The Ford Advantage & Payment Protection Program!

Today we are announcing the launch of the Ford Advantage Plan & Ford Payment Protection Program!

This Program offers stand-alone 0% Financing for 36 months on all 2008, 2009 and 2010 vehicles (exclusing 2010 hybrids and 08/09/10 Mustang Shelby GT500's and KR's.

The Ford Payment Protection Program will cover up to 12 months of payments in the event a customer is involuntarily unemployed.

Both of these programs will be available on all aligible sales starting March 31st, 2009!

For more info, give us a call at 321-452-9220 and ask to speak with a Sales Associate!

Early Across America: Still Ford Tough

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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Earns Top Safety Pick!

2010 Fusion Hybrid Earns 'Top Safety Pick', Gives Ford Hybrids Best Fuel Economy and Safety Combo

-- The 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and their hybrid versions received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick" rating

-- Ford hybrids offer the best combination of safety and fuel economy as Fusion and Milan hybrids join the Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids as the only vehicles in their segments with leading fuel economy, "Top Safety Pick" awards and exclusive safety technologies

-- The Fusion and Milan deliver segment-exclusive safety and driver-aid technologies, such as SYNC(TM) with 911 Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)

DEARBORN, Mich., March 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The all-new 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid - the most fuel efficient midsize cars in North America - has received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Ford (NYSE: F) is the only automotive brand to offer two hybrids that have segment-leading fuel efficiency, "Top Safety Pick" awards and exclusive safety technologies. The Fusion Hybrid offers 41 mpg city while the Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market and also garnered a "Top Safety Pick."
"Customers no longer have to choose between fuel economy and safety - now they can have both with the Fusion and Escape hybrids," said Susan Cischke, group vice president, Ford Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

The new Fusion Hybrid's class-leading fuel economy bests the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city. It also features Ford's innovative SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide, which coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

In addition, the new Fusion and Milan offer three fuel-sipping gas engine options, including the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry. The 3.5-liter V-6 powers the all-new Fusion Sport model.

Side impact protection

Fusion and Milan get some of their core strength from the use of lightweight high-strength steel in the body structure. The structure of the Fusion helps it withstand intrusion in a side impact. The tailor-welded B-pillars between the front and rear doorframes are stronger at the top of the vehicle - from below the beltline upward - than at the bottom. This helps to channel energy below the level of the occupants. At the torso level and above, the structure helps to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.

"The new Fusion and Milan continue to build on Ford's leading safety heritage and prove yet again that a high level of safety can come in a midsize package," said Steve Kozak, chief engineer, Ford Safety Systems.

Fusion's side-protection elements include:

-- Two energy absorbing foam blocks between the inner door panels and interior trim, aligned with the occupants' chest and hip

-- Side-intrusion beams inside the door, anchored at the hinge and latch areas

-- Tailor-welded steel in the B-pillar structure with extra thickness--nearly a quarter inch of solid steel--above the beltline

-- Seat-deployed thorax air bags for front occupants and side-curtain air bags for head protection in both rows

Segment-exclusive features

Among the segment-exclusive safety and driver aid technologies on the new Fusion and Milan are Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) and 911 Assist.

BLIS with CTA uses two multiple-beam radars in the rear quarter panels (one per side) for two different - but important - purposes. BLIS checks the defined blind spot zone, which is about 10 feet from the back of the bumper to the outside mirrors. When a vehicle is detected, an amber light in the outside mirror of whichever side the vehicle is on lights up. The driver is still responsible for any lane changes, but the BLIS is there to help.

Cross Traffic Alert notifies the driver of impending traffic when backing out of a parking spot and warns the driver when a vehicle is detected within three car widths of either side of the car. As with BLIS, the driver is warned with a light in the outside mirror on the side of the traffic. A warning beep is also sounded.

For safety and security, the 2010 Fusion and Milan include 911 Assist, a new feature integrated into the award-winning Ford SYNC(TM) hands-free system. 911 Assist is designed to aid occupants in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator if an accident that activates an air bag or the emergency fuel cutoff occurs. Unlike competitive systems that are routed through an intermediate call center, 911 Assist places the call directly to the 911 operator to speed response time. Ford Escape also features SYNC with 911 Assist.

A recent Ford study shows that SYNC's hands-free operation significantly reduces the level of distraction when drivers select a phone number or choose a song on their MP3 player compared with the same operations with hand-held cell phones and music players.

"We know people want to stay connected in their vehicles, so we're delivering that connectivity for them responsibly and safely," Cischke said. "Our research backs up what most of us instinctively know - that it's better while driving to place a call using a voice interface than dialing manually, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."

About IIHS's Top Safety Picks

To receive IIHS's "Top Safety Pick," vehicles must earn the top "good" ratings in the Institute's offset frontal and side crash tests, and a rear crash test simulation that evaluates seat and head restraints. An added requirement since 2007 is that vehicles also must offer electronic stability control. Ford Motor Company has more IIHS "Top Safety Picks" than any other automaker.

Both Fusion and Milan offer AdvanceTrac(R) electronic stability control as standard equipment. The safety system uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle's speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When AdvanceTrac(R) senses wheel slip, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied where needed to help the driver keep the car tracking on its intended path.

Safety and Security

Fusion and Milan's standard safety features also include:

Six Standard Air Bags and Ford's Personal Safety System(R): Safety features include six air bags (dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, chest side air bags for front-seat occupants and side-impact air curtains), safety belt pretensioners, seat weight-sensing system for the passenger seat and crash-severity sensing.
 

BeltMinder(R): BeltMinder is a Ford technology that takes over after the initial safety belt reminder stops chiming. If the driver remains unbuckled, the system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first.
 

LATCH: The Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren system provides convenient mounting points for compatible child seats.
 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System: This system warns a driver if one or more tires are significantly underinflated. An active pressure sensor with a radio transmitter is mounted inside each tire. A receiver in the vehicle monitors each transmitter, and if tire pressure is not within specific limits, it will activate a visual warning light.

JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study

DEARBORN, March 19, 2009 – Ford Motor Company is pleased with its results in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures the dependability of vehicles within the first three years of use.

The Ford brand improved better than industry average by decreasing problems per 100 (PP100) by 22 percent from 204 to 159, moving the brand up two places from 14th place among all brands to 12th. Mercury and Lincoln each improved, decreasing PP100 by 11 percent each. Ford leads its domestic peers in the number of segment leaders, which includes Lincoln Zephyr, Ford Ranger, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Mark LT. Eight additional Ford Motor company vehicles landed in several “top 3” segment leader positions, including Ford F-150 LD, Mercury Milan, Ford Mustang, Lincoln Town Car, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Mercury Montego, and Ford Freestar.

These results, along with other consumer-driven indicators, show that we are making solid progress on our promise to deliver high initial quality, long-term durability and overall customer satisfaction.

Jaguar Recognized for Exceptional Dependability!

JAGUAR CARS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCEPTIONAL DEPENDABILITY BY J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES

• Jaguar ties as the highest ranking nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study^SM (VDS)
• Third recent honor for Jaguar's commitment to satisfying customers with high quality and exceptional service
• Dependability now a hallmark of the new Jaguar

MAHWAH, N.J., March 19, 2009 – The Jaguar lineup of beautiful, fast cars was recognized for its industry-leading overall long-term quality in J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study^SM (VDS), released today. This recognition of Jaguar's dependability and customer satisfaction is the third of its kind in the past year, demonstrating the impact of the company's commitment to produce the finest cars in the world, both in terms of the driving and ownership experience.

Jaguar's recent quality and customer service achievements:

• Jaguar ties as the highest ranking nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study^SM (VDS)
• Jaguar was number one in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study^SM
• Jaguar was the top automotive brand in BusinessWeek's list of "Customer Service Champs"

"Ranking top in the United States' leading survey on vehicle dependability is recognition that Jaguar not only makes the most desirable cars, but now, the most dependable too," commented Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar Managing Director.

"And quality and reliability are only a part of Jaguar's new success," he continued. "Just this year we've introduced two outstanding new engine series that set the standard for performance, fuel economy and emissions, while our new super high-performance models, the XFR and XKR, are getting excellent reviews from the world's auto writers."

"Stand-out design, stunning performance and superb dependability - This Is The New Jaguar!" concluded O'Driscoll.

Gary Temple, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America added, "High quality is an essential element of the brand's promise to its customers and we are pleased to have our achievements recognized for the third time in the past year. Jaguar customers commit to the brand because they desire a distinctive premium car, and they stay with the brand because the product and the dealership experience surpass their expectations for a luxury vehicle."

JAGUAR MOMENTUM
Jaguar finished 2008 with global sales of more than 65,000 cars – an increase of 8% over 2007 and one of only a handful of automotive brands to report a year-on-year sales increase. At the NAIAS 2009, Jaguar officially unveiled the new AJ-V8 Gen III petrol and AJ-V6 D diesel* engines, the new XFR and the next generation XKR Coupe and Convertible, all available in 2010 Model Year.

The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III and supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R petrol engines continue to build on Jaguar's legendary performance and deliver Jaguar's most efficient & most powerful V8 engines ever – they optimize power and efficiency to create fully competitive fuel economy and CO₂ overall. Two engine variants – (1) 5.0-liter naturally aspirated, producing 385hp which is 25% more than its predecessor and (2) 5.0-liter supercharged, producing 510hp. Compared to its supercharged 4.2-liter V8 predecessor, the 5.0-liter power has increased by 23 percent, and torque has increased by 12 percent with no loss in fuel efficiencies and a decrease in emissions.

*Not available in North America.

About Jaguar
From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world's premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized commercial brands. The company's vision is simple: To produce beautiful fast cars that are desired the world over. The company operates two manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom and is fully engaged in environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such as motorsports.

STUART SCHORR APPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS FOR JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA

SCHORR COMPLETES NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM FOLLOWING THE COMPANY RELOCATION TO N.J.

MAHWAH, N.J. March 16, 2009 – Stuart Schorr has been appointed Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Jaguar Land Rover North America, effective today. Schorr will be responsible for all communications, including corporate and internal communications, and Jaguar and Land Rover product and brand communications. He will also be responsible for managing government affairs communication for the organization.

With Schorr’s appointment and the recent hiring of Richard Beattie as Executive Vice President, Jaguar, the company now has in place its complete new leadership team at its Mahwah, N.J. headquarters. Schorr will report to Gary Temple, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America and Simon Warr, Director, Global Communications and Public Affairs and will have direct responsibility for communications staff in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I'm delighted to welcome Stuart to the Jaguar Land Rover team to lead our critically important communications efforts with the media, our employees, dealers, opinion leaders and government officials,” said Temple. “Stuart's expertise and knowledge of the automotive industry will be critical as we shape our company's future, and his appointment completes our new executive management team.”

Schorr, 43, previously served as Senior Manager, Communications for Chrysler LLC, in Auburn Hills, Michigan most recently responsible for External Affairs and Public Policy, Stakeholder and Electronic Communications. Previously at Chrysler, LLC he had overseen global sales public relations, and at Chrysler Canada, LLC, led the communications department. Schorr also held managerial positions within DaimlerChrysler AG in Washington D.C., covering public policy and external affairs, as well as for Mercedes-Benz USA as Regional Communications Manager, in Bethesda, Md.

“Stuart is a great addition to our global public relations team,” said Simon Warr, Director, Global Communications and Public Affairs, Jaguar Land Rover. “Through his communications expertise, relationships with the media and knowledge of the automotive industry he will make a significant contribution to our new look operation in one of our largest markets. I look forward to working with him.”

“There could not be a better time to join Jaguar Land Rover North America than right now,” said Schorr. “The company has the mindset of a global startup, fully committed to the ongoing successful transformation of the legendary Jaguar and Land Rover brands. Today these brands offer some of the most exciting, desirable and capable products in the world. Propelled by the company’s design and technology capabilities, the future appears even brighter for its employees, dealers, and ultimately customers.”

Our Economy: Auto News

A new “fleet modernization” bill is expected to be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week, reviving interest in a new vehicle incentive to stimulate the economy while putting more fuel-efficient vehicles on the road. Ford supports this legislative effort to stimulate consumer demand for autos as a win-win-win for the economy, the environment and energy independence. Sales in Germany and other world markets have been positively stimulated by fleet modernization incentives. This would be great news for all so stay tuned.

Fast Facts About Ford Hybrids

Launched in 2004, the Ford Escape Hybrid was the world's first domestically produced hybrid SUV

The Ford Escape Hybrid debuted on the streets in Manhattan in 2004, setting a record driving 37 hours straight and 576 miles on a single tank of gas

In 2005, San Francisco became the first city in the United States to use a hybrid SUV in its taxi fleet with the Ford Escape Hybrid

Today, there currently are 250 Ford Escape Hybrids providing taxi service in San Francisco and 1,400 Ford Escape Hybrids providing taxi service in New York City

Kermit the Frog debuted with the Ford Escape Hybrid in 2006 in an award-winning Super Bowl ad bringing two green icons together with the "It must be easy being green after all” campaign

Escape Hybrid continues to be the most fuel-efficient (34 mpg city/31 mpg hwy) and cleanest (ATPZEV) SUV on the planet

In 2006, Ford created a fleet of E-85 Ford Escape Hybrids – capable of operating on blends of fuel containing up as much as 85% ethanol, a renewable fuel – demonstrating a combination of two technologies that could contribute to the nation’s energy security

Ford is doubling its hybrid production in 2009

The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids are the newest additions to Ford's hybrid lineup

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is America’s most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan at 41 mpg city driving, beating the Toyota Camry by 8 mpg

In January, 2009, Ford announced its electrification strategy to deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to market by 2012 – the Ford Escape Hybrid serves as the base for Ford's Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) demonstration fleet with utility companies around the country

Ford Celebrates Green Milestone as 100,000th Hybrid SUV Rolls Off Line at Kansas City Plant

March 10, 2009 – Ford Motor Company today celebrated the production of its 100,000th hybrid SUV and reinforced its commitment to ramping up production of hybrid vehicles this year.

Ford launched the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids five years ago and the vehicles remain the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. At the same time as workers at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant celebrated the hybrid milestone, Ford dealers are preparing to begin selling the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, which will be America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedans.

“As we celebrate our 100,000th hybrid, America’s interest in hybrid vehicles keeps growing, as does Ford’s commitment to advanced powertrain technologies that deliver greater fuel economy, lower emissions and help enhance our country’s energy security,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “No domestic automaker has more real-world experience with hybrid vehicle technology than Ford, and it shows in the quality and fuel economy of our vehicles.”

Today, the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV and Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV deliver 34 mpg city driving, 31 mpg highway. The newest entries to Ford’s hybrid lineup, the Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid deliver 41 mpg city driving, 36 mpg highway, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the market today.

The Kansas City Assembly Plant, which employs 4,100 people, has been the hub for Ford’s hybrid SUV production since 2004 when the first Ford Escape Hybrid rolled off the line. Lean, flexible manufacturing processes and specially-trained employees at the plant allow the hybrids to be built on the same production line as conventional Escape and Mariner SUVs.

“All of us at the plant feel tremendous pride as we celebrate this important milestone,” said Ken Ward, Kansas City plant manager. “We are as enthusiastic about building the 100,000th vehicle today as we were at the initial launch.”

Jeff Wright, president of UAW Local 249 at the Kansas City plant also was at the plant when the first Escape Hybrid was built.

“We have a great workforce in Kansas City and they are committed to building a high-quality vehicle,” he said. “It’s a testament to the employees that the hybrids have performed so well on the road.”

In addition to the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, the Kansas City Assembly Plant builds the Ford F-150 Regular Cab, Super Cab and Super Crew; the Ford Escape; the Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute.

In 2004, Ford introduced the world to the first hybrid SUV – the Ford Escape Hybrid – by taking a record-breaking trek through the congested streets of Manhattan, where the vehicle exceeded all expectations, driving 37 straight hours and 576 miles on a single tank of gas.

The Escape Hybrid made history again in 2005 when it became the first hybrid vehicle to be used as a taxi in the U.S. The Escape Hybrid taxis were first introduced in San Francisco, and soon after, in New York City. There are now 250 Escape Hybrids providing taxi service in San Francisco and 1,400 in New York City.

This month, a San Francisco Escape Hybrid cab fleet accumulated 300,000 miles with no major mechanical problems. It is a true demonstration of the durability and reliability of the vehicles. Compared with conventional cabs, those 300,000 “hybrid” miles translate into a savings of approximately 5,000 gallons of gas or 100,000 pounds of carbon emissions.

From the streets of New York and San Francisco to the sandy beaches of Southern California, the Ford Escape Hybrid has proven to be the green vehicle of choice for a variety of users. Currently, a fleet of 45 customized Escape Hybrids serve as rescue vehicles for the Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguards along 72 miles of California coastline.

After almost a year of rescue patrol, Mike Frazer, chief of Lifeguard Services, Los Angeles County Fire Department, says the lifeguards’ appreciation of the Escape Hybrids continues to grow, especially now in difficult economic times.

“Our fuel consumption and costs have gone down dramatically. The money we are saving on fuel has allowed us to maintain our critical front line staffing despite the economic downturn. We also are saving money on vehicle maintenance,” he explained. “It is not a stretch to say that our new fleet of Ford Escape Hybrids is allowing more lifeguards to staff towers and in essence, helping us saving lives.”

The interior of the Escape Hybrid features earth-friendly cloth seat fabric made from post-industrial materials – polyester fibers that would have ended up in landfills otherwise. The cushions also are made from a bio-based polyurethane foam derived from the oils of various plant seeds such as soybeans.

Today, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids still are giving customers what they want – a “no-compromise” sport utility vehicle that combines the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a “full” hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of a small SUV.
The 2009 Escape and Mariner Hybrids offer an array of new features and technologies to strengthen their claim as America’s most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly SUVs.

Both the 2009 Escape and Mariner Hybrids have been recognized with a number of awards and accolades. Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com recently named the Escape Hybrid one of its “2009 Best New Family Vehicles.” Other accolades include:

• “2009 Automotive Best Buys” by Consumers Digest magazine
• “Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000” by IntelliChoice.com
• “Greener Choices” by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
• Ward’s Automotive Group “2009 Best Engines” list for the redesigned 2.5L I-4 engine
Ford recently launched the next step in the electrification of vehicles with an aggressive plan to bring pure battery-electric vehicles, next-generation hybrids and a plug-in hybrid to market by 2012. During the next four years, Ford will introduce in North America: a battery electric Transit Connect commercial van in 2010, battery electric passenger car in 2011, next-generation hybrid vehicles, and a plug-in version in 2012

Ford Leaving Chrysler, GM in its Rearview

Strategy to Build Brands, Discount Less Pays off As Automaker Steals Share Advertising Age 03/09/09

Jean Halliday Copyright (C) 2006 Crain Communications; Inc. All rights reserved.

Maybe it's the rising quality of its cars. Maybe it's the halo surrounding Ford for passing up federal funds being devoured by its Detroit rivals. Or it could simply be Ford's focus on building image in its marketing while others flog incentives. But for whatever reason, America seems to have decided that Ford is a better idea after all... Through January, Ford Motor Co.'s retail-market share had risen for four consecutive months for the first time in 14 years, and that share was coming from General Motors and Chrysler. New data from CNW Market Research show that 19% of consumers who planned to buy a GM passenger car in January or February instead bought a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury. Some 15% of people who set out to buy a Chrysler or Dodge car in January instead switched to one of Ford's brands.

Jaguar is on the move!

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The Ford Story: Our Plan & Progress

At Ford, we are headed in a new direction. We'd like you to know how very far Ford has come and how we're doing business differently.