The All-New 2020 Lincoln Aviator Deserves a Round of Applause

Lincoln Motor Company has gone above and beyond once again. The 2020 Lincoln Aviator will be driving into the spotlight when released in the summer of 2019.

The all-new Lincoln Aviator will be making its first debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week with advanced technologies that let the luxury SUV kneel to greet you, scan the road ahead for uneven pavement, and allow you to drive away using your smartphone instead of a key.

The three-row midsize SUV is taking luxury to new heights. Captivating exterior design lines, interior roominess and ample power give rise to the feeling of flight and a sensation that both soothes and excites.

Aviator represents the very best of our brand DNA and signals the direction for Lincoln vehicles going forward,” says Joy Falotico, president, The Lincoln Motor Company. “It offers elegance, effortless performance and unparalleled comfort – a true representation of Lincoln’s vision for the future.

Courtesy of Lincoln Media

You have the Power 

Lincoln has given you the power to choose. The Aviator is available all-wheel drive and a choice of gas or hybrid powertrain. The standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, is expected to deliver an impressive 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque for effortless acceleration.

With the hybrid option, Aviator Grand Touring’s twin-turbocharged engine and advanced electrified technology is targeted to deliver even greater levels of performance. Projected to produce 450 horsepower and a massive 600 lb.-ft. of torque, the all-new Aviator Grand Touring is expected to deliver greater performance than many three-row, midsize luxury hybrid SUVs.

The Power of Technology 

Bad knees? No problem. The Aviator suspension system automatically lowers the vehicle to “greet” the driver, adding a new level of sophistication to Lincoln’s signature welcome lighting embrace. The convenience of this feature makes loading cargo easier as well.*

There is an App for this too! A compatible smartphone is a key feature of your Aviator experience. Lincoln introduces the Lincoln Way™ app. It allows owners to lock and unlock, open the liftgate and, most importantly, start and drive the vehicle – all without a traditional key.

Courtesy of Lincoln Media

Phone As A Key amenities:

  • Drivers can recall individual preferences for adjusting seat, mirror and steering column positions.
  • Comfort and entertainment settings can be activated through the feature as well.
  • If owners want to loan their Aviator to a family member or friend, the technology makes that equally effortless too, as up to four “keys” are provided with each vehicle in addition to the standard smart key fob.
  • Should a phone battery go dead, a passcode can be entered on the standard exterior keypad to gain entry then a backup code can be entered on the center touchscreen to start and drive the vehicle.
  • If a phone is lost or stolen, Phone As A Key can be easily deleted, providing additional peace of mind for clients.

 

Courtesy of Lincoln Media

Peace of mind can go a little further with Lincoln new available technology that enables the Aviator to “see” most potholes or uneven pavement and immediately make suspension adjustments to keep the ride as smooth as possible. Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview uses an advanced forward camera to constantly scan the road, seamlessly adjusting the suspension as needed.

 

Your Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 will be a standard feature in your SUV, the Aviator is bringing the latest in driver-assistance. available in a new upgrade aptly named Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ Plus. It adds:

  • Traffic Jam Assist helps guide the vehicle using adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering and traffic sign recognition, which scans speed limit signs along the roadway, adjusting speed based on the information obtained
  • Evasive Steer Assist offers assistance to the driver to help avoid a collision with a slower or stopped vehicle; it provides additional steering support when a collision cannot be avoided by braking alone
  • Reverse Brake Assist can help you stop the vehicle while backing up if Aviator’s integrated rear sensors and camera detect an obstacle at the rear
  • Active Park Assist Plus removes the stress from parking by taking over steering, shifting, braking and acceleration functions with the touch of a button to navigate parallel and perpendicular parking spaces with ease

“All of this innovative technology is purposeful,” says Falotico. “Together, these features help make Aviator’s drive experience even more effortless and intuitive.”

Courtesy of Lincoln Media

Comfort and convenience
Aviator’s spacious, airy cabin accentuates horizontal lines, minimizing visual clutter to deliver a soothing sanctuary. An available Revel™ Ultima™ 3D Audio System re-creates an authentic concert-hall experience by immersing occupants in rich, superior sound emanating from 28 speakers throughout the cabin.

An ergonomically advanced steering wheel is intended for ultimate ease of use and customization; only subtle thumb movements at the 10 o’clock position are needed to access the voice command button. The steering wheel features streamlined, four-way switches at strategic positions to control music, phone and navigation functions.

Available Perfect Position seats with Active Motion offer 30-way adjustability, massage capability and additional lumbar support for driver and front-row passenger for paramount comfort, while flexible second-row seats recline, adjust fore and aft, and slide forward for easy access to the third row. The third row provides ample seating with plenty of room left over for cargo, assuring nothing and no one is left behind. Advanced under-floor battery packaging in the Grand Touring edition allows for all the benefits of an electrified powertrain without compromising luggage space or legroom.

Other convenience features include an available wireless phone charging pad located in the front-row center armrest, while a handy media bin is available for the front-row passenger. Multiple power outlets throughout the cabin and a standard Wi-Fi hotspot keep occupants connected wherever the journey may take them.

“At Lincoln, we’re always thinking about the next, best way to elevate luxury for our clients,” says Falotico. “Aviator arrives at this perfect intersection – where strength and beauty meet performance and technology.”

If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV, then stayed tuned for updates on when this beautiful work of art lands on ReedHasIt.com and you can shop one of our many dealerships in your area.

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Ford Whisperer supports Lil. Jesse’s Toy Drive delivery for Young Cancer Patients

A young cancer survivor named Lil Jesse Gutierrez with an inspiring story is helping spread Christmas cheer to other children at the Houston Hospital where he was treated. Lil Jesse’s Family was the winner of the #PlanetFordWhisperer contest from Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Texas. The grand prize was a Ford F-150. It’s a big red truck, ready for a big-sized delivery.

Lil Jesse wants to help bring joy and hope to other children who are spending their time in the hospital during the holiday season. He’s called on the help of The Ford Whisperer Randall Reed and Planet Ford. Lil Jesse battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer and won. He’s been in remission for more than two years. He is a true inspiration for cancer patients. The 10-year-old performs as a rapper at venues across Texas, and his ultimate dream after winning the Ford F-150 was to deliver toys to young patients battling cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Planet Ford and Houston Humanitarian Award recipient Mythiquer Pickett have teamed up with Lil Jesse for the special toy drive. They want to do all they can to try and brighten the lives of young patients who are currently battling cancer and undergoing treatment during the holiday season.  Pickett says, “Contagious positivity is spreading love, hope, joy and compassion into the lives of people, creating an environment where parents never have to say sorry.” Pickett’s charity is We See Abilities. He gives those with special needs a better quality of life through the joy of sports and community activities.

The public is invited to help by dropping off new unopened toys, now through December 8th at both locations off Hwy 59 in Humble (19000 Eastex Frwy., Humble, TX 77338) and off I-45 in Spring ( 20403 Interstate Hwy 45, Spring, TX 77388). Then, Lil Jesse and Pickett will load up the back of the F-150 with toys and goodies for delivery December 10th.

The Community Coming Together

The Reed Family and Planet Ford are thankful to members of our community and businesses who are contributing to this wonderful cause. Miss USA 2008, Crystle Stewart, President & Director Miss Houston Pageant and her team will be helping with the toy drive. The TV host and actress has starred in Tyler Perry’s “For Better or Worse.” Ms. Stewart is bringing her crown and sash to try on and take photos in during the event. Miss Houston 2018, Lesha Wincher, will also be dressed for the occasion with her crown and sash for photos to be taken with the children.

Other companies like Adidas will be providing shoes for the kids to kick that cancer out! The shoes will get them moving and assist with rehab therapy. State Farm Insurance is donating backpacks stuffed with a teddy bear. Microsoft Corporation is donating a game console to the pediatric floor, and Benchmark Bank will provide piggy banks for the kids to save for their bright future ahead of them when they leave the hospital. Plus, The Liquor Cabinet in Kingwood is making a monetary donation.

To top it off, local Houston rapper Lil’ Flip will escort Lil Jesse to deliver all the toys collected at both Ford dealerships to about 45 pediatric cancer patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Planet Ford in Humble’s General Manager John Centner says, “We are all inspired and proud to be a part of this incredible mission. The passion that Lil Jesse brings in all that he does is a beautiful thing to watch. His love and desire to bring happiness to those suffering is something we all should aspire to.”

You can help The Ford Whisperer and Jesse make a difference this Christmas with their toy drive and your new unwrapped toy donation, now through Saturday, December 8, 2018!

The Reed family believes it’s crucial to give back to the communities in which they work and live. Growing up in an economically challenged home, Mr. Reed knows how important it is for businesses to extend opportunities to area families and the area youth in order to preserve and strengthen local communities. Each Reed family dealership sponsors and participates in local events, various school fundraisers and supports a variety of programs for children and families. “When we all give a little, we can help a lot for both the future of our kids and our community,” said Mr. Reed.

 

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Ford’Tastic Fund Helps Those In Need

Giving back is key to all that we do at Reed Family Enterprises, and we are proud to work with Ford Motor Company has the same beliefs.  Ford Motor Company Fun partners with organizations and agencies to assist this in need and help grow our communities.

Helping Squash Hunger

In places like Southeast Michigan, more than 650,000 people in are facing hunger this year, according to Gleaners Community Food Bank. The Ford Motor Company Fund and its nonprofit partners are once again teaming up to address food challenges this holiday season. Ford Fund contributed more than $1.5 million to support hunger relief agencies across the United States this year, much of that in Metro Detroit where the agency delivered hundreds of thousands of meals and improved access to other basic needs for disadvantaged people and families.

Driving Help for the Holidays

This is the 11th consecutive year that Ford Fund has joined the Detroit Area Agency on Aging to support the Holiday Meals on Wheels Thanksgiving program. Ford Fund’s $50,000 donation to DAAA will provide a hot holiday meal to more than 6,000 homebound seniors. Ford volunteers will be on hand to pack and deliver food. The contribution will also provide dollars throughout the year toward daily meal service.

“As we say thanks and count our blessings during the holiday season, Ford Fund is stepping up its efforts to feed the hungry as a critical first step toward making people’s lives better,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Serving people by meeting the most basic of human needs is key to the Ford Fund’s mission to build stronger communities and help all people reach their full potential.”

Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $1.5 billion to build stronger communities around the world.

Want to Help?

Looking for ways to help those in need, there are a number of resourced where you can located charities in your area, such as GivingTuesday.org or Charity.org.

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Black Friday Super Savings at Randall Reed’s Family of Dealerships

Thanksgiving is over and now it’s time for the real hustle and bustle of the season. However, buying a new car, truck or SUV can be hustle, bustle and hassle free when you shop with the Randall Reed family of dealerships.

Looking for a new Ford, new Lincoln, new Volkswagen or pre-owned of any make or model, you can shop online anytime by simply logging on to ReedHasIt.com. Search from thousands of vehicles.

Want to find a Texas location in your area? We have several to choose from, and great  Black Friday Weekend savings.

Greater Houston Area, visit:

Greater Dallas Area, visit:

Custom Vehicles & Gifts

Looking for a custom ride, visit our RAD-Rides custom creations. How about a gift for the automotive lover your list?  Our  dealership teams have onsite performance, accessories and parts to help them customize any make or model

Service, Parts & More

Remember, all of our dealerships are one-stop shops. Our team members are here to help with any maintenance, repair or parts needs that you may have. You want to make sure your car is in tip-top shape before you head out for the holiday. Take a look at Randall Reed’s holiday travel tips.

Don’t Delay, Visit today at Reedhasit.com!

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Don’t forget your Holiday Travel Tips

Courtesy of Ford Media

The holiday season is upon us, which means more people are out and about on the roads to see their loved ones for turkey, Santa and delicious pumpkin pie. AAA reported an estimated 47 million people traveled 50 or more miles from home on Turkey Day.

It is important to stay safe and calm while driving during the holiday hustle. Here are a few tips and suggestions to help you get ready to 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, Quick Lane in Spring, Humble and Porter give free battery and brake checks!

Courtesy of Ford Media

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 driving, torrential downpours and icy roads can be very dangerous, challenging and stressful.  The Federal Highway Administration’s is one resource you can use to pre-plan your departure.

Always be prepared: Nobody can predict the future. You should always be prepared for a flat, dead battery, or other unforeseen circumstances. You can also equip your vehicle with blankets, booster cables, flares, a flashlight, hand warmers and a window scraper.

Watch your speed. Speedy to cut travel time is especially risky when highways are packed with holiday traffic. It’s just not worth it. Plus, state police will be out with a radar ready for the rule breakers.

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 others and their actions on the road, especially on bad weather days, but you can prep, slow down and take actions to help keep yourself as safe as possible.

If you need new tires, automotive service or are ready for a new car, truck or SUV visit Reedhasit.com

Happy Holiday from the Reed Factor!

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Lincoln Aviator Gets Musical Alerts From Detroit Symphony Orchestra

If you’re a fan of Lincoln, then you will appreciate the latest news, which includes some musical cues from the Motor City. Lincoln announced that the Aviator’s alert system will play chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

“Aviator represents the true vision of the Lincoln brand,” said David Woodhouse, design director, The Lincoln Motor Company. “With a look this striking, we needed to have sounds that matched the beauty of this vehicle.”

The notes are precise, crystalline and rich with detail. Unique chimes, informing drivers of everything from an open fuel door to an unlatched seat belt, are now symphonic. Three levels of informational chimes will provide distinct musical alerts for about 25 features in the vehicle. These include:

  • Non-critical
  • Soft-warning chimes
  • Hard-warning chimes

Lincoln’s vehicle harmony team ensured that an SUV of such distinction in its design and engineering received equal treatment in terms of its audio evolution.

Lincoln Aviator and DSO musical alerts

Jennifer Prescott, vehicle harmony supervisor, The Lincoln Motor Company, brief musicians at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra ahead of their recording of unique chimes that will provide musical alerts for drivers of the all-new Aviator

“This is quite a departure for us – introducing music into the informational chime world,” said Jennifer Prescott, supervisor, vehicle harmony, The Lincoln Motor Company. “But we’re always thinking about luxury, and this was a way to take Lincoln to an even higher level.”

After brainstorming unique sound options with her team, Prescott sent an email to the musicians at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. “I truly thought they’d think I was crazy,” she recalled, laughing. “But we wanted to make sure every detail in this vehicle was perfect.”

The opportunity to try something so markedly creative was irresistible, said Anne Parsons, president and CEO of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

“As the hometown orchestra of the Motor City, we were definitely interested when Lincoln contacted us about work that brought together music, cars and technology,” Parsons said. “The DSO has historically valued the use of technology to increase access to classical music, from radio to recordings to the internet, and we are very excited about this new project.”

Finding the right sound for Aviator

Lincoln Aviator and DSO musical alerts

Three renowned musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra – Adrienne Rönmark, Violinist, Eric Nowlin, Principal Violist and Joseph Becker, Principal Percussionist recorded six unique symphonic chimes informing drivers of everything from an open fuel door to an unlatched seat belt for the all-new Lincoln Aviator

Through multiple sessions, musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra recorded several iterations of the alerts. Since the Aviator is not yet in production, Prescott had the musicians sit inside a Lincoln Continental to experience the ambiance.

“We told them the flavor of the new vehicle and gave them scenarios of the alerts,” she recalled. We told them, basically, to design their own soundscapes. Then they just went in and started playing. And it was phenomenal.”

Selecting the right mix of sounds was no easy task. More than 125 options were recorded the first time, and after a multitude of internal Lincoln listening sessions, those sounds were narrowed down to a single chime.

At that point, the vehicle harmony group returned to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with a request to build a suite of embellished chimes around that particular note. Finally, about 100 recordings later, the Lincoln team ultimately found the symphonic soundscape that brought the project to life.

A unique project 

The final selection was played by three renowned musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra:

“It was a very stimulating project; sounds and soundscapes are so much a part of our life that we often don’t really notice them – and yet they can provide all these triggers that are so important,” Rönmark said. “As a musician, usually what my job entails is trying to bring to life a piece of music that’s already been written. So to be a part of this process, to create sounds knowing their meaning first, and then create the sound second, was a really, really engaging way to process the sound.”

For Nowlin, the creative freedom just added to the enjoyment.

“It was very open-ended, which was great,” he said. “For us, it was an organic process. We were constantly changing something. We would change a rhythm, or how fast we were playing, or we would change the pitch. Through that process, we were really able to hone our ideas.”

The more natural sounds integrate the organic style that many consumers are leaning towards.

“I feel like we all have enough technology with our phones and our computers every day,” Becker said. “People want to get away from that sometimes, so it’s kind of nice to have actual instruments. I think the concept of incorporating it into the car in a different way is very cool.”

The concept is spectacularly cool. And we can’t wait to experience it for ourselves. Stay tuned for more golden Aviator nuggets as they become available right here at Planet Lincoln – and don’t forget to save the date for November, 28 when the full production model is revealed!

If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV, then head on over to ReedHasIt.com and shop one of our many dealerships in your area.

Lincoln Aviator reveal save the date

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The History Channel features Ford F-Series on “Truck Weekend in America”

Courtesy of Ford Media

Ford Trucks are driving right into prime-time. This Saturday, November 10th, the HISTORY®channel is featuring a first-of-its-kind Ford F-Series story-telling event. The HISTORY channel goes into the American automaker factory and on the road with a look into: “Truck Night in America,” “Truck Hunters,” “Born Tough: Inside the Ford Factory,” “American Restoration: Truck Edition,” “Trucks Transformed: Custom Culture” and “Rescue Trucks” and more!

This weekend will be a six-hour prime-time programming event that puts the automaker at the center of original storytelling throughout the weekend. This first-of-its-kind collaboration highlights Ford’s truck legacy of toughness, heritage and performance.

Courtesy of Ford Media

Ford F-Series is America’s Truck

The F-Series is currently America’s best-selling truck for 41 straight years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 36 straight years.

“More than a century ago Ford put America on wheels, and today our trucks are a vital part of the way people work, play and live,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. ‘Truck Weekend in America’ is a tribute to the passion of our engineers as well as our customers, and to both the history and the future of the pickup truck.”

Paul Buccieri, president, A+E Networks Group, said “Truck Weekend in America’ breaks with the traditional media mold with a programming event built on stories that are steeped in history, with an eye to the future. From the latest truck technology to vintage vehicles to totally unique modifications and everything in between, this outstanding collaboration delivers a weekend full of nonstop content, the likes of which truck lovers have never seen before.”

Set your recorders for this Saturday and Sunday. In addition, custom vignettes will air on HISTORY and its digital and social channels.

Truck Weekend in America” programming includes:

“Truck Night in America” – Saturday, 8 p.m. EST

The weekend will kick off with challenging truck versus terrain. Truck owners from across the U.S. compete in tough challenges to test their ingenuity and driving ability in the opening segment, “Truck Night in America.”

“Truck Hunters” – Saturday, 9 p.m. EST

Watch two top truck builders compete for a sale. They had to find, restore and put their personal stamp on two classic trucks. Each shop must design with a buyer in mind and, with limited direction, blend its craftsmanship and style with personalized details to gain the buyer’s favor. Only one truck will be driving off out of the shop, watch as these shops are putting it all on the line.

“Born Tough: Inside the Ford Factory” – Saturday, 10 p.m. EST

This one-hour special event lifts the veil on operations inside Ford’s historic Rouge Complex, where F-150 pickup trucks come to life. From stamping raw aluminum to the body shop to final assembly, cameras go behind the scenes and follow the high-tech descendants of Henry Ford’s groundbreaking assembly line. “Born Tough” reveals how a culture of manufacturing innovation has kept F-Series as America’s best-selling truck for 41 years.

“Truck Night in America” – Sunday, 8 p.m. EST

You can continue watching the truck-versus-terrain competition series. It is celebrating toughness and craftsmanship with everyday people who truly love their trucks and push them to the maximum level in the most grueling challenges.

“American Restoration: Truck Edition” – Sunday, 9 p.m. EST

Rick Dale is traveling the country looking to restore America one project at a time, now with his eye on a long-forgotten 1956 Ford pickup. Nick, a California grape farmer, bought the beat-up truck when he was 16 but never got around to completing the restoration because his family and farm came first. With a tight budget and just 30 days to restore it, Rick and his team work around-the-clock overcoming one challenge after another to bring this American classic back to life.

“Trucks Transformed: Custom Culture” – Sunday, 10 p.m. EST

America’s growing community of truck customizers are going to never-imagined levels of performance, utility and just plain awesomeness. How far are they willing to go? This show features far-out custom trucks like rally racer Ken Block’s snow-conquering RaptorTrax and drifting champ Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s “ultimate fun-haver.” Plus, there’s a guide to how customization has come to the masses on budgets from small to huge. “Trucks Transformed” shows just how the pickup game has gotten picked up to the extreme.

“Rescue Trucks” – Sunday, 10:30 p.m. EST

This half-hour special event follows our nation’s toughest first responders and their souped-up custom trucks, told from the perspective of these very heroes who put their courage, resourcefulness and vehicles to the test and the men and women they’ve saved. The first responders in “Rescue Trucks” share some remarkable stories of survival – and the trucks that came to the rescue.

Do you want to see a sneak peek? Click here to catch a glimpse into this weekend’s special programming event. When you’re ready for your own Ford F-series truck, visit the ReedHasIt.com

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