Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Ford Transit Connects Family & Business

Ford Transit Connects Family & Business

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- Do you run your own business or have a family that's always on the go? We understand how hard it can be to coordinate it all! From meetings to after-school activities  you’re always doing something. We understand that there’s barely enough time in the day for work, grocery shopping and weekend projects. Simplify it all with the Ford Transit that connects family & business!
The new Ford Transit connects family & business while keeping space and style in mind. The 2014 Transit Connect seats five plus offers 77 cubic feet of customizable storage behind the front seats! You'll be able to fit all of your business needs and family needs all in one vehicle! There's so much space you could fit four 180-gallon fish tanks, or 26 large suitcases, or 19 golf bags in the back of the new Ford Transit! Not enough space for all that you do? No problem, check out the long-wheelbase seven-passenger model which offers an even more impressive 104 cubic feet of storage!
You don't have to worry about breaking the bank at the pump either with the available 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine! You can fit your life into one vehicle AND be fuel-efficient too! We expect the 2014 Transit Connect Wagon to show up on our lot later this year so stop by your Clinton Township Area Ford Dealer for more information. Family owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!
Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
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Monday, April 29, 2013

Global Open - Ford Key Fob Feature

Global Open - Ford Key Fob Feature

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- Warmer spring weather has arrived, and let's hope it's here to stay! Ford's newest vehicles can help you enjoy your warm day drives, whether you prefer the windows down or air conditioning up. But if we're headed into a summer like last year, it's going to be a scorcher. Thanks to Global Open, Ford's New Key Fob Feature, you'll be able to cool off your ride before you get in!

Opening up the driver door to a steamy interior is one of the downfalls of the hot summer months. But with Ford's Global Open key fob feature, you won't have to anymore! You can roll the windows up or down with just the click of a button! And if you have a moonroof, you can roll that back too! Just press and hold the unlock button on your Ford key fob for at least three seconds and then the windows will begin to roll down. If your windows are already down, roll them up by pressing and holding the lock button for at least two seconds. And if you want to stop the windows from rolling up or down, just press either the lock or unlock button once to make them stop. It's that easy!

The Global Open Ford Key Fob Feature works up to 150 feet away, so you can roll down the windows and cool off the car before you even get in. You can already take advantage of this new key fob feature on your 2013 Ford Fusion and select 2014 models! Stop by your Ford Dealer Serving Harrison Township to try it out on our New Ford CarsFamily owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

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Thursday, April 25, 2013

2014 Ford Fusion Updates

2014 Ford Fusion Updates

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- Can you believe the 2013 Ford Fusion has been on the road for almost a year now? Which means it's time we bring you news regarding next year's model! Ford Motor Company hasn't announced plans for any major updates, but the 2014 Ford Fusion will receive a few updates. For the vehicle's second year on the market, a few minor changes will be made.

First, the 2014 Ford Fusion will come equipped with a slightly smaller engine. 
A more efficient, 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with start-stop functionality will replace the current model's 1.6-liter engine. Though a small change, all automatic transmission EcoBoost Fusions will experience the 0.1-liter displacement. However, the manual transmission models continue to be built with the 1.6-liter engine.

Changes on the interior will include both safety and convenience updates. First introduced in the 2013 Ford Explorer to protect small passengers in the rear seats, the 2014 Ford Fusion will add rear seat belt airbags as an extra safety feature. And then for those interested in the
 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium, both heated and cooled seats will be added with the option for a heated steering wheel. Though the Titanium  model updates will not be available until later in the model year.

For its second year on the market, the 2014 Ford Fusion Updates will remain minor and we don't expect any major changes to be announced. Discover more about the completely redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion and take one home today with the help of our Ford Fusion Rebates! Your Clinton Township Area Ford Dealer can also offers Car Loans to help you take home that vehicle you've been thinking about! 
Family owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Ford Escort Concept Car Debut

Ford Escort Concept Car Debut

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- Ford Motor Company's most popular nameplate behind the F-series pickup made a comeback this past weekend! Well sort of. Ford debuted the new Escort concept car at the Shanghai Auto Show in China! Why is the automaker bringing the popular compact sedan after all these years? Well, Ford isn't sure that the needs of the market are being completely fulfilled by the vehicles that they currently offer.

Once the best selling car in the world, the Ford Escort Concept Car is based on the current best selling car, Ford Focus' chassis! Stretched a bit to allow for a roomier back seat, the new Escort concept aims to provide more space while being more affordable than its original replacement, the Ford Focus.  A more stylish look is achieved with a more upright roofline that doesn't come across as arrogant which is important to the Chinese consumer. Just as important, the concept car's jewel-like headlights were inspired by the Chinese character for the number 8, considered lucky as a portent of wealth in the Chinese culture.


Ford Escort Concept Car Debut

The debut of the Ford Escort concept car, marks Ford Motor Company's third compact sedan. However, for China the different vehicle options work well since the country's wealth levels vary widely. Plus, compact cars make up 60% of the new vehicle market which makes the opportunity attractive for Ford. But before we get too excited about the revival of the Ford Escort, it isn't exactly clear if the car will ever be built. While the Escort concept car is very close to a production model since it doesn't include exotic features, it's unlikely that it will come to the United States even if it is produced since it was designed specifically for the Chinese market.

Even though we may not see the new Ford Escort concept here in the United States, you can get behind the wheel of the world's best selling car at Roy O'Brien Ford! Come take the Ford Focus for a spin today to see what all the excitement is about! We have inventory of both the 2013 Ford Focus and Low Mileage Used Cars at your Harrison Township Area Ford Dealer
Family owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

49th Anniversary Of The Ford Mustang

49th Anniversary Of The Ford Mustang

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- On today's date, 49 years ago, in 1974 the very first Ford Mustang made its debut in New York at the World's Fair! Unexpected and unusual styling for its day, Ford's Product Planning Manager knew the new vehicle was going to be a hit after Ford employees were impressed by the design during a sneak peek.

Starting at just $2,368, the requests for the new Ford vehicle started pouring into dealers. At its debut, Ford Motor Company had forecasted that sales would total about 100,000 annually. However, after 22,000 orders were placed for the pony car on the very first day it was for sale, that prediction proved to be low. The Ford Mustang's appearance on the race track as the pace car for the 1964 Indianapolis 500 encouraged sales even further to 417,000 vehicles in just 12 months. And it didn't stop there, the 'Stang skyrocketed to one million vehicles sold by the second year!
“When the Mustang was unveiled, the reaction was so positive that there was no doubt it was going to be a success,” recalls Joe Oros, chief designer of Ford’s original pony car.
49th Anniversary Of The Ford Mustang

One of the most iconic vehicles in the Ford brand, the 49th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang reminds us of the automaker's history. As many of us
 look forward to next year's debut of the 50th anniversary 'Stang, we also take a look back today. Undergoing many changes over the years, both big and small, one thing has remained the same, the Ford Mustang is still America's greatest muscle car!

Make your mark in history and drive home in your very own Ford Mustang today from your Ford Dealer Serving Grosse Pointe, MI. We can help you finance a New Ford Car with 
our Auto LoansFamily owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
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Monday, April 15, 2013

10-Speed Transmissions Coming From Ford & GM Partnership

10-Speed Transmissions Coming From Ford & GM Partnership
ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- There's an unexpected collaboration coming to town between two of Detroit’s Big 3 automakers! The city's largest rivals are putting their differences aside to join forces on a new project that will change the automotive industry. Ford Motor Company & General Motors announced today that they will partner to develop a new advanced 10-speed transmission that will offer improved fuel economy! Currently both automakers only offer vehicles with 6 speeds, but they will now work together to develop the next generation of transmissions that will offer 9- and 10-speeds.
Why are more gears needed since current models already offer enjoyable fuel economy? The more gears a transmission has, the less work that is required by the engine to keep the vehicle moving. So the new 10-speed transmission coming from the Ford & GM partnership, with more gears than the current 6-speed model, will show even more impressive fuel economy! Exactly how much the new transmission will affect fuel efficiency is not yet known, but the automakers have estimated that we could enjoy a 5-10% increase in fuel economy.
Since the 10-speed transmission coming from the Ford & GM partnership will contain more gears, it will be more costly to develop. Developing a new transmission can cost hundreds of millions of dollars which is why Ford Motor Company and General Motors have decided to join forces in order to save millions of dollars, which they can then spend on other areas of development. By partnering, the automakers will also be able to continue to offer competitive prices to consumers. So while it may seem odd that competing automakers have partnered to develop a new transmission, it's not the first time. Ford Motor Company and General Motors have actually partnered to develop transmissions before; three separate times over the past decade!
The new 10-speed transmissions will be produced for both front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles, and while initial development has begun it has not been announced when the new transmissions will show up in vehicles. Until then, check out the current Ford models with impressive fuel economy like the 2013 Ford Focus or 2013 Ford Fusion! And keep your monthly payments low with our Ford Fusion Rebates and Ford Focus RebatesFamily owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
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Friday, April 12, 2013

Ford Atlas Features Major Technological Advancements

Ford Atlas Features Major Technological Advancements

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- Ford Motor Company released the 2013 Ford Atlas Concept Truck earlier this year in Detroit, making some impressive technological advances with the Concept Truck! The Atlas is one Ford's first steps towards refining and adding high-speed technological upgrades to their line of pickup trucks.  

The Ford Atlas features major technological advancements like the Intelligent Assess system, which automatically unlocks the truck's doors and tailgate when the owner is within a certain distance of the truck. The Ford concept truck also features a 360 degree camera and Dynamic Hitch Assist, which uses a camera to help you align the ball and hitch. Now that Ford Motor Company has made these impressive technological advances, we are excited to see what happens next!

The Ford Atlas is features a twin-turbo, EcoBoost 3.5 liter V-6 engine and is equipped with a fuel-saving transmission. The Atlas also has other fuel-saving features like the active grille shutters and a drop-down front air dam which both cut down on air resistance, saving you money on gas. 

While the major technological advancements of the Ford Atlas Concept Truck are not on the market yet, you can download the 2013 Ford F-150 Brochure and save on a new Ford truck with our Ford F-150 Rebates! Family owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

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Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Final 2012 Polk Data Just In: Ford Focus Is Best-Selling Vehicle Nameplate Worldwide – Ford Takes Three of Top 10

  • Ford Focus ranks as the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world, based on Polk global new vehicle registration data for full-year 2012 (global reporting lags three to four months)
  • Ford takes three of the top-10 best-sellers, with Ford F-Series – the world’s No. 1-selling pickup – ranked third and Fiesta the best-selling subcompact at sixth overall
  • 2013 global sales off to equally strong start as worldwide momentum continues
2013 Ford Focus

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich., - With final 2012 Polk global market registration data just reporting, Ford Focus is officially the world’s best-selling passenger car, with the Ford F-Series pickup coming in third and Ford Fiesta coming in as the best-selling subcompact.

Sales of the compact Focus totaled 1,020,410 cars worldwide according to the automotive data and trends forecasting leader. Market gains for Focus were driven by consumer demand in China and the United States. China registrations were up 51 percent last year, with the market responsible for just more than one out of four Focus vehicles sold globally according to Polk vehicle registration data. U.S. Focus sales were up 40 percent in 2012, also contributing to the car’s global growth.

In addition to holding the title of world’s best-selling vehicle overall, Polk data also confirm the Ford Fiesta earned the top spot as the best-selling subcompact car globally, with 723,130 registrations last year. Together, registrations of Ford’s small cars – Fiesta and Focus – totaled 1,743,540 vehicles in 2012, according to Polk.

“Focus and Fiesta represent the culmination of our One Ford global product strategy,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “Our global products are resonating with consumers – especially in the best-selling, most competitive segments – with their unique combination of fuel efficiency, high quality, rich content and fun-to-drive personalities. Through One Ford, we’re able to bring economies of scale and fantastic value to customers all around the world.”

Global new vehicle registrations for F-Series totaled 785,630 trucks last year, putting it in the No. 3 spot among all vehicles sold worldwide. F-Series has been America’s best-selling pickup for 36 straight years.

“Since its launch in China in late March of last year, Focus sales continue to strengthen, with the car now ranking as the best-selling passenger car in China in 2012 for the first time ever,” Farley said. “With additional manufacturing capacity added last year, we now have a tremendous opportunity to further strengthen our global small car sales in 2013, with sales off to a very strong start already.”

Stop in today to test drive the Ford Focus and see why it is the world's best-selling passenger car.  Ford Focus Incentives & Rebates have never been better. Don't forget to download the 2013 Ford Focus Brochure as well.

Family owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
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Monday, April 08, 2013

6 Fun Spring Activity Ideas


6 Fun Spring Activity Ideas

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- Since it seems like spring is finally here we decided to come up with some fresh ideas to bounce back from the gloomy winter months! Add these 6 fun spring activities ideas to your to-do list this season to break out of that winter rut.

  1. Go on a picnic: make yourself and a friend lunch and head to the park to enjoy the nice weather. Don’t forget a blanket to sit on.
  2. Try a new physical activity: go hiking, try yoga, go to a Zumba class, start a new fitness routine, or start preparing for beach volleyball! Just get outdoors.
  3. Do your spring-cleaning: clean out your home and get rid of things that you do not use anymore to de-clutter. By donating old clothing go to the local Salvation Army, you can get a tax deduction for donated items and maybe make someone else happy. Something you might not think about is to clean out your email. Get rid of the spam, rekindle some nice memories, and keep what is important to you!
  4. Update your wardrobe for spring and summer: figure out what new trends you like and add a few new pieces to your closet! To save money you can do price comparisons on the Internet.
  5. Challenge yourself to do something unique: write an article for the local newspaper, learn some new cooking skills, or go rollerblading!
  6. Visit a local park: spend the afternoon enjoying the warmer weather and exploring new trails at your local park.                                      
We hope you have a good time with these fun spring activities ideas! If you are looking for a vehicle to accommodate your spring travels, drop into Roy O’Brien Ford, your Grosse Pointe Area Ford Dealer. Check out our Grosse Pointe Area New Ford Cars and our low-mileage used cars in Grosse Pointe. We also offer auto loans in Grosse Pointe, MIA family dealership operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.

Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
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Thursday, April 04, 2013

2013 Shelby Ford Raptor

2013 Shelby Ford Raptor

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- One of the most collectable and powerful off-road trucks made its debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show! The Shelby American muscle truck has returned with the 2013 Shelby Ford Raptor! Based on the 2013 Ford SVT Raptor, the Shelby Raptor offers enhanced power, handling, and classic Shelby styling.

The Shelby Raptor package starts at $17,995, not including the price of the base Raptor. To build a truck capable of conquering any terrain, Shelby American takes a Ford SVT Raptor and adds a 2.9-liter supercharger to the massive 6.8-liter V8 engine, in addition to a Shelby Borla exhaust system which boosts the 2013 Shelby Ford Raptor to an impressive 575 HP, up from the stock 411 HP! Each of the three available Shelby graphics packages compliment the impressive power of the Shelby muscle truck.

2013 Shelby Ford Raptor

Engineered for maximum performance, the Shelby Raptor's driver has full control with a six-speed automatic transmission, or can choose to operate in Manual Mode which provides complete gear selection control. The 2013 Shelby Ford Raptor stays grounded with 35-inch Goodrich All-Terrain tires or optional custom tires and Off-Road Mode which calibrates the transmission, stability, and traction control systems to keep you in control in high-speed off-road situations.

If you've got the need for speed and power, stop by your Grosse Pointe Area Ford Dealer to check out our New Ford Trucks that are sure to impress. And don't worry, we can help you with all of your Auto Financing! Family owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
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Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Why Our Free Brake Inspection is Priceless

Why Our Free Brake Inspection is Priceless

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- Why is our FREE Brake Inspection priceless? Knowing your brakes are working properly gives you peace of mind and can also help you save money by avoiding more costly repairs down the road. Therefore, it is important to stay up to date on routine maintenance and brake inspections. Roy O'Brien Ford's factory-trained technicians will inspect your brakes and measure your pad thickness to determine if your brakes are safe.

Our factory-trained technicians will also inspect your rotors to determine their condition. If they are not in top condition, our technicians may recommend:
Rotor Resurfacing Before & After

Rotor Replacement Rotor Resurfacing 
  • Recommended when rotors are uneven or damaged.
  • The brake rotor is resurfaced using a brake lathe, creating a smooth surface of uniform thickness. 
  • A flat rotor surface helps ensure smooth braking and the even wear of your brake pads over time.





Rotor Replacement
  • Required when a rotor is below a minimum thickness and cannot be resurfaced.
  • Helps restore your brakes like new.






When it comes to your safety, we don’t cut corners. That’s why we use Motorcraft® brakes, engineered and tested to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Do competitive brake pads meet these rigorous tests?

Following are four key reasons you should consider Motorcraft brakes:

Stopping Distance
Motorcraft brakes are engineered and tested to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards – a rigorous series of tests that measure stopping distance over repeated application so your brakes will stop on a dime.

Durability
While all brakes wear over time, Motorcraft brake pads and rotors are designed and tested for durability, thus helping reduce the frequency of brake repairs – your wallet appreciates this!

Improved Brake Pedal Feel
Braking should be effortless, just like when you bought your vehicle. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, you expect the vehicle to stop.

Reduced Noise
Brake noise can be an annoyance. Motorcraft brakes are designed with noise dampeners to help ensure quiet braking. Silence is golden!

Schedule your appointment for a Free Brake Inspection and be sure to print out our latest service coupons to help save even more. Stop by our Brake Shop today to see why our Free Brake Inspection is Priceless! Family owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
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Monday, April 01, 2013

Farley: Demographic Shifts, Consumer Fuel Economy Focus, Mobile Growth Reshaping Post-Recession U.S. Auto Industry

  • Post-recession consumer and demographic shifts are reshaping the U.S. auto industry, as much if not more than the recent economic crisis
  • Google and Facebook provide optimistic vision of “automobility” and mobile platforms
While the great recession has fundamentally reshaped the automotive industry over the past few years, the real game changer may come from a new post-recession consumer mindset, demographic shifts and how automakers respond.
 
“Just as everyone is breathing a huge sigh of relief about getting back to something resembling normal sales levels, the real news is that the great recession has dealt a fundamental change to the consumer’s mindset,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The question of whether consumers are returning to the market is settled. Now the question is, ‘What do they want and expect from us, and are we really ready to respond to what has just taken place?’”
 
Delivering the keynote address at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Farley said the recession has profoundly influenced how consumers weigh purchase decisions and what they value in automobiles. He highlighted several key post-recession trends that will drive industry change – shifting expectations around luxury, the rise of women and Hispanics, a renewed focus on fuel economy, and the rapid proliferation of mobile platforms.
 
New luxury expectations
Luxury is no longer defined by price, size and exclusivity. “Now, people are breaking the association of luxury with a high price tag,” Farley said. “They are looking for luxury-level quality, performance and features in smaller sizes and at more reasonable price levels.”
 
He noted that a recent Luxury Institute survey found 60 percent of respondents expect a fully equipped luxury vehicle to cost less than $60,000 – significantly less than the former $100,000 price tag standard on many luxury models.
 
Another luxury trend: Small utilities are outpacing all other luxury vehicle segments for growth, with nearly a 60 percent jump in 2012 and a more than 200 percent increase in the past four years.
 
Women, Hispanics transforming the market
While baby boomers will continue to wield the greatest influence on the market for years to come, Farley pointed to shifts among women, Hispanics and millennials that are reshaping the entire consumer market.
 
Perhaps the most powerful trend is the rising consumer power of women globally. “More than 1 billion women will enter the middle class globally by 2020, and many will be buying vehicles for the first time,” Farley said.
 
Rapid urbanization is drawing women to cities all over the world, where they are trading agricultural work for careers in business and other professions. Women buyers are outpacing men for the first time ever in the United States.
 
Meanwhile, Hispanic households are becoming increasingly affluent with a 126 percent increase in U.S. Hispanic households making more than $100,000 a year. Hispanic households have a total net worth of more than $500 billion.
 
“As Hispanics buy luxury vehicles at a faster rate than the overall market, our brands must become more compelling, interesting and relevant than ever,” Farley said. “Millennials are also a significant opportunity, as they will start entering the family stage in record numbers during the next several years.”
 
The power of mobile platforms: Facebook and Google
Mobile devices are significantly reshaping every part of the automotive landscape – from marketing and shopping to the in-vehicle experience. “We need to learn to think the way our customers already do – they come first, they are in control,” Farley said. “Most of us recognize that mobile is a power enabler for customers, putting them in control of the shopping process and changing their expectations around connectivity.”
 
As nearly one in seven people worldwide now uses a smartphone, this has significant influence on the auto industry.
 
Doug Frisbie, Facebook head of Automotive Vertical Marketing, joined the keynote, explaining that successful businesses in every industry – from automakers to software companies – put people at the center.
 
“Cars were a step change in giving society the ability to stay connected and engaged with the people they cared about,” he said. “The opportunity at hand today is not about phones or social software in cars – but about remembering that no matter the device, it’s the ability to connect that matters.”
 
Brendon Kraham, Google director of Global Mobile Sales and Product Strategy, joined the discussion as well, adding that the in-car mobile experience will soon be integrated into all the devices that connect a consumer’s life.
 
“Automobiles will soon become a seamless part of the consumer mobile experience,” he said. “Actually it will enhancethe experience. When your dash becomes a seamlessly connected screen, it truly becomes a more important, integrated part of your life.”
 
Fuel economy reigns
Perhaps the greatest cross-demographic shift since the recession is the growing consumer focus on fuel economy. Now the top consideration for vehicle purchases, fuel economy interest has resulted in a flood of claims and data that are starting to overwhelm the market.
 
“We now have a torrent of ‘best-in-class’ claims hitting consumers from all sides, and it’s starting to become noise,” Farley said. “We are seeing more and more confusion as consumers try to make informed decisions. Given the connectivity in our cars and the proliferation of mobile devices, we have the opportunity to give consumers better and more relevant data to understand what they can expect in on-the-road fuel economy performance.”
 
Harnessing the power of mobile platforms, Farley announced developers will have access to Ford’s OpenXC connectivity research platform as a sandbox to create and test innovative ideas in the newly announced $50,000 Personalized Fuel Efficiency App Challenge.
 
Many elements factor into personalized fuel efficiency including temperature, terrain, traffic conditions and individual driving styles. The goal of the challenge is to enable drivers to optimize their efficiency on the road and then share that information with others.
 
“We need to help customers understand the concept of personal fuel economy – based on their own individualized experiences – and give them tools to see, learn and act upon all the information available to know what to expect, how to improve, and even offer guidance in their shopping process,” Farley added.

Family owned and operated since 1946, Roy O'Brien Ford is located at 22201 E. 9 Mile Rd. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs. Stay on the right track to Nine Mile and Mack!

Visit our website: http://www.royobrien.com
Follow Us: FacebookTwitter & YouTube