Happy 4th of July!

“I believe in America because we have great dreams, and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.” 

— Wendell L. Wilkie

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Every Part Has to Work Together | Why The Right Parts Matter | Ford

Watch as Ford engineers explain how the complex systems that make up your Ford vehicle work together to meet specific safety requirements.

2015 Subaru Outback vs 2015 Ford Edge | Edge | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2015 Subaru Outback? Consider the 2015 Ford Edge first, with available Intelligent All-wheel Drive (AWD), foot-activated lift gate and more. See how you can Be Unstoppable – in the Ford Edge.

Safety Engineering: It's All in the Details | Why The Right Parts Matter | Ford

Watch as Ford engineers explain how the complex system that makes up your Ford vehicle works together to meet specific safety requirements for your airbags.

Ford engineers have come together to explain the whys and hows of using Ford original parts, and the importance of keeping your Ford a Ford.

2016 Dodge Ram 2500 vs 2016 Ford Super Duty | Super Duty | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2016 Dodge Ram 2500? Consider the 2016 Ford Super Duty with 860 lb. - ft. of standard torque, diesel fuel economy and 3,340 lbs. of payload. See how the Ford Super Duty is Built Tough.

2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid owners reveal what it’s like to own one | Fusion | Ford

We asked a couple who own a Ford Fusion Hybrid to tell us everything they love about their car – from its technology to its environmentally conscious features and comfort.

Versatile Ford Transit Connect Wagon Helps Balance Work and Play … and Your Side Business

• Devin Stovall, winner of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon giveaway, will use his customized wagon to start his own side business repairing bicycles and wheelchairs; the vehicle will double as a daily commuter and family van
• Side business ventures are on the rise, with many using it as a way to supplement income, or to exercise skills and passions not being fulfilled at their 9-to-5 jobs
• Ford Transit Connect Wagon – with optional seven-passenger seating and as much as 104 cubic feet of storage space with seats folded – is versatile enough to support work and play

DEARBORN, Mich., June 16, 2016 – New Ford Transit Connect Wagon owner Devin Stovall is one of a growing number of entrepreneurs putting their passion to work in a side venture.

Stovall – a husband and father of two from Lincoln Heights, California – recently won a customized 2016 Transit Connect Wagon as the randomly selected recipient of the Ford #Unminivan Giveaway.

“This summer, I’ll use our Transit Connect Wagon to service bicycles and wheelchairs on weekends and days off from my full-time job at a bicycle shop,” said Stovall. He plans to spend off-hours with his wagon fixing bicycles at popular mountain bike trails, BMX tracks and bicycle races, as well as repairing wheelchairs onsite at senior centers and assisted-living facilities.

Stovall’s Transit Connect Wagon has been customized with a roof rack, tow hitch, four-bike trailer, portable bicycle repair stand, roof-mounted Thule^® cargo box, air compressor, tire inflator and professional 65-piece toolkit. Ford also provided him with a portable DVD player and Apple^® iPad Air, so cyclists can watch cycling videos while their rides are repaired.

“During the week, I’ll use it to drive my oldest to preschool and my littlest to daycare,” he added. “Then, when I flip the seats down, it’s a great grocery-getter and beach-gear transporter. Being able to do this on my days off is really going to help give my family a better quality of life. I have to make a living, but I also want to help other people.”

Stovall isn’t the only one looking to make the most of his resources with a side business.

Side businesses are on the rise
Nick Loper, founder of the Side Hustle Nation blog and podcast, said the growing number of side ventures has been spurred by wage stagnation, decreased job security, and the rise of online platforms that reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and make it possible to work remotely.

“Part of it is reactive, in response to the job market and other factors, but the other part is proactive – people saying, ‘I want to work on the stuff I want to work on,’” said Loper.

Besides supplementing their income, many people are looking to exercise skills and passions not being used and fulfilled at their 9-to-5 jobs, he added.

Ford’s Sheryl Connelly, trends and futuring manager, said that in the aftermath of the great recession, people are reevaluating their situations. “They realize they have things that are underutilized that they can monetize, including vehicles and time,” she said. “Participating in the gig economy gives us a buffer, helping us work to live instead of live to work.”

The trend toward side work may continue as more and more millennials join the workforce. A 2015 survey of millennials by FlexJobs revealed that 33 percent of participants would ideally want to work part-time and freelance on the side.

Transit Connect Wagon supports work and play
Transit Connect Wagon will provide the versatility Stovall needs to bring his bike repair side venture to life and keep his family on the go.

“Transit Connect Wagon is great for dual use because there’s a lot of room for cargo and equipment with the seats folded,” said Stovall. “I also love how great it handles when cornering. I couldn’t think of a better vehicle in terms of interior space and gas mileage.”

In general, Transit Connect can get up to 29 mpg*, depending on the configuration. This makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious families and small business owners.

“The right vehicle is your partner for work or play,” said Julie Vangel, Ford assistant brand manager for Transit Connect. “It can power your side business while still being practical for your free time and family.”

Five-passenger, short-wheelbase Transit Connect Wagons feature second-row seats that flip, fold and tumble – or can be removed entirely – to provide additional cargo room. The front passenger seat folds flat** when you need a writing surface or shelf for a laptop. The low load floor makes it easy to transport the tools and equipment small business owners need.

Plus, Transit Connect Wagon is the only vehicle in its class with available seven-passenger seating. It also has impressive maneuverability, along with ample storage and towing capacities. Storage space expands to more than 104 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase configuration with the second- and third-row seats folded. Maximum towing capability with the available Trailer Tow Package is an unsurpassed 2,000 pounds.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

*EPA-estimated rating of 22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg. Available on short-wheelbase Transit Connect Wagons with 1.6L EcoBoost^®.

**Not available with leather-trimmed seats.

Game On! Ford Escape Launches World's Largest Escape the Room Experience with First-Ever Driveable Game

• Ford teams up with visionary puzzle master Victor Blake to design the world’s first Escape the Room drive experience, integrating technology from the new Ford Escape in a creative plot that will have players discovering a whole new side of New York State, and themselves
  

• Selling out in less than 24 hours, more than 1,000 players signed up for immersive group gaming experience, to be held June 23-26 at the Skylight at Moynihan Station in Midtown Manhattan; 35,000-square-foot venue is more than half the size of a professional football field
  

• Ford – aiming to connect with millennial buyers – leverages the experience economy trend to transform a typical test drive into something culturally relevant for the younger consumer
  

RELATED: Ford and I LOVE NEW YORK Kick Off Summer; First-Ever Collaboration Encourages New Yorkers to Escape the City

NEW YORK, June 20, 2016 – Ford Motor Company and the popular experiential game Escape the Room are teaming up to create the largest game experience yet – the first-ever driveable game that will challenge participants to use the latest technology and features of the 2017 Ford Escape to figure out clues and solve puzzles in a way that’s never been done before.

Designed in collaboration with New York State’s I LOVE NEW YORK campaign, creator and visionary puzzle master Victor Blake crafted a consumer experience like no other. Players will attempt to escape multiple rooms in one of New York’s most iconic buildings – Moynihan Station. Escape NYC: An Escape the Room Driving Experience takes place June 23-26.

“Younger, urban consumers today want to live through experiences and engage with brands that represent their lifestyle,” said Ginger Kasanic, Ford experiential marketing manager. “They are voracious consumers of life – they’re not spectators, they’re participants.

“Escape the Room NYC can be summed up as the experience economy trend putting a unique spin on the traditional test drive,” Kasanic adds.

The event is true to the gaming phenomenon Blake created, which has become one of the trendiest entertainment experiences with millennials, except for the fact it will occupy 35,000 square feet – making Escape NYC 50 times larger than the typical game experience, according to Blake.

“Ford asked if I’d be up for integrating the new Escape into an Escape the Room game, and the end result is unlike anything I’ve created before,” says Blake. “The SUV is packed with tons of advanced technology, and it was an entertaining exercise to integrate things like ultrasonic parking sensors into the puzzles and clues that are iconic to the game.”

At the landmark Moynihan Station, players will find themselves immersed in the hidden treasures of summertime in New York as they navigate the quintessential path of going from humble beginnings to making it big in the film industry. An expansive, five-room play space prompts participants to find clues that will guide their journey using various technological tools available in the new Ford Escape, and their own wits.

Some of the in-vehicle technologies integrated into the game:

• Digital music and streaming radio from iHeartRadio via SYNC^® AppLink^™
  
• Voice-to-text capabilities of SYNC 3 driver connect system
  
• Remote start and remote lock capabilities of SYNC Connect, via FordPass^™
  
• Premium audio system from Sony^® with Clear Phase^™ and Live Acoustics^™
  
• Enhanced active park assist
  
• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support
  
• Rearview camera
  
• Seven-color ambient lighting
  
• Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
  

Players are sworn to secrecy to ensure the game is fresh for everyone and nobody has an advantage.Throughout the game, players will discover a whole new side of New York State, and themselves.

The game, open to the public for four days, saw just more than 1,000 consumers sign up in less than 24 hours. Although pre-registration is sold out, walk-in spots will be available each day.
“We’re constantly looking for new ways to connect with consumers and teaming up with Escape the

Room allowed us to create a unique and unexpected experience to introduce our new Ford Escape and our technologies,” said Kasanic.

To further raise the profile of hidden gems and key destinations across New York State, Ford and I LOVE NEW YORK are releasing Summer Escape Travel Guides featuring weekend and extended getaways that can be best enjoyed in the 2017 Ford Escape. All participants will receive a custom Escape New York summer guide highlighting the state’s diverse vacation regions to help plan the perfect weekend getaway.

About Escape the Room

Starting with one game played in New York City in October of 2013, Escape the Room has grown into what is now known as the premiere live game and entertainment company in the United States. Developed by an all-star team of puzzle designers, theme park engineers and set designers, Escape the Room creates interactive, immersive games rooted in hyper-realistic scenarios with state of the art technology that sets the bar for experiential entertainment. With dozens of “rooms” in multiple cities across the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scottsdale, St. Louis, and Washington, DC, Escape the Room brings gaming into the real world. For more information, visit www.escapetheroom.com.

About iHeartMedia

With over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. and over 85 million social followers, iHeartMedia has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. It serves over 150 markets through 858 owned radio stations, and the company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM, HD digital radio, satellite radio, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company’s radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile app, in enhanced auto dashes, on tablets and smartphones, and on gaming consoles.

iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s digital radio platform, is the No. 1 all-in-one digital audio service with over a billion downloads; it reached its first 20 million registered users faster than any digital service in Internet history and reached 85 million registered users faster than any other radio or digital music service and even faster than Facebook. The company’s operations include radio broadcasting, online, mobile, digital and social media, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. iHeartMedia is a division of iHeartMedia, Inc. (OTCBB: IHRT). Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

About New York State

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls to the wine trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole family like hiking, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information, visit www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at www.iloveny.com/thebeat.

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, imaging, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $72 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/. Sony is a registered trademark, and Clear Phase and Live Acoustics are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Ford F-150, Mustang, C-MAX Energi Honored with Top Quality Impact Awards; Ford Earns Corporate-Level Award

DEARBORN, Mich., June 20, 2016 – Ford F-150, Mustang and C-MAX Energi won accolades from customers for delivering a positive ownership experience and high vehicle quality, earning Top Quality Impact awards from Strategic Vision.

Ford F-150 – part of America’s best-selling lineup of F-Series trucks – won the full-size truck segment. The toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever was recognized by customers for delivering power and pick-up, safety and quality workmanship.

“We see time and again that for consumers, innovation does more to communicate quality than an absence of problems does,” says Christopher Chaney, senior vice president, Strategic Vision.

Ford Mustang – which became the world’s best-selling sports coupe in its first year of global availability – won in the standard convertible segment based on high scores for image, interior design, and power and pick-up.

Ford C-MAX Energi took – a plug-in hybrid that can run in all-electric mode or on gas – received top honors in the small alternative powertrain car segment. C-MAX beat all other small hybrid and electrified vehicles in the survey by more than 150 points, including earning high marks for interior workmanship, comfort and thoughtful engineering.

Ford was recognized in the corporation category of the Total Quality Impact awards.

The awards are based on survey responses from more than 39,000 owners of new 2016 model year vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.

Read more here: http://www.strategicvision.com/#!“American-Quality-is-Already-Great-Again-Domestic-Vehicles-Win-Majority-of-Total-Quality-Awards”/xn2o1/57622f550cf2c6c5726628c7

Transit Mobility/Shuttle Van

Here's a great shuttle and mobility van in one great package from Nor-Cal Vans in Chico CA. We just sold this unit to a customer in Yuba City CA. See more photos and information here.

Or call Paul Brown at 530-682-7693 for more information.