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Ford Auto Theft Safety Tips

Fewer Americans were victims of car thefts last year. The FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Report shows a 7.2 percentage decrease in auto thefts compared to 2010. Improved anti-theft devices and safety tips can help continue this downward trend. Unfortunately, potential thieves will not give up on their efforts to steal your car. But with the same persistence, Ford is constantly improving technologies and methods to keep vehicles secure for its customers.

Ford provides several technologies to better protect your investment:

• Remote Keyless Entry allows locking/unlocking at the push of a button
• Passive Entry-Passive Start allows for unlocking and engine starting remotely
• Intrusion sensing system deters against smash-and-grab thefts
• Immobilizer helps prevent drive-away thefts
• Panic alarm draws attention quickly in case of danger
• Perimeter Alarm System deters against unauthorized entry via doors, hood and trunk/liftgate

Despite significant and ongoing improvements in security features, no system is foolproof. The goal of each preventative measure is to deter theft by making it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle.

For increased protection, Ford dealers also provide additional anti-theft safety services:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching on windows and other surfaces: VIN etching makes vehicles less attractive to thieves because all windows must be replaced before the vehicle can be tagged with a fake VIN and resold
• Installation of wheel locks, which help protect against wheel theft by requiring a special key to unlock the lug nuts
• Installation of LoJack – a vehicle tacking system that helps police locate and recover vehicles

Everyday things you can do to protect against theft:   
You might think most stolen vehicles are expensive sports cars or multipurpose passenger vehicles, but that’s not always the case.

It also doesn’t matter whether you live in a big city, the suburbs or in the country; anyone is susceptible to vehicle theft.

In fact, 40 to 50 percent of vehicle theft is due to driver error, which includes leaving vehicle doors unlocked and leaving keys in the ignition or on the seats.

But there are measures you can take to make sure your vehicle is not an easy target for thieves:

• First, always take your keys; never leave them in or on your vehicle
• Always close and lock all windows and doors when you park
• Park in well-lit areas
• Keep your vehicle in your garage, if possible
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen
• Never leave the area while your vehicle is running

Finally, if you have information on an auto theft crime, first report it to police and then see if there is a theft prevention program like Michigan’s Help Eliminate Auto Thefts program (1-800-242-HEAT) that offers potential cash rewards for information on auto theft crimes.

FBI Uniform Crime Report-Motor Vehicle Theft by Region
Region	Motor vehicle theft
Total	-7.2
Northeast	-4.8
Midwest	-2.6
South	-9.5
West	-7.9

To read the report, click here.

Ford and Fuel Economy Go Hand in Hand

Unless you've been living under rock over the last several weeks, you're quite aware of the rising gas prices.  It can be quite painful to visit the pump these days, but are you getting the most bang for your buck with each fill up?

Did you know that Ford Motor Company features 12 vehicles with Best-In-Class fuel economy?  That's more than any other auto manufacturer, andthat's not all.  Ford also has three models that get 40 mpg or better including the Fusion Hybrid, Fiesta, and the all-new 2012 Ford Focus.  Again, that too is more than any other auto manufacturer.  It's clear to see that Ford can back up the talk about wanting to be a leader in fuel efficiency and the mpg's are only going to get better in the future.  Check out the top three Ford's below.

2011 Fusion Hybrid  (41 City / 36 Hwy)

2011 Fiesta SFE (29 City / 40 Hwy)

2012 Focus SFE (28 City / 40 Hwy)

 

Ford Vehicle Owner's Personal Site

Did you know that Ford offers every owner of a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle their own personal site to manage everything about their vehicle?  If you didn't know already, go to www.flmowner.comand register your vehicle(s).  The FLM owner site allows you to get service coupons from your local Ford dealer, view your vehicle owner's manual, pay your Ford Credit bill, and quite a bit more.

Take a few minutes and go to www.flmowner.com and register your Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle and take a look around at the new way to manage all of your vehicle needs.

Ford Model Year End Sales Event

Great news everyone, the Ford Model Year End Sales Event is here!  Now is the time to buy a new 2010 Ford and save thousands.  We have 0% financing available for qualified buyers for ujp to 60 months and 1.9% financing for up to 72 months on the 2010 F-150, Fusion, Focus, Mustang GT, and Ranger*.

Call us now at 210.477.3443 for complete details or to schedule your test drive.

excludes Fusion Hybrid and Edge SE, see dealer for complete details.

Ford Sales Results: June 2010

Ford Motor Company reported sales results for the month of June this morning.  The results, June sales totaled 170,900, up 15 % over last June.  The first half of 2010 has been pretty strong for Ford, with sales totaling 954,745, up 28% over a year ago. 

Ford gained retail market share for the 20th time in the last 21 months. Fleet sales also were up 15 percent, primarily reflecting higher sales of Ford's hard-working trucks to commercial customers.

Other sales highlights include:

• Demand for the Ford Fusion, Motor Trend's Car of the Year, remains strong as sales of 18,412 nearly matched last June's record.  Ford Taurus sales totaled 6,607 in June, up 191 percent and Ford Focus sales were up 20 percent.
• With sales of 46,502, Ford's F-Series posted a 29 percent sales increase in June. Year-to-date, F-Series sales totaled 240,345, up 34 percent. F-Series is the only vehicle sold in the U.S. to surpass 200,000 sales in the first half of 2010.
• Utility vehicles also posted higher sales. Ford Edge was up six percent, Escape was up one percent, and Mariner was up 35 percent. Ford Escape is America's best-selling utility vehicle. Sales for the Ford Explorer (up 28 percent), Mercury Mountaineer (up 31 percent) and Lincoln Navigator (up 14 percent) also were higher than a year ago.
• First Fiestas delivered to U.S. customers

Aflac's Nascar Show Car at Northside Ford

This Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 9:00AM - 5:00PM stop by Northside Ford in San Antonio, TX and check out the number 99 Aflac Nascar show car.

Ford Leads Industry With Most Top Crash Ratings

Ford and safety go hand in hand, and at Ford safety is standard not an option like other manufactures.  Ford has 11 IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings for 2010 model vehicles – the most of any automaker – as well as the leading number of five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To see which vehicles made the list and to see what makes these vehicles some of the safest on the market, click here.

Ford's May Sales Rise 23 Percent

For the sixth straight month Ford Motor Company has posted sales gains of more than 20 percent.  The all-new 2011 Ford Super Duty led F-Series pickups with an 82 percent increase, giving the Super Duty its best sales month in two years (total F-Series sales were up 49 percent).  The Ford Fusion, Edge (up 43 percent), and Transit Connect all set records for May sales and the Fusion has seen its sales rise for fourteen months in a row now.  Ford Mustang’s retail share is on the rise too, boosted by the arrival of the new 2011 Mustang with new V-6 and V-8 engines that deliver more horsepower and improved fuel economy.  The new 3.7-liter V-6 achieves 305 hp and is the first production car ever to achieve 300-plus horsepower and 30-plus highway miles per gallon. The new 5.0-liter V-8, offered on the Mustang GT, is at the top of its class with fuel economy of 26 mpg highway and delivers 412 hp.  Mustang’s retail share in May was the highest for any month in a year.  Ford Taurus sales totaled 6,466 in May, up 98 percent. Ford Focus sales were up 13 percent.

North American Production

In the third quarter of 2010, Ford plans to produce 570,000 vehicles, up 80,000 vehicles (16 percent) versus the third quarter 2009.  The increase reflects higher consumer demand across Ford’s entire family of cars, utilities and trucks.  Ford’s second quarter production plan is 640,000 vehicles, up 15,000 vehicles from the prior forecast.

Read Ford's Press Release.

Ford's Sales Rise 24.7% and Beat Toyota

Ford Motor Company said sales rose 24.7% to 162,996 vehicles from a year earlier. For the year to date, total sales have jumped 34%. Sales of cars and utility vehicles rose 10% each, while trucks surged 38%. 

Toyota, helped by relatively hefty incentive spending, reported a 24.4% jump to 157,439 vehicles from 126,540 a year ago.

This is the fifth straight month that Ford has posted a sales increase of at least 20% and Ford gained retail market share for the 18th time in the last 19 months.

• Ford Fusion, Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, set an April sales record of 18,971, up 4 percent versus the previous record set last year. Fusion has set monthly sales records in 12 of the last 13 months, and sales have been up 13 months in a row. Mercury Milan sales were up 36 percent, its sixth consecutive monthly sales increase.
• Ford Taurus sales totaled 6,166 in April, almost double year-ago levels (up 99 percent). Ford Focus sales were up 21 percent.
• With sales of 40,946, Ford’s F-Series posted a 42 percent sales increase in April. Ford’s leadership position in the truck market is strengthened by the arrival of the 2011 model F-Series Super Duty – the most capable, fuel-efficient heavy-duty pickup in the industry. In April, sales of the all-new 2011 Super Duty were more than double Ford’s plan for the month. F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck for 33 years in a row and best-selling vehicle (car or truck) for 28 years in a row. F-Series sales have increased five months in a row, and April’s increase was the largest.

Read Ford's full press release.

Ford's U.S. March Sales Up 43%

Ford (NYSE:F - News) punctuated a strong first quarter with a 43 percent sales increase in March. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivered 178,546 new vehicles in March.  First quarter sales totaled 428,596, up 37 percent. The 43 percent gain matches a similar increase in February. These are the highest monthly sales increases since February 1984.

Once again, sales were higher throughout Ford’s lineup in March. Cars were up 53 percent versus a year ago, utilities were up 46 percent, and trucks were up 30 percent. Among brands, Ford sales were up 46 percent, Lincoln sales were up 19 percent, and Mercury sales were up 26 percent.

In March, Ford sales to retail customers were 38 percent higher than a year ago, and fleet sales were up 53 percent. Individuals, small businesses and large fleet customers are turning to Ford to meet their needs knowing that high-quality, class-leading fuel economy and strong resale values reduce ownership costs and provide a compelling value proposition.  

In the first quarter, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 428,596, up 37 percent versus a year ago. Ford estimates its first-quarter market share was 16.5 percent, up more than 2.5 percentage points compared with a year ago.

Ford's U.S Sales Soar 43% in February 2010

Ford Motor Company reported its February 2010 sales just a short while ago and posted a 43% increase over February 2009 due to the increased demand for their cars but every vehicle line posted increases.  Ford cars were up 54%, SUV's up 39%, and trucks were up %36%.

Here are some highlights for the month:

• Ford's U.S. market share for February estimated at 17 percent, up 3 percentage points versus a year ago
• Retail sales up 28 percent versus a year ago; fleet sales normalizing – up 74 percent versus last February's depressed levels
• Second-quarter North American production plan is 595,000 vehicles, up 144,000 vehicles (32 percent) versus a year ago
• February sales of the Ford Fusion, Motor Trend's Car of the Year, were more than double year-ago levels (up 116 percent).  Fusion set a new February sales record – its 10th monthly sales record in 11 months.  The Fusion Hybrid recently was named North American Car of the Year.
• February sales of Ford Mustang and Focus and Lincoln MKZ also were higher.
• Ford Taurus sales totaled 6,359, up 93 percent versus a year ago.  Since the introduction of the all-new model in August, Taurus sales are nearly double year-ago levels.  The average conquest rate for Taurus is 46 percent nationwide and 76 percent on the West Coast.
• Ford's F-Series – America's best-selling truck for 33 years in a row and best-selling vehicle (car or truck) for 28 years in row – posted a 39 percent increase in February.  In 2009, F-Series increased its leadership position among full-size pickups with a 4 percentage-point gain in segment share, and the F-Series continues to gain share in 2010 with a 6-point gain in January.  
• Production of the all-new F-Series Super Duty has begun at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant.
• Utility vehicles also posted strong sales increases.  In February, Escape sales were up 50 percent versus a year ago, Edge sales were up 67 percent, Flex sales were up 19 percent, and Mercury Mariner sales were up 39 percent.  Sales for traditional SUVs (Explorer, Expedition and Navigator) also were higher than a year ago.
• Sales for Ford's E-Series van (Econoline/Club Wagon) were up 26 percent versus a year ago.  E-Series has been America's best-selling full-size van for 31 years.
• Sales of the new Transit Connect – a small commercial van introduced in mid-2009 – totaled 1,338 in February.  Ford's share of the commercial van segment is more than 60 percent.  Production of a battery-electric Transit Connect begins later this year.    

Ford's Sales Rise 24.6% in January 2010

Ford announced sales numbers for January 2010 and came in with a 24.6% increase versus a year ago.  Ford's U.S. market share also increased 2 points to an estimated 16%.  Ford's cars continue to lead the way with sales of cars up 43%.  Among the big car increases are the Ford Fusion, recently named Motor Trend Car of the Year up 49%, the all-new Ford Taurus up 121%.  The Ford Escape led suv's with a 29% increase, while the Ford Edge led the crossover segment with a 26% increase year-over-year.

Read the full January 2010 Sales report here.

Ford adding mobile WiFi internet compatibility to USB ports

The SYNC system offered by Ford in most of its models just got a lot more interesting. In addition to giving vehicle owners super simple connectivity with virtually any phone or music player and the best voice recognition in the biz, the next generation of SYNC will add mobile internet compatibility to its USB ports. What does this mean? It means that if you've got one of those fancy 3G modems for your laptop, you can plug it into the USB port of your SYNC-equipped Ford and voilà! Your entire vehicle is a WiFi hotspot. Imagine the effect of adding easy in-car WiFi to a family of five's cross-country trip in a Ford Flex and you get the idea.

In-car WiFi has been around for a couple of years already, but all instances have required extra dealer-installed hardware (a receiver and router, specifically) and an additional monthly fee. General Motors announced just last week that it's adding optional in-car WiFi to seven Chevy models, but like most systems, you'll have to pay $500 up front ($199 after mail-in rebate through December 31st) for the hardware and $29/month for the service. With a simple software upgrade of SYNC next year, Ford customers will be able to use the 3G modem they may already have and get the same effect, without having to pay extra for new equipment and, most importantly, another monthly fee for internet. It's also an easy way for Ford to get WiFi in the car for SYNC's upcoming mobile apps.

SYNC was already a big reason for infotainment-obsessed car shoppers to consider a Ford, but at least when it comes to browsing the internet in your car, SYNC 2.0 with in-car WiFi just leap frogged the entire auto industry. Not only is the technology impressive, but this new feature actually saves the customer money rather than asking for more.

Official Ford Press Release
 

Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

 
According to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency, Ford has scored the biggest improvement in combined fuel economy of any major carmaker over the last five years. Between 2005 and 2009, Ford improved its fleet average by nearly 20 percent – almost twice as much as any other company. While Ford certainly made a lot of incremental improvements in the efficiency of its vehicles over that period, that wasn't the only factor.

That same time period saw a huge shift in the model mix at Ford. Sales of SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition collapsed as consumers moved to crossovers like the Edge and Flex. The Explorer has gone from more than 400,000 annual sales earlier this decade to just over 68,000 last year.

Ford has made actual improvements, as well, however, including the introduction of the Escape Hybrid and the roll out of six-speed transmissions. The next five years should see even bigger gains as Ford deploys millions of EcoBoost engines, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Ford's official press release. 

Ford looking to invest up to $500 million in Michigan hybrid, EV plants

 
After GM's announcement this week that it would invest $336 million in its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to build the Volt, there are noises from Ford about a similar investment. Automotive News is reporting that the Blue Oval is weighing putting $300 to $500 million into hybrid and electric vehicle plants in Michigan – if they can get the tax credits from the state. Ford is asking for $85 million in credits between 2012 and 2014 and another $35 million after 2014.

If the plants get the public money injection, Ford would have a place to assemble li-ion battery packs and consolidate production of hybrid vehicles Ford's director of global electric strategy, Nancy Gioia, told AN. Currently, the battery packs for Ford's top-selling Fusion (and Mercury Milan) hybrids are put together by Delphi Holdings in Mexico.

Michigan has, in the last year, approved over $550 million for advanced battery manufacturers who build plants in the state. Ford says 1,000 jobs would be created in the state (and lost elsewhere?) if the hybrid and plug-in plants relocate here.

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

Ford Tops in J.D. Power Sat-Nav Study

 
Not only does Ford rank number one on J.D. Power and Associate's 2009 navigation system survey, it ranks number two as well. The top ranking system, according to Power's study, is the one found in the Lincoln MKS, followed by a nearly identical system (if not 100% identical) in the Ford Flex. And get this, Ford took down five of the top ten spots with the F-150 coming in fourth and the Escape and Edge taking seventh and eighth place, respectively.

To anyone that's driven a modern Sync-equipped Ford with navigation, these survey results probably won't come as any sort of shock, as FoMoCo has been making some of the best systems in the business ever since they released Sync with Sirius Travel Link.

Ford is the only non-luxury/premium brand to make it into the top ten.

 Read Full Article Here

2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID WINS MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY PROGRESSIVE CAR OF THE YEAR

 
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid today was named Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind & Power™ (EWP) at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 

The award is designed to recognize vehicles driven by a power source that helps to reduce global warming, are conducive to promoting a cleaner environment, and support the mission to achieve energy through alternative sources. 

“Ford’s Fusion Hybrid sedan has the styling punch of a powerhouse with authority built into the design,” said Kevin Smith, editorial director of Edmunds.com and one of 19 national automotive editors and journalists who selected the winner of the EWP award. “With unsurpassed fuel economy, this car has real ecological know-how. We call it purity on wheels.”

Read full article

Ford Hybrids: Racking Up Sales and Mileage

Ford Hybrids: Racking Up Sales and Mileage

Leave it to Ford to buck the industry trend. While hybrid sales across the industry are down 14 percent, sales of Ford hybrid cars and SUVs are up 73 percent. Curiously, more than 60 percent of these Ford hybrid customers previously owned an import car. Also curious is the way that taxi companies in New York and San Francisco are using Ford hybrids, racking up 300,000 miles on them before retiring them. Read on for more milestones that Ford hybrids are reaching.

The fuel economy and durability of hybrid versions of Ford Fusion and Escape and also Mercury Milan and Mariner are winning over large numbers of conquest customers, many of whom are previous import owners. Through September, Ford hybrid-vehicle sales are up 73 percent versus the same period in 2008, according to figures from Autodata Inc.

“Hybrid customers increasingly are considering Ford,” said David Finnegan, Ford hybrid marketing manager. ”More than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been from non-Ford owners, and more than half of those are customers coming from import brands, mostly from Toyota and Honda.”

Ford’s strong 2009 hybrid sales have been fueled by the introduction of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the road. Both vehicles deliver an EPA-estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

Read Full Story Here

Ford Fusion wins 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year award

Ford takes home yet another award and this time it's the Motor Trend "Car of the Year" award.  The all-new 2010 Ford Fusion took the honors as being Motor Trend's 2010 Car of the year.  Here is a post from autoblog.com.

For the first time ever, Motor Trend announced the winner of its annual Car of the Year award this afternoon live via webcast. Though the field of 23 contenders was highly competitive this year (follow the jump for a complete list), we guessed immediately that the winner was a Ford as soon as the webcast came online. How'd we know? The fact they were broadcasting the announcement from Ford World Headquarters in Detroit was a not-so-subtle clue. The Fusion, Taurus and Mustang were all in the running, but it was Ford's redesigned mid-size sedan, the Fusion, that took home the coveted Golden Calipers.

In retrospect, the choice is a solid one and not all that surprising. The Fusion was extensively reworked for the 2010 model year and features a new exterior design, new models and new powertrains. Ford offers a four-cylinder model, two strong V6 options and a full-on parallel hybrid variant, which means buyers should have no trouble finding a Fusion that fits their needs. And indeed they have, as the Fusion has already broken its own yearly sales record – with two months left to go.

Like MT, we're big fans of the Fusion here at Autoblog, and even have high hopes that one day it could be the domestic car that knocks the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord from atop their perches as the best selling cars in the States. That said, this Ford still has a long way to go. Toyota has sold nearly twice as many Camry models as the Fusion so far this year, and the Accord and Nissan Altima are still flashing their taillights at Ford's CoTY winner. It's not just demand, as Ford doesn't even have the production capacity at the moment to match Camry sales, and it doesn't help that the Mercury Milan siphons off a few potential Fusion customers, as well.

Nevertheless, this is less about what the Fusion could be in the future than what it is today: the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Congrats to Ford and the Fusion team.

Ford, A Better Idea

Ford Motor Company is the only American auto manufacturer that did NOT take any government bailout money or file bankruptcy.  Ford also has the newest product line with the all-new 2010 Taurus, 2010 Fusion & Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Mustang, and several other new vehicle launches to come including the 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2011 Superduty.  CBS News' Sunday Morning has made Ford their cover story for Sunday September 27, 2009.

Check out the preview article online here.