Ford will soon add a new 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine (the smallest engine that the Ford Motor Company has ever built) to the lineup of its fuel-sipping EcoBoost powertrains. As Ford is rapidly adding its EcoBoost powertrains, this small engine will be launched next to the next generation of hybrid Ford vehicles.

All of the new Ford vehicles will get an all new eight-speed automatic transmission, that will be built right here in Michigan. “In the last five years, we have made a record investment in new powertrains and fuel-saving technologies,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “Today, we have the freshest powertrain lineup in the industry. And there is plenty more coming.”

Currently, Ford offers four vehicles that offer 40 mpg, and this will only strengthen Ford’s company line up of fuel-efficient vehicles. The new Ford three-cylinder engine will offer the same performance of a four-cylinder but will provide a higher fuel efficient and much lower emissions.

“No one’s ever built a three-cylinder engine quite like this. Not only is it one of the most technically advanced and efficient engines we’ve ever designed, but it will introduce a number of new technologies to the Ford engine lineup,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering.

The Ford Motor Company first showed a three-cylinder engine within the Ford Start Concept, first debuted in Beijing last year. The additional technical and application details of the Ford three-cylinder engine will be released in September in Germany at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

“With our global family of EcoBoost engines, we’ve replaced V8s with V6s and V6s with four-cylinders – with no loss of performance and with impressive fuel economy improvements,” Kuzak said. “The new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine will come in at the lower end of the global range and will take the place of a four-cylinder engine, again with no loss of performance or refinement. Above all, drivers win because this new engine is specifically designed and engineered for terrific fuel economy.”

Get your Ford fuel efficient vehicle at Kent City Ford. Kent City Ford is West Michigan’s #1 Ford Dealer. Check out more to get your first fuel efficient three-cylinder engine at KentCityFord.com

Consumers are finally giving Ford Motor Co. credit for its quality gains, translating into higher residual values and auction prices for its used cars and trucks.

And that means lower lease prices for its customers.

According to the latest survey by Automotive Lease Guide, Ford posted the biggest gain in perceived quality — increasing 4.7 points over the last six months. During the same period, ALG said the average residual value of Ford’s cars increased by $2,400, while the industry as a whole saw only a $616 increase.

“They’re doing extremely well,” said Matt Traylen, chief economist for ALG. “This has been a huge upswing for Ford.”

Traylen attributed Ford’s gains to the strength of its new products, its “disciplined” approach to incentives and to favorable public opinion stemming from its decision to forgo a taxpayer bailout last year.

“That was very important in consumer minds,” he said. “Of course Ford’s new products also … have been very well received by the press and the public.”

These findings are important, because ALG’s numbers are used by banks and other lenders to set lease prices for cars and trucks.

Jim Farley, Ford’s global head of sales and marketing, said this report will have an “immediate impact” on monthly payments for customers who lease a Ford, Mercury or Lincoln product.

Moreover, he said the value of Ford’s cars and trucks is increasing at auction, meaning customers who buy their vehicles can expect to get thousands more back in their wallets when they trade them in.

On average, Farley said, Ford vehicles five years old or less are now selling for $3,000 more at auction than they were a year ago.

Farley said Ford will tout these gains in all of its upcoming advertising and sales promotions.

Articled copied from “Auto Lease Guide: Ford Shows Biggest Gains in Quality” by Bryce G. Hoffman of The Detrot News.

A total of 97 people attended the annual shareholders meeting in Wilmington, Deleware on Thursday, May 13th.

Voting results indicate that a total of 2,749,518,893 shares of common stock and 70,800,727 shares of Class B Stock with a total aggregate of 4,964,094,864 votes were represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting. These shares represented 89.6% of all the votes that could have been cast at the annual meeting.

Proposal 1. Election of Directors

Directors Elected:

Proposal 2. The proposal to ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm was approved.

Proposal 3. The proposal to approve the Tax Benefit Preservation Plan was approved.

Proposal 4. The proposal relating to disclosing any prior government affiliation of directors, officers, and consultants was rejected.

Proposal 5. The proposal relating to consideration of a recapitalization plan to provide that all of the Company’s outstanding common stock have one vote per share was rejected.

Proposal 6. The proposal relating to the Company issuing a report disclosing policies and procedures related to political contributions was rejected.

Proposal 7. The proposal requesting that the Board adopt a policy that provides shareholders the opportunity to cast an advisory vote to ratify the compensation of the Named Executives was rejected.

Proposal 8. The proposal relating to the Company not funding any energy savings projects that are solely concerned with CO2 reduction was rejected.

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Reports indicate that Ford vehicles are affordable to repair, allowing for cheaper insurance rates.

Many of the Ford Vehicles cost much less to repair after a collision.  This is according to a new U.S. Government report based in insurance claims database.

This is great news for current and future owners of a Ford vehicle, since insurance companies decide premium costs as specific as vehicle models.

According to NHTSA, Ford’s 10 segment-leading 2009 model year vehicles include:

• Ford Focus – Small Cars (four-door)
• Ford Taurus – Large Cars (four-door)
• Ford F-150 – Large Pickups (two-door)
• Ford F-150 Super Cab 4WD – Large Pickups (two-door-plus)
• Ford F-250 4WD – Very Large Pickups (two-door)
• Ford F-250 Super Cab – Very Large Pickups (two-door-plus)
• Ford E-350 Econoline wagon – Cargo/Passenger Vans (tied with Chevrolet Express 3500)
• Mercury Grand Marquis – Very Large Cars (four-door)
• Mercury Mariner 4WD – Small SUV
• Lincoln Town Car – Very Large Luxury Cars

About 78% of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models rated at or better than the industry average – nearly double Toyota’s 40 percent (including Scion and Lexus).

Designing to reduce damage
In 2009, Ford opened a Paint and Body Technology Center to leverage the combined expertise of Ford’s repair and safety experts, auto repair technicians and insurance companies to identify design solutions and repair procedures that will lower repair costs.

“If your vehicle costs less to repair, it generally costs less to insure,” said Gerry Bonanni, Ford damageability collision repair senior engineer. “We’re working harder to help reduce insurers’ repair costs by developing more affordable repairs earlier in a vehicle’s development.”

“It’s great that Ford gets insurance industry insight about how to improve repairability of its vehicle designs,” said Mark Woirol, project manager with Allstate Insurance Company’s Tech-Cor Applied Research Center, which works with automakers, insurers and repairers to make cars more damage-resistant and repair methods more cost-efficient. “We’ve never been as involved in an automaker’s product development process as we have since Ford invited us to participate.”

For example, Ford Focus maintained its hold on the top spot in the four-door small car segment thanks in part to a bumper design improvements.

“Ford’s repair-ability experts and safety engineers made the Focus’s bumper bigger and stronger to better protect adjacent components,” said Larry Coan, Ford damageability engineer. “The new technology center will help us build on these leading efforts.”

Higher resale values, fewer warranty repairs
In another key area of vehicle affordability, Ford’s resale values outpaced the industry by rising 23 percent according to the latest National Automobile Dealers Association auction data. The gains resulted from stronger demand for Ford’s new vehicles and improved quality and durability ratings.

“Rising resale values means more money in customers’ pockets when it is time to sell or trade in for a new vehicle,” Toney said. “Combine these savings with lower repair and maintenance costs and better fuel economy, and the cost to own a Ford product drops dramatically over the life of the vehicle.”

Article Provided by: www.blueovalnews.com

Parents magazine and Edmunds.com joined together to present the 15 Best Family Cars of 2010. After judging hundreds of vehicles for performance, reliability, safety and family-friendly features, two Ford vehicles made it. The Ford Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – was selected in the Hybrid category and Ford Flex was a top pick in the Big Car group.

Article provided by: www.blueovalnews.com

• Ford showcases the new 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 through extensive digital advertising and social media, television commercials and print ads
• The new V-6 Mustang is the first car ever to deliver an unrivaled combination of 305 horsepower and 31 mpg highway
• Three print ads for the new 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 emphasize the vehicle’s unprecedented 412 horsepower and 26 mpg with the tagline: All Legend. No Compromise.
• The new specially customized 2011 DUB Edition Ford Mustang V-6 and 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 that DUB Magazine tricked out for Grammy-winning artist Nelly will be on display during a tour for the magazine, which travels throughout the country through November

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• Ford reduces use of virgin paper in favor of recycled content to deliver environmental benefits
• Ford is using paper from recycled content and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for its high-volume, consumer and employee printing projects, including its latest annual report and proxy statement; owner, employee and retiree magazines; dealership car catalogs, consumer direct mail and in-dash vehicle owner’s guides
• During the past year, Ford has used more than 12 million pounds of recycled content paper rather than virgin paper
• By using FSC-certified paper, Ford is supporting a range of sustainable benefits, such as reducing waste to landfills and ensuring that paper pulp is not harvested from endangered rainforest timber

DEARBORN, Mich.,  2010 – In the past year, Ford Motor Company has reduced its use of paper made exclusively from virgin sources by 6,000 tons – the equivalent of a loaded freight train with two locomotives and 100 cars.

Those results were achieved through an increased use of paper from recycled content instead of virgin sources for all high-volume, consumer and employee printing projects. Beginning this year, about 2.2 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle owner’s manuals will be printed annually in the U.S. on paper containing at least 10 percent recycled fiber and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The effort supports Ford’s comprehensive sustainability strategy.

“Increasing the use of recycled paper may sound like a small step for an automotive company, but the results have been anything but small,” said John Viera, Ford’s director of Sustainability and Environmental Policy. “Ford is working to educate our employees, designers, printers and suppliers on the value of using FSC-certified paper and incorporating it into all of our projects.”

The initiative has translated into several environmental benefits that helped save trees, reduce water and energy use, and lower CO2 emissions. These initiatives include:

• More than 12,000 trees preserved. Experts say 12,000 mature trees absorb 3 million pounds of CO2 annually and produce enough oxygen to support 24,000 humans
• Nearly 5.2 million gallons of waste water flow saved. That’s more than the total amount used by 200 average American households in a year
• Nearly 600,000 pounds of solid waste not generated. That’s approximately the total amount of waste generated everyday by 130,000 average Americans
• More than 1.1 million pounds net greenhouse gases prevented. That’s approximately the total amount of emissions produced annually by 76 average American homes
• More than 8.6 billion BTUs of energy not consumed. That’s nearly what the average American household uses for air conditioning each year.

According to the FSC, the U.S. is the largest market for paper products in the world, producing 90 million tons of paper annually and, in turn, consuming about 100 million tons. Using FSC-certified paper requires that wood products be sustainably handled from the forest where they were harvested to the pulp purchased by the paper mill and to the printer that manufactures the end project.

By using FSC-certified paper, Ford is supporting a range of sustainable benefits, such as reducing waste to landfills and ensuring that paper pulp is not harvested from endangered rainforest timber. Plus, FSC paper is produced domestically, supporting U.S. jobs. The FSC paper used by Ford is labeled as such in an ongoing effort to reinforce employee and consumer awareness of sustainable printing practices.

“Implementing our new paper strategy required changing the perceptions people had about FSC-certified paper being more expensive or not as readily available to printers,” said Nicole DesNoyer, who led a small group, including key suppliers and Ford’s Communications, Purchasing and Sustainability departments to advance the transition to recycled and certified sustainable paper. “The support there has been to make the change shows how serious Ford project managers and their suppliers are about incorporating sustainability actions to help create a better world.”

In addition to reducing the amount of virgin paper the company uses, Ford employees have made a conscious effort to reduce overall paper use and increase paper recycling.

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• Ford to pay $3.8 billion in cash to the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust by making  scheduled debt payments due on Notes A and B held by the trust and paying the entire remaining balance of Note A ahead of schedule
• Company to pay $255 million of previously deferred quarterly distributions on 6.50% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust II; quarterly distribution payments will resume starting with the payment due on July 15, 2010
• Ford obtains more flexibility over a three-year period to pre-pay all or a portion of the remaining $3.6 billion outstanding principal amount of Note B
• These actions, combined with an April payment of $3 billion on its 2013 revolving credit facility, reduced Ford’s debt by more than $7 billion during the second quarter; the total debt reduction will save Ford more than $470 million in annual interest expense

• Ford making the scheduled payments on Notes A and B in cash totaling about $860 million.
• Ford and Ford Credit purchasing for cash the remaining $2.96 billion outstanding principal amount of Note A at a price of 98 percent, or $2.9 billion, of which $1.6 billion is being paid by Ford and $1.3 billion is being paid by Ford Credit. Ford Credit intends to deliver to Ford the portion of Note A that it is purchasing from the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust to satisfy existing intercompany tax liabilities it owes to Ford.
• Subject to regulatory approval, the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust is providing Ford a three-year right beginning in July 2010 whereby Ford has the flexibility to pre-pay for cash, periodically during each year, all or a portion of the remaining $3.6 billion outstanding principal amount of Note B at a 5 percent discount for purchases made prior to 2012 and at a 4 percent discount for purchases made after 2011. Previously, Ford could pre-pay Note B once a year at par.

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Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Rob Dyrdek teamed up to make this “Mustang Skateboarding Video” as a marketing tool for the 2011 Ford Mustang. Evidently, in an upcoming episode of MTV Fantasy Factory, Rob Dyrdek had a skatepark built for cars. The video is only a teaser but has some mind-blowing shots nonetheless.

The vehicle used in the video is a specially-modified 2011 Ford Mustang GT with grind plates on the bottom, which you’ll see in use near the end of the video. Enjoy! And have a look at Kent City Ford’s 2010 Mustang (2011 soon to come).

The 2011 Ford Edge Sport — the high-performance version of one of the country’s top-selling mid-size crossovers — will have the same engine as the Mustang.

Read More >>

Ford Motor Company is doing something that has never been done before. On July 26, Ford will be hosting an online event to unveil the new 2011 Ford Explorer—on Facebook.

With the help of Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs series, Ford will use Facebook as the platform to reveal the new 2011 Ford Explorer on July 26, marking the first time that any big-name automaker reveals a vehicle outside of the typical auto show setting. The online event will feature videos of the 2011 Ford Explorer, some of which will be designed to recreate the experience of walking around an auto show.

The event is part of a comprehensive online strategy to promote Ford’s new vehicles. Scott Monty, Ford’s head of social media, isn’t revealing the other components of their strategy just yet, but Ford has made it obvious that they are taking advantage of online opportunities to reveal a new and different 2011 Explorer in a new and exciting way.

The 2011 Ford Explorer offers many features that distinguish it from past Explorer models. For example, the 2011 Explorer will be one of the first to include MyFord Touch, plus a number of additional driver safety features and an optional EcoBoost engine for 30% better fuel economy.

Check out the Ford Explorer Facebook Page to see some videos and photos of the Explorer. If the page is “Liked” by 30,000 or more people, Ford will give away a free 2011 Explorer to one of their fans. So visit the page for your chance to win an all-new 2011 Ford Explorer for free!

To pre-order a 2011 Ford Explorer, call Kent City Ford at 1-877-509-2734. If you’re looking to buy a new Ford Explorer, Kent City Ford has you covered. Our custom Ford vehicle ordering allows you to pick the color and specifications and Kent City Ford will pre-order your custom vehicle, locking in your incentives. If the incentives are different when the delivery is made, we’ll make sure you get your 2011 Ford Explorer at a deal that is most valuable to you. It’s that easy, Kent City Ford will get you the best deal on a 2011 Ford Explorer, guaranteed.

It’s no secret that Ford’s Lincoln brand is struggling, but the question is what can Ford to to change that? Their solution seems is spending $1 billion to develop a new generation of vehicles for this high-end brand. Within the next four years, Ford plans to reveal seven all-new or significantly upgraded vehicles. They want to take its brand to the next level by mixing the on-road performance of a BMW with the interior and comfort of a Lexus.

Mark Field, Ford’s president of the Americas says he sees this as the last chance for Lincoln to reinvent itself as a luxury car. Lately, Lincoln has consistently been on the bottom of the luxury car lists. Lincoln Spokesman Timothy Elliot said the auto maker offered a “clear explanation” of its plans for Lincoln at the meeting with top dealers in Dearborn, Michigan. “We are fully committed to making Lincoln a world-class luxury brand with compelling vehicles and an exceptional consumer experience to match,” he said.

In its day, Lincoln was once the top-selling luxury brands in the U.S. Recently, sales have dwindled in the past decade as a result of Ford upgrading a handful of its models to seem more luxurious. Ford has been working to reduce the number of dealers selling Lincoln vehicles, to lessen competition within the company’s network and give the brand a more exclusive image. Some dealers said they think the required renovations will force some of the weaker dealers to give up their franchises.

“We were told that we either had to be all-in and the company won’t continue to allow half efforts,” one dealer said.

Get your Lincoln vehicle at Kent City Ford. Kent City Ford is West Michigan’s #1 Ford Dealer.

New Safety Features With Ford Explorer’s Industry-First Inflatable Rear Seat Belts

The new 2011 Ford Explorer boast about its new safety features like the industry-first rear inflatable seat belts. The new Ford inflatable rear seat belts were presented the 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award, presented during the New York International Auto Show’s World Traffic Safety Symposium.

This was just part of the redesign of the new Ford Explorer SUV. This new design features all new terrain-management system, advanced Ecoboost power train technologies, better fuel efficiency and a new approach to style and comfort. The new Ford inflatable rear seatbelts are just part of Ford’s leading-edge restraint system. This new Ford safety enusre reduced head, neck and chest injuries in rear-sear occupants.

The new Ford Explorer’s inflatable rear seat belts helps passengers hold a better proper seating positions. Also, they spread crash-force energy across more of the torso to ensure a decrease in injury risk and increased support in the head and neck. These new seat belts are safety seat and booster friendly for children. Further, this Ford Explorers seat belts offer additional comfort and padding for occupants.

“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear seat passengers of all ages, especially young children who might be more vulnerable in crashes,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Rear inflatable seat belts—a Ford exclusive—help build on our safety leadership.”

Shop for a new Ford Explorer today at KentCityFord.com! West Michigan’s Best Ford Dealer!

Ford engineers aim to one day reduce the number of accidents caused by heart attacks at the wheel with an innovative in-car heart monitoring project. Ford’s heart monitoring driver’s seat could potentially link with other Ford safety features to reduce the risk for drivers with heart conditions and other drivers on the road.

The contactless heart monitoring sensors provides accurate readings during 98 percent of driving time in 95 percent of drivers. The prototype Ford seat employs ECG (electrocardiograph) technology that monitors the heart’s electrical impulses and detects signs of irregularity that can provide an early warning that a driver should seek medical advice.

“The system will be able to detect if someone is having a cardiovascular issue, for example a heart attack, and could also be used to detect the symptoms of other conditions such as high blood pressure or electrolyte imbalances,” said Dr. Achim Lindner, Ford Research Centre medical officer. “This not only benefits the driver; but also could make the roads safer for all users.” With the launch of the new in-car monitoring sensors, Ford hopes to have a high success rate in reducing the number of accidents caused by heart problems.

If your looking for a new Ford, check out Kent City Ford today! At Kentcityford.com, you have the opportunity to build your own custom Ford vehicle with any features you want. Call 1-877-509-2734, or shop online at Kentcityford.com!

As Hip-Hop and R&B music listeners patiently wait for the 2011 BET Awards to air, Ford is kicking off a sweepstakes that will award one lucky winner the keys to a brand new 2012 Ford Focus Titanium. The all-new Ford Focus will appear on the red carpet along with some of today’s most known stars during the Pre-Awards Show in addition to Ford being the official sponsor of the “Ford Focus Social Media Lounge.”

“Our integration into the 2011 BET Awards is the latest example of our commitment to connecting with young urban adults as part of our efforts to heighten awareness for the all-new Ford Focus,” said Shawn Lollie, Ford manager, Multicultural Marketing. “The opportunity to not only showcase, but to also give away, a Focus during one of the top five cable award show programs was a natural fit for us.”

Fans 18 years and older can register for the BET Awards Ford Focus Sweepstakes by visiting www.fordurban.com or www.bet.com/FordFocus through June 26, 2011, for the chance to win the 2012 Focus Titanium. Official rules and entry details are available at www.bet.com/FordFocus.

Unlike other Ford vehicle sweepstakes conducted with BET, The BET Awards Ford Focus Sweepstakes will incorporate for the first time the use of Twitter as part of the final qualification process for selecting the winner. Once the sweepstakes closes, BET will send out a message using Twitter to all qualifiers confirming their eligibility along with the official hash tag to tweet about the 2011 BET Awards.

During the show, BET will highlight selected tweets from qualified entrants and then randomly select one potential grand-prize winner from among all eligible entrants during the live broadcast. The winner’s name will be announced during the awards show.This is a great opportunity for Ford to connect with younger urban adults and heighten awareness for the new Ford Focus Titanium.

If your looking for a new or used vehicle, check out Kent City Ford. Call 1-877-509-2734 or visit our website at Kentcityford.com today!

Ford is expanding its industry-leading rand of fuel-efficient vehicles in North America with the addition of the EcoBoost engine. This is Ford’s first three-cylinder engine to be launched globally in Ford small cars. This new engine will deliver the performance of a larger four-cylinder engine with an even higher fuel efficiency.

Ford has also announced its first eight-speed automatic transmission for future vehicles. With the launch of the EcoBoost engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, Ford expects to be largest domestic producer of hybrid transmissions by next spring. Today, Ford Motor Company has 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel efficiency and four vehicles that deliver at least 40 mpg, a lineup no other automaker can match.

“In the last five years, we have made a record investment in new powertrains and fuel-saving technologies,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “Today, we have the freshest powertrain lineup in the industry. And there is plenty more coming.” The new three-cylinder engine will be globally available in Ford’s small cars. It will also play an important role in North America with gas prices changing every day.

Ford is planning on implementing EcoBoost on 90 percent of its North American lineup by 2013 and producing 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally. The next vehicles to get EcoBoost engines, Edge and Explorer, are planning to arrive late this summer.

If your looking to buy a new or used Ford vehicle, check out Kent City Ford today! At Kentcityford.com, you have the opportunity to custom build any vehicle to your liking. Don’t hesitate! Call today at 1-877-509-2734 or shop online at Kentcityford.com!

Ford announced that it’s introducing laser robotic technology in 17 assembly plants. The Michigan based car company is looking to improve quality of its product line by using “laser-beam-shooting robots.” The robots will be responsible for improving fit and finishing. Ford is also looking to reduce wind noise. Both are two key qualities that consumers are looking for.

This new laser robotic technology is being rolled out in Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain. Ford is also going to pilot this technology in their Chicago and Michigan plants before being introduced to other plants throughout the world.

This planned $100 million investment will give Ford the “degree of precision” that they haven’t had before. “It scans the dimensions of 500 key areas down to a tenth of a millimeter to make sure the parts fit perfectly, and [therefore] our cabins are extremely quiet,” says Ron Johnson, manufacturing quality manager, Ford of Europe.

Ford has always used end-of-line robotics. This new robotic technology will feature advanced lasers and camera-vision technology. These laser robots will be able to accurately inspect the doors of vehicles.  This will ensure that the vehicles are measured and examined for non-conformities before leaving the station. By doing so, the potential for wind noise is reduced. These robots will also be utilized for detection of air leakage to ensure vehicle quietness.

Wind noise is a primary consumer consideration when shopping for a vehicle. Ford has gone through great lengths to reduce wind noise. Ford also deploys air leakage testing, noise/vibration/harshness chambers, and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) testing to pinpoint source of wind noise.

Stop by Western Michigan’s #1 Ford dealer for great deals on new and used Ford vehicles. Check out KentCityFord.com for great internet specials.

The new Ford Focus Sedan is now available for download for The Sims 3, the world’s most popular life simulation video game. Ford was actually the first significant brand to be incorporated into video games, with the Focus Sedan being the seventh Ford vehicle. Players of The Sims 3 can now download the all-new 2012 Ford Focus Sedan, in eight different colors, as a part of the new Focus Neon Nights package.

“Over the years, more than 8 million Ford models have been downloaded by players who have demonstrated in numbers and verbal feedback that they love and appreciate Ford vehicles,” said Steve Seabolt, vice president, Global Brand Partnerships at Electronic Arts. “Self-expression is a key personality trait of Sims players; a car like the new Focus that has a lot of personality is perfectly in sync with what resonates.”

Along with the vehicle, Ford also provides players with items that go along with the Focus Sedan as a part of the Neon Nights package. Some of the items offered with downloading the Focus are one male Ford T-shirt, one female Ford T-shirt, a high-end stereo and a set of neon lights that can be incorporated into the Sims virtual world.

With such  a significant audience, introducing the new Ford Focus Sedan to The Sims 3 was the perfect idea. EA (Electronic Arts) has stated that the launch of The Sims 3 was its most successful ever with 1.4 million copies sold just in the first week. It has also been said that 28 percent of players actually drive a Ford in real life. Between The Sims 2 and The Sims 3, Ford vehicles have been downloaded by players more than 8 million times.

If you are looking for a new or used Ford vehicle, make sure you check out Kent City Ford! Call 1-877-509-2734 or shop online at Kentcityford.com today!

More customers are leaning toward purchasing the new 2011 Ford Edge. The reason is because the vehicle has been awarded the title of Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Vehicles can only get this title if it offers electronic stability control and if they score the highest possible ratings in the IIHS evaluations of front, side, rear and rollover crash-test protection.

Many Ford vehicles have been noted for leading in vehicle safety. Many of the vehicles include many safety features and technologies such as:

• Adaptive cruise control – a technology that automatically responds to changing traffic conditions to maintain a preset distance between the Ford Edge and other vehicles
• Collision warning with brake support – this leverages in-vehicle sensors to help reduce speed, automatically pre-charges brakes and alert the driver if the system detects an imminent collision
• BLIS with cross-traffic alert – this helps detect vehicles in blind spots during regular driving and reversing when parking. It can also detect traffic approaching close to the vehicle
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System – this alerts drivers when it senses that the tire pressure is low
• MyKey – this allows parents to limit many things from vehicle speed and audio volume to help encourage safe driving habits in teens.

Eric Peterson, Ford’s crossover marketing manger, says “The new Edge delivers features that both help prevent a crash and help minimize occupant injuries when a crash is unavoidable. It’s a comprehensive safety story from bumper to bumper.”

It’s quite obvious why this vehicle is growing in consumers more than any other mid-size crossover in America. The Ford Edge has a good gas mileage featuring 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.

The 2011 Ford Edge is on sale right now at Kent City Ford.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has bestowed the honor of being a top safety pick for 2011 Ford Edge. This honor is given to vehicles that offer electronic stability control and score high ratings in crash-test protection.

Electronic stability control comes standard on all 2011 Ford Edge vehicles. Ford prides themselves with vehicle safety. Ford offers consumers a variety of safety options for their Ford Edge. Other features on the 2011 Ford Edge include:

-Adaptive cruise control: Maintains a preset distance between the Edge and other vehicles on the road.

-Collision warning with brake support: Utilizes sensors to reduce speed and warns the driver if a crash is about to happen.

-BLIS with cross-traffic alert: Detects vehicles in blind spots and can sense other vehicles if the Edge is backing out.

-Tire pressure monitoring system: Alerts drivers if tire pressure is low.

-MyKey: A system that parents can set up for their teen drivers to allow them to limit vehicle speed and radio volume.

Ford’s marketing manager, Eric Peterson says, “The new Edge delivers features that both help prevent a crash and help minimize occupant injuries when a crash is unavoidable. It’s a comprehensive safety story from bumper to bumper.”

Kent City Ford offers their customers all these great safety features on the 2011 Ford Edge. Visit KentCityFord.com to customize your Ford. Kent City Ford is western Michigan’s #1 Ford dealer.

With the use of smartphones growing at a rapid pace, Ford Motor Company wants to keep up with the technology.  Ford will begin to expand the use of its on-board smartphone applications for the 2012 model year.  This expansion will affect the Fusion sedan, F-150 pickups, Expedition SUV, and many more!  Ford will achieve this by using the Ford Sync Communications and Entertainment System.

The company announced on Tuesday, the Sync system will be available across the Ford and Lincoln lineup as a $400 option as well as a standard on others.  Mark Fields, president of Ford operations in North America and South America, said a recent study showed that smartphones will overtake feature phones in the United States. And, he said, two-thirds of smartphone users want to use them in their vehicles.

“Mobile app growth is literally skyrocketing,” said Fields. “This is a trend that we cannot ignore, especially as a Nationwide Insurance study shows that one in four Americans who download apps admits to using them while driving.”

Get your Ford vehicle at Kent City Ford. Kent City Ford is West Michigan’s #1 Ford Dealer. Check out more to get your brand new or used car at KentCityFord.com.

Ford announced that the Ford Flex and select Lincoln models will feature inflatable seat belts. Ford Explorer models already have the inflatable rear seat belts. Plans to equip the Ford Flex and Lincoln cars will start next summer.

The inflatable seat belts are designed to reduce head and neck injuries for passengers in the back seat.

The car company is already making a name for itself with being known for being a safety innovator. The Ford Flex has already earned the Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Being equipped with the rear inflatable seat belts will secure the status of Ford’s safety reputation.

“This advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Expanding the rollout of this technology is another example of Ford leading the way to enhance vehicle safety for our customers.”

The inflatable seat belts are designed to deploy on impact over the passenger’s torso and shoulder. Ford has done research and discovered that the inflatable seat belts are more effective in protection verses a traditional seat belt.

“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will help to enhance safety for rear seat passengers of all ages, especially young children who are more vulnerable in crashes,” said Cischke. “This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top U.S. safety ratings of any automaker ever.”

Look for the new inflatable seat belts in the new Ford Flex models next year at KentCityFord.com. Kent City Ford is West Michigan’s best Ford dealer!

Florida is home to more than 4 million senior citizens and that number is constantly growing. The number is expected to grow to 6 million by the year 2020. In a recent study, it was found that car crashes are the leading cause of injury related deaths for 65 to 74 year olds. So when the Ford Motor Company wanted to create new ways for safer driving among senior drivers, it made perfect sense to team up with the state of Florida to create these new methods and features.

Ford executives traveled to Tallahassee to get feedback on ways to help from the state police and transportation experts. During the meetings Ford demonstrated an older driver with their “Third Age Suit” device. This device is said to make mobility and range of vision more limited than usual. One younger user tried the device and reported that when he had the suit on, it was harder to switch between the gas and break pedals. Studies say that crashes result from similar effects like weaker vision and hearing, mobility and reaction time and effects from medications.

Sheryl Connelly from Ford says that these improvements for senior drivers can actually benefit everyone. Sheryl says “If we can find ways to make it easier to respond to oncoming traffic, to see out of your rearview mirror, to be alerted to cross traffic, collisions or other obstacles, that we do it in a way that works well if you’re 16 or 61.”

One specific way Connelly says Ford will improve vehicles will be through new bolder and bigger fonts in vehicles. Starting next year, the Ford Edge and Explorer will have easier to read graphics and fonts. In recent years, Ford has made more safety improvements including the “Blind Spot Information Systems” to sense when someone vehicles are traveling in your blind spot or when you are backing out of a parking spot. There’s also the “Cross-Traffic Alert” system uses radar to spot vehicles within 45 feet of your car as you back out of your spot. In the future, Ford plans to create inflatable seat belts that will cause the seat belts air bag to reduce the force from a crash over a person’s torso.

Check out the new and safe Ford vehicles today at KentCityFord.com! West Michigan’s Best Ford Dealer!

Rising gas prices have various consequences. One unintended consequence becoming more and more common is that of stolen gas. Illegal siphoning of gas is a  current growing concern for the general public. The Easy Fuel capless fuel filler feature was developed by Ford as a response to this increasing problem.

The secret behind the Easy Fuel System is a mis-fueling inhibitor, comprised of an inlet valve that reduces the chances of fuel theft by automatically closing after fueling is complete. The supervisor of Fuel Systems, Brian Aitken, explained, “Our first goal is to make the refueling process as easy and trouble-free for the customer as possible,…but if it also slows down would-be thieves.Ford customers benefit that way as well.”

Although gas prices have been on the rise, demand for gas doesn’t seem to be affected. Around 400 million gallons of gas are used daily by motorists in the US. Nevertheless, the amount of gas stolen continues to rise. This trend has caught the eye of the West Sacramento, CA Police Department, as they have issued a warning to residents regarding an increase in fuel theft due to increasing fuel prices. Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com states,”Criminals will do anything for money, and that includes trying to take liquid gold out of your gas tank.”

Ford notes that the Easy Fuel system will not prevent all cases of fuel theft. The system only inhibits those who do not fully understand how the mis-fueling inhibitor works. Ford employee Brian Aitken adds that locking covers are also available from Ford and Lincoln dealers for added safety.

Ford’s in-car entertainment and communication technology, known as SYNC, has helped propel Ford’s line of cars to the top of the market. It’s a favorite among consumers and it might be getting even better. Ford has decided to team up with some leaders in the health care industry. Their goal is to make SYNC function as an aid for customers with chronic health problems like asthma, environment allergies and diabetes.

People with these types of health problems have to monitor themselves and their surrounds on a constant basis. Ford’s new version of SYNC will be a helpful solution to these people. For instance, researchers at Ford recently showcased how the already existing Bluetooth technology can connect with portable glucose-monitoring devices that are used by diabetes patients to monitor low glucose levels. “By utilizing information technology and consumer electronic devices, we can help patients actively manage their health via access to real-time data on phones, hand-held devices or even in their cars,” explained James Dallas, senior vice president of Medtronic, a leading maker of glucose-monitoring systems.

Ford is also looking to tackle more than just Diabetes. They are working with SDI Health and www.Pollen.com for access to iPhone applications that monitor location based day-by-day index levels for UV exposure, pollen and other conditions that affect asthma and other sufferers of aspiration problems. The SYNC system will be able to connect with the already existing iPhone pollen and UV applications so users will be able to constantly monitor their surroundings and be able to make plans days and weeks ahead of time.

This new SYNC system is still in the testing phase but Ford and their partners are very optimistic that this new technology will be ready and available to satisfy the needs of their present and future customers. Paul Mascarenas, chief technology officer and vice president, of Ford Research and Innovation feels this optimism building. “Ford SYNC is well known in the industry and with consumers as a successful in-car infotainment system,” Mascarenas says, “but we want to broaden the paradigm, transforming SYNC into a tool that can help improve people’s lives as well as the driving experience.”

Be on the lookout for this innovative technology in the new Ford models coming out at KentCityFord.com. Kent City Ford is West Michigan’s best Ford dealer!

This content was originally from Fordinthenews.com.

Ford Certified Pre-Owned

All late model Ford vehicles at Kent City Ford have been through Ford’s Certified Pre-owned, 169 point inspection.

Before you hit the road in a Certified Pre-Owned Ford vehicle, we put every car, truck and SUV to the test. Only the vehicles that pass our 169-point inspection become Ford Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles.

Why Ford CPO?

• The Ford Certified Pre-Owned Program takes the risk out of buying a previously owned vehicle. Driving a Ford CPO vehicle means driving with knowledge and confidence that the vehicle you purchased has been thoroughly inspected and comes with manufacturer-backed limited warranty coverage.
• Ford Cars, SUVs and trucks (up to 350-Series) that are current or five previous model years and have less than 80,000 miles can qualify.
• 3-month/3,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty Coverage
• 6-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty Coverage
• 169 points of inspection by certified mechanics
• Vehicle History Overview Report
• 24-hour roadside assistance
• A full tank of fuel, fresh oil and filter and new wiper blades at delivery
• Service availability at any Ford of Lincoln Mercury Dealer in the 50 states and Canada

The Benefits

In addition to peace of mind, each Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle comes with these benefits:

• Warranty – In addition to a 3-month/3,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage, every Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle also come with a 6-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage (ask your dealer for warranty details)
• 169-Point Inspection – Before any vehicle can be called a Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle it must pass a 169-point inspection. Factory-trained technicians recondition any component that does not meet program standards, or they replace it with only new Ford Motorcraft or Ford Authorized Replacement parts. Ask your dealer for a copy of the Vehicle Inspection Checklist.
• Vehicle History Overview Report – You’ll definitely know your history when you purchase a Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. As part of the 169-point inspection process, a Vehicle History Overview Report is run to identify any vehicle that does not meet Ford certified Pre-Owned standards. Ask your dealer for a copy of this report.
• Roadside Assistance – Roadside assistance is offered for the full duration of the Limited Warranty Coverage. That’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in case of breakdown, blowout or bad weather. Roadside assistance includes:
  • Travel Expense reimbursement of up to $500 for up to three days of lodging, meals and rental vehicle
  • Destination expense assistance of up to $75 to cover the emergency cost of a taxi, shuttle or rental car to get you to your destination
  • Rental car reimbursement of up to $28 per day for up to five days if the vehicle requires overnight mechanical repairs

The following components are covered by the Ford Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty Coverage:

Compnents shown in BOLD are covered by the 6-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. All others are covered by the 3-month/3,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty. Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. See your dealer for details or refer to your plan provisions.

ENGINE

• All Internal Lubricated Parts
• Cylinder Block
• Cylinder Heads
• Diesel Injector and Fuel Lines
• Diesel Injector Pump
• Diesel Lift Pump
• Engine Mounts
• Flywheel
• Flywheel Ring Gear
• Fuel Tank and Lines
• Gas Fuel Injectors and Fuel Lines
• Harmonic Balancer and Bolt
• Manifold (Exhaust and Intake)
• Manifold and Bolts
• Oil Pan
• Oil Pump
• PCM Module
• Radiator
• Radiator Fan (Clutch or Motor)
• Seals and Gaskets
• Thermostat
• Thermostat Housing
• Timing Chain Cover
• Timing Chain (Gears or Belt)
• Turbocharger/Supercharger Unit (Factory Installed)
• Valve Covers
• Water Pump

TRANSMISSION

• All Internal Parts
• Governor Assembly
• Kickdown Linkage
• Release Hubs and Bearings
• Seals and Gaskets
• Torque Converter
• Transfer Case (Including All Internal Parts)
• Transmission Case
• Transmission Linkage
• Transmission Module (External)
• Transmission Mounts
• Vacuum Module

REAR-WHEEL DRIVE

• Axle Shafts
• Bearings (Front and Rear)
• Drive Axle Housing (And Front Axle Housing for 4×4) Including All Internal Parts
• Driveshaft
• Retainers
• Seals and Gaskets
• Universal and Constant Velocity Joints

FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE

• Axle Shafts
• Bearings (Front and Rear)
• Final Drive Housing (And Rear Axle Housing for AWD) Including All Internal Parts
• Hubs, Automatic Front Locking (Four-wheel Drive)
• Locking Rings (Four-wheel Drive)
• Seals and Gaskets
• Universal and Constant Velocity Joints

STEERING

• Column Lock (Tilt Wheel)
• Control Valve
• Cooler and Lines
• Idler Arm
• Linkages and Couplings
• Power Steering Pump
• Pulley Assembly
• Seals and Gaskets
• Steering Gear Housing, Manual and Power (Including All Internal Parts)

BRAKES

• Anti-lock Brake Module and Sensor
• Backing Plates
• Brake Booster (Power)
• Calipers
• Combination Valve
• Lines and Fittings
• Master Cylinder
• Parking Brake Linkage and Cables
• Retainers and Clips
• Self-adjusters
• Shaft (Brake Pedal)
• Springs
• Wheel Cylinders

FRONT SUSPENSION

• Ball Joints (Upper and Lower)
• Control Arms (Upper and Lower)
• Control Arm Shafts and Bushings
• Kingpins and Bushings
• Linkage and Bushings
• Load Leveler Suspension System
• MacPherson Struts (Front and Rear)
• Spindle and Spindle Supports
• Springs
• Stabilizer Bar
• Tie Rods

ELECTRICAL

• Alternator
• Charge and Volt Gauges
• Clock (Electric)
• Distributor Assembly
• Distributor Cap and Rotor
• Distributor Housing and Shaft
• Electronic Ignition and Module
• Fuel Pump
• Heated Backglass (Electrical Only – Not Glass Damage or Breakage)

ELECTRICAL (continued)

• Ignition Coil
• Ignition Lock
• Ignition Module (Electric)
• Ignition Switch
• Mirrors (Electrical Only – Not Glass Damage or Breakage)
• Radiator Fan Relay
• Speedometer/Odometer (Electrical and Mechanical)
• Starter Motor
• Starter Motor Solenoid
• Switches (Manually Operated Electrical)
• Temperature Gauge
• Voltage Regulator
• Wiper Motors
• Wiring Harnesses (Excluding Spark Plug Wires)

AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING

• A/C Accumulator
• A/C Clutch
• A/C Cutch Bearings
• A/C Compressor
• A/C Compressor Clutch Switch
• A/C Compressor Head
• A/C Compressor Seals
• A/C Condensor
• Automatic Temperature Control
• Evaporator
• Field Coil
• Heater Blower Motor
• Heater Control Cables
• Heater Core Assembly
• Instrument Panel Registers and Air Ducts
• Pulley

HIGH-TECH

• Air Suspension (Selected Electronic Components)
• Anti-theft Alarm (Factory Installed)
• Compass and Thermometer Readout Displays
• FordLink^TM System
• Fuel Mixer (Alernative)
• Hybrid Engine Components (Excluding High-Voltage Battery)
• In-dash Navigation System (Factory Installed)
• Instrument Cluster (Excluding Dash Pad)
• Keyless Entry System (Excluding Door Handles)
• Power Antenna
• Power Door Locks and Retainer Clips (Excluding Door Handles)
• Power Seat Motors
• Power Window Motors/Regulators
• Sensor (Alcohol)
• Speed Control

EMISSIONS

• Air Control Valve
• Air Idle Vacuum Valve
• Air Supply Valve (Hose and Tube)
• Air Check Valve Assembly
• Barometric Pressure Sensor
• ECC Relay Assembly
• EGR Control Valve
• EGR Pressure Sensor
• EGR Regulator Assembly
• EGR Valve Adapter
• EVAP Vapor Storage Canister
• Idler Air Control Valve
• Knock Sensor
• PCV Hose Assembly
• PCV Valve
• PCV Vapor Filter
• Temperature Sensor (Engine Coolant)
• Vacuum Restrictor
• VAF Sensor

FORD AUDIO

• Antenna, Radio (Base Assembly)
• Brackets
• Cables and Wiring
• Cellular Phone, Receiver, Handset, Speaker Assembly and Antenna (Factory Installed)
• Controls (Rear Seat)
• Radio (AM, AM/FM), Speakers, Cassette Player, Digital CD Player, Graphic Equalizer, Premium Sound Amplifier (Factory Installed)
• Rear Entertainment System (Factory Installed)

SAFETY

• Air Bag Module Assembly
• Diagnostic Module Assembly (Air Bag)
• Door Ajar Warning Switch Assembly
• Guides, Bezels, Brackets and Supports (Safety Belts/Shoulder Straps)
• Head Restraint Retainers and Sleeves (Safety Belt)
• Key, SecuriLock^TM (Microchip Encoded Key)
• Lock Cylinder (Door)
• Lock Lever Assembly (Door)
• Lock Lever Assembly (Tailgate)
• Lock Lever Retainers, Clips and Brackets
• Module (Passive Restraint)
• Safety Belt Buckle (Front and Rear)
• Safety Belt Motor Drive Assembly
• Safety Belt Restraint Carrier
• Safety Belt Retractors
• Safety Belt Track Assembly
• Safety Belt Warning Chime Assembly
• Sensors (Air Bag)
• Should Strap Track Assembly
• Wiring Assembly (Air Bag)

Excellence and Value Combined

The Ford Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty coverage, combined with the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty (if applicable), provides owners with long-lasting peace of mind for their Pre-Owned vehicle.

The Ford Certified Pre-Owned Comprehensive Limited Warranty provides coverage for 3 months or 3,000 miles from the Certified Pre-Owned purchase date, whichever comes first. The Ford Certified Pre-Owned Powertrain Limited Warranty provides coverage for 6 years from the original Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty start date or a total of 100,000 miles on the odometer, whichever comes first. Please see your dealer for warranty coverage details or refer to your plan provisions.

This page is intended to provide general information about Ford Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty Coverage. Please see your dealer for details or refer to your plan provisions. Valid only in the 50 states and Canada. Ford Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty Coverage is in addition to any remaining New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage. Repairs needed to any engine, transmission and final drive components caused by or resulting from a defect in a non-Ford component, such as an aftermarket-installed turbocharger, are not covered. In some cases, the use of Ford authorized remanufactured parts is required after the expiration of the original New vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage and the Ford Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty Coverage. See your dealer for complete details on the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Illustrations used in this brochure are for graphic representation only.

STARTING AT: $28,190

(Starting MSRP)

MPG CITY/HWY: 14/20

$469/Month

2011 Ford Explorer Video Release on Facebook

This video was released at 12:01am.  Jim Rowe interview with Alan Mulally, the CEO of Ford Motor Company.  Very Funny!

This Video was release at 7:40am.  Comments from engineers and designers of the 2011 Ford Explorer.

Video Released at 10:00am.  Description of the new ‘tough’ 2011 Ford Explorer.

Models:

• 2011 Ford Explorer
  
• 2011 Ford Explorer XLT
  
• 2011 Ford Explorer Limited

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