Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Years!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ford Fusion Hybrid to get 41 city m.p.g.
ASSOCIATED PRESS • December 23, 2008
Ford Motor Co.’s much ballyhooed 2010 Fusion Hybrid will get 41 city miles per gallon and 36 m.p.g. on highways, based on final certification figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the company said Monday.
The move is one of the final steps in getting the vehicle to dealerships next spring. Certification of the vehicle was recently completed at the company’s testing laboratories in Allen Park.
Ford said that the Fusion Hybrid tops Toyota’s Camry hybrid -- its main competitor -- mileage by 8 m.p.g. in the city and 2 m.p.g. on the highway.
The Fusion can travel up to 47 miles per hour using only battery power. After 47 miles, the car’s four-cylinder engine turns on to power the car and recharge the battery.
The Fusion’s nickel-metal hydride battery is lighter and produces 20% more power than the Ford Escape hybrid. It also devised a way to get 28% more power out of the battery cells, said Praveen Cherian, program leader for the Fusion Hybrid.
“It’s not just one thing, but thousands,” he said of the improved mileage numbers. “We’ve optimized the heck out of that vehicle, it’s individual components.”
The battery also can tolerate higher temperatures, and Ford has eliminated its battery cooling system in the Fusion, allowing the battery to cool using regular cabin air.
The company also has improved its regenerative braking system, which captures energy lost through brake friction and stores it for battery usage. Ford said 94% of brake friction energy is recovered in the new model.
The Fusion also includes SmartGauge technology, which helps drivers adjust their driving to get more mileage out of the car.
Ford unveiled the Fusion Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, along with the Mercury Milan hybrid.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Hours
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We have special hours this week. We will close on Wednesday, December 24th, 2008 at 12 Noon. We will be closed on Thursday, December 25th, 2008 and Friday, December 26th, 2008. We will be open Monday, December 29th, 2008 with normal business hours 8:30am - 9:00pm. Everyone at Roy O'Brien Ford would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Ford Racing Performance Parts
Did you know that we sell Ford Racing Performance Parts here at Roy O'Brien Ford.
Download the 2009 Performance Parts Catalog Here
If you have any questions please call (586)776-7600 and ask for either Gary Feld ext.251 or John Bonanno ext. 248 in our parts department.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Our 3rd Annual Food for Photos
Please bring new clothing, new toys, or non-perishable food items from Dec. 1st to Dec. 20th to benefit the Military Family Relief Fund and have the kids say "cheese" while they sit with Santa in a Mustang Convertible.
Santa's Rolling in for Smiles!
Monday, Dec. 15th, 6 - 8 pm
Thursday, Dec. 18th, 6 - 8 pm
Photos will be printed on the spot.
The Military Family Relief Fund assists families in need of food, clothing and money, while their mother, father or loved one is serving our country.
Roy O'Brien Ford is partnering with Selfridge ANG Base Community Services Program and Lac Ste. Claire Kiwanis Club for the Military Family Relief Project.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Hello From Roy O'Brien Ford
Now that Al Long Ford is closing its doors, let us introduce ourselves as your nearby Ford dealer. Our staff is courteous, knowledgeable and eager to please. To this point, our customers voted us the Number One Customer Satisfaction Ford dealer for the entire United States in 2007! In addition, Roy O'Brien Ford is on track to achieve its fourth President's Award, which recognizes unsurpassed sales, service and owner satisfaction, in as many years.
We want to be your factory-authorized servicing dealership, as well as you new "home" for all of your automotive needs, be they new or used vehicles, parts, service or body shop. Roy O'Brien Ford employs technicians of the highest caliber who have completed rigorous factory training. The equipment they use to diagnose and repair your vehicles is state-of-the-art. Our body shop will repair your collision damage to better-than-new condition and guarantee it for life!
Our salespeople have an average of 13 years tenure selling new and used vehicles. Our Free Service Loaner affords you a free loaner car any time your new Roy O'Brien purchased or leases vehicle visits us for any repair (excluding body repair).
After all, at Roy O'Brien Ford, you're just "a friend we haven't met yet!" Call, (586) 776-7600 or visit us soon at 22201 E. 9 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores, MI, (at 9 Mile and Mack). You'll be pleasantly surprised!
Quick Links
Home Page | New Vehicle Inventory | Pre-Owned Inventory
Service Specials | Map & Directions | Customer Value Package
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
The Ford Story: A different route - Ford on the credit crunch, recession and more fuel efficient vehicles | Ford Vehicles
A DIFFERENT ROUTE
At Ford, we are headed in a new direction. After turning a profit this year in the first quarter and making significant progress on cost reductions, we were hit by a spike in gas prices, followed by the current credit crisis. But instead of focusing on our challenges, we’d like you to know how very far Ford has come and how we’re doing business differently.
The Plan
Our plan is actually quite simple: to build the best vehicles on the road today and make them affordable for millions.
When do we plan to do this?
It’s already underway.
During the past three years, we have switched to a lineup that includes many new cars and crossovers. They’ve been proven to match the quality of the imports, along with better safety, better fuel mileage, and innovative technology. Want proof?
Our Progress
We get it. We need a new way of doing business. You’ll be glad to know Ford has been making great progress…we’re sure you will agree.
Ford Motor Company, Honda Motors and Toyota Motors quality ratings are in a dead heat.1
Our cars and trucks deliver fuel economy comparable to that of all other manufacturers including the Japanese.
No other brand or company in the U.S. has received more government 5-star crash test ratings than Ford.2
Our factories and the vehicles they produce have pioneered environmentally-friendly techniques.
Press release regarding Ford's Plan
1Based on cumulative survey data of 2008 MY Ford and competitive owners at three months of service in three surveys conducted 9/07–5/08.
2Based on both NHTSA 5-star crash test ratings and, with optional electronic stability control, IIHS Top Safety Pick. Star ratings are part of the U.S. Department. of Transportation’s Safercar.gov program.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Download A 2009 Ford Vehicle Brochure
Need a 2009 Ford Vehicle Brochure. Click on the image to view the brochure in a pdf. If you want to save the brochure, right click the vehicle image and select "Save Target As".
Cars | ||
Trucks | |||
Crossovers | ||
SUVs | ||||
2009 Ford Escape View Escape Inventory | 2009 Escape Hybrid View Hybrid Inventory |
2009 Expedition View Expedition Inventory |
2009 Explorer View Explorer Inventory | 2009 Sport Trac View Sport Trac Inventory |
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Ford tops safety awards list for 2009, has 16 winners
BY SARAH A. WEBSTER • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • November 24, 2008
Ford Motor Co. offers the most vehicles in America with top safety ratings, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The institute today released its "Top Safety Pick" awards list for 2009, which recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side and rear crashes, based on the institute's tests.
Ford had more winners than any other automaker -- 16 in all. Honda Motor Co. was second, with 13 winners. General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. tied with eight each.
In all, 72 vehicles made the list, double the number of winners a year ago.
Chrysler LLC, based in Auburn Hills, was the only major automaker that did not receive a single top safety pick. The institute said Chrysler could have picked up five awards "if the head restraints were better in the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, the Sebring convertible, and the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country."
The institute said the larger number of Top Safety Picks was largely a consequence of the widespread adoption of electronic stability control, which the government has required for vehicles by the 2012 model year. The feature senses when a driver is about to lose control and helps the vehicle stabilize and avoid skidding or rolling over.
The institute requires the feature to qualify as a top safety pick.
At Ford, officials and employees were celebrating the news of their top safety performance.
"We want to set ourselves apart from the other American companies," Steve Kozak, Ford's safety chief engineer, told the Free Press on Monday. "We're ready and able to compete head-to-head with the Japanese."
Last month, Ford also won accolades from Consumer Reports for the high quality of its vehicles, which the trusted magazine said are now on par with those being produced by Toyota and Honda Motor Co.
So even though Ford is losing money and is part of the Detroit Three contingent seeking $25 billion in aid from Congress, many workers at Ford report feeling good about the company's prospects.
"We're very proud of this," said Kozak, who oversees a team of 167 engineers around the world.
The team engineers a variety of safety technologies, such as Ford's smart Personal Safety System, which deploys air bags based on the weight of passengers and the severity of the crash, among other factors.
"We're doing our part to help Ford succeed," Kozak said. "We just need to get past the downturn in the economy, and we need to get past the perception that the public has about Ford Motor Co."
Ford's winning vehicles included models from all of Ford's brands, which includes Ford, Mercury, Lincoln and Volvo, as well as one Mazda vehicle, the Tribute, which is built on the same platform as the Ford Escape, which also made the list.
Ford's list of winners also includes the F-150 pickup, which is part of the nation's best-selling F-Series lineup.
In the Photo, the 2009 Ford F-150.
Honda's 13 winners included the Honda Fit with optional electronic-stability control -- the first microcar, which is smaller than a subcompact, to earn a top safety rating.
GM's winners included the Cadillac CTS, the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook large SUVs.
In response to Chrysler's poor performance -- which also follows a poor performance in Consumer Reports' quality ratings -- company spokesman Cole Quinnell told the Associated Press that Chrysler vehicles are equipped with a variety of safety features and the institute's results "are just one of the sources of information about a vehicle's crash performance."
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety WebsiteFriday, November 21, 2008
6 myths about the Detroit 3
Detroit Free Press 11/17/08 by Mark Phelan
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.
(c) Copyright 2007, Detroit Free Press. All Rights Reserved.Thursday, November 20, 2008
How much of a Ford vehicle can be recycled
green vehicle,Recycling Engineer,ford,recycle,environmentally friendly vehicle,Vehicle Recycling Partnership
In the U.S., 52% of all paper and 45% of all aluminum beer and soft drink cans are recycled. But that's nothing compared with vehicles: More than 95% are recycled at the end of their lives*, making cars and trucks the most recycled consumer products in the country. "On average, 84% of a car's materials by weight can be recycled when it enters the vehicle-recycling infra-structure*," says Claudia Duranceau, senior research recycling engineer at Ford. "We've designed newer vehicles to be easier to take apart, so dismantlers can resell and recycle more parts and components themselves," Duranceau says. "Once the dismantler has removed valuable items, the vehicle hulks are shredded and the metal scrap is melted down and recycled back into vehicles." Ford is also part os the Vehicle Recycling Partnership, which works on new ways to increase recycling of vehicles in an environmentally friendly manner.
*Ward's Motor Vehicle Facts & Figures 2007
This Article was from the My Ford Fall 2008 Magazine by Claudia Duranceau, Senior Research Recycling Engineer
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Employee Pricing Plus
I have some "Great News" for you. Ford has announced Employee Pricing Plus.
All new 2008 and 2009 Model Ford Cars, SUVs, Crossovers, & Trucks (through F-350)*
*Excluding 2009 F-150, 08/09 Hybrid, 08/09 Shelby GT 500
Now is the best time to take advantage of this new Ford program while we have a great selection!
Stop in and take a test drive?
Do you have any questions? Please don’t hesitate to ask them by either emailing us at royobrienford@salepoint.dealerconnection.com or calling us at (586)776-7600 and ask about Our Best Offer of the Year. It is important that you receive this dollar saving promotion.
If you want to see what we have in stock, Click Here for our inventory and pick out your new vehicle.
Quick Links
Home Page | New Vehicle Inventory | Pre-Owned Inventory | Apply for Financing
Service Specials | Map & Directions | Customer Value Package
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
An Exclusive First Look at the New 2010 Mustang
If you would like to View Models and Options, Here is an Early Order Guide for the 2010 Ford Mustang!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
10,500 Reasons to Buy at Roy O'Brien Ford
Its Truck Month at Roy O'Brien Ford!
Listen to our Radio Spot Here.
2008 F-150 SuperCab 4x4
A & Z Plan Customers
$6,000 Retail Customer Cash
$500 Ford Credit Retail Bonus Customer Cash
$1,000 A/X/Z/D-Plan Retail Customer Cash
$2,000 RCL Renewal*
Total Rebates Available $9,500**
X Plan Customers
$6,000 Retail Customer Cash
$500 Ford Credit Retail Bonus Customer Cash
$1,000 A/X/Z/D-Plan Retail Customer Cash
$1,500 RCL Renewal*
Total Rebates Available $9,000**
A/X/Z-Plan Customers
or 0% Financing Available in lieu of Rebates***
2008 F-150 SuperCrew 4x4
A & Z Plan Customers
$7,000 Retail Customer Cash
$500 Ford Credit Retail Bonus Customer Cash
$1,000 A/X/Z/D-Plan Retail Customer Cash
$2,000 RCL Renewal*
Total Rebates Available $10,500**
X Plan Customers
$7,000 Retail Customer Cash
$500 Ford Credit Retail Bonus Customer Cash
$1,000 A/X/Z/D-Plan Retail Customer Cash
$1,500 RCL Renewal*
Total Rebates Available $10,000**
A/X/Z-Plan Customers
or 0% Financing Available in lieu of Rebates***
*In order to receive the RCL Renewal Rebate, you must currently be in a Ford Lease.
**Must Finance thru Ford Motor Credit, Not all will qualify, Terms and conditions based upon individuals credit score.
*** Must Finance thru Ford Motor Credit, Not all will qualify, 0% available for up to 60 Months, Terms and conditions based upon individuals credit score.
Be sure to act quick, our 2008 F-150 inventory is limited. Offer Ends November 18th!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
2010 Ford Fusion Geared Up For Unsurpassed Fuel Economy and Fun
The 2010 Ford Fusion has an all six-speed transmission lineup, one of the single biggest contributors
to the midsize sedan’s unsurpassed fuel economy achievements against segment contenders Toyota
Camry and Honda Accord.
With more gears, Fusion’s available 2.5-liter, 3.0-liter and 3.5-liter engines have a broader range from
which to select the optimum mix of torque and horsepower for different driving situations, translating to
better acceleration as well as better mileage for the customer.
Why Six-speeds?
The six-speed transmission provides up to a 10-percent fuel economy improvement on
Fusion I-4 models and at least a 6-percent improvement on the V-6s, while helping
deliver more horsepower and torque. An extra low gear offers up the improved acceleration
versus four- and five-speed gearboxes and the additional high gear reduces engine speed
while cruising, which saves fuel.
Less RPM, More MPG
A six-speed transmission shifts at lower rpm in each gear compared to a four- or fivespeed,
resulting in improved fuel economy and inherently smoother shifting. Ford’s 6F35
also has six available final drive gear ratios and utilizes adaptive learning algorithms to
make the transmission “customizable” to individual vehicles for a more dynamic driving
experience and improved mpg.
Fun-to-Drive Factor
When paired with Fusion’s 3.0-liter models, the six-speed transmission is calibrated for
SelectShift, which gives customers the option of a sporty, fun-to-shift manual experience.
SelectShift offers the driver total control over gear selection, without any second-guessing
from the transmission. The six-speed features engine speed matching for faster smoother
downshifts and ensures safer shifting by using calculated maximum speeds to determine the
lowest acceptable gear.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
And the BEST get BETTER
So what about the models you know and love? By 2010, Ford will upgrade almost its entire lineup as part of an aggressive strategy to deliver the most exciting range of choices in American vehicles. For starters, several North American plants are being retooled to build more 4-cylinder engines. That's the engine that will end up in the 2010 Fusion, which is expected to beat competitors in fuel efficiency. The rock-solid sedan will also come in a hybrid model, making Ford the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles. And the completely redesigned 2010 Taurus will offer an optional EcoBoost engine, giving it more power as well as better mileage. As for the 2010 Mustang, its body may be trimmed down a little for a more chiseled appearance, but it will be just as ferocious out on the open road, and still a pure-bred American classic. Ford a glimpse of the new model, visit the2010mustang.com.
2010 Ford Fusion
2010 Ford Taurus
2010 Ford Mustang
The above information was from the Fall 2008 My Ford Magazine. Images from automobilemag.com,edmunds.com
Monday, November 03, 2008
Small is the New Big, and Ford is Ready.
Preview the 2010 Ford lineup. Peek into the very near future at a lineup for a fast-changing world. Ever notice those small Ford vehicles in Europe and wondered why they're not available here in the states? Well, that's about to change. As part of a bold push to deliver smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, Ford is bringing six of its revered European models to North America in 2010. Just don't call them cute: Europe's narrow, twisting roads demand nimble handling and snappy performance, while its dense urban centers-not to mention fuel prices-require that such qualities come in smart packages. As you'll soon see, you'll feel just as confident dropping the kids off at practice and pulling up to the pump as you would winding through the Alps or parallel parking in Paris. Here's a preview of the first three to arrive.
The 2010 Ford Fiesta: Designed and developed in Europe and built in North America, the al-new 2010 Fiesta is the first major product of Ford's new global product development process. Its rakish lines reflect the Verve Concept that inspired it, the body shell's high-strength steel is safe and light, thus improving its power-to-weight ratio and efficiency; and its dynamic European handling characteristics will set new standards in refinement-and fun-for small cars.
The 2010 Ford Focus: The American Ford is selling so fast that Ford had to add a third shift to it Wayne, Mich. plant to keep up with demand. That trend will only continue with the global 2010 model, and ideal blend of the U.S. and European editions that will be built at the same plant. The Focus is a sleek 5-door commuter whose dramatic aerodynamics make it ultra-efficient. (The U.K.'s ECOnetic version boasts 65.6 mpg and was named the Green Car of the Year by the environmental website whatgreencar.com.) But this car's smart features go beyond efficiency. The keyless entry and ignition technology, for example, means you can open the door without fishing through your pockets-and it's impossible to lock yourself out.
The 2010 Ford Transit Connect: From delivering goods to hauling gear, small business owners need the right tool for the right job. Enter the much celebrated Transit Connect from Ford Europe. Designed as a greener, more fuel-efficient alternative to full-size service vans, this unique vehicle has dual sliding doors, seating for up to five and a cavernous 143 cubic feet of cargo space. Thanks to its 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, it gets a thrifty fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city, and 24 mpg on the highway. It drives like a car, works like a van-and is engineered to be as tough as a truck.
Stay tuned later in the week for more previews from the 2010 lineup, such as the Fusion, Mustang, and Taurus.
Photos from jdpower.com, caranddriver.com, autoblog.com.
Story from My Ford Magazine
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
End of Summer Service Special
$36.95
- Motorcraft Premium Synthetic Blend Oil and filter change
- Rotate and inspect four tires
- Check air and cabin air filters
- Inspect brake system
- Test Battery
- Check belts and hoses
- Top off all fluids
Up to five quarts of Motorcraft oil and Motorcraft oil filter. Taxes, diesel vehicles and disposal fees extra. Hybrid battery test excluded. See Service advisor for vehicle exclusions and details. Offer valid with coupon.
For more information and/or to set up an appointment call (586)776-7600 and ask for Tina at ext. 284 or Kristen at ext.285!