What American Drivers Want

Posted on August 31, 2012 by randall

A recent survey commissioned by Ford concluded that most American drivers want features that help make them more aware. Nearly 9 out of 10 drivers welcomed some electronic help and were interested in alert and assist technologies.

Ford engineers recognized this want and have answered the call in recent years. That includes options developed for the new 2013 Ford Fusion. It is equipped with a full suite of driver-assistance technologies.

Recently, leading market research firm Penn Schoen Berland conducted the survey of American drivers over the age of 18 to learn more about their attitudes toward driver assist technology. The survey found that the vast majority were interested in getting more extra assist features in their next vehicle to help them avoid any potential accidents.

The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion offers the most advanced driver-assist technologies in the family sedan segment capabilities. This Fusion is the first and only entry to offer all of these features in the most popular segment in the American car market. Many options were  previously only available in luxury cars, but now can be enjoyed by all.

Posted in Blind Spot Information System BLIS, Driving Safety, Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, Ford, Ford Technology, MyKey, New Autos, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Taurus, Explorer, Lincoln MKS Earn NHTSA’s Highest NCAP Overall Vehicle Score

Posted on August 27, 2012 by randall

2013 Ford Explorer is one of three models made by Ford Motor Co. to earn NHTSA’s Highest NCAP Overall Vehicle Score

If you’ve been thinking about buying a new Ford or Lincoln, here are several more reasons to take a look at Ford and Lincoln.

The new 2013 Ford Taurus, 2013 Ford Explorer and 2013 Lincoln MKS have earned U.S. government’s top 5-star Overall Vehicle Score rating for performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

All of these vehicles feature redesigned airbags and restraint system enhancements. Plus, they have several active and passive restraint technologies and driver assist features to help drivers avoid potential crashes.

Ford Taurus, Explorer and Lincoln MKS continue to offer a full range of standard and optional safety and driver assist technologies for the 2013 model year including:

  1. Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags: Deploy at high or low output based on occupant size, seat position and safety belt status, and customize the inflation force to the severity of the impact.
  2. Safety Canopy® System: Combines a side air curtain and rollover sensor to help provide protection for outboard first- and second-row (and third-row in Explorer) occupants in certain side-impact and rollover situations.
  3. Inflatable safety belts: Available in the second row of the 2013 Explorer, these provide additional protection to rear-seat occupants.
  4. AdvanceTrac® ESC (electronic stability control): Standard on Taurus and MKS; Explorer features AdvanceTrac with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) as standard equipment.
  5. Curve Control: Senses when the vehicle enters a curve too fast. System responds to the driver’s steering input by rapidly reducing torque and increasing brake pressure to help the driver follow the intended path.
  6. Forward collision warning with brake support: Enabled by adaptive cruise control, provides a “heads-up” visual warning combined with an audio signal to alert the driver to slower-moving traffic ahead. The system also pre-charges the brakes to aid stopping.
  7. SOS Post-Crash Alert System™: Activates in the event of airbag deployment or safety belt pretensioner activation to alert passersby and emergency services to vehicle location by unlocking the doors and activating the horn and emergency flashers.
  8. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert: Helps detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving and traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots.

  9. MyKey®: Allows parents or owners to limit certain vehicle functions to help promote safe driving habits for young or inexperienced drivers. MyKey includes the Belt-Minder® “No Belt, No Tunes” feature, which can limit top speeds and audio volume, provide earlier low-fuel warnings, and prevent deactivation of driver assist features (such as park aid and BLIS). New MyKey features include “Do Not Disturb,” which blocks incoming calls and text messages while driving, and the allows the ability to block explicit satellite radio station content.

Posted in AdvanceTrac® ESC, Blind Spot Information System BLIS, Curve Control, Driving Safety, Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, Ford, frontal and side impact crash tests, MyKey, NHTSA’s NCAP Overall Vehicle Score, resistance to rollover, Safety Canopy® System, SOS Post-Crash Alert System, U.S. government’s top five-star Overall Vehicle Score | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Space Shuttle Superalloy Ford Fusion 2.0-liter EcoBoost® Turbo Durability

Posted on August 24, 2012 by randall
EcoBoost vs. Space Shuttle

EcoBoost vs. Space Shuttle

What does a rocket ship and the new Ford Fusion have in common? They are both built with the right stuff. Modified superalloy used in Space Shuttle main engine helps performance and durability of Ford Fusion 2.0-liter EcoBoost® turbo.

To prolong turbo life and combat thermal fatigue, powertrain engineers, in conjunction with a team at supplier BorgWarner, went to the upper limits of commercially available turbo materials when choosing the turbine wheel for the turbocharger fitted to 2.0-liter EcoBoost variants.

Cool Stuff

According to Ford, the same material has been tried and tested in outer space. A version of it was used on the Space Shuttle main engine’s high-pressure fuel turbo pump and the blades of its high-pressure oxidizer turbo pump.

The upper temperature limit for the turbine wheel used on the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in Edge and Explorer is 970 degrees Celsius (1,778 degrees Fahrenheit). However, in the sporty 2.0-liter EcoBoost for Fusion and Focus ST, the addition of tungsten and cobalt gives the alloy an upper temperature limit of 1,050 degrees Celsius (1,922 degrees Fahrenheit), per Ford.

 The Benefit?

Less worry for you. That’s right, Fusion 2.0-liter drivers can enjoy enthusiastic and spirited driving for the life of the car without degrading turbo reliability or mechanical integrity.

To learn more, check out Ford’s page about the 2013 Ford Fusion at http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/2013/.

Posted in Ford, Ford Technology, Ford Turbo, New Autos, News and Updates | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Motor Company to Donate 2013 Mustang for Cattle Baron’s Ball Auction

Posted on August 10, 2012 by randall

Ford Motor Company has announced that they will be donating a customized 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Luguna Seca for the 10th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball Auction.The event will be hosted on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Joe Louis area in Detroit.  The Candy Red Mustang will have a one-of-a kind paint scheme created specifically for the event and will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. All proceeds earned from the event will go to support American Cancer Society research programs, and services for cancer survivors and their loved ones throughout Metro Detroit. Guests of the event will enjoy a Western themed event, which includes Texas style cuisines, dancing, a high-end, live and silent auction. The Ball will also have live entertainment from the likes of Toby Keith, who is currently promoting his Overdrive Tour Sponsored by the Ford F-series.

For more information about the Cattle Baron’s Ball, call 248.663.3401 or visit www.cbbdetroit.com

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World Class Automotive Conducts Talent Search for Commerical

Posted on August 7, 2012 by randall

World Class Automotive’s Got Talent!

World Class Automotive Conducts Talent Search for Upcoming Commercials

Sherry and I would like to extend a special invitation to you. Do you have a special talent or unique idea to make our well-known slogan “We’re Dealin’!” more memorable? If so, we are looking for you!

That’s right! We want people to showcase their ideas that make them and our slogan a star. Think you can impersonate the Sherry and I? Do you have a catchy tune? Maybe your kids or pet have a special talent you’d like to share?  If so, you could win a spot in a commercial!

What you may need…

You’re invited to bring a costume(s), prop(s), an adorable (non-agressive) animal, or even your cute kiddos to help bring the slogan to life in your own way. Each audition will receive $100 for participating. In addition, we will provide food and refreshments.

Interested?

Live auditions are August 30th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you’re interested, call 817-633-3183 or e-mail [email protected] to schedule a time. Warning: Slots will fill up fast, so call today!

Posted in Commercial Casting Call, Ford, In the Community, Randall and Sherry Reed, Talent Search | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The 2013 Ford Escape’s Funnier Side

Posted on July 25, 2012 by randall

Along with the new 2013 Ford Escape, Ford has recently launched a humorous and edgy, new marketing campaign. The documentary-style videos are an expansion of Ford’s efforts to utilize comedy as they educate consumers about all the new fab features of the newly designed SUV.

The fully integrated campaign includes TV, radio and print ads, in addition to a digital execution featuring a series of web videos on www.ford.com/brandnew. The series contains a new “saying” of “Brand Newed,” referring to a person who has tried something new or who has bettered him or herself in some form or fashion.

The campaign features the Brown family, whom after the purchase of their new Escape, begin changing their day-to-day habits leaving those who once assisted them left behind and hurt. As Stanley the Gas Attendant, Vince the Valet and The bag Boy all State “They have gone and got ‘Brand Newed.’”  Check out the videos below to see how you can be “Brand Newed,” too.

2013 Ford Escape: How You Know You’ve Been “Brand Newed”

Behind The Wheel: The Rise & Fall of Vince the Valet (And the role the 2013 Ford Escape played)

Kick it! Bag Boys

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Randall Reed’s Planet Ford, Planet Lincoln Make Automotive News’ Best Dealerships to Work For

Posted on July 18, 2012 by randall

World Class Automotive Group is pleased to announce that two of its locations have been

Randall Reed, Owner and President of World Class Automotive Group congratulates the management and staff for their award from Automotive News.

named recipients ofthe top 100 automotive dealerships to work for in America!

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring, Texas and Randall Reed’s Planet Lincoln in Spring, Texas made Automotive News’ inaugural Best Dealerships To Work For list.

“We’re very proud,” said Randall Reed, President and Owner of World Class Automotive. “The management, along with all of the members of the Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln family are now among the elite chosen as the best of the best in the country.”

The list was compiled based on employee workplace satisfaction scores that measured everything, from the quality of the work place to the treatment of the employees. “We have identified those dealerships and the recognition begins with this list of the top 100 places to work–a summary that honors new-car dealerships in the United States that have excelled in creating a quality work environment,” per a statement from Jason Stein, Editor of Automotive News.

“This is quite an honor,” said Shawn Burns, General Manager and Operating Partner at Planet Ford. “We have garnered many awards, but this one is truly special. We believe in creating a quality work environment where everyone can thrive, and this shows that our efforts are working.”

Both dealerships will not only be highlighted in an upcoming October issue ofAutomotive News, the dealerships and their management teams will be recognized at a gala hosted by the publication on October 17, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois.

Today, the dealership celebrated the top honor from Automotive News with a catered luncheon and party for both dealerships at the Planet Ford location in Spring.

“The automotive business is about thecustomers and their total satisfaction, but a key to achieving that goal is to have world class employees who enjoy what they do,” said Mr. Reed. “And, we have an incredible team of apparently VERY happy and excited associates numbering over 250 strong!“

About World Class Automotive Group
World Class Automotive Group is owned by Randall and Sherry Reed. The family-owned business is comprised of several dealerships throughout Texas, including: Planet Ford in Spring, Planet Lincoln in Spring, Planet Ford in Humble, Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM in Humble. Hillcrest Ford in Huntsville, Prestige Ford in Garland and Park Cities Ford and Lincoln in Dallas.

About Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln in Spring
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford is located at 20403 I-45 in Spring, Texas. The dealership has earned the honor of being the No. 1 Ford dealer in the area for 12 Years. Planet Lincoln is located at 20440 I-45 in Spring, Texas. Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln, serving the greater Houston area, offer new and quality pre-owned vehicles. In addition, Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln also provide full Service, Parts and Collision Departments.

*Based on retail sales reported by Ford annually since 1998.

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Get That Fresh Spring Car Clean Feeling

Posted on May 24, 2011 by randall

Get That Fresh Spring Car Clean Feeling

Quick tips to care for your car

Spring has sprung and summer is just around the bend as temps are already on the rise across much of the county.  Along with it comes insects (splattered on your windshield), pollen in the air (and decorating your vehicle), beautiful trees in bloom (sprinkling sap onto your paint and flower and leaf bits into your vents) and birds in flight (we don’t need to specify what they share with your automobile).

So, as you set into spring-cleaning mode, this is an opportune time to add your vehicle to the list of spring chores.  Here is a look at a few key things you can do to spruce up your ride.

Fresh Air Have you checked your engine’s filter or your cabin air filter? They can become heavy with pollen and actually affect your vehicles performance. So, make sure to check regularly and replace as necessary.

Make Like a Tree If you are left with a mess of tree debris, it’s important you remove it from all the crevices, especially the cowl screen. That is the area where your hood and windshield meet.  Leaves and debris can breakdown over time and create a sediment that can clog your evaporator drain. So, whatever you do, don’t “leave” debris for any long period of time.

Splish-Splash Gifts from those birds in flight and sticky tree sap can damage your paint job. So, it’s important that you regularly wash your vehicle to remove potential paint problems. However, it’s important not to over wash your vehicle. You may want to also consider a coat of wax every now and then, but make sure to follow the directions!

Drip Dry If you like to “towel” dry your vehicle, that’s OK, as long as it is the right towel.  Using a paper towel or similar product can actually be bad for your paint job. It’s best to use a soft, chamois or something designed for drying that will not be harmful to your cars clear coat.

Pressure is On! The only thing between you and the ground is your tires. They are crucial and should be maintained regularly.  As temps warm up, the air can expand in your tires. And just as under inflation can do harm and cause your tires to wear unevenly, the same can be said for over inflation, not to mention, it can affect your vehicles performance.

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Rain, Rain Travel Ways

Posted on May 11, 2011 by randall

Driving in the Rain? Three key things to keep in mind:  Vision, speed and visibility

Spring showers may bring flowers, but it also brings more accidents and potential automotive issues. There are key things you can do to stay safe out there.

Switch it Up!

When is the last time you changed out the wiper blades on your vehicle? Most of us rarely think about them unless we have the bad fortune of parking beneath a bird’s nest (yuck!) or when we are experiencing inclement weather.

Basically, we forget about them until we need them, yet we always expect them to perform. These little guys are essential to your springtime weather preparedness. As much as it’s important to drive safely and more slowly in times of inclement weather, many times we overlook the most important thing–we need to be able to see!

You should be sure to replace your wipers regularly, every six months is recommended, but at minimum you should replace them once a year. Wiper blades in bad condition don’t clear water from the windshield very well and distort your view. Older vehicles may even need to have the whole wiper arm replaced as they bend over time and may not keep enough downward pressure to clear the windshield.

Slow Speed Racer, Slow!

As for speed… slow down! This may be obvious, but it is very important. People get into a routine of driving certain speeds on certain roads and many often fail to slow down when inclement weather presents itself. Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience and you can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Brake before entering the curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. If you find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

You’re Not Invisible Man (or Woman)

Last but not least, in times of limited visibility, such as when it is raining, turn on your headlights. Without them on, other drivers will have a hard time seeing you! Headlights are both helpful to you and to other travelers and help ensure your safety. Even if you may be able to see cars without their headlights on others may not have vision or windshield wipers as good as yours and it’s better to be safe than sorry!

 

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Ford Show’s Off C-Max At The North American International Auto Show

Posted on February 15, 2011 by randall

The 2011 North American International Auto Show recently took place in Detroit, Michigan.  One of the biggest draws for Ford was the new 2012 Ford C-Max.  The C-Max, which falls between a crossover of a car and minivan, is currently being sold in Europe.  The European version is much smaller than the vehicle that will be introduced into the American market.

According to Ford, the C-Max is designed for “growing, busy North American families.” The Americanized C-Max will also have one unique trick not found in the European version: a hands-free lift gate release.  The C-Max’s system will use sensors mounted on the rear bumper that detect when your leg and foot (or anything, really) are waved past and pops the hatch.

Stay tuned to the Reed Factor for more details about this exciting car. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook to see when this car will arrive in one of our local dealership show rooms.

Posted in Events, Ford History, Ford Technology, In the Community, New Autos, Tips and Hints | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment