Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Ford gives men 'trip of a lifetime'
The associate pastor was perusing Ford’s website in June, researching prices for an Explorer, and came upon a contest that posed the question, “If you had a Ford Explorer for a week, what would you do and where would you go?” He decided, on a whim, to give his 250-words-or-less answer, saying he would take his fellow pastors to Alaska.
“I didn’t expect anything to happen from that because who does expect anything from that?” Sterger joked. “But four weeks later, we got a call from Ford.”
The company, as part of its “Go. Do. Adventures” campaign, thought the weather was too bad in Alaska, but opted to send them for “the ultimate vacation to the Grand Canyon.” So in mid-November, Sterger, 55, and four members of Calvary’s leadership — Anthony Ippolito, 34; Mike Ippolito, 32; Phil Wojcik, 22; and Daniel Vasquez, 33 — flew to Arizona for a five-day adventure that turned out so much more valuable than they could imagine.
They went hot-air ballooning over Sedona, saw the south rim of the Grand Canyon and enjoyed a lavish dinner in Flagstaff. All along, they drove a brand-new Ford Explorer and were filmed for a national Ford commercial set to air in 2012.
But the craziest part of the trip came on the second day.
The group knew something seemed off when they met with a film crew of 30 people, including Ford and another with Outside Television. That’s when Kirsten Gum, the host of “Treasure Hunter” on the Travel Channel who was hosting part of a documentary of the experience for Outside Television, arrived and told them they needed some competition for their next adventure.
Their challengers had familiar faces. Calvary Chapel’s Rich Daubenspeck, 42, Ron Meyer, 53, Nate McNeil, 24, Rob Rodriguez, 38, and David Coyle, 42, had kept secret for six months that they would be joining the other group in Arizona for the documentary and commercial.
It was fun, but tough, keeping mum. The other group would keep telling them about their upcoming adventure and they had to bite their tongues and say, “We wish we were going,” Coyle laughed.
The original group, the red team, and the group that came later, the white team, competed head to head on a 2-mile mountain bike ride, 7-mile kayak trip and 1.5-mile hike for a prize of $5,000 for the charity of their choice. Both teams agreed, no matter who won, the Salvation Army would get the money. (The red team proudly noted they won.)
The group presented the check to local Salvation Army members last week.
“You guys do such good work in the community,” Sterger said. “When people call us and they don’t know what to do, we give them the number to the Salvation Army and we know they’re going to get taken care of.”
Salvation Army Capt. Jose Borrero said the money can help the Vineland organization buy more equipment, have more food available and train more people so they’re available when an emergency arises.
“People don’t know how much this $5,000 can do for the Salvation Army and community of Cumberland County,” he said. “We really want to thank Calvary Chapel for what they did.”
“It was definitely the trip of a lifetime,” McNeil said.
Anthony Ippolito loved singing “America the Beautiful” at the bottom of the Grand Canyon before they kayaked on the Colorado River.
Coyle spoke about how beautiful the state is.
Mike Ippolito said even after the trip, the best moment came when they presented the money to the Salvation Army. “I know I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time to give them the check,” he said.
“It was cool to be able to give back when you’re given to,” Vasquez added.
The travelers agreed they’re thankful for the experience, which Daubenspeck dubbed “a chance we couldn’t fathom.” They recounted their favorite moments of the trip after services recently, laughing as they recalled the film crews calling them “the talent.”
Sterger loved the experience, but noted he secretly wished he could take home one of the Explorers. Each team had an Explorer to drive between destinations, but the experience was the $5,000 prize, not the vehicle.
Now that the adventure is over, he’s back to looking for a new car.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Ford debuts Focus Electric 2012
It’s been what seems a long time in coming, but Ford recently pulled the wraps off its brand new electric vehicle, (EV) the Focus Electric.
Yes, production of the sporty, five-seat hatchback has gotten underway at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI. This is the company’s second EV following the December 2010 rollout of the Ford Transit Connect Electric – a small commercial van also manufactured in Wayne.
Ford is boasting that the new Focus is expected to be the first first five-passenger EV with a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) - one mpg-e more than its rival: the five-passenger electric Nissan Leaf.
Ford also claims that, due to some new battery and charging innovations, the Focus will take a full charge using a 240 volt charger in about three hours. That’s half the time it takes for an equivalent charge of the Leaf. If there’s no time for a full juice up, Ford says an hour on the hose will add 30 miles to the car’s range.
Under the hood the Focus is powered by a 23 kW lithium-ion battery pack connected to a motor capable of providing about 130 horsepower. That’s enough get up and go to give the Focus a top speed of about 84 MPH and a range of around 100 miles.
Ford says the advanced battery system uses an active liquid cooling and heating thermal management system to regulate the temperature in the battery. This feature helps to maximize battery life and driving range.
The car also features Ford’s interconnected driver system called MyFord Touch as well as a mobile phone app called MyFord Mobile.
Sales of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric will begin shortly and because initial production of the 2012 model year will be limited, the Focus Electric will be available only in 19 metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Houston and Austin, Texas, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York City, Orlando, Florida, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, Portland, Oregon, Raleigh-Durham, Richmond, Virginia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
The first deliveries are scheduled to take place in California and New York, followed by the other initial markets during the second quarter of 2012.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
David, congratulations on your new Ford F-250! We are happy to have helped you.
"I had a great experience working with Dwight at Ford of Fairfield. I got a great price, he made sure I got the maximum discounts, didn't hide anything from me and allowed me to understand the numbers so we could make this purchase work. There was no going back and forth between the managers checking each and every decision, he pretty much called the shots and got me out of there in less time than an ER room visit....which is rare in a dealership. Folks are very friendly there as well, it was one of the best car purchasing experiences I've had. (New f250 owner)
D.Borges"
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Motor Trend picks 2012 Ford F-150 as its Truck of the Year
Motor Trend magazine named Ford's 2012 F-150 its Truck of the Year, edging out the Nissan NV commercial van, the Ram HD Laramie Longhorn and the Toyota Tacoma.
The magazine's editors presented the award Monday to Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas, at a ceremony at the company's headquarters in Dearborn.
"We are proud to receive this award and even more pleased that our F-150 customers have additional validation of their choice," Fields said in a statement.
With 516,639 trucks sold in the U.S. this year through November, the F-150 is again the nation's best-selling vehicle.
Motor Trend tested versions of the pickup with a 5.0-liter V8 engine, but it was Ford's 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine that helped capture the award.
Ford officials now expect 45% of F-150 buyers to select the EcoBoost V6.
Truck owners traditionally have expected their rigs to be outfitted with a V8 engine, but Ford's EcoBoost V6 is changing that perception.
Automakers are pushing for better fuel economy in the pickup segment, where muscle had been measured in displacement until volatile gasoline prices and a shaky economy changed priorities for many consumers.
The EcoBoost-equipped F-150s average 18 m.p.g. in combined city and highway driving, according to federal government ratings, compared to 14-17 m.p.g. for eight-cylinder models.
The turbocharged V6 gives the truck more towing power than the larger 5.0-liter V8.
"It mastered every task we subjected it to, acing our instrumented tests at the proving grounds and swaying opinions during our real-world road evaluations," Motor Trend editor-in-chief Ed Loh said of the F-150 in an announcement.
Each year, the staff of Motor Trend assesses a field of contenders for the Truck of the Year Award.
The weeklong process includes a full complement of performance tests, both with and without payload, on straight-aways and twisty mountain roads, as well as in day-to-day driving.
Trucks are evaluated against six judging criteria, resulting in a final winner.
The F-150 also took top honors from Motor Trend in 2009, 2004 and 1997.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Take advantage of awesome incentives at Ford Fairfield
Monday, December 5, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Ford First to Integrate Slacker Radio App
Ford drivers with SYNC® AppLink™ now have another entertainment option with the addition of Slacker Radio to the portfolio of available SYNC-compatible smartphone apps.
AppLink builds on the award-winning SYNC connectivity system by enabling drivers to access and control apps on their smartphones by simply using their voice and allowing their hands to stay on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.
"Customers now have so many options for accessing music and information. Ford SYNC AppLink allows us to not only keep pace with what they are listening to, but how they are listening to it," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services. "With its huge music library, Slacker Radio dramatically increases the content options for Ford drivers."
"Slacker listeners can create their own custom stations by selecting their favorite artists and songs, or listen to any of more than 150 stations curated by expert DJs who love the music they play," said Steve Cotter, senior vice president of Business Development at Slacker Radio. "When they're not in the mood for music, Slacker listeners can tune in to a wide variety of personalized talk content including personalized comedy, ABC News and ESPN Radio stations."
Slacker Radio offers a fully customizable and personal online radio experience that includes the most varied and compelling range of content offered by any interactive Internet radio service. The Slacker Radio experience includes over 150 expert-programmed music stations, ABC News, ESPN sports, comedy, custom artist-hosted showcase stations and leading music festival stations. Also, announced today in conjunction with ABC, Slacker lifestyle stations featuring lifestyle highlights from ABC's Good Morning America and ABC's key content partners will be available shortly. With exclusive interactive talk programming and a music catalog that is over ten times larger than the leading radio competitor, Slacker Radio gives listeners the ultimate personal radio experience.
Ford drivers will be able to use their voice or the audio system controls to select Slacker stations to play, skip songs, set favorites or even ban a song or artist they don't want to hear again. When driving into areas with limited or even no data connectivity, drivers can still listen to their favorite music by storing content directly to their phones for uninterrupted listening. In order to use Slacker with AppLink, drivers just need to update the Slacker Radio app on their smartphones to the latest version. Slacker with AppLink is now available on Android and BlackBerry with iOS pending approval. Download the SYNC-enabled version of Slacker today by visiting http://www.Slacker.com from a supported device or by searching the application store for Slacker Radio.
SYNC AppLink is available on the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Fiesta, Mustang, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series and Shelby GT500. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ, MKZ Hybrid and Navigator feature SYNC AppLink as standard equipment.
Monday, November 28, 2011
We would like to thank you, T.T., for sharing your experience
"Stopped by for "the works" and am nothing but pleased w/the service. I have been to plenty of Ford dealerships and service departments all over the U.S. This one ranks as one of the best yet. Berry and crew were very professional and helpful. Highly recommend it to others."
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Ford's new Mustang Shelby GT is first 200-mph muscle car
The 2013 Shelby GT500 Mustang will what Ford claims will be the most powerful production V-8 engine in the world: a 650-horsepower brute that's a full 100 hp. more than the one it replaces.
Engineers say it will just top 200 mph, but will be street legal -- and tame enough in traffic to be your daily driver, as well as weekend racer. It not only gains speed not only from the new engine, but also styling tweaks refreshing all Mustang models for 2013 as Ford tries to regain the pony car sales lead from archrival Chevrolet Camaro. All the new Mustangs are being formally unveiled Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show (and Drive On will be there).
The current Shelby GT500 is electronically limited to 155 mph. The new one is not limited.
Ford has made 200 mph cars before, including the GT supercar a few years ago. Ands others also offer exotics — with sky-high prices to match — that go 200 mph-plus. There's also a Corvette version rated in excess of 200 mph. And Chevy is introducing a new ZL1 version of the Camaro with a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 rated at 580 hp. that it vows will have "blinding acceleration."
The new Shelby will arrive in showrooms next summer, slightly behind the other new redone Mustangs, at a price Ford hasn't set yet. The current Shelby costs $49,605.
The goal was to "put the Shelby back on top of the Mustang pyramid," said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer of Ford's performance vehicles division. "We saw we could take a major leap (by) changing the gearing around and tweaking the horsepower" to achieve new levels of speed.
It happened as engineers made improvements to present-day Mustangs and then track-tested them. Hameedi says the cars started to routinely hit the 155 mph speed limiter -- leading to the decision to remove it.
But he says the car is safe as well, with advanced Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential for better traction.
Still, is it too fast for an average driver? "Years ago, that may have been a concern," Hameedi says. "But now with all the technology in these cars ... they are extremely safe to drive."
The new Shelby was created in Ford's own special vehicles team and not to be confused with the aftermarket performance versions modified by Shelby American, the specialty company of automotive racing icon Carroll Shelby.
Ford is not saying what it expects the gas mileage rating to be, but says it will be good enough to avoid a government "gas guzzler tax."
What the Shelby will share with all the refreshed 2013 Mustangs:
They'll have a redesigned grille, new hood and special lighting, including high-intensity discharge headlights. And even the regular Mustang V-8 gets a horsepower boost, to 420 hp.
And the new six-speed automatic transmission will have a true manual mode -- press a button on the shifter and stirring the gears is all on you.
This refresh is not the full redesign that's expected -- but not for at least another year, timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Ford Reveals ‘New’ Flex Crossover
The 2013 Ford Flex will be seen in public for the first time in two weeks at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, but the first photos are out--and if you thought the Flex couldn't get any more edgy, you would be wrong.
First and foremost, the 2013 Flex wears a new nose that channels its inner geek perfectly. From the straight-on, the new Flex looks exactly like a USB port. The FLEX lettering on the nose might as well read "8GB," since there's no longer a blue Ford oval on the front end, anywhere. The softer look follows inside, where controls have been re-zoned to accommodate MyFord Touch.
MyFord Touch is the new pinnacle of infotainment and connectivity in the Flex, which led Ford's efforts in the arena back in 2009 with relatively advanced features like real-time traffic and weather reports on the go. With MyFord Touch's twin LCD screens on the dash and an eight-inch LCD touchscreen on the center console, the Flex now runs the same firmware as the Edge and Explorer, using a combination of voice commands, touches and swipes, and steering-wheel button clicks to run phone, audio, climate and navigation systems.
The Flex's OS will be the updated MyFord Touch system that was announced earlier this week, with improved screen layouts and less dense displays of information. Every Flex will come with at least a base configuration of SYNC, with emergency features and phone and audio control.
Safety technology is addressed with the addition of second-row inflatable seat belts like those in the new Explorer. They're accompanied by adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors, and the previously available rearview camera.
The Flex's powertrain has received some attention as well. The base 3.5-liter V-6 now generates 285 horsepower, up 20 hp from the 2012 model, and has highway fuel economy that's improved by one mile per gallon. The turbocharged EcoBoost engine maintains 355 hp.
New features on the Flex include power-folding side mirrors; keyless entry and remote start; heated and ventilated front seats; and a new manual-mode switch on base models with some level of manual gear selection. All Flex crossovers now have electric power steering as well.
Stay tuned for more on the 2013 Flex, live from the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the media on November 16.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Power Liftgate on All-New Ford Escape Opens and Closes with a Gentle Kick
Ford this month is introducing its all-new Escape SUV featuring a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key.
The new Escape, which makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 16, will be the first SUV to use gesture-based technology – similar to that found in video games – to open the rear liftgate. A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates the system and raises the liftgate. The same kicking motion closes the liftgate as well.
"The hands-free power liftgate is yet another innovative Ford technology that makes customers' lives easier," said Jason Sprawka, Escape brand manager. "New Escape owners will be able to load their vehicle without ever having to set packages or gear down."
The hands-free liftgate builds on Ford's Intelligent Access push-button start. It allows customers to unlock and start their vehicles without having to take the key out of their pocket or purse.
The hands-free liftgate uses two sensors in the rear bumper to detect a person's shin and kicking motion. The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions – not when an animal runs under the car or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.
The liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.
About the Escape
The all-new Escape goes on sale next spring, building on the success of Ford's highly popular small SUV. First introduced in 2000, nearly 2 million Escapes have been sold.
The new Escape is another of Ford's global vehicles, based on the company's C-sized platform, which is being used as the basis for more than 2 million Ford vehicles Ford vehicles around the world.
In addition to being a technological leader, the new Escape will be a fuel economy leader, too. The vehicle will be offered with three fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, including 1.6- and 2.0-liter versions of Ford's popular EcoBoost® engines.
The new 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is expected to deliver better fuel economy than competitors' larger four-cylinder engines. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost is expected to offer better fuel economy than competitors' V6 engines, while delivering unsurpassed performance compared to those larger six-cylinder powertrains.
The Escape will be built at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, where the company has invested $600 million to retool the facility and is in the process of adding 3,100 jobs to launch two new shifts of Escape production by the end of next year.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Rick, thank you for this wonderful review. We are honored to have you as a customer.
"Great sales people and wonderful car, 1212 focus titanium. Catherine was our sales agent and was great. Will recommend to others. No pressure sales."
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Focus Electric finalist for 'Green Car of the Year'
The all-electric, plug-in vehicle is one of five finalists for Green Car Journal’s 2012 "Green Car of the Year" award.
“This year’s Green Car of the Year finalists underscore that there is no single solution to our transportation challenges,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com, in a release. “Here we have five exceptional answers to the question of how we’re going to increase efficiencies, reduce tailpipe and CO2 emissions, and decrease petroleum use.”
The Focus - the only American car finalist - is competing against the Mitsubishi i electric car, Honda Civic GX natural gas, Toyota Prius v hybrid and Volkswagen Passat TDI “clean” diesel.
The winner is expected to be announced Nov. 17 at the auto show.
Vehicles running on all fuels and technologies were considered for the award, including high-efficiency gasoline and diesel models along with ones that run on gaseous fuels, electricity and other alternative fuels.
The Focus’ closest competitor – technology-wise – is the Mitsubishi I, which is the only other all-electric vehicle finalist.
The Focus was expected to launch in 19 markets by the end of 2011, but is now scheduled to debut only in California and New York in 2011, then the rest of the markets in 2012.
General Motors Co. is the only American automaker to win the award in its six-year history. Last year, the 2011 Chevroelt Volt won, beating out the Nissan Leaf, Ford Fiesta and hybrid versions of the Hyundai Sonata and Lincoln MKZ; and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid won in 2008.
Monday, October 24, 2011
We would like to thank our staff for its dedication to providing 100 percent customer satisfaction.
"John in sales was a pleasure to deal with, a true professional & a gentleman, we never felt pressured & he truly wants to make sure you are purchasing a vehicle you want & that you'll be happy with. We purchased a used vehicle & had a couple of items we negotiated during the sale taken care of in the service department the following week. We had interactions with Aaron, Bob & Dale & they are all excellent to deal with, especially Bob. I trust them all completely & that means everything to me!"
"Great buying experience no pressure. Marshall our salesman was very professional and helpful and really listened to what we were looking for in an automobile and we found the vehicle we love. I would recommend the dealership to anyone interested in getting a fair and honest purchase."
"It was a pleasure to work with this ford dealership they were truly professional and all gentleman, I did not feel pressured at all they made my buying experience pleasurable and great, I was able to get an excellent deal on my Ford Focus and I am so proud of it and I am looking forward to working with the service department. I would certainly recommend this dealership to friends and family."
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Brad, we would like to thank you for your kind words and recommendation
"Ok, ok its a car dealership. Cars are expensive. Most times, you need a loan to get one.... This being said, I'll continue:
I tagged with my mom to go car shopping after she had been using my vehicle for about 9 mo. She finally found the car she wanted, so we headed out to Fairfield Ford. Upon arrival we met up with Michelle, I'm not going to call her a "Sales Person" because not once did she try to "Sell" us anything. Without wasting any time, Michelle took us to the car my mom was interested in. I realized the vehicle my mom was driving was priced approximately $4000 under Kelley Blue Book. I asked "Whats the deal with the price difference." She explained Fairfield Ford was a "Volume" dealership, not a "Value" dealership... The idea behind this is, if you sell cars cheaper (of course they are still profiting from them, its a business) you sell more cares, and the cars will sell themselves. This, as opposed to the "Volume" business model, where you try to make as much on one car as you can, allows them to "Let the customer sell the car." All in all, it made for the friendliest and most comfortable buying experience I've ever observed. So... by the end of the day, I was offered High Blue Book value on my vehicle as a trade in.... Yes, HIGH BLUE BOOK, not "Trade in value" there is a big difference. I found a car I liked and my mom and I rolled out of there with two new vehicles. Both of us got amazing deals! I definitely recommend anyone buying a vehicle, at least, give this place a look into. If you live a few miles away it might just be worth the drive, the deal may be that good."Wednesday, October 19, 2011
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