Ford All-Wheel-Drive Retail Sales up 72 Percent Since 2009 Surpassing Industry Growth Rate

• All-wheel-drive technology accounted for more than 20 percent of new car and utility vehicle retail sales in 2012, based on Ford’s analysis of Polk retail registration data 
• These figures also show that nearly 37 percent of Ford vehicles available with all-wheel drive were equipped with the technology in 2012 
• Affordability, increased efficiency and improved technology helped Ford capture a share of this growing market

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 28, 2013 – Ford is capitalizing on the popularity of all-wheel-drive technology, with its AWD sales growing 72 percent since 2009, outpacing the industry growth rate of 53 percent. In 2012, more than 20 percent of the industry’s new car and utility vehicles were sold with AWD systems.

Originally introduced on the 2013 Escape, Ford’s new intelligent AWD system is now available on Edge, Explorer, Flex, Fusion and Taurus, making Ford unsurpassed in the number of AWD vehicle offerings for a non-luxury brand.

Based on Polk retail registration data, nearly 37 percent of Ford vehicles that are available with AWD were equipped with the technology in 2012.

“All-wheel drive acceptance continues to grow in the East and Great Lakes regions, as expected, but nationwide AWD sales have grown, particularly in the Pacific Northwest over the past six years,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst.

The increase in demand by American car buyers is seen throughout the country, as improved technologies like Ford’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system is keeping customers calm and confident on the road.

In fact, AWD is the No. 1 purchase consideration for Ford customers looking to buy a small utility vehicle in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states – outpacing well-established factors such as reliability, value for the money and fuel economy.

In total, 20 percent of all retail cars and utilities purchased nationally in 2012 had AWD, according to Polk data. AWD sales were at a five-year high in 2012 in the East, Southeast and Central regions, with considerable growth also seen in the Pacific Northwest over the last six years.

Better system, same price 
Even with the addition of an improved AWD system, Ford has not increased the cost for its technology.

“While we continue to make our technology better, this doesn’t come at an added cost for our customers,” said Mike Murphy, global small car and SUV marketing manager. “Ford is enhancing the confidence and capability that driver’s desire.”

The advanced Ford-developed software behind the new intelligent AWD system preemptively reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the power split to give the driver the precise blend of handling and traction – at all times.

If, for example, the front of the vehicle is on ice and the rear is on pavement, the AWD system can send all of the torque the powertrain can produce to the rear of the vehicle, putting power where the driver needs it most.

Using advanced software and sensors, the system gathers data from 25 external signals – including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle – to deliver outstanding driving performance in both wet and dry conditions, as well as excellent off-road traction.

Super Duty We Own Work: Tom Horton - Heavy Hauling

Tom Horton uses his Super Duty® to haul more trailers than he could with a semi, so each and every load is more profitable. Here's a look at a man with an innovative mind and a very smart truck.

Ford Social Hybrid 101 with Nancy Gioia

Ford Social sits down with Nancy Gioia, Global Director of Electrification for Ford Motor Company to answer fan questions about hybrid technology.

Ford tops in value, says U.S. News & World Report

For the second straight year, Ford dominates the U.S. News & World Report 2013 Best Cars for the Money rankings, with six Ford vehicles offering consumers the most bang for their buck. The 2013 Focus, Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Taurus, Escape and Edge captured awards based on their outstanding value and critical acclaim. This marks the fourth year in a row Taurus reigns in the large car category, while for two straight years Edge is best midsize SUV, Fusion is the midsize champ and Fusion Hybrid is the best hybrid vehicle. U.S. News & World Report determines the winner in each of 21 categories based on vehicle safety and reliability attributes as well as expert opinion. Click here for more.

 

 

Fusion Energi Lands Ford Atop List with Highest Number of 2013 Vehicles Qualifying for Faster Lane Access in California

• The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved the all-new Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid for its carpool lane access program; this gives Ford, along with Toyota, more 2013 vehicles that qualify for the state’s high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes than any other automaker

• Fusion Energi meets the long-distance challenges of California’s super commuters who also face increased congestion; idling in stop-and-go traffic is estimated to waste 1.9 billion gallons of gasoline annually

• Ford Fusion Energi hits showrooms later this winter as Ford’s fifth new electrified vehicle to launch in the last 12 months, joining Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Ford Focus Electric

 DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 20, 2013 – Californians now have another Ford vehicle option to get them where they’re going even faster with the all-new Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, as the vehicle has been approved for use in the state’s high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

 

To earn access to these faster moving carpool lanes, vehicles must qualify for tax rebates through California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which is overseen by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A vehicle that qualifies earns a special sticker that identifies it as having HOV privileges.

 

Ford Fusion Energi buyers are eligible to receive a $1,500 tax rebate – in addition to a $3,750 federal tax credit – making Fusion the third Ford brand vehicle to now qualify for California’s special financial and driving incentives, and putting Ford in the lead, along with Toyota, for having the most vehicles of any automaker allowed access to the state’s carpool lanes. Ford Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid also qualify.

 

The tax rebate and carpool lane access program are designed to promote reduced greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of less gas – making the three eligible Ford vehicles natural inclusions.

 

“That Ford has the most 2013 vehicles eligible for HOV lane access in the largest electrified vehicle market in the U.S. underscores our success in truly offering power of choice, especially when it comes to electric and hybrid powertrains,” said C.J. O’Donnell, group marketing manager for Ford Electrification.

 

To qualify for the programs, a vehicle must be classified by CARB as a super ultra-low emission vehicle and be certified by the U.S. EPA to offer fuel economy of at least 45 mpg on the highway.

 

Fusion Energi not only meets CARB standards but also has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 100 MPGe combined– 108 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway – along with a total range of up to 620 miles on one tank of gas and one full charge; Fusion has an electric-only range of up to 21 miles.

 

This means at least one leg of the average work commute – reportedly 20 miles each way – could be completed each day with Fusion Energi never using a drop of gas. A study by the United States Department of the Treasury estimates congestion consumed an extra 1.9 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, approximately 5 percent of all gasoline used.

 

In California, Fusion Energi is the ninth Ford vehicle to qualify for carpool lane access through CARB since 1993, with Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid being the most recent.

 

“Fusion Energi is Ford’s most fuel-efficient sedan and offers a top electric-only speed of up to 85 mph,” said O’Donnell. “Californians clearly appreciate the environmental benefit, too, which is why we are seeing the state’s programs embrace Ford’s electrified lineup.”

 

Programs like California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project are growing in number to encourage the use of vehicles that produce fewer emissions and use less gas. They range from the $3,750 federal tax credit owners may receive for buying Fusion Energi to a program in Ferndale, Mich., where drivers of hybrids that get 30 mpg or better in the city are allowed to park for free at city parking meters. Other states offering lane driving privileges for hybrid vehicle owners include Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

 

Delivering choice

Ford’s launch of the new C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Fusion Hybrid this past autumn led the company to deliver record-setting hybrid sales in December, resulting in a 9 percent market share gain to 16 percent. In the same period, Toyota’s share of the hybrid vehicle segment fell 8 points, from 68 percent to 60 percent.

 

Then Ford delivered a record hybrid sales month for January, following record-breaking electrified vehicle sales in the fourth quarter of 2012. Fusion Hybrid saw record sales in January.  

 

Fusion Energi figures prominently in Ford’s rollout of electrified vehicles and is helping the automaker sell these record numbers of hybrids. Ford now offers five electrified vehicles:

 

• C-MAX Hybrid: EPA-estimated rating of 47 mpg city, highway and combined – up to 7 mpg better than Toyota Prius v – plus 50 more horsepower than the Toyota and 12 class-exclusive technologies
• C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid: Best EPA-estimated combined miles per gallon equivalency of any plug-in hybrid, Ford’s first production plug-in hybrid vehicle has a city rating of 108 MPGe and 21 miles of all-electric range – more than triple Prius plug-in’s six miles – and an EPA-estimated gas plus electric range of 620 miles. The vehicle’s “real car” performance includes 195 horsepower (versus Prius plug-in at 134 horsepower), engaging driving dynamics and a quiet interior – all with a leading electric-only speed of 85 mph, more than 20 mph above the Prius
• Fusion Hybrid: EPA-estimated rating of 47 mpg city, highway and combined – up to 6 mpg better than Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: EPA-estimated gas plus electric range of 620 miles, electric-only range of up to 21 miles, and EPA-estimated rating of 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined
• Focus Electric: America’s most fuel-efficient compact car, with an EPA-estimated rating of 110 MPGe city, 99 MPGe highway and 105 MPGe combined

Ford Invests Millions in Cleveland Engine Plant, Supports Growing Customer Demand for EcoBoost­ Engines

• Ford plans to more than double its EcoBoost^®-equipped vehicle sales globally this year

• Production of 2.0-liter EcoBoost for North America at Cleveland Engine Plant in Ohio to begin in late 2014

• Ford more than halfway to its goal to create more than 12,000 hourly jobs in the U.S. by 2015

• Production of 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines for North American vehicles moves from Valencia, Spain to Cleveland; Valencia will remain the exclusive production location for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine for Ford of Europe-built vehicles; There is no impact on employment at the Valencia plant

 DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 21, 2013 – To meet rising consumer demand for the award-winning 2.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine, Ford Motor Company will invest nearly $200 million and add 450 new jobs at its Cleveland Engine Plant.

 

“This is our One Ford plan at its best – giving customers the power of choice to decide which fuel-efficient engine is best tailored to their needs,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Cleveland Engine Plant was the first to produce EcoBoost engines and will continue to be a cornerstone of Ford’s strategy to deliver affordable fuel economy for millions.”

 

The hiring builds on the creation of more than 8,100 salaried and hourly jobs in the U.S. last year, including 1,000 in-sourced hourly positions. Ford is more than halfway to its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the U.S. by 2015 to support new products and investment. Additionally, the company announced last month it plans to hire 2,200 salaried workers in the U.S. in 2013 to fill jobs in such key areas as Product Development, Manufacturing and IT.

 

Production of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost for North America is currently based in Valencia, Spain. The investment in Cleveland will shift North American production to Ohio, while Ford’s Valencia Engine Plant will remain the exclusive production location of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost for Ford of Europe-built vehicles. Valencia will continue to produce and ship parts for these engines to North America.

 

Overall employment at the Valencia plant will not be impacted. The Valencia Engine Plant will transfer some employees to Valencia Assembly Plant to support increased production for C-MAX, Kuga, Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect.

 

Ford is making the move to assemble engines regionally to help meet rising consumer demand for the award-winning 2.0-liter EcoBoost and to optimize production capabilities around the world.

 

Production of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will begin in North America in late 2014. Cleveland Engine Plant currently builds the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and 3.7-liter V6. The Ohio facility employs approximately 1,300 people. It has built more than 500,000 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines since 2009.

 

EcoBoost cornerstone

EcoBoost is the cornerstone of Ford’s global engine strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Ford will expand EcoBoost production to 1.6 million engines this year – nearly 100,000 above the previous target.

 

Delivering up to 20 percent better fuel economy than larger-displacement engines, EcoBoost uses smaller overall size combined with turbocharging, gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing to bring customers outstanding performance without sacrificing fuel economy.

 

This year EcoBoost will be available on more than 90 percent of North American nameplates and by 2015, 95 percent of Ford nameplates will be available with EcoBoost engine technology. In 2013 Ford expects to sell more than 500,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles in the U.S. – a sizeable increase over the 334,364 EcoBoost vehicles sold in 2012.

 

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine to be built in Cleveland is currently available in the Ford Explorer, Edge, all-new Escape and all-new Fusion, Focus ST, Taurus and new Lincoln MKZ and MKT Livery. The engine has won a coveted Ward’s 10 Best Engines trophy each year it has been available in North America.

Power to the People! Fiesta Movement: A Social Remix Gives Control of New Ford Fiesta Ad Campaign to the People

• Ford introduces 2014 Fiesta through the unique voices and content of 100 social influencers, making it Ford’s first completely user-generated campaign

• Fiesta Movement: A Social Remix will feature material created exclusively by social influencers – in whatever form they choose; Ford will distribute the content through paid media, social media and experiential events

• In the new Ford Fiesta and Fiesta ST, agents will complete exciting challenges across major entertainment hubs including American Idol, Bonnaroo and all four summer versions of X Games – igniting conversation both online and off

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2013 – Building on the groundbreaking social engagement program that launched the Ford Fiesta in the U.S. in 2009, Ford now plans to introduce its new 2014 Fiesta through an innovative ad campaign created entirely by consumers.

 

To tell the new car’s story, Ford announced today that it is seeking 100 social influencers, who – through a mix of paid media, social media and experiential events – will convey the unique personality and attributes of the new 2014 Ford Fiesta in an entirely different way. Ford made the announcement at the Social Media Week convention in New York.

 

“Fiesta was designed to reflect the individuality of the customer, so we feel the marketing efforts should give the reins to the people who will be driving it,” says Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “We have a fuel-efficient, tech-savvy and stylish car that doesn’t sacrifice on performance – it truly has its own personality. That personality will come through in the stories and experiences of real people.”

 

Ford will partner with nationally prominent television, entertainment and sports events including American Idol and X Games, legendary music festival Bonnaroo, and other media and entertainment hubs where agents will be at the center of the action.

 

Ford was the first automaker to truly introduce vehicles through social media and now, the evolution of the Fiesta Movement takes the use of social channels for reveal to an entirely new level. Building on the success of the initial launch, Ford will give the agents a new Fiesta, then step back and let them do what they do best: Entertain their followers. As a result, the voice of this exciting new car will come straight from the people – making this the Blue Oval’s first completely user-generated campaign.

 

Fiesta attracts more Millennials than any Ford vehicle, and that means telling its story in a way that is different from other models. Unlike other campaigns, Ford will use content created only by selected influencers – “agents” – then reveal it through multiple media channels and partners.

 

Social Media Week provides an ideal backdrop for Fiesta Movement: A Social Remix. This worldwide event is designed to explore the social, cultural and economic impact of social media. Since its inception five years ago, the event has become a major forum for some of the biggest, most significant news in the world of social media.

 

The new Fiesta Movement will bring together alumni from the highly acclaimed original Fiesta Movement. The campaign will include celebrities, current Fiesta owners and new agents – all carrying out a series of exciting missions with the 2014 Fiesta. Ford will provide agents with gas, insurance coverage, cameras and other tools they need to create content.

 

The missions – which will span the country throughout the year – are expected to be seen on TV shows, social media sites and paid advertisements, and engage millions of people. Over the course of the original Fiesta Movement, agents traveled more than 1 million miles in Fiestas, created more than 50,000 pieces of content, and generated nearly 30 million views through social media.

 

The next Fiesta Movement content will live on www.fiestamovement.com; Ford will promote the content across multiple channels.

 

“Consumers – Millennials in particular – like being a part of the brands they feel represent them,” says Keith Koeppen, Ford advertising and media manager. “This demographic is accustomed to creating content about their lives, so it just makes sense to give their creativity a bigger platform with greater scale.

 

“It’s all part of the democratization of media,” he adds.

 

Ford will kick off the campaign by recruiting agents – influencers as expressive as the new car – who inspire their friends both online and off. Agents will be selected based on their story and social prominence, among other attributes, and through their voices they will help to shape the story of the new 2014 Ford Fiesta.

 

Agents will debut the content they create on their own social pages, and then, as it gains popularity, Ford will feature it on www.fiestamovement.com and amplify the best of the best across digital, print, broadcast and outdoor advertising. Any and all content can become part of the living, breathing story of the new Ford Fiesta.

 

“We are giving agents the unprecedented chance to launch a car through the content they create,” says Koeppen. “The possibilities are limitless. For example, if there’s a video we really like, we can turn it into a TV commercial, if there’s a photo we think is really eye-catching, we can incorporate it into a print campaign.”

 

Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this past November, Ford’s new Fiesta redefines the segment with an available 1.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine, projected 40 mpg-plus fuel economy, an exciting new look, and class-exclusive technology and special features that make it the most fun-to-drive car of its size.

 

Additionally, a new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine propels the performance-minded Fiesta ST with an estimated 197 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque.

Ford Boosts Chassis, Engine Production Capa

• Ford is increasing Class A motorhome and commercial chassis production capacity by 35 percent to meet renewed demand for recreational vehicles as the U.S. economy and consumer confidence grows

• Ford also is increasing production capacity of its 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine used in the Class A motorhome lineup. The engine boasts 362 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft. of torque, and can be prepped for CNG operation to help save money at the pump

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 18, 2013 – Ford, America’s best-selling motorhome chassis manufacturer, is increasing production capacity by approximately 35 percent to meet renewed recreational vehicle demand in the United States.

 

At the same time, Ford is increasing production capacity of its 6.8-liter V10 engine that powers its motorhome chassis lineup.

 

“We’re pleased that while other chassis manufacturers have left this segment, Ford continues its commitment to the RV upfitter industry,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We’re increasing our participation in this industry as motorhome customers return to the market.”

 

The Ford F-53 motorhome and F-59 commercial chassis are built by Ford’s partner at Detroit Chassis at its state-of-the-art facility in Detroit. The 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine is built in Canada at Ford’s Windsor Engine Plant in Ontario.

 

Class A motorhomes are recreational vehicles built on a stripped truck chassis where the driver’s area is part of the living area. Ford supplies parts such as the frame rails, suspension, powertrain and steering components to Detroit Chassis for assembly into motorhome chassis for customers like Winnebago, Thor and Fleetwood.

 

Shipments of Class A motorhomes were up 14 percent in 2012 but growth rose dramatically as the year closed, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Sales accelerated to 33 percent in December and 43 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to the RVIA.

 

Ford F-53 chassis registrations reached their highest levels in 2012 since 2007.

 

Motorhome chassis aren’t the only Ford products seeing increased demand. Production capacity of the company’s segment-exclusive 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine that powers the F-53 will increase 25 percent by 2014 at Windsor Engine Plant to meet strong demand from commercial customers. The 6.8-liter V10 is also used in E-Series vans, F-Series Super Duty chassis cabs and the F-650 medium-duty truck.

 

Ford offers the best-selling RV chassis in both the Class A and Class C (E-Series chassis) markets. The F-53 Class A lineup includes six offerings ranging from the “tailgater’s special” 16,000-pound GVWR chassis through the capability leader 26,000-pound GVWR chassis, which gives motorhome builders the opportunity to offer the most advanced, most luxurious RV bodies yet. Prices for Class A motorhomes can exceed $150,000.

Ford the Only Full-Line Automaker Named to Fast Company 2013 Ranking of World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies

• Ford Motor Company is the only full-line automaker recognized in Fast Company’s 2013 Most Innovative Companies ranking

• Ford joins top-ranked Nike and Amazon as well as technology companies such as Apple and Google and online educator Coursera

NEW YORK – Fast Company’s annual Most Innovative Companies issue honors leading businesses, including Apple, Amazon, Google and Target along with such rising newcomers as Square, Fab and Tumblr. Ford Motor Company is the only full-line automaker named to the 2013 list. Nike ranks No. 1 following the release of two major innovations, FuelBand and Flyknit technology.

Fast Company editors highlighted an array of recent efforts by Ford, including the opening of a Silicon Valley Lab in Palo Alto, Calif. in June 2012 where Ford engineers can collaborate with some of the best and brightest technology minds.

Among the innovative features already available in Ford vehicles, the award-winning SYNC® connectivity system enables drivers to stay connected with the latest mobile technology using voice commands so that hands can stay on the wheel and eyes on the road. The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion offers one of the industry’s most complete suites of advanced driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise control and the Lane Keeping System all in an affordable midsize family sedan. Ford researchers are also hard at work on future systems including a driver workload estimator to help drivers manage stressful situations on the road.

The Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s most significant, high-profile editorial effort of the year. The editorial team spends months gathering and sifting data to identify those enterprises that exemplify the best in business from across the economy and around the world. The end result is a package that dares to be different, emphasizing not just revenue growth and profit margins but also progressive business models and an ethos of creativity. This year’s honorees include major brands like Samsung and Coca-Cola, creative upstarts like Nasty Gal and Uber, and social disruptors like Coursera and D-Rev. Internationally Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies package spans the globe celebrating such companies as Kenya’s Safaricom (No. 9), Israel’s SodaStream (No. 23), Russia’s Oktogo online travel service (No. 35) and China’s Landwasher (No. 38).

In addition to the Top 50, Fast Company also ranks the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in 10 categories, including Big Data, Entertainment, Finance, and Food — all of which are featured in the print edition and on FastCompany.com. Additional Top 10 lists will continue to be rolled out online and through social channels in the weeks to come. Special online-only coverage: The Most Innovative Moments in Business, from Apple to Starbucks, Airbnb to Disney.

Notable on this year’s list: the absence of social media giants Facebook and Twitter. “Neither produced innovations worth celebrating,” the magazine explains in an accompanying article. “In the history of our list, fewer than one-third of the companies return from one year to the next. This year, only seven are consecutive honorees, an indication of how more companies in more corners of the world are innovating to seek a competitive edge, with the stakes only getting higher.”

Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March 2013) is on newsstands beginning Feb. 19 and available online at www.fastcompany.com/MIC as well as in app form via iTunes.

Larry Geweke Ford Celebrates 25

Thank you all for your confidence in Larry Geweke Ford.

We strive forward every day seeking to continue earning your confidence.

  

Visit Our Parts Department

   

Visit our parts department for all your Ford and Kia parts needs, including maintenance parts and chemicals. We also have factory accessories, such as Keyless Entry Keypad.  

See Scott For Commercial Service

  

Scott Babler has been with Larry Geweke's Service Department for over 11 years and is excellent at taking care of our customers. Scott is also our Commercial Truck/Fleet Service Writer and he knows what it means to get those folks who use their trucks everyday for work, to get them back in operation as soon as possible with the least amount of downtime.

So, where is Scott? He's in the back of the building on the eastern side of the service department where the heavy duty truck stalls are located. His office is right there. 

Give Scott a call at his direct line: 530-821-4735 and let him know how he can help you get your vehicle in top working order.

Scott wanted to let all our customers know that Larry Geweke can work on all makes and models of trucks, including those with CAT, Cummins, International, and other engine makes.* So, if your fleet has a mix of trucks, bring them all here! Save time and money.

* Give Scott a call and he will give you all the details.

Five Lessons About The Way We Treat People

1. First Important Lesson - Cleaning lady

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the Cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark haired and in her fifties, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely, " said the professor.. "In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant... they deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name.

2. Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the rain

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African-American Woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached ... it read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying Husband's' bedside just before he passed away... God Bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3. Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.  "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream he inquired?" By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.. Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4. Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in our path

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

5. Fifth Important Lesson - Giving when it counts

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

So remember ...

"Live with no regrets, treat people the way you want to be treated, work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching!"  

President's Day Sale!

 

February 15th through 18th

Please call for extra incentives Paul Brown at Geweke Ford/Kia 530-682-7693 

MAMA favors Fusion, now Family Vehicle of the Year

The Midwest Automotive Media Association, gracious hosts of the Spring Collection Road Rally at Road America each year, has bestowed on the 2013 Ford Fusion its Family Vehicle of the Year award. Eligible cars must start under $50,000, be new or significantly updated, and have made an appearance at a MAMA rally for journalists to drive and evaluate. Click here for more.

 

Ford NAIAS: Locally Global

Check out another great video of our NAIAS Digital Summit.

Ford Dealers Give Tens of Millions to U.S. Nonprofits, Provide Thousands of Volunteer Hours Annually

• Ford and Lincoln dealers contribute between $35.1 million and $84.6 million to charities and nonprofits across the U.S. annually, a Ford Motor Company survey shows

• The sheer amount of hours dealers and their employees donate also entails up to an additional 4,380 people working 40 hours per week year-round

• Videos: Six winners of Ford’s annual Salute to Dealers awards demonstrate breadth of local giving, showing exceptional generosity toward their communities

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 11, 2013 – Ford and Lincoln dealers contribute between $35.1 million and $84.6 million to charities and nonprofits in their communities across the U.S. per year, according to the results of a Ford Motor Company survey.

 

Ford’s Dealer Giving study, the first of its kind, was administered by Ford to its dealers and was conducted in association with the 13^th annual Salute to Dealers awards ceremony which took place on Feb. 8, in tandem with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention in Orlando, Fla.

 

The Salute to Dealers awards recognizes dealers who go above and beyond when it comes to giving back to their communities. Six dealers were selected from among more than 8,500 Ford dealers worldwide for exhibiting unparalleled giving, dedication and leadership to their communities.

 

Ford Survey on Dealer Giving results

In Ford’s survey, 90 percent of 328 U.S. respondents who represent 10 percent of the company’s total Ford and Lincoln dealers in the U.S. indicated they give both time and money to charitable causes*.

 

• 42.7 percent of dealers donate between $20,001 and $50,000 per year, representing $25,261,263 to $63,150,000 worth of donations per year across Ford’s dealer network
• 24.7 percent of dealers donate between $10,001 and $20,000 per year, representing $7,310,731 to $14,620,000 worth of donations per year across Ford’s dealer network
• 17.1 percent of dealers donate between $5,001 and $10,000 per year, representing $2,530,506 to $5,060,000 worth of donations per year across Ford’s dealer network
• 12.3 percent of dealers donate between $1 and $5,000 per year, representing $364 to $1,820,000 worth of donations per year across Ford’s dealer network

In addition, Ford and Lincoln dealers reported on the amount of time they and their employees donate monthly to local charities and nonprofits. The amount of volunteer time ranged between 31,954 hours and 58,370 hours per month, equating to a work force of as many as 4,380 people working year-round at 40 hours a week to benefit local concerns. Given nonprofits widely report budget and staff shortages, this additional resource represents a considerable boon for the country’s charitable concerns.

 

• Conversely, 58,370 donated hours per month equates to 6.7 years of work done in a single year
• 20.2 percent of dealers invest 30 to 40 hours of time per month, representing 17,910 to 23,880 volunteer hours per month across Ford’s dealer network
• 23.3 percent of dealers invest 10 to 20 hours of time per month, representing 6,890 to 13,780 volunteer hours per month across Ford’s dealer network
• 39.7 percent of dealers invest one to 10 hours of time per month, representing 1,174 to 11,740 volunteer hours per month across Ford’s dealer network
• 10.1 percent of dealers invest 20 to 30 hours of time per month, representing 5,980 to 8,970 volunteer hours per month across Ford’s dealer network

Dealers were asked in the survey to indicate all the charities they donate both money and time to. The top charities were ranked as follows: children’s causes (92.9 percent), education/scholarships (78.5 percent), religious-driven causes (63.1 percent), hunger relief (51.3 percent), veterans (47.4 percent), municipal services including police and fire (38.5 percent), disaster relief (27.6 percent), animal relief (26.9 percent) and environment (23.4 percent).

 

Salute to Dealers is conducted under the leadership of Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s board of directors. The program was launched in 2001 to demonstrate the company’s commitment to its thousands of dealer principals who step beyond their showroom doors to make a difference in the communities where they live and work.

 

“While these survey results show the impressive contributions our dealers make across the U.S., it’s key to note that our dealers contribute to charities and nonprofits around the world,” said Ford. “It’s clear how passionate they feel about their own local philanthropic support as a meaningful pursuit they pass on to their employees and future generations.”

 

Edsel B. Ford II and three other judges selected winners from a total global field of 61 nominees located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Asia Pacific, Caribbean & Central America, Africa and the Middle East regions.

 

A painted portrait of each honoree will have a montage of philanthropic and volunteer activities that led to the award. Duplicates of the portraits will join a Salute to Dealers display in the lobby of Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., for year-round viewing. The winners include:

 

Jack Kain – Jack Kain Ford, Versailles, Ky., USA – A first-generation Ford dealer, Jack Kain’s more than 60 years of community investment offer an inspiring vision of what can be achieved in a lifetime of community service. He has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life, educational and business resources of the community surrounding his dealership in Versailles, Ky. Key examples of his leadership include founding an economic development authority, chairing the local chamber of commerce, founding a seniors center, making personal loans to keep the local hospital open, securing federal grants and funding to bring safe municipal water to rural areas, donating land for a new road to the technical college and securing the presence of an addiction recovery center within driving distance for residents. Visit thislink to watch a video on Jack Kain.

 

Bill Jarrett – Bill Jarrett Ford, Avon Park, Fla., USA – Bill Jarrett is a role model for making a difference in Highland County. He advocates, contributes and invests in youth charities, hunger relief and healthcare, in particular. Jarrett not only contributes financial resources, but spends numerous hours in leadership and fundraising activities. Examples include helping to organize and raise funds for a three-year pilot program called “Leader in Me” in four schools that make up the Highland County school system located in Avon Park. The program is based on Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” He alsosponsors and coordinates a yearly 5K run in which proceeds are donated to the Florida Hospital Heartland Division to assist in the establishment of a heart catheter lab. Jarrett created and sponsors other community initiatives including the Drive One for Your Heart program, and encourages community service at his dealership throughout the year in food collection for local pantries as well as packaging meals for local shelters. Visit this link to watch a video on Bill Jarrett.

 

Kevin Meehan – Imperial Ford, Mendon, Mass., USA – When he purchased a large parcel of land and built three state-of-the-art facilities to house his Ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler dealerships, Kevin Meehan had a vision of what he would bring to the town of Mendon in money and resources. As a result, he and his familyopen their home and dealerships for a variety of local causes and community building events, which they support all year long. For the past 10 years, Meehan has hosted the largest outdoor Christmas display in New England (43 acres) benefiting the Salvation Army. In addition, he provided funds and leadership for construction of a new police headquarters as well as renovations to the local hospital, swimming lake and recreational areas. His efforts further extend to children’s, community relief and veterans causes, among others. Visit this link to watch a video on Kevin Meehan.

 

Kittivut Chairat – Ford Chokechai Sukhothai, Sukhothai, Thailand, Asia Pacific – Kittivut Chairat dedicates both time and money to charitable causes surrounding education, children, resources and nourishment in his community. Both the dealer and his employees are deeply involved in numerous pursuits such as building ponds for raising fish, building mushroom huts, cleaning and rebuilding schools and playgrounds, constructing dams, planting trees and building fisheries, to name a few. Visit this link to watch a video on Kittivut Chairat.

 

Gazi Osman Ovali – Ovali Otomotiv, Antakya, Hatay, Turkey, Europe – Gazi Osman Ovali and his wife donate and provide leadership to a wide variety of causes within health, education and historical preservation. They donate 80  to 100 hours per month on average. Examples include donating a new library to the Hatay State Science High School along with plans to build a new automobile science laboratory for the local vocational high school. In addition, they are one of the main sponsors and supporters of the orphanage and nursing home of Hatay, and have arranged blood drives and assisted Syrian refugees. Visit this link to watch a video on Gazi Osman Ovali.

 

Dimas Arnaldo da Silva – Dimas Comércio de Automóveis Ltda, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil – The Dimas da Silvas are passionate fundraisers for numerous children’s causes including resources and toys at holidays and other times of the year. Visit this link to watch a video on Dimas Arnaldo da Silva.

 

 

F-150 We Own Work: Farming

A fleet of F-150 EcoBoost-equipped trucks grind it out in the fields day in and day out at Grimmway Farms. See how they prove their capability, efficiency and reliability.

Ford Focus Electric Earns Top Vehicle Safety Rating from NHTSA

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2013 Ford Focus Electric a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing

• Focus Electric was designed with safety in mind with its airbags and AdvanceTrac^® with electronic stability control

• The driver’s airbag uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 7, 2013 – The 2013 Ford Focus Electric earned a top vehicle safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

 

Focus Electric, Ford’s first all-electric passenger vehicle, earned a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

 

“As more people shop for electrified vehicles, the Focus Electric now offers both a top vehicle safety rating from NHTSA and a faster-charging technology that allows it to fully recharge in three to four hours,” said Steve Kenner, global director of the Ford Automotive Safety Office.

 

Focus Electric features front and side airbag technologies to tailor deployment to individual occupants. The driver’s airbag uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes. Innovative side airbags feature unique shoulder vents that stay open and reduce pressure for smaller occupants who typically benefit from reduced forces.

 

Ford just announced that more than 900 Ford dealers will soon be certified to sell plug-in electrified vehicles, including Focus Electric, up from 67 dealers in February 2012. The spike in electric vehicle-certified Ford dealers reflects increased demand for the company’s electrified vehicles. Ford’s share of the electrified vehicle market is now second behind only Toyota.

 

Focus Electric safety and security features include:

• AdvanceTrac^® with electronic stability control
• Dual-stage front airbags
• Front seat side airbags
• Side-curtain airbags
• Four-wheel anti-lock braking system
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children)
• Anti-theft engine immobilizer

The 2013 Ford Focus earned a NHTSA five-star Overall Vehicle Score as well.

Ford Announces Fiesta ST Race Car, Expanded Partnerships for Global RallyCross Championship

• Ford Racing to introduce new OlsbergsMSE-built Fiesta ST Global RallyCross Championship (GRC) race car based off the new Ford Fiesta ST production car, which goes on sale this summer

• The OlsbergsMSE Fiesta ST GRC cars will be driven by Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan

• Ford Racing and OlsbergsMSE sign a multiyear manufacturer partnership to build on their back-to-back Global RallyCross Championships and multiple X Games medals

• Ford driver and 2012 X Games silver medalist Ken Block will also compete in the 2013 Global RallyCross Championship and will introduce his new Fiesta ST GRC car later this year

• The OlsbergsMSE Fiesta ST GRC race car will be on display Thursday and Friday at the Chicago Auto Show

• Ford announced as sole automotive sponsor for the 2013 summer X Games with RallyCross events at all four global events

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 6, 2013 – In many ways the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST is a race car built for the street; Global RallyCross Championship (GRC) fans will soon get an up-close view of the same car built exclusively for competition at the Chicago Auto Show.

 

With Ford’s global launch of Fiesta ST under way, Ford Racing will introduce the ST performance badge in the 2013 season of the Global RallyCross Championship and Global X Games events.

 

The move is part of an expanded Global RallyCross program for Ford as it capitalizes on the growing popularity of the series and its increased visibility through X Games and some larger-than-life personalities, including Tanner Foust, Brian Deegan and Ken Block.

 

The first Fiesta ST GRC cars will debut this season with Block, Deegan and two-time Global RallyCross champion Foust. Foust and Deegan will give performance car enthusiasts and media the first look at the OlsbergsMSE Fiesta ST GRC race car this week at the Chicago Auto Show.

 

“Global RallyCross has been a great series for us to demonstrate what Ford’s small performance cars can do,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “With great drivers and teams, and now a formal manufacturer partnership with OlsbergsMSE, Ford Racing’s commitment to Global RallyCross is quickly growing. We’re excited about the debut of the Fiesta ST GRC car this year, and it will be fantastic to see Ford’s global performance car compete in four countries around the world this season.”

 

To support development of the RallyCross Fiesta ST program, Ford Racing has formalized its manufacturer partnership with OlsbergsMSE, whose credentials include two consecutive GRC driver championships with Foust, and podium finishes at all six rounds in 2012. The team has helped Ford earn GRC manufacturer’s championships in 2011 and 2012.

 

OlsbergsMSE will field the Fiesta STs for Foust and Deegan.

 

“OlsbergsMSE has a good history developing extreme/RallyCross cars, and with the longer-term manufacturer relationship with Ford and its technical support, together we will develop even stronger RallyCross cars,” said Andreas Eriksson, OlsbergsMSE team principal. “The partnership is exactly what OlsbergsMSE needs to continue to be a winning team in the coming years.

 

“There are great teams and manufacturers coming to the series and the sport,” Eriksson continued. “We will have better and tougher competition, and I look forward to the challenge of staying persistent in the development of our cars.

 

“Outside of our technical development, we will also be very focused on providing our drivers with the information and input they need to be the best,” Eriksson added. “This is the way our entire OlsbergsMSE program moves forward, together with Ford. To be the best in this extreme sport, hard work and dedication is required from drivers and team.”

 

Joining Foust and Deegan to round out Ford’s GRC program is Block and the Hoonigan Racing Division. Block’s strong 2012 Global RallyCross season was highlighted by a silver medal at X Games 18 behind World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb, and he posted top two qualifying positions in each of the series’ last four rounds.

 

“I’m stoked to be able to say I’m going to be continuing to race Fords in Global RallyCross for the next few years, especially with the four X Games events this summer,” said Block. “For the upcoming 2013 season, my team is taking everything we learned during my rookie season last year and applying it to an all-new RallyCross car. It’s going to be a fun season.”

 

The Global RallyCross Championship will have a true global presence in 2013. In addition to five expected North American events, there will be four X Games in 2013 with RallyCross competition. Ford is sole automotive sponsor for all four 2013 summer global X Games, which will include the traditional event in Los Angeles and new venues in Brazil, Spain and Germany.

 

“Global RallyCross and X Games allow us to connect with the next generation of Ford customers and a very important group of performance enthusiasts,” said Allison. “They already know Ford for great products like Mustang and Raptor, but are becoming a real force helping drive the growing B- and C-car performance segments.”

 

Fiesta success in 2012 Global RallyCross Championship

• 1-2 finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Marcus Gronholm and Foust
• Sweep at Texas Motor Speedway with Gronholm, Foust and Deegan
• Silver and bronze at X Games with Block and Deegan
• Third-place podium finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with Deegan
• 1-2 finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Foust and Deegan
• 1-2 finish at SEMA in Las Vegas with Foust and Deegan
• Foust clinched second-consecutive GRC Championship, followed by Deegan
• Ford clinched second-consecutive GRC manufacturer’s championship with four first-place finishes and 12 podium appearances