The Reed Factor | Automotive information, products, deals, gadgets and gear from automotive expert Randall Reed.

2020 Ford Explorer has Dr. Derriere Magic Comfort Touch

Posted on June 17, 2019 by admin

The Reed Factor knows the importance of comfortable seating in the first impression of vehicles. Especially for your commute or long trips. Ford supervisor Dr. Mike Kolich, a.k.a. Dr. Derriere, designed the new front seats in the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer with your comfort in mind. Breaking down the science behind this design.

The all-new 2020 Explorer will debut new front seats that will not only be more comfortable for front seat passengers, but they will also be less cumbersome, too. The new seats will free up space for the second-row passengers to create a more comfortable ride for everyone.

“Road trips can be largely defined by how comfortable people are – and when you get down to it, how comfortable our seats allow them to be,” said Dr. Kolich, whose Ph.D. in industrial and manufacturing systems engineering with a concentration on seat comfort has earned him the nickname among Ford seating experts.

With the roads being packed with traveling families and friends even more than before, these seats aim to fulfill the need to be more comfortable. According to AAA, more than 50% of family travelers will take a road trip this year. The U.S. Census Bureau also found that the average American commute is a record 26 minutes a day each way.

Dr. Kolich said, “As engineers, we’re thrilled with this new seat, but really it’s what our customers say and think that matters.” They found that when it comes to comfort in a vehicle, customers look for two things: shape and softness. Ford engineers hope this new design improves the comfort of those Americans that have long daily commutes or plan to take road trips.

Comfort To Fit Various Body Types

Dr. Kolich and his team of engineers designed a V-shaped seat structure that provides more torso support as well as additional room to accommodate various body types. Now, the available eight and 10-way adjustable front seats will cool passengers using a ventilation feature that draws warm air from the body rather than the previous design of blowing cold air through seat perforations. The Explorer ST and Platinum trims will also feature a multi-contour system that includes unique massage patterns. These features will contribute to the overall experience that our Ford customers have come to love.

The all-new 2020 Ford Explorer didn’t forget about the rear passenger’s comfort. The second-row seats feature the new-to-Explorer EZ-entry functionality, allowing easy access to the third row without having to remove a child’s booster seat. The front seat redesign also increases knee room for the second-row passengers, leading to less kicked backs for mom and dad. Talk about a win-win!

That is some comfortable news you can use. Stay connected with The Reed Factor for more updates on the all-new Ford Explorer.

Posted in Ford Explorer | Tagged 2020 Ford Explorer | Comments Off

Sweet Summertime Travel Tips

Posted on June 17, 2019 by admin

It is sweet summertime, where families and friends get together to take road trips and vacations. But is your vehicle prepared for the unexpected? The Reed Factor has a few quick tips and suggestions to consider before you hit the open road.

Prepare your vehicle: Make sure your tire pressure, A/C filter, oil levels, battery and more are all at the top of their game. Not sure where to go? Here is a quick tip for our Houston area friends, Quick Lane in Spring, Humble and Porter give free battery and brake checks! Dallas friends, our Quick Lane at Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford in Garland, Texas and Quick Lane at Park Cities Ford also has great offers like a free battery and brake checks! In the McKinney, Texas area, Service Xpress at McKinneyVw.com also services all makes and models. They even offer a World Class Service Valet that lets you get service without leaving your home or office.

Know your route: Program your destination into your vehicle before you take off. Did you know Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with WAZE navigation?

Watch the weather and road conditions: Be aware of hazards and construction zones. Visibility is key when strong rains and bad weather hit. The Federal Highway Administration’s is one resource you can use to plan your departure.

Always be prepared: It is better to be safe than sorry. You should always be prepared for a flat, dead battery, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Watch your speed: Think before you speed. Traveling in the summer is when the roads are the most packed. Speeding can increase your risk of collision. Plus, state police will be out with a radar ready for the rule breakers.

Tips to save fuel on the road: Long trips with a constant speed are the best way to boost your MPG score.

You should avoid aggressive driving. Constant speed changes and quick, uneven stops and starts can waste a lot of fuel. Being easier on the gas pedal can improve your gas mileage by as much as 33%.
Set your cruise control. It’s almost always more fuel-efficient to travel at a constant speed whenever possible.
If you can, try not to idle. It’s more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine while waiting in the car.
Avoid speeding. Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 MPH.

In case of an emergency, keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times. AAA and many other companies offer smartphone applications that enable motorists to request help without making a phone call.

Be aware! You may not be able to control other drivers’ actions on the road, but you can prepare, slow down and take actions to help keep yourself and others as safe as possible.

The Reed Factor wishes you a sweet summertime! If you need new tires, automotive service or are ready for a new car, truck or SUV visit ReedHasIt.com.

Posted in Tips and Hints, vehicle, Vehicle Safety, Waze | Tagged The Reed Factor, travel tips | Comments Off

Volkswagen Launches New Branding Direction

Posted on June 11, 2019 by admin

Volkswagen has been rebranding since 2015 striving to gain fans love and trust back after the damage of the diesel matter while also focusing on improving the core business, instituting new ethics and compliance programs with a more aggressive approach, and striving of the investing of electric vehicle development and production. How? what led to this?

The campaign launch begins with “Hello Light,” which aired nationally of the game 3 of the NBA Finals. The companies goal was to relay the message regarding the diesel matters, saying the point of the message is simple: What matters most is how you respond.

Drive Bigger Commitment

This phase of the campaign kicks-off today, June 11th. To inform, tone and copy, the advertising marks a return to the thoughtful, fun and unassuming Volkswagen ads of the 1950s and ’60s. The campaign includes the latest of the Volkswagen current fleet as well as its coming electric fleet. The work will run in print media, as well as on TV, digital and social platforms.

“This campaign is for all of those we disappointed, all of those who stayed with us, those who worked like crazy to keep us moving forward and for all of those who stopped caring,” said Scott Keogh, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “We have a responsibility to do better, to be greater and we intend to shoulder that responsibility.”

For Volkswagen Drive Bigger is more than the newest campaign, it’s the long-standing vision of the company’s bold commitments.

This commitment means Volkswagen Group has set a target of global carbon neutrality across its fleet, production and administration by 2050, and embraces the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. By 2025, the company intends to reduce its global carbon footprint by 30 percent.

The Volkswagen Group has publicly made one of the world’s largest commitments to electric vehicle production. They have a planned investment of more than $50 billion through 2028, with 70 new electric vehicles coming to market around the world, including next year’s planned American launch of a compact electric SUV, inspired by the Volkswagen ID. CROZZ concept car.

Drive Bigger holds the meaning that the company will use its platforms and resources to a nonprofit organization, America Scores, can produce and air a national TV spot during the World Cup at no cost.

“This brand platform we are launching with Volkswagen will act as a north star for the company to ultimately transform their business,” said Jan Jacobs, co-founder and CCO of Johannes Leonardo. “We’re embarking on arguably the most important chapter in the history of one of the world’s best advertisers. We are honored to be part of it.”

That is some automotive news you can use. Stay connected with The Reed Factor for the latest in the automotive world.

Posted in Electric Cars, Volkswagen | Tagged Drive Bigger, Volkswagen rebranding | Comments Off

Spring ISD Replacement Stadium Named After Planet Ford

Posted on June 7, 2019 by admin

The Reed Factor is excited to share some personal automotive and Spring, Texas community news. Spring Independent School District and Randall Reed’s Planet Ford signed an agreement June 6, 2019 to name the district’s new stadium Planet Ford Stadium, and the community center will be named Randall Reed Center. Here is a recap and news story with more details.

The new Planet Ford Stadium naming rights agreement are worth $750,000 over the length of the 10-year contract. It also gives Planet Ford exclusive naming rights to the stadium’s community center, which will be called the Randall Reed Center.

Shawn Burns, Planet Ford general manager and partner said, “The children are our future. Nothing is going to happen if there isn’t the young men and women who are going to come and fill the shoes of meetings like this or employees at Planet Ford.”

The stadium and community center are being built on a 117-acre parcel of land at 23802 Cypresswood Drive, only six miles away from the Planet Ford dealership. The stadium will feature a low-glare turf field, seating for 8,000 fans with great views from every seat, a state-of-the-art video scoreboard system, family-friendly concessions and modern press box amenities.

Randall Reed, owner of Planet Ford in Spring, Texas and World Class Automotive said the decision to partner with Spring ISD on the new stadium and community center made sense. The Ford dealership family has long history of working with both the school and other charitable organizations in the Spring area. “Giving back to the community is a large part of what Reed Family Enterprises is all about. We are pleased to actively support a wide variety of local charities, and we’re definitely proud to support Spring Independent School District,” said Mr. Reed. “Since 1996, the Reed family has been privileged to support various school booster clubs and district events. We have also leveraged Spring ISD’s athletic digital signage to market Planet Ford in the past. As such, we are now honored and excited to expand our support of the district through this naming rights agreement.”

The Randall Reed Center, named after the owner of Planet Ford and World Class Automotive, will be a community room for up to 300 guests with options for catered meetings and events. The center will also serve as a memorial to honor the sacrifice of area service members.

Mr. Reed said the naming rights arrangement will be a way to promote Planet Ford while continuing to support Spring ISD. The automotive dealership is already a big fan of the district’s teachers, donating a new vehicle and an all-expenses-paid cruise to educators at the annual Spring ISD Employee Recognition Banquet.

“We are not only excited about this project but our ongoing involvement with our area schools and the district for many years to come,” Mr. Reed said. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall or 2019. In the meantime, follow the Reed Factor for the latest automotive news you can use.

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Posted in Planet Ford, Planet Ford 45, Planet Ford in Spring, Randall and Sherry Reed | Tagged planet ford, Planet Ford in Spring, Spring ISD, Spring TX | Comments Off

Ford Uses Recycled Plastic Bottles for Vehicle Parts

Posted on June 3, 2019 by admin

We all know that recycling helps the environment, but what happens to all those plastic water bottles once they’re recycled? One way they’re put back to use is Ford Vehicles.

Ford Motor Company is playing a part in helping the environment by using recycled plastic bottles for underbody shields on all cars and SUVs, and wheel liners on F-Series trucks.

“The underbody shield is a large part, and for a part that big, if we use solid plastic, it would likely weigh three times as much,” said Thomas Sweder, design engineer, Ford Motor Company. “We look for the most durable and highest performing materials to work with to make our parts, and in this case, we are also creating many environmental benefits.”

Ford uses about 1.2 billion recycled plastic bottles per year, averaging out to 250 bottles per vehicle.

How it Works

Plastic bottles that recycled are shredded into small pieces. That’s typically sold to suppliers who turn it into a fiber, by melting the bottle and extruding it. Those fibers are mixed together with other various types of fiber in a textile process and used to make a sheet of material – which is formed into the automotive parts.

Thanks to its lightweight, recycled plastic is ideal for the manufacture of underbody shields, engine under shield and front and rear wheel arch liners that can help improve vehicle aerodynamics. These shields also help create a significantly quieter environment on the all-new 2020 Ford Escape.

“Ford is among the leaders when it comes to using recycled materials such as this, and we do it because it makes sense technically and economically as much as it makes sense for the environment,” Sweder said. “This material meets all of our robust specifications for durability and performance.”

That is some environmental-friendly news you can use. Next time you have a plastic bottle in your hand, make sure to recycle it so that our environment may continue to thrive. Stay connected with The Reed Factor for more news you can use.

Posted in Auto News, Ford News | Tagged Ford Motor Company, Randall Reed, Recycled | Comments Off

Lincoln Navigator Earns Best Large Luxury SUV Award from Edmunds

Posted on May 31, 2019 by admin

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator is known for its bold beautiful design with second and third-row comfort, powerful engine, smart tech and providing the Lincoln luxury experience. So, it’s no surprise to see the Lincoln Navigator has earned a spot on Edmunds’ 2019 Best Family Car Awards list.

The running contenders in Edmunds’ Best Family Car Awards are comprehensively evaluated across 30 categories. Navigator stood out for its overwhelming luxurious features including an easy-to-use technology interface, spacious cargo room, strong turbocharged V6 engine with plenty of towing power and its long list of safety equipment offerings.

“With bold new styling, a stout 450-hp V6 engine, seating for seven or eight adults, massive cargo space and modern tech, the Navigator is built to haul families and their things in supreme comfort,” said the car buying experts at Edmunds.

The Performance features an 10-speed Selectshift Automatic Transmission, Lincoln Drive Modes, adaptive suspension, and towing capabilities with four-wheel drive.

The design highlights we love is the Approach detection, automatic power-folding mirrors, power illuminated running board, and layout of the second and third-row seating that provides comfort.

Some of the technology highlights are the driver-assist technologies, heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, Revel Ultima Audio System, adaptive headlights and the features of the Lincoln-Way App.

Do you have travel plans this summer? You can get the both ours and Edmunds pick of one of the best large luxury SUVs at Reedhasit.com. And don’t forget to stay connected with The Reed Factor for more automotive news you can.

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Ford Transforms UAW-Ford Technical Training Center

Posted on May 28, 2019 by admin

Ford Motor Company takes pride in its service and service experts. To stay up to date on the growing of resources and technology Ford has announced the transformation of the UAW-Ford Technical Training Center (TTC), designed to provide state-of-the-art technology training to hourly employees from Ford manufacturing plants.

Investing $35 million in the TTC, completely renovating the facility, a critical move in its efforts to leverage advanced manufacturing and improve operational fitness. The TTC, located in Lincoln Park, Mich., is at the heart of training for UAW-Ford skilled trades apprentices, jobs that are critical in assisting Ford’s already highly efficient plants to perform even better.

“We are embracing advanced technologies in all of our manufacturing plants, helping us to become more efficient and produce even higher-quality vehicles for our customers,” said Gary Johnson, Ford chief officer, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. “The UAW-Ford Technical Training Center allows our people to support technologies and equipment critical to keeping our plants running and provides opportunities for hourly employees to use their intelligence, skills and experience to recommend additional improvements.”

Together the UAW and Ford upgraded the infrastructure, manufacturing technology and equipment inside the existing building. To ensure the technology and training supports Ford’s advanced manufacturing vision, responsibility for the TTC falls under the leadership of Ford’s Advanced Manufacturing team. The Advanced Manufacturing team helped identify manufacturing technologies used every day in Ford plants and important for skilled trades training, including 3D printers, collaborative robots, vision systems, drones and much more.

“This investment continues the job growth outlined during 2015 bargaining,” said Rory Gamble, UAW-Ford Vice President. “It is important that we are constantly training our UAW members, not only to operate the new machinery on the line but to keep it up and running. This will help with job security for our members both now and in the future.”

Beginning in 1941 the skilled trades joint apprenticeship program, which is housed at the TTC has had nearly 30,000 who have graduated from the program. The UAW-Ford Joint Apprenticeship Program takes between three and four years to complete.

Students must pass several required courses for entry, acceptance to the Joint Apprenticeship Program is based on employee interest, a measure of employee performance history and their seniority. Once an apprentice is accepted, they must complete a minimum of 576 classroom hours, a minimum of 8,000 shop hours, plus several assessment exams. Employees are paid for their time in the classroom as well as in the plant.

“Before entering this program, I worked as an assembler at Cleveland Engine Plant. This apprenticeship will give me the opportunity to work as a millwright after graduation,” said Ventura Robinson, apprentice at the TTC. “My mom and I work together at the plant, and I knew that the opportunity was so good that I told my mom about it. Now she’s training to become a skilled tradesperson and is as excited as I am about the future.”

That is some automotive news you can use from The Reed Factor. Stay connect with us through Facebook and Twitter for more updates.

Posted in Ford Technology, Reed Factor, Technology | Tagged Automotive News, reed factor, UAW-Ford Technical Training Center | Comments Off

2019 Volkswagen GTI Achieves IIHS Top Safety Pick Rating

Posted on May 21, 2019 by admin

The 2019 Volkswagen GTI has more than just style and power. It has been awarded as the Top Safety Pick too! Thanks to the available Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and LED headlights, the GTI has earned a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“We are so pleased to receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick award for the GTI,” said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This award demonstrates Volkswagen’s longstanding commitment to vehicle safety and the development of innovative technologies.”

To qualify for a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in:

Driver-side small overlap front
Moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests
Good or acceptable rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test
An advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention
A good or acceptable headlight rating

To further protect riders, the Golf GTI provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Volkswagen says to meet the demands of American drivers, the 2019 GTI offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Available features include: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist); Park Distance Control; Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist); and High Beam Control (Light Assist).

Sounds like the 2019 GTI might have the whole package! If you are in the market for the powerful, stylish and safe rating GTI, visit Reedhasit.com. For more automotive news you can use stay connected with The Reed Factor.

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Volkswagen Making Plans on Recycling for EV Batteries

Posted on May 13, 2019 by admin

Recycling is an important part of helping keep our environment clean and thriving. In the U.S. 99 percent of all lead-acid automotive batteries are recycled, making them among one of the most-recycled goods you can buy. When a battery wears out, you can easily turn it in when buying a new one; that old battery can then be shredded or melted down, and its raw materials reused.

With the new development of the electric vehicle, there will be a mass increase in the number of batteries on the road and some experts are concerned about how those advanced lithium-ion batteries will be recycled after their 10 or 15 years of use.

Volkswagen is on a mission to build one million electric vehicles a year by 2025, including at the Chattanooga plant and is already working on how to develop a robust second life for the batteries that will power them. To tackle the challenge, Volkswagen is working towards two approaches: Portable rechargers, and energy-efficient recycling.

Volkswagen’s Charging Plans

A lithium-ion battery that’s been on the road a decade or more may not be the proper option for powering a vehicle, but it could still have a sizable energy capacity. (The battery pack in the 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf can store as much energy as the typical American household uses in a day, and then some.) And the problem of electric vehicles may need charging in many places where there may not be chargers or even power outlets available.

These two complications have the same solution. Volkswagen Group plans to produce this portable quick-charging station. These stations are designed to hold up to 360 kilowatt-hours of energy, the quick-charge station can charge up to four vehicles at a time, with a maximum quick-charge output of 100 kW. Think of it as a portable cellphone charger, the Volkswagen Group charger can be used until it’s depleted or connected to a power source to keep itself recharged. And it’s small enough to be deployed in hard-to-charge locations, such as music festivals.

This charger has been programmed to use the same battery packs as Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle chassis, so that when those packs reach the end of their life, they can have a second use as a recharge station. The first of these Volkswagen Group portable quick chargers is anticipated to be installed in Germany next year, and Volkswagen Group expects to begin full production in 2020.

Looking long term, Volkswagen wants to recycle about 97 percent of all raw materials in the battery packs. Today, it’s roughly 53 percent, and the plant in Salzgitter expects to raise it further to about 72 percent. Depending on how many electric vehicles Volkswagen plans to sell, handling recycling internally will be a priority for cost and environmental reasons, even though it will be at least a decade before the battery shredders have much to do.

That is some news you can use! Stay connected with The Reed Factor on more automotive news you can use. And keep recycling my friends!

Posted in Auto News, Volkswagen | Tagged Electric Cars, Randall Reed, recycling, Volkswagen, VW electric | Comments Off

Ford Enhances Customer Experience through Reward Programs

Posted on May 7, 2019 by admin

Ford Motor Company is striving to make the Ford owner experience easier and worry-free through programs that show appreciation to its long-term customer base.

“The customer experience is the most important area we can invest in to become the world’s most trusted company,” said Elena Ford, the company’s chief customer experience officer. “The real measure of our success as a company is keeping customers’ loyalty over time.”

FordPass Rewards

The FordPass app has already increased the customer experience by the owner having the ability to monitor their vehicles, find parking spaces or make service appointments. The app is now expanding with a new customer loyalty program called FordPass Rewards.

With 1 million active users already, the FordPass Rewards gives customers who purchase or lease a new Ford vehicle to receive points they can use toward complimentary maintenance*, parts, service or a new vehicle at participating Ford dealerships.

“The flexibility we provide customers through FordPass Rewards is a unique relationship-building tool with our customers and dealers,” Elena Ford said. “Only Ford offers complimentary maintenance, rewards, roadside assistance and puts control in your hand.”

The New Call Center

A new nationwide contact center opening in Houston that specializes in a new customer-centered approach. Immersed in the heart of the world’s largest truck market, the center has a group of specialized agents solely dedicated to serving truck owners which is Ford’s largest, most loyal and demanding customer groups across the United States.

The days of your call being transferred through departments is over. Ford is testing out the “own the call” model that will be global standard. Agents stay with the customer through the entire call to resolve all matters.

“Customers in today’s increasingly connected world expect better and more personalized treatment from companies. They want solutions that make them feel productive, cared for and special,” Elena Ford said. “That’s why we’re reimagining every single part of a customer’s ownership journey. Everything we’re doing is to empower customers and make their complicated lives simpler and worry-free.”

Ford Mobile Service Pilot

Ford is expanding a new U.S.-based mobile service pilot, which brings vehicle maintenance and light service to customers wherever they might be. The pilot currently runs in California and will expand in May to dealers in Texas, Illinois, New Jersey and Florida. Based on results, Ford will decide later whether to expand it.

Lease Renewal Made Easy

Ford Credit has designed two pilot programs designed to make lease renewals worry-free.

Personal Lease Assistant: Personal lease assistants will help about 1,000 customers of select dealers in Philadelphia and New York navigate the lease renewal process.
Drive New. Now: By knowing the customer, Ford Credit can provide personalized vehicle offers – making sure customers are provided with the right vehicle at the right time.

All these programs have been developed to make the customer experience easier and hassle-free. “If we truly want to be serious about customer experience, we have to resource it like we do F-150,” Elena Ford said. “It’s time we do.”

Who is excited about these new updates? Stay connected with The Reed Factor for more automotive news you can use. If you are in the market for a Ford truck, car or SUV visit Reedhasit.com.

Posted in Ford News, Ford Parts | Tagged FordPass | Comments Off

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