Northside Ford | Ford San Antonio | MySAFord

Ford Brand Sales Top 2 Million for 1st Time Since 2007

U.S. sales of the Ford brand this week topped 2 million vehicles for the first time since 2007. The milestone makes Ford the best selling brand in America and the first automotive brand to hit the 2 million mark since 2007.

“Ford’s lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient cars, utilities and trucks continues to attract more and more new customers,” said Erich Merkle, Ford’s sales analysis manager. “With gasoline prices tracking higher than last year, customers continue to move toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, whether they are passenger cars or utilities.”

Both the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus achieve 40 mpg highway, while the Ford Explorer brings a class leading 28 mpg highway with its new EcoBoost engine.

Ford’s smallest utility, the fuel-efficient Escape, has achieved record sales volumes this year and is America’s best selling utility vehicle. 

Overall, Ford brand small cars are on pace to post an increase of more than 20 percent this year. Ford brand utilities are tracking to post more than a 30 percent gain.

Most Ford products deliver best-in-class fuel economy and provide customers with the opportunity to choose what best works for them – from EcoBoost-powered gasoline vehicles to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electrified vehicles. In fact, with the company’s new electrified vehicle introductions, nearly one-third of Ford’s vehicle lines in the U.S. will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012 – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

Ford's MyFord Touch Gets an Upgrade

Faster, Simpler, Better: MyFord Touch Upgrade Provides New and Existing Customers Enhancements and New Features 

• Ford will launch performance upgrades and new features for MyFord Touch^® beginning with 2013 models – no-charge upgrade will be available to existing owners 
• Simpler graphics, faster touch-screen response and easier-to-use controls are among the many enhancements to the voice-activated in-car connectivity system 
• Existing MyFord Touch owners can either install the software upgrade themselves via a USB received in the mail or visit, Northside Ford, where software can be updated at no charge.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Thursday, November 10, 2011 – Ford customers said MyFord Touch^® could be faster and feature simpler graphics that are easier to use and that’s exactly what Ford plans to deliver with a broad set of performance upgrades to the system – launching first on the new 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus. 

Available early next year – and offered at no charge to existing MyFord Touch owners – the software upgrade enhances the ownership experience as it was developed by listening and responding to customer feedback. 

Early next year, owners located in the U.S. will be mailed a USB flash drive with the software upgrade for installation that they can do at their own convenience. If they prefer, owners may also visit Northside Ford for the software installation. The upgrade mailing will include instructions informing owners how to simply plug the USB flash drive into the MyFord Touch Media Hub’s USB port in order for installation to automatically begin. 

The new touch-screen interface features simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. Customers will also experience significantly faster touch-screen response times, one of the top requests from owners. 

New features include support for tablet devices and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and enhanced voice recognition interaction. 

For a video demonstration of the improvements, please visit: http://youtu.be/c3k4iDZyhYE 

Upgrade your ride

All of the new improvements will be offered to existing owners of MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles, including the 2011 and 2012 models of Ford Explorer and Edge and the 2012 Focus. Owners of 2011 and 2012 Lincoln MKX crossovers will also receive the upgrade for their MyLincoln Touch^™ systems. 

“We’re seizing the opportunity to continuously improve the Ford ownership experience, and revolutionize what it means to own a car,” said Reitz. “Introducing new technology is only one step in our journey to become known as a technology company. Consistently improving it based on what our customers are telling us marks another milestone in that journey.” 

New look

The visual enhancements to MyFord Touch are based on simplifying the graphics with larger, bolder fonts, removing low-priority visual content, and designing screens based on a consistent pattern. More than 1,000 screens in total have been updated with the improved look. 

“Our goal when designing the upgrade was to simplify the screens and give customers a fast and easy way to get information at any given moment,” said Jennifer Brace, User Interface Design engineer for Ford. “That meant removing buttons, relocating high-use controls closer to the driver’s reach, simplifying tasks and improving font size.” 

The new fonts are as much as 40 percent larger on some redesigned screens. The fonts also are wider and bolder to provide easier legibility, particularly among the rapidly increasing number of drivers age 60 and older. 

New features

Ford also took the opportunity to update the performance of the system and add new features for customers to help them keep pace with the fast-moving consumer electronics market. 

Faster touch-screen response time, for example, was a key request from owners. Initial testing shows that touch and voice response is at least two times faster than the current system. 

Also, the software upgrade includes the following enhancements:   

• Improved voice recognition experience powered by Nuance 

Quicker voice recognition upon startup and faster command prompt when the voice button is pushed   

Voice commands used in conjunction with navigation are simplified through elimination of the need to provide street direction, e.g., “Main Street” instead of “North Main Street”  

Music requests are simpler by removing the need to include the additional song, album or artist information often found at the end of a name in parenthesis or brackets 

Customers can find their favorite sports team in action via new Sirius Game Finder simply by saying a command such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game”

• Tablet device compatibility

Music and other media content from most popular tablet computers like the Apple iPad can now be accessed through a simple USB connection   

• Audible.com audiobook support

Listen to Audible.com content using voice commands or the easy-to-use touch-screen controls

• Connected navigation powered by TeleNav features new map data by NAVTEQ

Updated map views are richer and feature more 3D landmarks

Views of freeway junctions and signs are enhanced through photorealistic screen images

Smart routing options are provided based on a database of historical traffic patterns

• Phone compatibility

Automatic Bluetooth^® connection upon vehicle entry has been improved

Noise and echo cancellation during phone calls has been improved to enhance call quality

• Gracenote^® album cover art database

  Inclusion of the latest music metadata available enhancing the music playback experience

Improved voice recognition for music search allowing drivers to pinpoint artists with hard-to-pronounce names or nicknames 

Ford Explorer: Fastest Selling Mid-Size Utility in the Country

Ford Explorer Hits the 100,000 Sales Mark; Fastest Growing Mid-Size Utility in the Country  

• The Ford Explorer crossed the 100,000 vehicle sales mark for 2011, making it the fastest growing mid-size utility in the nation 
• U.S. retail sales of the Explorer are up 290 percent, compared to the same period in 2010 
• Since its introduction in the 2012 model year, sales of 2.0L EcoBoost equipped Explorers and Edge are running at 15 percent

DEARBORN, Mich., October 20, 2011 – America’s love affair with the Ford Explorer is stronger than ever with more than 100,000 Explorers sold this year, making it the fastest growing mid-size utility in the nation.

“The Explorer continues to be one of the strongest vehicles in the Ford portfolio, and we are excited to see it surpass the 100,000 sales plateau for the first time since 2007,” said Matt Starnes. “The success of this vehicle is further evidence that we are delivering products that people want.  On our lot alone, we have 17 Explorers ready to be driven away.

This year the all-new Explorer has had stronger retail sales growth than any mid-size utility, either having tripled or quadrupled sales in all regions of the country. In total U.S. retail sales of the Explorer are up 290 percent compared to that same time in 2010.

“With best-in-class fuel economy and technology like MyFord Touch, terrain management and the world’s first second-row inflatable rear belts Ford has shown that our dedication to customers’ needs is paying off,” said Matt Starnes.

Explorer’s retail share performance has also increased dramatically. Through August of this year, Explorer accounts for 6.3% retail share of the mid-size utility segment, a 4.5 point share increase over last year, making Explorer one of the best-selling mid-size utilities in America.

Explorer sales in the U.S. have exceeded 100,000 for the first time since 2007.

2011                 100,000 note: January through early October
2010                 60,687
2009                 52,190

Customers are choosing Utilities

The utility segment has changed over the last decade. In 2000, utility sales accounted for approximately 20% of the market. Today, utilities account for just over 30% of all vehicles sold in the U.S, an approximate 50% share increase in the last 10 years.

“We know that many consumers have a strong need for utility vehicles, even as rising gas prices made fuel-efficiency one of their top concerns,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Ford answered our customers’ needs in the utility segment by offering its all-new 2.0L EcoBoost engine in the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge.”

The completely reinvented Ford Explorer powered by EcoBoost® delivers a class-leading EPA rating of 28 mpg on the highway, besting Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander by 3 mpg. Since its introduction in the 2012 model year in September, sales of 2.0L EcoBoost equipped Explorers and Edge are meeting expectations, garnering their strongest take-rates in Orlando, Phoenix, LA, Houston and Dallas.

Ford continues to show its commitment to bringing EcoBoost technology to more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup by offering 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines on the all-new Ford Escape. Ford’s newest small SUV, the all-new Ford Escape will be introduced at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Servicing Fleet Vehicles at Northside Ford's Quicklane

We know that time is money when you own a fleet. That's why Quick Lane participates in Ford's Quality Fleet Care (QFC) program, allowing your drivers to get the services they need most without having to manage company money. They just sign a repair order and go on their way. We'll send you the bills.

But that's just one reason why life is better in the Quick Lane.

We're ready when you are

• Convenient hours – even on evenings and weekends
• No appointments necessary!
• Dealership-quality expertise
• Service on all makes and models – not just Ford vehicles

Competitive advantages

• Factory-trained technicians
• Quality Motorcraft® parts
• In-depth Vehicle Check-Up report
• Electronic submission of all service visit details to your QFC account
• Monthly billing statements through QFC program

Services your fleet needs most

• Oil and filter changes
• Name-brand tires sales and service
• Brake service and inspections
• Battery testing and replacement
• Alignments
• Shocks and struts
• A/C services

Quicklane Maintenance Tips: When to Replace Your Tires

Ever wonder what you should look for when it comes to the tires on your vehicle?  Here's an article from Ford Quicklane that will send you in the right direction.

When it comes to tire safety, remember to inspect your four primary tires and spare tire once a month.

It's pretty simple. Do you have a penny in your pocket? Take it out and put it upside down in your tires' tread grooves. Do this in several locations on the tires because sometimes your tires may display unusual wear patterns leading to premature wear. If Lincoln's hair is visible, the tread has worn to less than 2/32 of an inch. If you have a tire depth gauge in your toolbox, that will give you a better indicator of how much tread you have left. If you have a ruler, you can also use that to measure your remaining tread.

It is strongly recommended that you replace your tires when the tread has worn to between 2/32 of an inch and 4/32 (using a quarter instead of a penny with Washington's scalp visible). Of course, punctures, cuts or snags in your tire tread or sidewall could signal that it's time to replace your tires as well.

The more tread on your tires, the more control you have – especially in wet road conditions – and the shorter the distance required to stop your vehicle when braking.

If you are uncertain about whether it is time to replace your tires, the factory-trained auto service technicians at Northside Ford's Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center can tell you if you need new tires.

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.