Traveling this holiday season and wish your vehicle got more distance for your fuel mile? Then, you’ll love the latest news from The Reed Factor. Before you head over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house — or any holiday adventure — there are great auto options to consider for your next vehicle. Enter… the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid.
Photos Ford Motor Company
With its best-in-class combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 41 mpg, the redesigned front-wheel drive small SUV also tops its class while driving around town, with an EPA-estimated 44 mpg city. The 2020 Escape Hybrid Titanium with front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated rating of 37 mpg on the highway.
With the average driving traveling at least 29 miles a day, making that trip in an all-new Escape Hybrid Titanium means barely using a gallon of fuel per trip – and fewer gas station stops along the journey. This makes the all-new Ford Escape Hybrid both easier on the wallet while helping to conserve fuel.
“This all-new Escape Hybrid is our best one yet, as it answers the call from our customers who loved the original Escape Hybrid but want better fuel efficiency without compromising interior space,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development and purchasing officer. “Plus, with driving range like no Escape before, we’re giving our customers a vehicle truly capable of letting them focus on living their lives while worrying less about stopping for gas.”
Powerful Choices
Each model in the all-new Escape lineup, whether hybrid-powered or equipped with EcoBoost® technology, has an EPA-estimated range of at least 400 miles per tank. Front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid’s outstanding fuel efficiency is bolstered by an EPA-estimated 582-mile driving range per tank – more than enough for a one-way trip from Sacramento to San Diego.
Outfitted with available all-wheel drive, Escape Hybrid has an EPA-estimated 43 mpg city and 40 mpg combined with an EPA-estimated 568 miles of range. Like the front-wheel-drive Escape, the all-wheel-drive model has an EPA-estimated 37 mpg on the highway.
Driving Savings
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid customers can see their potential fuel savings come to life with a new EV coach feature included in the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is standard on SE Sport and Titanium trim levels. EV coach lets drivers know when they’re using electric or hybrid power – allowing them to adjust their driving style to meet their power needs. In addition, eco mode, one of five standard selectable drive modes, helps conserve fuel when driving range is a top priority.
Room When You Roam
This may be in the small SUV class, but it has a lot of room of passengers and cargo. The all-new Escape Hybrid packages its liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery smartly below the second-row seats rather than occupying a significant portion of the cargo area. The briefcase-shaped battery in the standard hybrid measures approximately one-third the size of the battery in the first Escape Hybrid, which was the world’s first-ever hybrid SUV when it debuted in 2004.
Are you ready for your very own 2020 Ford Escape? It’s available now! You can get started at ReedHasIt.com!
The Reed Factor has a “double caffeinated shot” of eco-friendly car news. Ford and McDonald’s have collaborated to convert coffee bean skin into their car parts. Now that’s a great way to help fuel the future.
Every year, millions of pounds of coffee chaff (dried skin of the coffee bean) naturally comes off during the roasting process. So, Ford Motor Company and McDonald’s USA teamed up and said they can provide an innovative new way to use a significant portion of that chaff material. The companies found that chaff can be converted into a durable material to reinforce certain vehicle parts. By heating the chaff to high temperatures under low oxygen, mixing it with plastic and other additives and turning it into pellets, the material can be formed into various shapes.
According to Ford, the chaff composite meets the quality specifications for parts like headlamp housings and other interior and under-the-hood components. The resulting components will be about 20 percent lighter and require up to 25 percent less energy during the molding process. Heat properties of the chaff component are significantly better than the currently used material, according to Ford. This is the first time Ford has used coffee bean skins to convert into select vehicle parts.
“McDonald’s commitment to innovation was impressive to us and matched our own forward-thinking vision and action for sustainability,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader, sustainability and emerging materials research team. “This has been a priority for Ford for over 20 years, and this is an example of jump-starting the closed-loop economy, where different industries work together and exchange materials that otherwise would be side or waste products.”
McDonald’s is expected to direct a significant portion of its coffee chaff in North America to Ford to be incorporated into vehicle parts.
“Like McDonald’s, Ford is committed to minimizing waste and we’re always looking for innovative ways to further that goal,” said Ian Olson, senior director, global sustainability, McDonald’s. “By finding a way to use coffee chaff as a resource, we are elevating how companies together can increase participation in the closed-loop economy.”
The collaboration with Ford and McDonald’s is the latest example of the innovative approaches both companies take to product and environmental stewardship. The project also involves Varroc Lighting Systems, which supplies the headlamps, and Competitive Green Technologies, the processor of the coffee chaff.
Ford is progressing toward the goal of using recycled and renewable plastics in vehicles globally, with an increasing range of sustainable materials.
McDonald’s is on its way to sourcing 100 percent of its guest packaging from renewable, recycled or certified sources by 2025. In addition, McDonald’s is helping develop a recyclable and/or compostable cup through the NextGen Cup Consortium and Challenge. Both efforts are part of McDonald’s Scale for Good initiative, a global commitment to use its size and scale to drive meaningful change.
McDonald’s and Ford plan to continue exploring ways to collaboratively use waste as a resource while furthering their sustainability goals.
Ready for your Ford? ReedHasIt.com to get started and learn about locations in the Texas area, as well.
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New short documentary shows how the electric Mustang Mach-e came to life
Ford introduced the world to the newest member of the Mustang family – the all-electric Mach-E – and now it is sharing the story of how the all-new SUV came to be in a new short documentary film, “Making the Mustang Mach-E.”
Ford’s first long-range electric vehicle was not originally going to be a Mustang, but after Jim Hackett took over as the company’s president and CEO in May 2017 and created a dedicated electric vehicle team – Ford Team Edison – the team shifted gears to create what would be the Mustang Mach-E. The team spent months meticulously crafting the vehicle based on Mustang’s half-century of heritage while also arming it with technology for the next generation.
The 20-minute film is narrated by members of the team and Mustang owners and was created by Ford and London/Detroit-based creative production company Chrome Productions. The film was executive produced by Chrome Managing Director Joel Mishcon and Gez Medinger, produced by Melly Cook, directed by Jamie Crawford and edited by Alessandro Dordoni at Chrome London.
Customers can now visit the Mustang Mach-E reservation site to make a $500 reservation deposit.1 Deliveries begin in late 2020.
It is the news The Reed Factor has been waiting to share. Novemeber 17th, Ford revealed the all-new, all-electric SUV. Is is the first time in 55 years that Ford has added to the Mustang family.
The best-selling sports coupe in the world hit the road back in 1964 and it quickly came to represent the best of the American spirit: Freedom, progress, fast performance and a perhaps a bit of rebellion. For is now taking that image and transforming it in a new, electric way.
“At the first-ever Detroit auto show, Henry Ford said he was working on something that would strike like forked lightning,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “That was the Model T. Today, the Ford Motor Company is proud to unveil a car that strikes like forked lightning all over again. The all-new, all-electric Mustang Mach-E. It’s fast. It’s fun. It’s freedom. For a new generation of Mustang owners.”
The Mustang Mach-e has been developed in a century-old brick building a few blocks away from Henry Ford’s first factory in Detroit. Ford brought the vehicle to life through a development process concentrated entirely on customer needs and desires. The result is a sleek, beautiful SUV that delivers spirited ride and handling, with state-of-the-art connected vehicle technology that makes Mach-E even better over time.
When it rolls into showrooms late next year, the Mustang Mach-E will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles.1 In extended-range all-wheel-drive configurations, Mach-E is targeting 332 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque2 – with the standard all-wheel-drive variation targeting quicker times to 60 mph than the base Porsche Macan series.3
(L to R) Ford Motor Co. Exec. Chairman Bill Ford, actor Idris Elba, Ford Pres. of New Businesses, Technology and Strategy Jim Farley, Ford Motor Co. Pres. and CEO Jim Hackett, Ford Chief Product Dev. Officer Hau-Thai Tang and Ford Enterprise Product Line Director for Global Electrification Ted Cannis at the reveal of the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV at Jet Center Los Angeles in Hawthorne, California on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019.
Ford says it will also offer two special performance versions. The GT is targeting 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds2, making it faster off the line than a Porsche Macan Turbo3. The GT Performance Edition, meanwhile, is targeting a comparable 0-60 mph in the mid-3-second range to a Porsche 911 GTS.3 Both GT configurations are targeting an estimated 342 kW (459 horsepower) and 830 Nm (612 lb.-ft.) of torque.2
“The Mustang Mach-E wholeheartedly rejects the notion that electric vehicles are only good at reducing gas consumption,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product development and purchasing officer. “People want a car that’s thrilling to drive, that looks gorgeous and that can easily adapt to their lifestyle – and the Mustang Mach-E delivers all of this in unmatched style.”
Customers can now visit the Mustang Mach-E reservation site to make a $500 reservation deposit.4 A limited First Edition will be available in extended-range all-wheel drive, with red painted brake calipers, metallic pedal covers, contrasting seat stitching and a scuff plate marked First Edition. Those looking for the thrill of the Mach-E GT can make reservations now for deliveries starting in spring 2021.
In addition to blistering acceleration, Mustang Mach-E will be available with Brembo’s all-new performance Flexira aluminum calipers, which maintain the functionality of a fixed caliper while being designed with the dimensions of a floating caliper. The GT Performance Edition is equipped with a MagneRide® damping system, adaptive suspension technology that lets drivers hug the road while delivering an exciting, comfortable ride.
Performance: It’s ‘electrifying’
Mustang Mach-E delivers three unique drive experiences – Whisper, Engage and Unbridled – each offering finely tuned driving dynamics packaged with a distinct sensory experience. Features include custom-designed vehicle responsiveness such as sportier steering controls, ambient lighting, sounds tuned for an authentic all-electric experience, and dynamic cluster animations that are tied to driving behavior.
When the vehicle launches, a new Mach-E 4 all-wheel drive system will be available that can apply torque independently to the front and rear axles to deliver impressive acceleration and improved handling over the rear-wheel drive model. Ford tuned this system to provide excellent traction on the road, rigorously testing the vehicle in wet and snowy terrain to help control for slippery conditions. Mach-E is the first production vehicle to be tuned by the Ford Performance team utilizing Ford’s racing simulator in North Carolina.
“Whether you want to really feel its performance capability or are looking for the quiet atmosphere that electric vehicles can offer, the Mach-E harnesses the power of electrification to create a unique driving experience while retaining that unmistakable Mustang feeling of freedom,” said Ted Cannis, Ford enterprise product line director, global electrification.
Seamless technology that easily adapts to you
Making its debut in the Mach-E is the next-generation SYNC® communications and entertainment system, a sleek and modern interface that uses machine learning to quickly learn drivers’ preferences, and gets even better over time thanks to advanced over-the-air updates. Next-generation SYNC’s 15.5-inch screen and simple interface ditches complicated menus, making it easier to access features with touch, swipe and pinch controls that every smartphone owner will be comfortable using.
“Next-generation SYNC actively starts adapting to you as soon as you start using it, quickly learning your preferences and making personalized suggestions,” said Darren Palmer, Ford global director for battery electric vehicles. “It can suggest going to the gym if it learns Mondays are workout days or calling home if you do that every day after work. The result is a cloud-connected assistant and interface that’s intuitive, beautiful and ready for the future thanks to fast over-the-air updates.”
As next-generation SYNC evolves to serve customers better over time, Ford has outfitted the Mach-E with the ability to continuously improve through the delivery of secure over-the-air updates that are capable of enhancing vehicle performance, offering maintenance updates and even adding entirely new features.
New look and experience
Using Ford’s new all-electric architecture that places batteries inside the underbody, Ford engineers and designers were able to create a vehicle that’s not only true to Mustang but also maximizes SUV space for five passengers and cargo.
“Thanks to advances in battery technology, the Mustang Mach-E is the kind of car that gets people excited about driving, with a sporty, beautiful silhouette that delivers an incredible shape rarely seen in SUVs,” said Ron Heiser, Ford Mustang Mach-E chief program engineer.
The Mach-E is instantly recognizable as a Mustang, thanks to signature elements such as its long, powerful hood, rear haunch design, aggressive headlights and trademark tri-bar taillamps. Clever design and engineering delivers surprising rear seat roominess and ample cargo space.
Along with its all-new propulsion system, the Mach-E holds another surprise under its hood – a drainable front trunk storage unit. Providing 4.8 cubic feet of storage space, the front trunk is large enough to comfortably store the equivalent of a carryon luggage bag. And because it’s drainable, customers can easily pack it full of ice and keep their favorite beverages cold – perfect for that pre-game tailgate or trip to the beach.
Inside the Mach-E: A floating world makes you feel light and in command
To truly take advantage of the extra space provided by electrification, Ford designers worked extensively with customers to understand how they would prefer to use the interior of their vehicles. Designed with SUV-size proportions to seat five adults comfortably, the Mach-E leaves plenty of space for friends, kids and cargo.
In addition to the exterior front trunk, the rear trunk offers 29 cubic feet of space. With the rear seats down, the Mach-E boasts 59.6 cubic feet of space – more than enough room for luggage, camping gear or whatever else you may want to move around.5
Everywhere inside, the Mach-E represents a fusion of sleek, modern design and smart functionality. Premium available Bang & Olufsen speakers are seamlessly integrated across the front, floating above the air vents like a sound bar. A floating flip-up armrest doubles as a place to store purses or bags.
Traditional Mustang design cues like the double-cowl instrument panel round out the interior.
Even the available panoramic fixed-glass roof has a secret – a special glass coating with infrared protection helps the interior stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition, an inner layer between the glass helps protect against UV rays.
Finally, getting in and starting the vehicle is easy and effortless with Phone As A Key technology6, which makes its debut in the Ford brand lineup in Mustang Mach-E. Using Bluetooth, the vehicle can detect customers’ smartphones as they approach, unlocking the Mach-E and allowing them to start driving without getting their phones out of their pockets or using a key fob. A backup code can be entered on the center touch screen to start and drive the vehicle in the event a phone battery dies.
Battery technology keeps you running with hassle-free charging solutions
Mustang Mach-E will be available in both standard-range (75.7 kWh lithium-ion battery) and extended-range (98.8 kWh battery), which has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles in rear-wheel-drive configuration.1 These advanced batteries feature 288 lithium-ion cells in the standard-range version and 376 lithium-ion cells in the extended-range. Designed for ease of manufacturing, the battery is located on the floor between the vehicle’s two axles – and tested at temperatures as extreme as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The batteries are secured inside a waterproof battery case surrounded by crash-absorption protection. They are liquid-cooled to optimize performance in extreme weather and to improve charging times.
As electric vehicle owners do 80 percent of their charging at home, Ford offers a Ford Connected Charging station that can add an estimated average range of 32 miles per charging hour on a 240V outlet, based on extended-range, rear-wheel-drive configuration.7 The Ford mobile charger, included with the vehicle, can add an estimated average range of 22 miles per charging hour on a 240V outlet,7 the same used for a conventional oven. Ford is teaming up with Amazon Home to facilitate easy customer home installation by a licensed electrician.
The connected navigation system will identify up-to-date public charging locations during trips and prompt owners to charge at the most convenient points on each drive – all to help ensure they don’t have to be anxious about how much range they have.7
Ford also makes charging at home or on the go hassle-free by providing multiple home charging solutions and by giving customers access to the FordPass Charging Network – the largest public charging network in the country with more than 12,500 charging stations (and more than 35,000 charge plugs) and growing, including DC fast chargers.8 With peak charging rate of 150 kW, the Mustang Mach-E with an extended battery and rear-wheel drive can add an estimated average of 47 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes while charging on a DC fast charging station.⁷ The standard-range Mustang Mach-E is estimated to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 38 minutes while charging on a DC fast charging station.⁹
Ford has more than 2,100 EV-certified Ford dealers and more than 3,500 EV-trained technicians to support customers nationwide.
¹Based on full charge. Actual range varies with conditions such as external elements, driving behaviors, vehicle maintenance and lithium-ion battery age. Final EPA-estimated ratings available in the 2020 calendar year.
2Based on manufacturer calculation using computer engineering simulations. Your results may vary.
3Targeted performance based on manufacturer calculation using computer engineering simulations versus Porshe.com data. Your results may vary.
⁴Deposit only allows configuration of a vehicle. Reservation process is not an order or purchase of vehicle. Deposit does not guarantee delivery of a vehicle.
5Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.
6Requires feature activation.
7Range and charge time based on manufacturer computer engineering simulations and EPA-estimated range calculation methodology. The charging rate decreases as battery reaches full capacity. Individual results may vary based on peak charging times and battery state of charge. Actual vehicle range varies with conditions such as external elements, driving behaviors, vehicle maintenance and lithium-ion battery age.
8Based on original equipment manufacturers (OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used. FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
⁹Charge time based on manufacturer computer engineering simulations. The charging rate decreases as battery reaches full capacity. Your results may vary based on peak charging times and battery state of charge.
The Reed Factor has new Ford Ranger accessory news. For play (and maybe on the job, too), Ford Performance and ARB 4×4 Accessories recently announced they are teaming up to develop components for Ford off-road enthusiasts. The two companies will collaborate to design and develop off-road accessories and vehicle recovery parts. The first project is a winch-capable front bumper for popular Ranger truck.
Reed Factor News: Ford Performance winch-capable front bumper in development
“For Ranger customers who want the ultimate adventure gear, a Ford Performance collaboration with ARB is a dream come true,” said Eric Cin, global director, Ford Vehicle Personalization and Accessories. “With 45 years of design and engineering experience in the overlanding and rock-crawling world, ARB is bringing additional options for Ranger customers looking to make their truck even more capable.”
Additional components designed to work with other Ford trucks and SUVs will be announced soon. ARB is known for aftermarket parts that include bumpers, roof racks, snorkels, air compressors, lighting and more.
“The goal of the relationship between ARB and Ford Performance is to provide Ford customers premium and functional off-road accessories that inspire personalized vehicle customization, improve off-road capability, and empower customers to feel comfortable using their vehicles – even in remote areas,” said Lachlan McCann, ARB chief operating officer.
Designed specifically for Ranger, all-new Ford Performance by ARB winch-capable front bumper is precision engineered to complement the truck’s rugged lines and is finished in a durable Integrit® powder coat. The bumper is built from welded sheet steel up to 3/16ths of an inch thick, attaches to the truck using existing chassis mounting points and can be installed on any North American Ranger configuration.
ARB and Ford Performance worked together to ensure the winch-capable front bumper is compatible with the truck’s factory components. Ranger’s original safety systems and sensors maintain functionality to enable Ford Co-Pilot 360™ driver assist technologies and available Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning.
The all-new bumper will accommodate a wide range of accessories while maintaining maximum functionality for off-road and overlanding use. An integrated mount is incorporated for simple and quick winch installation, plus easy access to winch controls is available through the split center pan. Mounting points and jacking points maximize off-road functionality for increased visibility, and ease any headaches in backcountry recovery situations.
Compatible accessories for the all-new winch-capable front bumper for Ford Ranger include:
WARN® Industries M8000, XD9000, 9.5XP, 9.5XDC and VR EVO 10-S winches
RIGID® SR-Series LED lightbars, both 6-inch and 30-inch lengths
Antenna and sand flag mounts
Jacking points for off-road jacks
The winch-capable front bumper will be available in 2020 through Ford dealers and Ford Performance Parts distributors for $1,495 MSRP before installation, and comes with a Ford Performance Parts limited warranty. See a Randall Reed Ford dealer for details. Get started at ReedHasIt.com.
This week, Ford previewed its next-generation of its SYNC communications and entertainment system. According to the American auto manufacturer. it is “faster, easier and simpler than ever to use.”
SYNC 4 features cloud-based connectivity and conversational voice recognition, and it delivers comprehensive search results and more functionality for customers. This includes cloud-based optional navigation to keep up with the latest traffic information, the ability to quickly browse digital owner’s manuals, and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and AppLink apps from smartphones and mobile devices.
“SYNC has always featured the best of Ford innovation to help our customers stay connected to and manage their busy lives as they move about the world,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development & purchasing officer. “With this new fourth-generation technology, we’ve evolved SYNC into an intelligent, voice-activated, in-vehicle digital assistant.”
New Face of SYNC 4: Updated Graphics and Interface
Ford states the SYNC 4 system is going to feature different looks and capabilities depending on the vehicle, screen size and customer needs, and all versions will provide users with the power to multi-task efficiently and view the information they need at the right time without needing to swap or tab through multiple screens.
On all-new available 12-inch screens, multi-tasking will be enabled by splitting the screen into larger and smaller windows. For example, if a customer wants to keep their navigation route on the screen while changing songs, they can choose to display the radio or other streaming music services in the smaller display area. Customers will be able to quickly scroll through nine different features to display as Information on Demand, making SYNC 4 easier to use.
With large 15.5-inch screens, SYNC 4 features the addition of Adaptive Dash Cards. Instead of having to navigate menus every time you want to launch an app, recently used or popular features are listed horizontally underneath the main portion of the screen in individual dash cards. These cards display helpful information such as the next step on your route, but they are interactive as well. You can pause or skip songs directly through the card instead of having to bring up your music player, and similarly you can view your phone status or hang up calls through the card as well.
“No matter what size screen Ford customers choose, they will be getting an experience tailor-made for their vehicle,” said Gary Jablonski, chief engineer for SYNC technology, Ford Motor Company. “SYNC 4 puts these high-definition screens to work not only by offering even crisper displays, but also by making driving easier with new multi-tasking capabilities.”
Connected to the Cloud – To Keep Up With Your Life
Now that every new Ford vehicle comes with optional FordPass Connect™1 with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, cloud connectivity comes standard to SYNC 4.
Navigation is fully connected to and informed by the internet with maps that are frequently refreshed with the latest available traffic and construction information, ensuring customers are getting the most up-to-date info for their routes. Ford also equipped SYNC 4 with optional navigation with the ability to share parking space availability and prices.
By taking advantage of state-of-the-art, cloud-based voice processing, SYNC 4 can understand conversational requests, such as “Find me the best Thai restaurant,” and offer data-based suggestions to drivers. Staying in contact with friends and family also becomes easier, with natural speech recognition enabling communication via SMS and email.
And while SYNC 4 will rely heavily on the cloud, it will still retain on-board processing power to minimize performance issues in dead zones – meaning your road trip is in good hands even when you go off the beaten path.
Available machine learning capability also means SYNC 4 can automatically learn your preferences and make helpful suggestions at the right time based on previous usage. SYNC 4 will make destination suggestions based on your previous navigation behavior and can even prompt you to make phone calls to people that you frequently speak to.
Wireless Connectivity for Favorite Apps
With more customers pairing smartphones and mobile devices to their vehicles, SYNC 4 offers even more convenience by letting customers cut the cord. For the first time, Ford is implementing wireless implementation of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SYNC AppLink apps such as Waze or Ford+Alexa.
Customers will continue to be able to use both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to enable simultaneous operation of in-vehicle entertainment and mobile device navigation while providing calls, music, and other features to be controlled through the vehicle’s display. Available wireless charging capability also means you can juice up your compatible smartphone even while leaving the cords at home.
In addition to these features, Convenience Controls enabled by AppLink allow for the control of various vehicle features when equipped, right from your smartphone, such as lighting, climate or the radio.
Digital Owner’s Manual
Finding information about your vehicle will also become easier than ever with SYNC 4, which debuts with an all-new digital owner’s manual. Instead of flipping through dozens of pages, the digital owner’s manual will include in-depth information on vehicle features, streamable how-to videos to help you learn, and more – all through a searchable database.
SiriusXM with 360L Makes It Personal
SYNC 4 customers also will be able to take full advantage of SiriusXM with 360L to offer a more personalized experience for every driver.
Customers who take advantage of SiriusXM with 360L can choose from thousands of hours of on demand shows, performances and interviews, available for the first time ever in your car, so you never have to miss a moment of your favorites. People can also get personalized recommendations of channels curated just “for you” based on your listening history and favorites.
SYNC 4: Smart By Design
To aid the development of the new interfaces seen in next-generation SYNC, a dedicated Ford team dove into a process that helped them identify meaningful ways to improve the way people interact with their vehicles. The team developed several “customer journeys” – such as someone getting ready for a night on the town or a family preparing for a road trip – as a way to put themselves in the shoes of customers and to determine the most useful improvements.
As part of this research, which included interviewing consumers and gathering their reactions to different features, Ford gained valuable insight into customer preferences around screen size and interface design, as well as the ways in which people want their vehicles to get to know them.
The new SYNC 4 system will be available on select Ford vehicles starting in 2020.
1 FordPass Connect (optional on select vehicles) and complimentary Connected Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms for details). Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Connected service excludes Wi-Fi hotspot.
Today, the Reed Factor looks back at a car that was more than that. Ford is saying goodbye to the unique Ford Flex. Introduced in 2008, it dared to be bold. The Ford Flex was a crossover wagon that dared to be different. Production that began to celebrity fanfare is now winding down after more than a decade at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex.
Roomy. Retro & Refrigerated!
The vehicle gained a loyal following with its stylish, roomy wagon which blending sport/utility vehicle and minivan capability in a low-slung retro-inspired package. With its formula of offering a family-size interior and amenities on a platform that drove more like a car than a full-size SUV, Flex’s unique, innovative look – created by designers with backgrounds in fashion instead of cars and trucks – made a statement. Its interior was created by Ford interior designer Anthony Prozzi, who worked in the New York fashion industry. He and his team brought in quilted leather seating surfaces and mahogany inserts in the door panels that resembled the surface of a beautiful roll-top desk. For a time, Flex also could be ordered with a real refrigerator in the console between the second-row seats.
2005: Originally called Ford Fairlane Concept Car
Hipper Wagon
“Flex broke the mold. It had both crossover and minivan elements in a hip, trendy package that stood out from what was becoming a really boring minivan segment,” said Chris Kessler, Ford Flex marketing manager. “Its design traced its roots to the traditional family station wagons that many of our customers remember growing up with, but it brought forward modern sport/utility design elements and features both parents and kids loved.”
FanFare!
Celebrities, sports stars and rappers leveraged the unique urban styling of Ford Flex to create custom designs from the very beginning. Funkmaster Flex and Nelly opened the 2008 SEMA show with their own tricked-out versions featuring custom paint schemes, exotic leather interiors and audio/video entertainment systems fit for a superstar – plus their friends and family, of course, in the roomy seven-passenger crossover.
That superstar appeal helped build a loyal following in hip, big-city markets with more than half of Flex sales in Detroit, Los Angeles and San Francisco through 2019. Through the course of its 11-year run, Ford sold more than 296,000 units overall of its unconventional crossover wagon. The Flex was also a favorite among hip comedians and late-night talk shows, several of whom featured the Flex in videos or customized their own versions, which they often used in appearances around Los Angeles. Baseball player Royce Clayton and his sprinter wife Samantha Davies were featured in regional Ford ads along with their children in a Ford Flex.
Ford Motor Company’s Oakville Assembly Complex also built the Lincoln MKT, which ended production earlier this month. Ford previously announced it aims to replace 75 percent of its current portfolio by the end of 2020. It will be expanding its family of truck and utility vehicles and will feature more hybrid models and more electric vehicle choices, including the launch of an all-new Mustang-inspired electric performance utility vehicle in 2020. To meet shifting consumer demand Ford is working to significantly reduce manufacturing complexity time to ensure its dealers and customers get the latest, most innovative new vehicles more quickly.
Still want a Ford Flex? You can find a new or pre-owned family-friendly wagon/SUV/crossover at ReedHasIt.com!
The Reed Factor: Ford to reveal all-electric Mustang SUV on November 17, 2019
Mark your calendar for November 17, 2019! The Reed Factor has work from Ford that they are gearing up to unveil its all-electric, Mustang-inspired SUV across the globe.
According to the Ford Media Company media release:
We’ve busted the myth that electric vehicles have to be boring. And we’ve got our customers covered with North America’s largest electric vehicle public charging network.1 Watch as the electric era takes shape – and stay tuned for more information at our Electric Learning Zone.
So, mark this date on your calendar or your SmartPhone to remind you. We cannot wait to see what Ford has in store with this all-new EV Mustang.
1Based on automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used.
If you like the idea of having an electric vehicle but worry about how you would stay charged up when you’re on the road, then this is The Reed Factor news you can use. The Ford Motor Company has been working to create a massive automobile charging network that will give future all-electric vehicle customers the confidence to enjoy a hassle-free electric lifestyle.
Their goal is to provide easy access to more electric vehicle public charging stations in North America than any other automaker. By doing so, Ford will make it easier for customers to find a place to charge when the company starts delivering new models next year.1
The Ford all-electric vehicle charging strategy features comprehensive at-home charging options and the nation’s largest network of public charging stations, including DC fast charging.2 And with both at-home and on-the-go charging powered by the FordPass app and in-vehicle screen, many customer hesitancies surrounding electric vehicle ownership are being addressed.3
“Among people who already own or want to purchase electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, 48 percent say that a lack of charging stations is one of their main concerns,” said Ted Cannis, Ford director of global electrification. “By offering industry-leading charging access we are dismantling those barriers, allowing more customers to confidently enjoy the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.”
Easy and Smart — Like a Phone?
Yes, that is what Ford has said. They are making EV home charging as easy as charging a smartphone, which is where most all-electric vehicle drivers currently charge.
Many Ford customers will choose an available Ford Connected Charge Station. Loaded with connectivity features, the higher-powered 48-amp Ford Connected Charge Station enables full control no matter where customers are. It can fully power a vehicle overnight while they sleep, adding an estimated average range of 32 miles per charging hour.2 4 And it’s a great solution for those with longer commutes, customers who love connected features and for those who just want greater peace of mind.
Every Ford all-electric vehicle will come standard with a Ford Mobile Charger. It’s capable of charging on a higher-voltage 240-volt electrical outlet often used for large household appliances like a clothes dryer, which can add an estimated range of 22 miles per charging hour.2 4 Should customers ever need to use a standard 120-volt electrical outlet, that’s possible too and will result in an average range of three miles per charging hour.2 4
To make life easier, Ford has teamed up with Amazon Home Services to offer installation of home charging setups. Whether Ford customers need a 240-volt outlet installed or you choose the Ford Connected Charge Station option, they will be able to see upfront pricing estimates and schedule a licensed and vetted electrician online.
On the road, Ford has worked hard to ensure a hassle-free charging experience. Ford is providing two years of complimentary access5 to North America’s largest network – the FordPass Charging Network – for easy and convenient pay-as-you-drive charging. The FordPass Charging Network includes more than 12,000 charging stations with more than 35,000 plugs1, making public chargers as common as some of the most popular pharmacy or coffee chains.
Ford is working with Greenlots to bring together multiple charging providers to develop the FordPass Charging Network, making it easy for customers to find and pay for charging all through FordPass or their vehicle’s screen. Ford will work with Greenlots to explore adding additional networks to the FordPass Charging Network in the future for even further coverage.
In collaboration with Electrify America, the FordPass Charging Network will provide access to DC fast chargers, where charging an all-electric vehicle takes minutes, not hours. At a 150-kilowatt charger, customers can add an estimated 47 miles of range in 10 minutes and expect to return most of their vehicle’s charge in about the same time it takes them to grab a fast-casual meal.2
What About Road Trips?
For longer trips, customers can charge their battery from 10 percent to 80 percent full charge in 45 minutes using an Electrify America DC fast charger.6
“The fact that most of our customers will plug in at home is a key advantage to an all-electric vehicle,” said Matt Stover, Ford director of charging, energy services and business development. “We will deliver a charging experience that is hassle-free whether you’re at home or on-the-go.”
Ford will keep electric vehicle drivers fully connected whether charging at home or on the road through the FordPass app2. Customers can set charging schedules and alerts at home and easily pre-condition their vehicle before they drive. While on the road, customers can be confident that Ford is providing the tools to help easily plan trips. A key feature within FordPass, and available through a vehicle’s on-screen dashboard, is FordPass Power My Trip, a tool that makes trip planning hassle-free by considering the vehicle’s current state of charge and identifying charging points along each route.1
FordPass or the vehicle’s on-screen dashboard will tell a customer whether a charging outlet is available or in use (if data is made available by a charge point operator). FordPass will also identify points of interest – such as restaurants or shopping centers – to make the most of customers’ time while charging their vehicle on the go.
Whether poolside, tableside or bedside, customers can track their vehicle’s charging progress through the FordPass app, available at no extra cost through the Apple and Google Play stores for any Ford customer.
Ford is investing $11.5 billion in electrified vehicles through 2022 and is focused on the customer journey from end to end, including education ahead of purchase, and an easy shopping and ownership experience.
1 Based on automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used.
²Range and charge time based on manufacturer computer engineering simulations and EPA-estimated range calculation methodology. The charging rate decreases as battery reaches full capacity. Individual results may vary based on peak charging times and battery state of charge. Actual vehicle range varies with conditions such as external elements, driving behaviors, vehicle maintenance, and lithium-ion battery age.
3 FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply. Ford Connect (standard on select vehicles) and complimentary Connected Service are required for remote features (See FordPass Terms for details). Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Connected service excludes Wi-Fi hotspot.
⁴In vehicles with the premium 300 mile extended-range configuration.
5Starts with original vehicle sales date (after which, fees may apply).
6Charge time based on manufacturer computer engineering simulations. The charging rate decreases as battery reaches full capacity. Your results may vary based on peak charging times and battery state of charge.
Reed Family Enterprises and Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble believe in being part of and giving back to our communities. Recently, both joined forces with New Caney Independent School District in an agreement to sponsor and name the former ‘Texan Drive Stadium’ to ‘Randall Reed Stadium.’
This is a five-year sponsorship agreement that was celebrated at the end of August with members of Reed Family Enterprises, Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, and team members with New Caney ISD. The celebration included stadium tours, food, refreshments and many wonderful photo opportunities.
“The Reed family has a long history of community service and support, values we share in our mission to prepare students to be responsible citizens,” said Superintendent Kenn Franklin. “New Caney ISD is excited about this new agreement, and we appreciate the strong support Randall Reed and Planet Ford of Humble have shown our schools and our students.”
“We are excited to be growing our partnership with New Caney ISD in support of our children, the schools, and our community’s future,” said Mr. Reed, CEO of the family-owned World Class Automotive Group and Reed Family Enterprises. He added that working with local schools on projects, like the Randall Reed Stadium, is part of a winning game plan for everyone involved.
“Our entire team is not only thrilled about the stadium’s new name, we are also looking forward to upcoming football season and cheering on our New Caney Eagles and Porter Spartans,” said John Centner, General Manager of Planet Ford in Humble, which has proudly provided award-winning automotive and community services for the past 25 years.
Randall Reed Stadium Details
Randall Reed Stadium is located at 21360 Valley Ranch Pkwy. in New Caney, Texas (approximately 30 miles north of Houston). The state-of-the-art multi-use facility opened in 2014 and serves the New Caney/Porter community. The stadium seats 8,000 fans and features one of the largest real-time video screens in Texas high school sports, electronic ribbon boards, and a state-of-the-art sound system, creating a special environment for high school sports and extra-curricular programs as well as community events.
“My wife, Sherry; daughter, Shelby; and I strongly believe in doing all we can to be part of and give back to our amazing community,” said Mr. Reed. “We’re looking forward to our ongoing partnership, the upcoming season and continuing our involvement in support of our schools for many years down the road.”
If you’re a local to the New Caney/Houston area, join the fun this Friday, September 13 at 7 p.m.! Stay up to date with other happenings, events, and news by following The Reed Factor.
