Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Ford of Ocala- Drive One!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
No Surprise! 2009 F-150 is Motor Trend's Truck of the Year!

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES FOR THE NEW 2009 FORD F-150
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 16, 2008 – The all-new Ford F-150, America’s best-selling full-size pickup delivering class-leading capability and unsurpassed fuel economy, today was named 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year™.
“The new F-150 is a thorough, thoughtful upgrade of a highly successful formula,” said Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief, Motor Trend. “The 2009 model improves on the core attributes that have made the F-150 a best seller for decades, ensuring it will remain a strong player in the segment despite the challenging economic environment.”
The 2009 F-150, new inside and out, is the new benchmark in its segment, appealing to a growing number of core truck customers. Improvements include a new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that delivers even more horsepower, unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading towing and payload capacity.
To earn the Motor Trend award, F-150 bested its competitors in a series of rigorous tests evaluating the vehicle’s engineering, technology, design, safety, dynamics, performance, build quality and value.
“Motor Trend editors used our truck the way our customers do – by putting it through extremely tough tests,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development.
“This award is so meaningful to us because it means so much to our customers,” he added. “Motor Trend Truck of the Year is one of the most recognized automotive awards by consumers, and Ford is extremely proud to receive it.”
The 2009 award marks the third consecutive time an all-new F-150 garnered the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award. The pickup received the magazine’s prestigious award for two previous ground-breaking new models in 2004 and 1997.
“Motor Trend’s awards throughout the years are a validation of what has been the key to our success: listening to customers, anticipating their needs and providing them with innovative solutions and features before they ask for them,” said Matt O’Leary, F-150 chief engineer. “Our goal with each redesign is to top the last one, and we’re doing that with the 2009 F-150.”
F-Series is on track in 2008 to extend its streak of truck leadership to 32 straight years as well as being America’s best-selling vehicle -- car, crossover; SUV, truck, or van – for the past 27 years.
The new 2009 F-150 sports an array of smart technologies – from industry-first SYNC to Ford Work Solutions. SYNC provides hands-free, in-car communication. Ford Work Solutions is an innovative suite of options including an in-dash computer with Internet access, Tool Link to track tools, Crew Chief technology to dispatch workers and reduce vehicle operating costs and Cable Lock to improve security of tools and equipment.
F-150 also features conveniences such as the Box Side Step and Tailgate Step that help customers easily gain access to the truck’s pickup box.
During the past five years, the “core trucker” – those who use their truck’s towing and hauling capability for work and leisure – has grown to 40 percent from 30 percent of the light-duty full-size pickup market. Ford dominates this expanding sub-segment.
The new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.
For 2009, F-150 also has improved its fuel economy by an average of 8 percent across the entire lineup, thanks to a wide range of engineering enhancements.
The fuel economy gains reach as high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on F-150 models equipped with the high-volume three-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. Plus, the F-150’s SFE package – which is available on highest-volume XL and XLT series – delivers unsurpassed fuel economy of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
The new 2009 F-150 is built at Ford’s Dearborn (Mich.) Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Voted 2009 BEST REDESIGNED VEHICLE by Kelley Blue Book!

FORD’S ICONIC F-150 NAMED ‘2009 BEST REDESIGNED VEHICLE’ FROM KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KBB.COM
"The 2009 F-150 is more than a truck – it’s a work system," said Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com in naming the truck its "2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle"
Accolade offers additional proof that Ford’s success comes from listening to its customers and delivering the capability and fuel economy they require
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 10, 2008 – Editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com today announced that Ford’s all new 2009 F-150 – an American icon with class-leading capability and unsurpassed fuel economy – has earned the title of “2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle.” (http://www.kbb.com/kbb/NewsAndReviews/BestRedesignedVehicleAward.aspx)
“I just really like this truck,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “I think it’s the sheer power of it that’s so impressive. It’s such an important truck in the market; it’s so important to Ford and to the domestic auto industry in general. There are so many variations, and so many innovations. In some ways, the F-150 is more than a truck – it’s a work system.”
The all-new 2009 F-150, new inside and out, is the new benchmark in the full-size pickup segment.
Improvements include a new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that allows this tough truck to deliver even more horsepower, unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading towing and payload capacity.
Nerad noted the array of available technology – from the industry-exclusive SYNC to Ford Work Solutions. SYNC provides hands-free, in-car communication. Ford Work Solutions is an innovative suite of options including an in-dash computer with Internet access, Tool Link to track tools, Crew Chief technology to dispatch workers and reduce vehicle operating costs and Cable Lock to improve security. He also singled out the added conveniences of the Box Side Step and Tailgate Step that helps customers easily gain access to the truck’s pickup box.
“There really is something there for everybody,” Nerad said. “There are so many interior and exterior design changes on this truck, and all of them are stellar.”
The F-150, he said, was chosen after the editors looked at all the redesigned vehicles on the market – cars, CUVs, SUVs and trucks – and winnowed the selections down to a top 10.
The accolade is gratifying, said chief engineer Matt O’Leary, not only for the prestige it carries, but because it also offers an indication of how Ford’s continual interaction with its unparalleled customer base brings results.
“When we set out to redesign the F-150, we said we would leave no stone unturned to ensure that our 31-year leadership on full-size trucks continued for many more years,” O’Leary said. “This recognition is just another indication that our success is founded on listening to the customer better than anyone else and finding innovative solutions to their concerns. That’s not something we take lightly – we live it every day.”
In addition to being named the 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com since its launch in October, the new 2009 F-150 has won the following awards:
- Top honors as “Truck of Texas” as well as “Best Luxury Pickup” for the 2009 F-150 King Ranch from Texas Auto Writers Association
- “Best Overall Half-Ton Pickup” from PickupTrucks.com
- “Automotive Excellence” award in the Workhorse Category from Popular Mechanics
- “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its standard safety technology: Safety Canopy side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
- “Residual Value” award from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG) for retaining the highest percentage of its original price among 2009 full-size light duty pickups at the end of a conventional three-year lease, based on ALG projections
- Motor Trend's Truck TrendTop 5 Trucks from Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept
- “Accessory-Friendly Truck” Design Award from SEMA
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Ford of Ocala Sponsors Ocala HOG Chapter Toy Run!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14th
Escorted Ride by Marion County Sheriff, MC Fire & Rescue and the Ocala P.D. Starts at Kent Furniture Plaza 10651 SE US HWY 441 Belleview (behind Regions bank).
Line Up starts at 10am Registration closes 11:30
Ride Leaves at Noon
Ride Ends at Harley Davidson of Ocala
5331 N. US Highway 441
"WHERE THE SMILING CHILDREN WILL BE WAITING"
**Unwrapped Toys Only Please**
Food, Soft Drinks & Bottled Water Provided Free with Donation
A TOY BOX WILL BE SET UP FOR DONATIONS AT H-D of OCALA FROM NOV. 14th TO DEC. 14TH
For more info, call Guy 854-1190 or H-D 732-2488
HARLEY- DAVIDSON BUELL OF OCALA
FORD OF OCALA * WIND-FM RADIO
KENT FURNITURE BELLEVIEW * DIXIE BIKER INC
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Come to the Ocala Christmas Parade this Weekend!

Be there for the Best Christmas Parade ever- the 2008 Ocala Christmas Parade! And be sure to watch for our Mustang Convertibles- we will have at least 4 of them Saturday evening starting at 5pm on December 6th. We are proud sponsors of the elves and a member of the Chamber of Commerce and have been actively involved in the parade since it began. We hope to see you there!
The 2009 F-150 Blows the 'Competition' Away!!
We are the Country's Leader in Trucks for a reason! And we've just added residual value to our long list as the industry leader for 31 years. Basically that means your truck will be worth more longer than any other brand. It retains its value because it is better built from the beginning... even the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety consistently gives it a higher crash rating than most passenger cars! And its payload and towing capacity are the highest... hey, enough of me! Click on this link http://www.fordvehicles.com/2009f150/ to get it straight from Mike Rowe of "Dirty Jobs'.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Win the All New F-150 at Ford of Ocala Today!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Ford of Ocala's Employee Pricing Saves You More Than Cash!
Visit www.fordofocala.com or www.fordocala.net
24/7 for your best deal on new or pre-owned vehicles NOW!
Employee Pricing Plus for the Holidays
Ford Leads Auto Industry in Safety Awards

Friday, November 21, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sneak Preview on Our Best Sale of the Year!
Call, Click or Come in to find out more details on a newly released program that guarantees the best prices of the year on Ford vehicles. The ink is barely dry on the Rebates and Incentive sheets and we are still hanging the banners but do not let this stop you from getting a great deal on America's best cars, SUVs and trucks! Let us know what you are interested in and we will surprise you with the lowest price you will find in Florida! And we guarantee it in writing! So respond right now to get the best selection before the advertising hits the streets. Call 1.800.292.3338 or locally 352.732.4800 or visit http://www.fordofocala.com/ and http://www.fordocala.net/ today!!Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Nitrogen: Technology for your Tires!
We’ve discovered what replacing the air in our tires with Nitrogen can do!
And we’d like to share it with you. Experts agree it can help improve your gas mileage, save wear and tear on your tires and improve cornering and braking, especially in an emergency. Now you can Google it for a scientific explanation but I would like to share with you an article we found in the local paper. It’s about the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and their experiment with adding Nitrogen to their scout cars and other vehicles.
Ocala Star Banner Article on Nitrogen November 2008
http://www.ocala.com/article/20081117/ARTICLES/811171000


And to introduce you to this cutting edge technology we'd like to offer the discounted price of $19.95 for a limited time. This is for cars and sedans, SUVs and trucks are more. See your Service Advisor for complete details or give us a call 1.800.292.3338 for more information.
Monday, November 17, 2008
We're Looking for a Jumpstart, not a Bailout!
Detroit Free Press 11/17/08
by Mark Phelan
(c) Copyright 2007, Detroit Free Press. All Rights Reserved.
The debate over aid to the Detroit-based automakers is awash with half-truths and misrepresentations that are endlessly repeated by everyone from members of Congress to journalists. Here are six myths about the
companies and their vehicles, and the reality in each case.
Myth No. 1
Nobody buys their vehicles.
Reality
General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC sold 8.5 million vehicles in the United States last year and millions more around the world. GM outsold Toyota by about 1.2 million vehicles in the United States last
year and holds a U.S. lead over Toyota of about 560,000 so far this year. Globally, GM in 2007 remained the world's largest automaker, selling 9,369,524 vehicles worldwide -- about 3,000 more than Toyota.
Ford outsold Honda by about 850,000 and Nissan by more than 1.3 million vehicles in the United States last year.
Chrysler sold more vehicles here than Nissan and Hyundai combined in 2007 and so far this year.
Myth No. 2
They build unreliable junk.
Reality
The creaky, leaky vehicles of the 1980s and '90s are long gone. Consumer Reports recently found that "Ford's reliability is now on par with good Japanese automakers." The independent J.D. Power Initial Quality Study scored Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Mercury, Pontiac and Lincoln brands' overall quality as high or higher than that of Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Nissan, Scion, Volkswagen and Volvo.
Power rated the Chevrolet Malibu the highest-quality midsize sedan. Both the Malibu and Ford Fusion scored better than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Myth No. 3
They build gas-guzzlers.
Reality
All of the Detroit Three build midsize sedans the Environmental Protection Agency rates at 29-33 miles per gallon on the highway. The most fuel-efficient Chevrolet Malibu gets 33 m.p.g. on the highway, 2 m.p.g. better than the best Honda Accord. The most fuel-efficient Ford Focus has the same highway fuel economy ratings as the most efficient Toyota Corolla. The most fuel-efficient Chevrolet Cobalt has the same city fuel
economy and better highway fuel economy than the most efficient non-hybrid Honda Civic. A recent study by Edmunds.com found that the Chevrolet Aveo subcompact is the least expensive car to buy and operate.
Myth No. 4
They already got a $25-billion bailout.
Reality
None of that money has been lent out and may not be for more than a year. In addition, it can, by law, be used only to invest in future vehicles and technology, so it has no effect on the shortage of operating cash the companies face because of the economic slowdown that's killing them now.
Myth No. 5
GM, Ford and Chrysler are idiots for investing in pickups and SUVs.
Reality
The domestic companies' lineup has been truck-heavy, but Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all spent billions of dollars on pickups and SUVs because trucks are a large and historically profitable part of the auto industry. The most fuel-efficient full-size pickups from GM, Ford and Chrysler all have higher EPA fuel economy ratings than Toyota and Nissan's full-size pickups.
Myth No. 6
They don't build hybrids.
Reality
The Detroit Three got into the hybrid business late, but Ford and GM each now offers more hybrid models than Honda or Nissan, with several more due to hit the road in early 2009.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Certified Pre-owned Gives You More than Peace of Mind!!

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
Take the guesswork out of buying a used car and purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle. We only certify vehicles that have passed a rigorous inspection process designed to test every aspect of a vehicle to verify it meets our standards.
Peace of Mind
Before you purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle, we'll provide you with the vehicle's history report. Along with extensive warranty coverage* and 24/7 roadside assistance backed by Ford Motor Company and our 100-year heritage, you'll know you've made the right choice.
To qualify for Certified Pre-Owned status, each used Ford must be less than six model years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer. Then before we certify any Ford pre-owned vehicle, it must first pass a rigorous 169 point-by-point exam. All our Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with extensive warranty coverage*. and 24-hour roadside assistance. And to top it off, your dealer provides a full tank of gas, new wiper blades, and fresh oil and filter at delivery.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Ford of Ocala Says Lower Prices are Only Part of the Great Service You'll Receive!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Welcome to Ford of Ocala!
Where Every Day really is a Sale Day! Being a High Volume, Discount Dealer gives you a price advantage over every dealer in Florida. Just ask our 'competition'- We guarantee the lowest price on a new Ford in the state of Florida in writing. Check around- we should have more trucks, mustangs, SUVs and passenger cars than any other dealer in North Central Florida. And we have an award winning Commercial Sales Division as well. Our Automotive Group increases our available inventory tremendously and we are part of the largest network in the SouthEast.And it isn't just other Ford dealers. We pride ourselves in delivering more vehicle for less money, regardless of make or model. If you are in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle please check us out online, on the phone or in person. You, your family and your pocketbook will be pleasantly surprised by the great staff at Ford of Ocala. Call 1.800.292.3338, visit www.fordofocala.com or www.fordocala.net or come to 2816 NW Pine Avenue (Hwy 301/441) in sunny Ocala, Florida today!Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ford Continues to beat Other Automakers on Safety

Ford Motor Company has earned more “Top Safety Pick” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) than any other automaker with a total of 16 to date. Ford surpassed its closest rival Honda this week when four of its 2009 models – Ford Flex, Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKS and Mercury Milan – achieved “Top Safety Pick” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Ford also has more 5-star government crash test ratings than any other automaker.
How They Get Picked
To earn IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick,” vehicles must earn the top “good” ratings in the institute’s high-speed front 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.
Helping Drivers Maintain Control
Flex, MKS, Fusion and Milan excelled in each of the institute’s crash tests, and AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control is available for each vehicle. 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® 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. IIHS has stated that “AdvanceTrac significantly reduces crash risk by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.”
Structural Strength Is a Safety Fundamental
Flex, MKS, Fusion and Milan get some of their core strength from the use of lightweight aluminum-coated boron steel – one of the strongest weld-able materials – in the body structure. The use of high-strength steel in the B-pillars is only part of their robust safety profile. Ford engineers also located the side door intrusion beams to help manage and absorb energy during side impact crashes.
Florida Soldier wins Mustang in Ford Motor Contest

Online voters selected Chesher’s story from the top 25, giving him the grand prize of a new 2010 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and a trip for two to Los Angeles for the reveal of the next generation of the classic American muscle car at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 19.
“Kory’s story perfectly captures the passion and enthusiasm that Mustang has created for more than 40 years,” said Mustang Brand Manager Fritz Wilke. “We’re pleased to award him his first Mustang and hope it brings him many years of enjoyment. We also want to sincerely thank all the Mustang enthusiasts who submitted their stories and voted at www.the2010mustang.com to make this contest such a great success.” Chesher’s entry was one of several thousand received for the “Mustang Stories” contest. Entries, which were limited to a maximum of 250 words, were submitted from Aug. 27-Oct. 15, with the top 25 stories posted Oct. 18. Online voting ran through Oct. 28.
“I want to thank everyone at Ford and everyone who voted for helping my dream of having my own Mustang come true,” Chesher said via e-mail from Iraq. “I opened up my e-mail and saw the first bold message said, ‘Congratulations: You are a Winner in the Mustang Stories Contest.’ I couldn’t read it fast enough. I’m just overwhelmed.”
Chesher, who lives in Edgwater, Fla., just south of Daytona Beach, hopes to be at the unveiling at Los Angeles. His group is returning to the United States this month.
The 22-year-old Chesher developed his passion for Mustang during a traffic stop with his father while in Louisville, Ky.
“This Mustang was in the left turning lane and I was like, ‘Wow, what kind of car is that?,’ ” Chesher recalled. “My dad said, ‘Oh, that’s a Mustang.’ I was immediately hooked. That must have been sometime in the summer of 1991 or ’92. I must have been about 6 or so.”
Chesher submitted his story with a photo of him standing in front of an Army vehicle called an MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protectant). A super-size Mustang Pony badge gallops proudly on the grille of the truck, which tranports soldiers and equipment across dangerous terrain.
Chesher’s mother, Susan DuMond, says he had been saving money to buy a Mustang when he returned to the United States. “He’s got Mustang blood – he eats, sleeps and breathes Mustang,” DuMond said. “It’s his dream car. Kory was saving as much money as possible to buy a Mustang. Now’s he’s won a Mustang. It doesn’t get better than that.”
DuMond said she received a phone call at work that Chesher won. “I was jumping up and down in the office and running around,” she said. “I’m so happy for Kory. This is just fantastic!”
Chesher’s 242-word essay, “A Life Obsession,” follows:
It started when I was about 6 years old. I was in the truck with my father and we were at a stoplight. Across the road at the other light was this “car.” It drew my attention away from everything else in the world. I asked my dad what it was and he simply said, “Oh, that’s a Mustang.”
I remember it like it was yesterday. I now know that it was a 1968 black Fastback. That was almost 20 years ago. Twenty years of love, addiction, obsession. Twenty years of longing and desire.
Now I’m a solider in the United States Army deployed to Iraq. I spend my spare time tearing through Mustang magazines that my family and total strangers are kindhearted enough to send to me. Every opportunity I get I’m online poring through forums and pictures; studying every little tidbit of knowledge I can get my hands on; meticulously memorizing seemingly insignificant trivia. Names, dates, specs, colors, paint codes, production numbers, costs, anything, everything.
A Mustang of my own wouldn’t quell this life I live – it would supercharge it. The only thing greater than a life loving Mustangs is a life with a Mustang. With a Mustang to call my own I could finally experience the pride and freedom that I’ve only been watching from afar. It will ignite a passion like nothing I have ever experienced. Mustangs are my one true love.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Please join Ford of Ocala in Honoring our Veterans!

Prices so low they are scary!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Your Right as an American!

Monday, November 3, 2008
You Can Win A New 2009 F-150!! *
Tests to Compare 2009 F-150 with Rivals

While Ford Motor Co. launches TV ads for the all-new 2009 F-150 today, the company is planning a new online application that will launch in mid-November at http://www.fordvehicles.com/.
It's a series of real-world comparison tests that pit the F-150's capability in towing, hauling, durability and fuel economy against rival trucks. The four documentary-style webisodes were filmed at Ford's Michigan Proving Ground in Romeo.
Friday, October 31, 2008
New Ford Hybrid Fusion and Milan will outperform Toyotas!

The new hybrid system is "100 percent Ford technology; 100 percent Ford design, invented right here in North America," said Nancy Gioia, Ford Motor Co.'s director of sustainable mobility technologies and hybrids. She and other engineers say every major component was developed under Ford engineering.
In detailing the key components, engineers said they stressed an interdisciplinary approach that helped optimize all components for maximum system efficiency. The process developed several intriguing new components and advances, they said.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide is Coming

*Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide gives hybrid owners a more-connected, fuel-efficient driving experience by coaching them on how to optimize performance of the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids
*SmartGauge with EcoGuide’s unique design uses two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines track and reward the driver’s efficiency
*All-new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids are expected to offer class-leading fuel economy and will be available in the first quarter of 2009
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Ford of Ocala Sponsors Ocala Shriners Rodeo 2008

Ford of Ocala is very proud to be a major sponsor of such a worthy event
“This is a professional rodeo,” Public Relations Chairman Larry Koblentz said. “Rodeo cowboys get points toward national finals.”
The Ocala rodeo is a sanctioned Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event. Events include bull riding, steer wrestling, bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing and tie down roping.
One of the high points of the Ocala Shrine Rodeo for members is the special rodeo for the nearly 200 physically challenged children who are sponsored by the Ocala club. These Marion County children are receiving or have received medical care at Shriners Tampa Orthopedic Hospital or the Shriners Burn Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
These children are invited to attend the rodeo, and about 30 are selected to participate in a series of rodeo events appropriate for their special needs. Kids are paired with a rodeo professional and guided through such events as goat riding, roping dummy steers, riding a hand-rocked bull or taking a real horseback ride.
“The kids all get a cowboy hat, bandanna, contestant number, lariat rope and T-shirt,” Koblentz said, adding that each also gets a trophy. “They’re all winners.”
In previous years, this special rodeo took place on Sundays before the regular performance, but members thought the heat would be less severe in late afternoon. This year the event is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. and is free. Each year, a Rodeo Princess and Rodeo Buckaroo are selected from the young patients and will be introduced at this Thursday event. Last year’s princess was Megan Simons, and the buckaroo was Joshua Logsdon.
Because the rodeo is completely produced by the club, it keeps members working throughout the year, Koblentz explained. From hiring specialty acts to selecting concessions to obtaining sponsors to selling tickets, the club members do it all. They also oversee at least 200 volunteers at each performance.
“When we finish this rodeo, we’re already working on the next one,” he said. “All proceeds from the rodeo go to the Shriners children’s hospitals.”
The club has raised $1.2 million from the rodeos over the years, Koblentz said. He calls the work provided by the 400-member club a “labor of love” because proceeds go to such a worthy cause.
“There is no charge for treatment at any Shriners hospital,” Koblentz said.
FORD AWARDED $10 MILLION ENERGY DEPARTMENT GRANT

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 6 – Ford Motor Company has been awarded a $10 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy for research, development, and demonstration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Ford received the grant for the continued development of a demonstration fleet of 20 PHEVs. The total project cost is $20 million, and the government will fund $10 million, or 50 percent, of the program.
Advanced vehicle testing is underway on vehicles in California, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. The company delivered the first gasoline-only Escape PHEV to Southern California Edison in December 2007.
“As a leader in both hybrid and flexible fuel technology, Ford is well positioned to bring the two together in a plug-in vehicle. With plug-in hybrids, we have the potential to significantly change our transportation and energy future,” said Nancy Gioia, director of Ford’s Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. “Our ultimate goal is to create plug-in vehicles that can be mass produced and meaningfully contribute to our nation's energy security.”
The Ford Escape PHEV is equipped with a 10 kilowatt advanced lithium ion energy battery supplied by Johnson Controls/Saft that stores enough electric energy to drive up to 30 miles at speeds of up to 40 mph. The battery works in tandem with a small four-cylinder engine.
Based on current estimates, the vehicle would emit 60 percent less CO2 than a conventional gasoline powered vehicle. The CO2 reduction would reach 90 percent if cellulosic ethanol is used in place of gasoline.

Monday, October 27, 2008
Ford Quality is Still Job One!
Today, everyone associated with Ford should take pride in the quality of the cars and trucks we build that resulted in the latest headlines on Consumer Reports Annual Car Reliability Survey. Among those headlines: “Ford Reliability Gains on Honda, Toyota,” from Bloomberg News, and “Ford Builds Most Reliable American Cars,” from The Detroit News.The results from Consumer Reports further validate the quality story we at Ford have been telling for some time. Our efforts to design, build and launch with quality are paying off. As David Champion, director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, noted, “This has been a systematic, structural change within Ford.”
That structural change shows in the dedicated work by teams in manufacturing, product development, purchasing, marketing, sales and quality using disciplined, standardized processes to deliver significant quality gains. Despite the challenges of the current automotive climate, our teams have remained focused on the goal, to become the highest quality automotive manufacturer. We are well on our way to achieving that goal.
A total of 44 FLM vehicles / configurations earned average or better reliability ratings compared to 41 FLM vehicles / configurations in last year’s survey.
Some highlights from the Consumer Reports auto issue, which features the Ford Fusion on the cover with the caption, “Ford Fusion, top rating in Reliability.”
· Ford was singled out as on par with the Japanese automakers and the best of the domestics. The magazine writes: “Ford’s three nameplates – Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury – lead the domestic automakers and continue to pull away from the rest of Detroit."
· Almost all Ford products now carry average or better than average reliability ratings. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan continue to rank among the most reliable family cars. The freshened Ford Focus sedan rated above average, with the magazine citing a vast improvement. The Ford F-150 2WD versions with V6 and V8 are rated better than average. The 2009 model has not yet been tested.
We all should be pleased with the survey results, but not surprised. We have set a high standard forourselves and our customers and we are making progress every day to deliver on that standard.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Get a New F-150 for less than $12,000!
Price is plus $499 admin fee, tax, and title. All rebates and incentives to be assigned back to dealer. Not combined with any other special offers. Price reflects special f.m.c.c customer incentives in special offer. Not combined with any other special offer. Only one per household. W.A.C.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
$2.71 for Gasoline is a Bargain?

Monday, October 20, 2008
Ford Donates during Difficult Times
SOURCE Feeding America
Ford Trucks are BIG in Texas!

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
F-150 named one and only truck of Texas; new truck offers best capability, unsurpassed Fuel Economy
DALLAS, Oct. 19, 2008 – The new 2009 F-150 has been recognized as the one and only “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) – the sixth consecutive year a Ford truck has won top honors.
Ford’s lineup of trucks also was named Truck Line of Texas, while the Ford Flex and Expedition King Ranch received top honors as CUV and SUV of Texas, respectively. Sweeping all four vehicle-centered top honors, Ford emerged the clear winner at this year’s TAWA Texas Truck Rodeo.
“This is high praise, especially the coveted ‘Truck of Texas’ top prize,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of the Americas. “Texas Auto Writers are the toughest truck critics because they know firsthand and truly appreciate how core truck customers really use their pickups.
“We’re honored that TAWA recognizes that the new F-150 offers consumers class-leading capability, unsurpassed fuel economy and durability that shows how closely we’ve been listening to our customers for the 31 years Ford trucks have been America’s favorite,” he added.
According to Harold Gunn, President of TAWA, this year’s competition was tighter than ever because all of the manufacturers are delivering outstanding trucks.
“‘Truck of Texas’ is really the most important award of its type in the industry,” said Gunn. “We love trucks down here, and we really use these vehicles everyday. And since we spend so much time in our vehicles, for us it’s not just about how the horse feels being towed, but how your butt feels sitting in the truck, too.”
On sale now, the new F-150 offers fuel economy that has improved an average of 8 percent across the entire lineup as a result of a wide-range of engineering enhancements. The fuel economy gains reach as high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on F-150 models equipped with the high-volume three-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. At the same time, the new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.
“Earning the trust of so many truck customers during the past 31 years has taught us a lot about what they want and value from their F-150,” said Matt O’Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “In the past, there was a tradeoff – more fuel economy meant less capability and vice versa. With the new F-150, we didn’t accept tradeoffs. We delivered capability and fuel economy, and that’s why the F-150 is the definitive full-size pickup on the market.”
Other Ford Motor Company vehicles winning top honors in their categories at the TAWA Rodeo include:
· Best Luxury Pickup: 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch
· Best Full-Size CUV: 2009 Ford Flex
· Best Mid-Size CUV: 2009 Mazda CX9
· Best Luxury CUV: 2009 Lincoln MKX
· Best Mid-Size SUV: 2009 Ford Explorer
· Best Heavy Duty Pickup: 2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty Cabela’s Edition
Thursday, October 16, 2008
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