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The Best Car Insurance for You

Blogger_sunset — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:58:20 +0000

There is really no excuse these days for being a uniformed consumer. The internet has made the art of shopping around a relatively easy task. Looking for car insurance is no exception. Simply type “auto insurance” into your search engine and a multitude of information is at your finger tips.
Before you begin your online search, though, it would prove time-saving to think through what kind of coverage you want. If your Ford Mustang is your pride and joy, then be sure the policy you choose protects it – and you — effectively
Is cost your first priority? While every body wants to secure the most affordable premiums, buying cheap may not serve you well. You need to thoroughly understand what your policy covers. Sufficient coverage is a prime example of better safe than sorry.
How important is the deductible amount? Most policies will come down significantly in cost with a higher deductible — that means the amount of money you will have to pay out of pocket for each claim. If you are on a tight budget, higher deductibles are a sound consideration, but remember, if you’re in an accident, you will have to pay the deductible amount yourself before payment from the insurance company is issued.
What kind of payment option do you require? Most companies offer flexibility in the way you pay your premium. Typically you make semi-annual payments (half of the yearly cost). If it’s difficult for you to have a large amount of cash available then research the possibility of paying monthly or having a periodic amount taken from your bank account. There may be a slightly higher fee for this service but it should help keep your budgeting on track.
Consider what coverage extensions are important to you. The basics of insurance policies include priorities like collision coverage, medical payments, and liability. For an extra fee you can also add options like rental car payments in case your car needs collision repair, roadside assistance and towing.
Take the time to do the research and then you can drive that Mustang around town confident in the coverage your insurance provides you.

Strong New Products for Ford

SunsetBlogger — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:39:54 +0000

Ford continues to impress consumers with their delivery of fuel efficient vehicles and savvy technology. Studies show that more Americans now have positive opinions about the company and would consider purchasing a Ford product.

Here are few of Ford recent accomplishments:
* Ford’s retail market share has improved in the U.S. for eight of the past nine months.
* Customer surveys reveal that the Ford brand posted all-time highs in favorable opinion and purchase consideration. Favorable opinion of the Ford brand, for example, has risen 17% this year alone, with consideration up 13% – driven by customer response to new products.
* In the second quarter, Ford average vehicle transaction prices increased at a rate more than double the industry average, reflecting greater customer investments in higher vehicle series and optional features.
* Ford’s vehicle residual values are projected to be higher than domestic competitors’ and are closing the gap on the imports, according to Automotive Leasing Guide. The improvements mean Ford customers will see greater values at trade-in time.
* Vehicles such as the 2010 Fusion Hybrid are bringing new customers to Ford at unprecedented rates.
* The Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands all showed significant improvement in the 2009 J.D. Power APEAL study, which measures customer satisfaction in design, content and vehicle performance. The Ford F-150 and Flex were singled out for awards in their segments.
* Merrill Lynch’s closely watched “Car Wars” study concluded that Ford is expected to have the highest vehicle replacement rate among full-line manufacturers between the 2010 and 2013 model years.

The quality of Ford’s latest innovations is projected to continue winning favorable reviews and even more new customers. Results are even more apparent when compared to competitors. It appears that it is no secret that Ford is delivering amazing quality, better fuel economy, sophisticated technology and terrific value.

So…what are you waiting for?

Taurus Named CES Official Vehicle

Blogger_sunset — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:13:59 +0000

It’s official. The 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show has named the 2010 Ford Taurus as their official vehicle. This prestigious venue is a terrific opportunity for Ford to show off the impressive technology that is typically found only on cars with a price tag twice that of the Taurus.
Keynote speaker for this event is Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford, who will be revealing updates to the award winning SYNC communications system.
As the official car, the Taurus will be the showcase for demonstrations of Ford’s latest technology. Along with sophisticated styling, techies attending this trade show will be thrilled with all the amazing new features loaded on to this vehicle.
“Consumers demand the latest on-the-go innovation in their cars. Ford automobiles are built with cutting-edge technology that makes driving safer and more enjoyable,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA), producer of the International CES.
Technologies included on the 2010 Ford Taurus include:
* EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler
* SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad
* Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support
* Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert
* Sony Audio® System
* Available EcoBoost™ V-6
* Multi-Contour Seats with active motion.
* Voice activated navigation
* SYNC
* MyKey
Ford continues to impress with it’s advancements in design, safety, fuel economy and engineering. What are you waiting for? You could be driving a Ford Taurus in the new year.

Gamers Take On the Real World

Blogger_sunset — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:35:37 +0000

It doesn’t get much cooler than this. The Mustang ’10 Unleashed campaign offered zealous gamers who typically only burn rubber at the Xbox console the opportunity to bring their need for speed to life at an actual speedway.
Ford put out a call for the best “Need for Speed” players and created a competition to see who would win the opportunity to face their ultimate challenge. Top enthusiasts from the game racing world played “Need for Speed” to master their skill at driving. The chosen gamers faced off against one another in the wildly popular “Need for Speed SHIFT”, which features the 2010 Mustang from Ford.
After extensive dueling on their Xbox consoles, the four winning contestants were given the opportunity to put the pedal to the metal in Rosamond, CA, at the Willow Springs Raceway. The gamers were able to learn the fine points of the actual sport of racing with the assistance of instructors from the Fast Lane Racing School.
Racing in the same car on the same track, the finalists took their turn in a real life racing mode. The times from their video competition was combined with their efforts on the race track for a final tally. The competitor with the lowest combined score won the opportunity to proclaim themselves the Need for Speed champion.
The goal of the Unleashed campaign is to construct an opportunity for life long Mustang lovers to “unleash” their passion and realize their wildest dreams. Two completely unique worlds come together into an amazing experience. Just ask the four lucky finalists.
To see who claimed the champion title by mastering both the virtual and real-life speedway, check out the video chronicling their experience at www.the2010Mustang.com.

Technology to Alert Drowsy Drivers

Blogger_sunset — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:12:37 +0000

Ford is testing a safety technology, the only North American automaker to do so, that will help eradicate the issue of truckers driving while drowsy and falling asleep on the road.
In this research, Ford is using Virttex, a driving simulator that is considered to be quite sophisticated in its technology. At the completion of the study, more than thirty drivers will have participated with a unified goal of creating systems to prevent accidents. The resulting technology will appear first on Volvo vehicles, and possibly on to Ford brands at a later date.
Data from the NHTSA indicates that sleepiness makes up around 4% of all fatal crashes. Along with the fatalities, it is also a primary factor in serious injury.
Clinicians from Ford and Volvo are examining ways to sense when a driver is falling asleep and starting to veer out of their driving lane. Upon confirmation that the driver is indeed falling sleep, the research team will be testing technology to prevent the inadvertent lane swerve.
There are several concepts being studied for effectiveness when the vehicle systems sense the driver has become drowsy. One is a jolting vibration and sound associated with driving over a rumble strip. Another is flashing red lights. And the last is having the wheel abruptly turned to prevent leaving the proper lane.
If long drive are a way of life for you, and if you often find yourself in situation when you are too drowsy to be at the wheel, then stay abreast of this study and be on the alert for the marketing of the resulting technology. It could well be a matter of life and death.

Mustang Makes a Great Used Car

Blogger_sunset — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:59:55 +0000

The Ford Mustang has a rich heritage and is one of the most loved cars ever made in the U. S. It was introduced to the market in 1964, stirred up quite a sensation, and ushered in the era of the pony car.
Within a few years more pony cars were introduced by other manufacturers, but most disappeared as consumers lost interest. The venerable Mustang was been in production throughout the years and in 2009 celebrated its 45th birthday.
The 4th generation Mustang went on sale in 1994 and remained in production for ten years before being retired and replaced by an all new model in 2005.
This 4th generation was met enthusiastically, thanks to a fresh design that resurrected some of the classical style line. Fans had voiced their disapproval of the two previous generations.
In the late 1990s the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird started fading away leaving the Mustang virtually alone in the affordable sport car segment by 2002. Even with a lag in consumer interest, Mustang sales remained strong.
The Mustang model line-up was uncluttered, offering only the choice of a 2-door coupe or convertible powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 or 4.6-liter V-8.
With designers and engineers working to keep a strong consumer interest in the 10-year history of the 4th generation, Ford marketed a variety of limited edition versions, such as the Bullitt GT, SVT Cobra and Mach 1.
Understated changes to the body lines came about in 1999 along with improved performance. This kept sales going until ’04 when Ford introduced a totally reconceived Mustang with a look similar to the original ’64 model.
A pre-owned Mustang can be a very affordable vehicle for someone who loves a car with style and typically low maintenance costs. There is, though, a wide price range for this generation. At the low end of $2,000 for worn but drivable, to over $30,000 for a Ltd. Edition model in perfect condition.

Raptor Leads Texan Recognition

SunsetBlogger — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:46:27 +0000

Yeehaw, y’all. For seven years in a row, the Texas Auto Writers Association has named Ford as the “Truck of Texas”.
A few of the additional honors (eight in all!) include:
Best Full Size Pick-Up Truck: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Full Size SUV: Ford Expedition
Luxury Pick-Up Truck: Ford F-150 King Ranch
Full Size CUV: Ford Expedition
Mid-Size CUV: Lincoln MKX
It’s widely recognized that Texans know their trucks, making this a distinguished honor for Ford. It also confirms why all Americans continue to make the F-Series the #1 selling pick-up. “We built F-150 SVT Raptor for truck enthusiasts,” said Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “And we’re gratified it’s gaining recognition for both its unequaled off-road performance and confidence-inspiring on-road demeanor.”
Fuel economy for the 2009 truck line improved by an average of 8% due to a wide array of engineering enhancements. With the F-150 SFE options, drivers can expect an unparalleled fuel efficiency of 21 mpg for highway driving and 15 mpg in the city.
The 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, which was introduced this summer, is designed for those who love high speed off road escapades, but is adaptable to effectively handle a daily commute. The remarkable performance is a result of sophisticated suspension engineering. The Raptor is 7 inches wider that a base F-150 allowing room for improved suspension components and giving a more rugged appearance.
The F-150 SVT Raptor comes standard with the impressive 5.4-liter SOHC V-8 engine that creates up to 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. Starting in 2010 customers will be able to choose from the even more powerful new 6.2-liter V-8 engine.
Already consumer reaction has been amazingly favorable. Early dealer orders for the 5.4 liter F-150 SVT Raptor has the truck plant working overtime to meet requests.
That’s a heads up to you truck lovers. If you want to own one of these popular models, now rather than later would be a good time to see your Ford Dealer.

FAQ: Ford Certified

SunsetBlogger — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:54:04 +0000

Through the Certified Pre-Owned(CPO) vehicle program from Ford, you can be confident that you know exactly what you are buying. This comprehensive program takes away the guess work and lets you drive away in a quality pre-owned car.

Here are a few frequently asked questions:

Q: What are the key elements of a Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle?
A: Each Ford CPO vehicle goes through a rigorous 169-point inspection covering the powertrain, chassis, features and the overall condition of the vehicle. Each vehicle also comes with 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty coverage, a 3-month/3,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, Roadside Assistance, a full tank of gas at delivery and a Vehicle History Report. A Ford CPO vehicle must be under six model years old and can’t have more than 80,000 actual miles on the odometer.

Q: Which Ford vehicles are part of Ford CPO?
A. Ford cars (excluding Ford GT), crossovers, SUVs and trucks (up to the 350 Series) that are less than six model years old and have less than 80,000 miles can qualify. To see all the current eligible models, visit your Ford Dealer.

Q: What are the applicable warranties on a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle?
A: The powertrain limited warranty coverage extends for 6 years or 100,000 miles from the original new vehicle in-service date, whichever comes first. The comprehensive limited warranty coverage is for 3 months or 3,000 miles from the Certified Pre-Owned purchase date, whichever comes first. See your Ford Certified Pre-Owned Dealer for a copy of the warranty.

Q: Does the warranty stay with the vehicle?
A: Yes, if you sell your Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, the remaining Certified Pre-Owned powertrain limited warranty coverage remains in effect for the new owner and there is no transfer fee required.

Q: Can I get a copy of the vehicle inspection checklist for my certified vehicle?
A: Yes. As part of the vehicle delivery process, your dealership provides you with the specific vehicle inspection checklist for your vehicle. This document includes the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and is signed by the service technician, the service manager and the used car manager.

Visit your Ford Dealer and check out the exciting variety of certified pre-owned vehicles.

Safety Precautions Can Save Lives

SunsetBlogger — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:37:36 +0000

Backing out of a driveway or parking spot may seem like a simple maneuver, but it’s also one that requires your complete attention. Always double check all your mirrors and look out all windows before backing up.
All too often injuries and even death occur when the driver hits someone who is out of their line of vision, either because of a blind spot or because the victim is a child too small to be seen.
While you can’t control the driving of others, you can work to educate your child on specific safety measures. These few suggestions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration might prevent a horrible accident happening to you or someone close to you.
* Make sure you kids are under proper supervision when outside, particularly around roads and driveways.
* Instruct your children never to play near vehicles – even parked ones.
* Don’t assume an area is clear; always look for children before backing out.
* Do not use your driveway as a playground. If your kids get used to playing there, they will forget to take precautions.
* Never leave the car running. It’s too easy for kids to climb in and put it into gear. For safety sake, always lock your vehicle.
* Before you back the car out of your driveway, always make sure all the kids are in full view.
* Roll down your windows and back up slowly listening for the sound of kids (and animals!) Be prepared to stop quickly in case a youngster suddenly darts into your path.
* Take extra precaution if you know your vehicle has blind spots.
Share your concerns with other parents in your neighborhood and ask them to take the time to instruct their kids in driveway safety precautions. Working together makes for safe and happy communities.
Car manufacturers like Ford are putting extra research and development into making vehicles safer than they ever before. Do your part to promote safe driving.

Data Translates to Better Sales

SunsetBlogger — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:06:02 +0000

Research and resulting statistics can be fascinating, and you can be sure that somebody somewhere is keeping track of just about every trend, mountains of sales data and unique facts. The choices Ford customers make is no exception.
If you live in Philadelphia you probably like blue cars. Houston dwellers lead the U.S. in pickup truck sales. Diesel engines and four-wheel drive vehicles are tops with folks in Denver.
Tracking of customer preferences assists Ford with effective data so that sufficient inventory will be available by region. If buyers can find the options they want, it has a direct correlation on customer satisfaction. That in turn translates to better sales performance.
Most of the data Ford gathers has consistent patterns, but some go against the norm. White is a favorite color in Memphis, but the reason is not clear. Could buyers be swayed because the largest employer is FedEx which has a fleet of white vehicles and aircraft?
If you live in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Cincinnati or Pittsburgh, your color preference leans toward red. One hypothesis: With long, dismal winters drivers prefer brighter, happy colors.
I suppose it is no surprise that artistic, creative New Yorkers make black and gray the top colors in their region.
In Seattle, where citizens have a reputation for living “green”, the choice of car size runs along the smaller models like the Ford Focus.
Diesel rules in Denver, but San Francisco and Seattle lead with percentage of sales in the Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid. Everything is big in Texas, so Houston is one of the top V-8 markets, while V-6 leads the pack in Detroit.
Rest assured that Ford is paying attention. Their accumulation of data means that when you visit your dealer ready to buy, the car you want is probably sitting there waiting for you.