Thursday, May 28, 2009
We Now Offer Road Hazard Warranty for Tire Purchases
Protect your investment with the new T3 Road Hazard Warranty available with purchase of new tires from Island. We'll also meet or beat any competitor's best price on name brand tires!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Ford Aims to Remain Safety Leader Following Volvo Sale
By Byron Pope from WARDSAUTO.com
DEARBORN, MI – Ford Motor Co.’s top safety engineer says the auto maker won’t miss a beat when it comes to developing cutting-edge safety technologies after it parts ways with its Volvo Car Corp. division.
“As much as I like my Volvo colleagues, Ford will be just as strong without them,” Steve Kozak, global chief engineer for safety systems, says at a safety demonstration here. “I don’t believe we’ll lose anything.”
Ford, which last year announced it was placing Volvo under strategic review and now is seeking buyers for the Swedish brand, developed much of its current safety systems independent of Volvo, Kozak says.
“Things like rollover curtain airbags, roll stability control, even these new radar systems we’re putting on the vehicles, were Ford developments,” he says, noting Volvo did play a role in the development of a number of other safety technologies.
Ford and Volvo have been working together since 1999, Kozak says, “so it’s almost seamless between us. I’m upset to see friends go that I’ve been working with for so many years, but it’s part of the business. Ford is ready for the challenge to continue to bring the highest level of safety to our vehicles.”
Ford says it holds more “Top Safety Pick” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other auto maker and more National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. 5-star ratings than any other brand.
The auto maker wants to cement its position as a leader in automotive safety after the departure of Volvo and reveals here tests used to develop safety systems it says go beyond the industry norm.
A ’10 Ford Taurus struck with shopping cart containing 110-lb. weight during safety test.
The main goal is to determine when to deploy airbags. The tests provide thousands of sensor readings during certain impacts that help calibrate the sensitivity of new airbag pressure sensors introduced on the ’09 Ford F-150 pickup and ’10 Taurus. Ford eventually will use the sensors on all of its models.
One such test mimics a common parking lot occurrence, where a shopping cart slams into the side of an idle vehicle.
In the test, a robot pushes a shopping cart containing a 110-lb. (50 kg) weight into the vehicle door at 10 mph (16 km/h). Pressure-based sensors inside the door measure the severity of the impact and determine whether it’s a life-threatening, airbag-deployable crash.
The sensors allow for the systems to determine the severity of a crash more accurately than traditional acceleration-based sensors, Kozak says.
“We’re using a sensor that (detects) the pressure wave inside the door when it’s impacted, very much like a subwoofer in your home stereo,” he says. “That replaces an accelerometer that was mounted closer to the occupant at the base of the B-pillar.
“I can do a much better job of discriminating the impact with the pressure sensor than with an accelerometer,” Kozak adds, noting Ford also tested the system using softballs and a crash dummy on a bicycle. “It works faster and is more effective in removing the events that could cause an inadvertent deployment.”
In another test, Ford engineers use a multi-tailed, lead-tipped steel whip to repeatedly lash portions of the undercarriage where side impact airbag sensors are located. The data is used to refine sensor calibrations.
Vehicles traveling at high speeds over obstacles often cause unnecessary airbag deployment, as well.
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Ford says this can occur when a driver is distracted. As such, engineers routinely propel all kinds of vehicles over parking blocks at the auto maker’s proving ground here at 55 mph (89 km/h) to ensure there is not a deployment.
Perhaps the most innovative test involves a water cannon attached to the rear of a Volvo V70 wagon.
The test is not designed to measure airbag sensitivity. Rather, it’s to help engineers understand the physics involved in a side-impact crash, which often results in a second collision with another vehicle.
During the test, a vehicle is driven at about 55 mph in a large arc, meant to simulate a freeway on/off ramp. At the apex, the cannon is discharged, simulating a side collision by forcing the rear end of the vehicle to swing out.
Jeffrey Rupp, manager-active safety research and engineering, says the data collected from the test already has yielded valuable information.
“The question that came up is, ‘What happens between the first crash and second crash, and what can we do to help the driver avoid the (second) accident?’” he says. “So if (the driver is) hit by another car, they might lose control, start to roll over, go off the road or head for a tree. We can help them avoid that.” Rupp says data gleaned from the tests likely will be used to create new algorithms for the electronic-stability control and brake-control units.
DEARBORN, MI – Ford Motor Co.’s top safety engineer says the auto maker won’t miss a beat when it comes to developing cutting-edge safety technologies after it parts ways with its Volvo Car Corp. division.
“As much as I like my Volvo colleagues, Ford will be just as strong without them,” Steve Kozak, global chief engineer for safety systems, says at a safety demonstration here. “I don’t believe we’ll lose anything.”
Ford, which last year announced it was placing Volvo under strategic review and now is seeking buyers for the Swedish brand, developed much of its current safety systems independent of Volvo, Kozak says.
“Things like rollover curtain airbags, roll stability control, even these new radar systems we’re putting on the vehicles, were Ford developments,” he says, noting Volvo did play a role in the development of a number of other safety technologies.
Ford and Volvo have been working together since 1999, Kozak says, “so it’s almost seamless between us. I’m upset to see friends go that I’ve been working with for so many years, but it’s part of the business. Ford is ready for the challenge to continue to bring the highest level of safety to our vehicles.”
Ford says it holds more “Top Safety Pick” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other auto maker and more National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. 5-star ratings than any other brand.
The auto maker wants to cement its position as a leader in automotive safety after the departure of Volvo and reveals here tests used to develop safety systems it says go beyond the industry norm.
A ’10 Ford Taurus struck with shopping cart containing 110-lb. weight during safety test.
The main goal is to determine when to deploy airbags. The tests provide thousands of sensor readings during certain impacts that help calibrate the sensitivity of new airbag pressure sensors introduced on the ’09 Ford F-150 pickup and ’10 Taurus. Ford eventually will use the sensors on all of its models.
One such test mimics a common parking lot occurrence, where a shopping cart slams into the side of an idle vehicle.
In the test, a robot pushes a shopping cart containing a 110-lb. (50 kg) weight into the vehicle door at 10 mph (16 km/h). Pressure-based sensors inside the door measure the severity of the impact and determine whether it’s a life-threatening, airbag-deployable crash.
The sensors allow for the systems to determine the severity of a crash more accurately than traditional acceleration-based sensors, Kozak says.
“We’re using a sensor that (detects) the pressure wave inside the door when it’s impacted, very much like a subwoofer in your home stereo,” he says. “That replaces an accelerometer that was mounted closer to the occupant at the base of the B-pillar.
“I can do a much better job of discriminating the impact with the pressure sensor than with an accelerometer,” Kozak adds, noting Ford also tested the system using softballs and a crash dummy on a bicycle. “It works faster and is more effective in removing the events that could cause an inadvertent deployment.”
In another test, Ford engineers use a multi-tailed, lead-tipped steel whip to repeatedly lash portions of the undercarriage where side impact airbag sensors are located. The data is used to refine sensor calibrations.
Vehicles traveling at high speeds over obstacles often cause unnecessary airbag deployment, as well.
Related Stories
Ford, Allstate Partner to Reduce Collision-Repair Costs
Auto Makers, Suppliers Gear Up to Make Small Cars Safer
Ford Leads Pack in ’09 IIHS Top Safety Picks
Ford says this can occur when a driver is distracted. As such, engineers routinely propel all kinds of vehicles over parking blocks at the auto maker’s proving ground here at 55 mph (89 km/h) to ensure there is not a deployment.
Perhaps the most innovative test involves a water cannon attached to the rear of a Volvo V70 wagon.
The test is not designed to measure airbag sensitivity. Rather, it’s to help engineers understand the physics involved in a side-impact crash, which often results in a second collision with another vehicle.
During the test, a vehicle is driven at about 55 mph in a large arc, meant to simulate a freeway on/off ramp. At the apex, the cannon is discharged, simulating a side collision by forcing the rear end of the vehicle to swing out.
Jeffrey Rupp, manager-active safety research and engineering, says the data collected from the test already has yielded valuable information.
“The question that came up is, ‘What happens between the first crash and second crash, and what can we do to help the driver avoid the (second) accident?’” he says. “So if (the driver is) hit by another car, they might lose control, start to roll over, go off the road or head for a tree. We can help them avoid that.” Rupp says data gleaned from the tests likely will be used to create new algorithms for the electronic-stability control and brake-control units.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Jaguar XF MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in AUTOPACIFIC 2009 research
MAHWAH, N.J. May 19, 2009 – The Jaguar XF is the most highly recommended vehicle in the Executive Luxury Car segment in the AutoPacific 2009 Owner Recommendation Survey research. These are very significant results – it takes strong confidence for an owner to “definitely recommend” a vehicle to a close friend or relative. Clearly, owners of the Jaguar XF are very pleased with their vehicle.
AutoPacific’s research objectively measures owner recommendations with newly purchased or leased passenger cars or light trucks, and reflects the opinions of consumers nationwide.
"Gaining this recognition for the Jaguar XF demonstrates the high standards, level of luxury, technology and performance our owners expect of a Jaguar," said Richard Beattie, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Jaguar North America. "A vote of confidence in our vehicles by our owners shows that the hard work of our internal team and retail body are delivering positive results in the marketplace."
“AutoPacific has conducted this industry research since 1997. While many owners can be happy with their new cars, it takes another level of confidence to recommend it” says AutoPacific president George Peterson.'
Under the hood of the Jaguar XF, there are two engine choices - a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 and a 4.2-liter supercharged V8. The powerful engines combined with an interior that moves from traditional to contemporary themes with 'surprise and delight' features such as the JaguarDrive Selector, the rotating air vents upon ignition, and JaguarSense (motion detecting sensors that activate certain vehicle features) ensures that the XF delivers upon the Jaguar philosophy of creating beautiful, fast cars.
Owner recommendation intentions are based on findings from a just-completed comprehensive survey of more than 25,000 consumers who purchased or leased new cars or light trucks in the period from September to December 2008.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Jaguar Legendary Performance Tour!
Check out this video of clips from the Jaguar Legendary Performance Tour!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Land Rover LR2 wins 2009 Autopacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award
Receives Highest Percentage of Owners Recommendation and wins Luxury Crossover SUV Vehicle Satisfaction Award
MAHWAH, N.J. May 19, 2009 –Owners of the Land Rover LR2 have rated it top of its class in the Luxury Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment in AutoPacific 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award research. In addition, owners surveyed in the Luxury Crossover SUV segment voted the Land Rover LR2 the vehicle they would most recommend to others.
AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck, and reflects the opinions of consumers nationwide. The VSA Awards summarize the results of AutoPacific’s 2009 model year vehicle satisfaction research. More than 25,000 consumers around the country participated in the survey.
"Winning these awards demonstrate that customers appreciate the breadth of capability that comes standard in a Land Rover and shows the value our owners put on the overall packaging of the LR2 and we are pleased with this recognition," said Chris Marchand, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Land Rover North America.
“AutoPacific has conducted this industry research since 1997. Vehicles that score highest in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards have hit the mark delivering value and satisfaction with their buyers by performing well in 48 separate categories that measure the ownership experience.” says AutoPacific president George Peterson.
The Land Rover LR2 HSE offers permanent all-wheel drive with a 230 bhp In-line 6 engine, and features 19-inch alloy wheels, seven airbags (SRS), power tilt-and-slide dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and Land Rover's patented Terrain Response System – Standard. It is this level of premium standard features that allows LR2 to provide tremendous value in its class, while demonstrating the refined on-road performance and off-road aptitudes for which the Land Rover brand is known.
Owner satisfaction is measured across specific areas related to a vehicle's operation, comfort, safety and the overall purchase/lease experience. The 2009 ratings reflect input from buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired September through December 2008.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ford Honored with Green Choice Award
DEARBORN -- On Tuesday, Ford Motor Company was recognized with the esteemed ‘Green Choice Award’ by Natural Health magazine. Ford received this award for its continuous efforts towards building a greener future. The company and its products were judged in a number of different areas such as alternative energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, recycling, operational energy footprints, and LEED certifications. All data collected by Natural Health magazine was submitted by Ford.
Ford recognizes the importance of working jointly with environmental stakeholders to engineer sustainable vehicles in an eco-friendly manner. Its commitment to a greener future is demonstrated on a daily basis with numerous ongoing environmental initiatives.
“Ford facilities are often faced with complex environmental challenges, and every year – even in hard times – our employees rise to the challenge with innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact while promoting sustainability. The Green Choice Award honors their achievements, and challenges others to take bold steps.” – David Berdish, Manager, Ford Sustainable Business Development
The following are some highlights of Ford’s ongoing environmental initiatives:
Each year, Ford conserves up to 900 tons of carbon emissions and 600,000 gallons of water because Escape Hybrid seats are made with 100 per cent post-industrial recycled fabric.
Since 2000, Ford has cut its global energy use by nearly one third, in part by upgrading plants with more efficient equipment.
Ford gives employees two paid days off a year to do volunteer work—in 2008, they committed a total of 124,000 hours. At 17 of the company’s facilities, staffers have turned vacant plots of land into habitats for local plants and animals, and created walking trails to encourage nearby residents to visit.
Ford’s EcoBoost engine, which the company launched this year, improves vehicle fuel economy by as much as 20 per cent.
The ‘Green Choice Award’ was presented to Ford, along with nine other corporations, by renowned actor and environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr. in New York City. Accepting the award on behalf of Ford was David Berdish, Manager of Sustainable Business Development.
Ford recognizes the importance of working jointly with environmental stakeholders to engineer sustainable vehicles in an eco-friendly manner. Its commitment to a greener future is demonstrated on a daily basis with numerous ongoing environmental initiatives.
“Ford facilities are often faced with complex environmental challenges, and every year – even in hard times – our employees rise to the challenge with innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact while promoting sustainability. The Green Choice Award honors their achievements, and challenges others to take bold steps.” – David Berdish, Manager, Ford Sustainable Business Development
The following are some highlights of Ford’s ongoing environmental initiatives:
Each year, Ford conserves up to 900 tons of carbon emissions and 600,000 gallons of water because Escape Hybrid seats are made with 100 per cent post-industrial recycled fabric.
Since 2000, Ford has cut its global energy use by nearly one third, in part by upgrading plants with more efficient equipment.
Ford gives employees two paid days off a year to do volunteer work—in 2008, they committed a total of 124,000 hours. At 17 of the company’s facilities, staffers have turned vacant plots of land into habitats for local plants and animals, and created walking trails to encourage nearby residents to visit.
Ford’s EcoBoost engine, which the company launched this year, improves vehicle fuel economy by as much as 20 per cent.
The ‘Green Choice Award’ was presented to Ford, along with nine other corporations, by renowned actor and environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr. in New York City. Accepting the award on behalf of Ford was David Berdish, Manager of Sustainable Business Development.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ford Dealers to Donate to Charity for Each Test Drive
from Dealer Magazine, Issue 19
Beyond 0 percent financing on select models and payment protection for a full year, Ford Motor Company said today it is expanding its Ford Advantage Plan to include donations of $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the name of each prospective customer that test drives a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle through June 1, 2009 -- up to $1 million. Dealers also may match Ford's individual $20 contributions in the name of each customer, up to $1,000 per dealership.
In addition, customers will be able to select the local Komen for the Cure Affiliate of their choice for Ford's charitable contribution.
"Our goal with the Ford Advantage Plan is to rebuild consumer confidence and assist local charitable organizations that also are struggling in this economy," said Ken Czubay, vice president of Sales and Marketing. "The Ford Advantage Plan also delivers a 'community advantage' to remind people that Ford and its dealers will be there to support to support them and the charities they care most about - in good times and bad."
As a national series sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series, Ford supports more than 120 Race events nationwide. More than 50,000 Ford employees have participated in Komen Race for the Cure events, and thousands of local Ford dealers support the Race in their communities creating tremendous awareness for the breast cancer movement. Through 'Warriors in Pink,' Ford captures the true essence of survivorship, celebrating the more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors - the largest group of all cancer survivors - living in the U.S. today.
Additionally, in 2008, more than 18,000 Ford U.S. employees have volunteered 100,000 hours to help people in their local communities; that's the equivalent of nearly $2 million dollars of in-kind corporate contributions.
"This program will go a long way in helping Komen directly serve women and men in hundreds of communities across the country with education, screening and treatment programs that address breast cancer issues close to home," said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "Once again, Ford and its associates are demonstrating the creativity and drive that have made them outstanding Komen partners for the past 15 years."
Since launching the Ford Advantage Plan on March 31, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers have noticed the program is making a difference and building consumer confidence, the automaker said.
"We have definitely seen an increase in showroom traffic since the Ford Advantage Plan was announced," said Dan Heller, Dealer Principal from Heller Ford in El Paso, Ill. "We had a customer come in a couple days before the program looking for an F-150 but told us he was worried about losing his job. Within hours of hearing about the Ford Advantage Plan, he came into the dealership and bought the F-150," Heller added.
Beyond 0 percent financing on select models and payment protection for a full year, Ford Motor Company said today it is expanding its Ford Advantage Plan to include donations of $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the name of each prospective customer that test drives a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle through June 1, 2009 -- up to $1 million. Dealers also may match Ford's individual $20 contributions in the name of each customer, up to $1,000 per dealership.
In addition, customers will be able to select the local Komen for the Cure Affiliate of their choice for Ford's charitable contribution.
"Our goal with the Ford Advantage Plan is to rebuild consumer confidence and assist local charitable organizations that also are struggling in this economy," said Ken Czubay, vice president of Sales and Marketing. "The Ford Advantage Plan also delivers a 'community advantage' to remind people that Ford and its dealers will be there to support to support them and the charities they care most about - in good times and bad."
As a national series sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series, Ford supports more than 120 Race events nationwide. More than 50,000 Ford employees have participated in Komen Race for the Cure events, and thousands of local Ford dealers support the Race in their communities creating tremendous awareness for the breast cancer movement. Through 'Warriors in Pink,' Ford captures the true essence of survivorship, celebrating the more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors - the largest group of all cancer survivors - living in the U.S. today.
Additionally, in 2008, more than 18,000 Ford U.S. employees have volunteered 100,000 hours to help people in their local communities; that's the equivalent of nearly $2 million dollars of in-kind corporate contributions.
"This program will go a long way in helping Komen directly serve women and men in hundreds of communities across the country with education, screening and treatment programs that address breast cancer issues close to home," said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "Once again, Ford and its associates are demonstrating the creativity and drive that have made them outstanding Komen partners for the past 15 years."
Since launching the Ford Advantage Plan on March 31, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers have noticed the program is making a difference and building consumer confidence, the automaker said.
"We have definitely seen an increase in showroom traffic since the Ford Advantage Plan was announced," said Dan Heller, Dealer Principal from Heller Ford in El Paso, Ill. "We had a customer come in a couple days before the program looking for an F-150 but told us he was worried about losing his job. Within hours of hearing about the Ford Advantage Plan, he came into the dealership and bought the F-150," Heller added.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Hot Topic: Fuel Economy
DEARBORN, Mich., May 1, 2009 – New, fuel-efficient products and quality on par with the best in the industry helped Ford increase retail market share in April – the sixth time in the last seven months that Ford’s share of the retail market was higher than a year ago.
In April, the Ford Fusion paced the share performance. Fusion sales totaled 18,321, a record for any month. April was the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid version, and April is believed to be the first month that Fusion was among the top three-selling mid-size sedans. Recent independent studies rate Fusion and the Mercury Milan – the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans in America – as having the best predicted reliability among all mid-size sedans.
“We continue to operate in a very challenging economic and competitive environment,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Sales and Marketing. “Especially given this external environment, we’re very encouraged by the consumer response to our new mid-size sedans.”
“Sales of the 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ and hybrid versions exceeded our plan and customers also are equipping our new products with levels of content and features that are higher than we expected,” he added. “This suggests consumers view our high-quality, fuel-efficient new products as offering outstanding value.”
The new Fusion Hybrid is one of four hybrid models offered by Ford. Hybrid models also are offered in the Mercury Milan mid-size sedan and the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small utility vehicles. All Ford hybrid models are the most fuel-efficient vehicles in their class, and the Ford Escape and Ford Fusion recently were named to Kelley Blue Books list of Top 10 Green Cars. In April, combined sales of all hybrid models totaled 2,299, up 21 percent versus a year ago.
Other new Ford products contributed to the retail share performance, including the new F-150 pickup, America’s best-selling vehicle, and Ford Flex, the distinctively styled crossover utility that had its best sales month ever (3,190).
Growing awareness and consideration of Ford and its high-quality, fuel-efficient products are starting to take hold. Plus, through June 1, Ford is offering consumers additional reasons to “Drive one.”
The Ford Advantage Plan offers payment protection up to 12 months for up to $700 per month on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle if a customer loses his or her job. Plus, 0 percent financing from Ford Motor Credit is available on select vehicles.
On Tuesday, April 28, Ford launched a community engagement phase of the Ford Advantage Plan, Through June 1, Ford will donate $20 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every test drive taken at a participating Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealership to Komen – up to $1 million. That amount could grow even higher as more than a thousand dealers around the country are joining in to match the company’s donation. During the past 15 years, Ford has contributed more than $100 million to the fight against breast cancer.
In April, the Ford Fusion paced the share performance. Fusion sales totaled 18,321, a record for any month. April was the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid version, and April is believed to be the first month that Fusion was among the top three-selling mid-size sedans. Recent independent studies rate Fusion and the Mercury Milan – the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans in America – as having the best predicted reliability among all mid-size sedans.
“We continue to operate in a very challenging economic and competitive environment,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Sales and Marketing. “Especially given this external environment, we’re very encouraged by the consumer response to our new mid-size sedans.”
“Sales of the 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ and hybrid versions exceeded our plan and customers also are equipping our new products with levels of content and features that are higher than we expected,” he added. “This suggests consumers view our high-quality, fuel-efficient new products as offering outstanding value.”
The new Fusion Hybrid is one of four hybrid models offered by Ford. Hybrid models also are offered in the Mercury Milan mid-size sedan and the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small utility vehicles. All Ford hybrid models are the most fuel-efficient vehicles in their class, and the Ford Escape and Ford Fusion recently were named to Kelley Blue Books list of Top 10 Green Cars. In April, combined sales of all hybrid models totaled 2,299, up 21 percent versus a year ago.
Other new Ford products contributed to the retail share performance, including the new F-150 pickup, America’s best-selling vehicle, and Ford Flex, the distinctively styled crossover utility that had its best sales month ever (3,190).
Growing awareness and consideration of Ford and its high-quality, fuel-efficient products are starting to take hold. Plus, through June 1, Ford is offering consumers additional reasons to “Drive one.”
The Ford Advantage Plan offers payment protection up to 12 months for up to $700 per month on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle if a customer loses his or her job. Plus, 0 percent financing from Ford Motor Credit is available on select vehicles.
On Tuesday, April 28, Ford launched a community engagement phase of the Ford Advantage Plan, Through June 1, Ford will donate $20 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every test drive taken at a participating Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealership to Komen – up to $1 million. That amount could grow even higher as more than a thousand dealers around the country are joining in to match the company’s donation. During the past 15 years, Ford has contributed more than $100 million to the fight against breast cancer.
Ford Adds Community, Charity ‘Advantage’ to Plan.
DEARBORN, April 28, 2009 – Beyond 0 percent financing on select models and payment protection for a full year, Ford Motor Company is expanding its Ford Advantage Plan to ensure critical breast cancer services aren’t compromised while charities work to weather the challenging economy.
Today, Ford is announcing it will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the name of each prospective customer that test drives a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle through June 1, 2009, up to $1 million. Dealers also may match Ford’s individual $20 contributions in the name of each customer, up to $1,000 per dealership.
In addition, customers will be able to select the local Komen for the Cure Affiliate of their choice for Ford’s charitable contribution.
“Our goal with the Ford Advantage Plan is to rebuild consumer confidence and assist local charitable organizations that also are struggling in this economy,” said Ken Czubay, vice president of Sales and Marketing. “The Ford Advantage Plan also delivers a ‘community advantage’ to remind people that Ford and its dealers will be there to support to support them and the charities they care most about – in good times and bad.”
As a national series sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series, Ford supports more than 120 Race events nationwide. More than 50,000 Ford employees have participated in Komen Race for the Cure events, and thousands of local Ford dealers support the Race in their communities creating tremendous awareness for the breast cancer movement. Through ‘Warriors in Pink’, Ford captures the true essence of survivorship, celebrating the more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors – the largest group of all cancer survivors – living in the U.S. today.
Additionally, in 2008, more than 18,000 Ford U.S. employees have volunteered 100,000 hours to help people in their local communities; that’s the equivalent of nearly $2 million dollars of in-kind corporate contributions.
“This program will go a long way in helping Komen directly serve women and men in hundreds of communities across the country with education, screening and treatment programs that address breast cancer issues close to home,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Once again, Ford and its associates are demonstrating the creativity and drive that have made them outstanding Komen partners for the past 15 years.”
Since launching the Ford Advantage Plan on March 31, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers have noticed the program is making a difference and building consumer confidence.
“We have definitely seen an increase in showroom traffic since the Ford Advantage Plan was announced,” said Dan Heller, Dealer Principal from Heller Ford in El Paso, Ill.
“We had a customer come in a couple days before the program looking for an F-150 but told us he was worried about losing his job. Within hours of hearing about the Ford Advantage Plan, he came into the dealership and bought the F-150,” Heller added.
Customers also can take comfort in knowing that Ford’s newest vehicles are the best or among the best in fuel economy, quality and cost of ownership.
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are America’s most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans, and the Fusion has a higher residual value than the Toyota Camry after three years of ownership, according to the Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG).
Ford also maintains strong residual values throughout its product lineup. Vehicles with strong residual values retain more of their value at the end of their lease contract period.
In addition, Ford’s quality is now on par with Toyota and Honda, and Ford continues to have more top safety picks than any other brand.
How to Make a Difference
Consumers interested in test driving a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle during the Ford Advantage Plan test drive period can participate in two ways, by:
Logging on to www.fordcares.com and obtaining a registration form and registration number. After visiting a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealership and test driving a vehicle, dealers will provide customers with a registration code. Customers visit www.fordcares.com again to input the registration code, validating their form, and activating the donation by Ford in their name; or
Prospective customers participating in an upcoming Komen Race for the Cure event through June 1 will receive a registration form in their Race packet and can follow the same steps to initiate a donation on their behalf.
To find out more information about the Ford Advantage Plan or the charitable test drive component, please visit www.fordcares.com or www.ford.com.
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