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Must Have Safety Feature: Air Bags

2010-10-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Last we talked about the many things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. Today we will talk about other factors that impact your car safety.

By law, every new passenger vehicle comes equipped with dual front air bags. But the sophistication of the systems can vary. It's worth checking what type of air-bag systems a vehicle has.

Most upscale vehicles and many others now have some version of a "smart" air-bag system. It uses electronic sensors to gauge several variables, which, depending on the model, include crash severity, safety-belt use, the position of the driver's seat, and the weight and/or position of an occupant in the front-passenger seat. This information is used to tailor the deployment of the vehicle's front and side air bags.

Dual-threshold and multistage front bags can deploy with varying force, depending on crash severity. In a less-severe collision the bags inflate with less force. In a more severe crash, the bags inflate with more force and more quickly. Many systems withhold deployment on the passenger side if the seat is unoccupied (to save money on replacement) or if the seat is occupied by a person below a certain weight (to prevent possible injury from the bag). The government mandated "advanced" front air bags to be phased in all cars between the 2004 and 2007 model years. They deploy less aggressively or not at all, depending on a front passenger's size or position.

Side air bags are now common for front occupants. The basic side air bag deploys from the setback or door, and is designed to protect a person's torso. Separate side bags that protect the head are becoming increasingly available, as well. The most common design is a side-curtain bag that drops down from the headliner and covers both the front and rear windows. Consumer Reports highly recommends head-protection side air bags where they're available.

If you need more additional questions regarding air bag safety stop by Planet Ford 45 and let one of our product specialist inform you about the safety features in many of our Ford vehicles.

Safety Feature Info

2010-10-21T08:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we talked about one of the things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. Today we will talk about other factors that impact your car safety.

A vehicle's ability to help you avoid an accident is just as important as its crashworthiness. Key factors to consider are braking and emergency handling, although acceleration, visibility, driving position, and even seat comfort (which affects driver fatigue) also play a role.

Consumer Reports evaluates these factors on every vehicle it tests.

If you need questions regarding car safety stop by Planet Ford 45 and let one of our product specialist inform you about the safety features in many of our Ford vehicles.

Must Have Safety Feature 4: Antilock brake system (ABS)

2010-10-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we talked about one of the things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. Here is today's must have feature.

CR's auto experts highly recommend getting an antilock brake system (ABS), which is available as standard or optional equipment on most vehicles. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during a hard stop, something that can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. ABS almost always provides shorter stops, but, even more importantly, the system helps keep the vehicle straight and allows the driver to maneuver during a panic stop.

Visit of call Planet Ford 45 if you need further assistance understanding the safety features in our Ford Lineup.

Safety Feature #3: Rollover resistance

2010-10-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

Last week we talked about the things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety.

The range from how it performs in an emergency-handling situation and how it protects its occupants in a collision to how easy it is to secure a child seat. When comparing vehicles, it's important to look at all the appropriate variables, including safety-related ratings and features.

For the next couple of days we will be listing the rest of the top 10 safety checks that are worth reviewing before you make your final buying decision. Here is number 3

Taller vehicles, such as SUVs and pickups, are more likely to roll over than passenger cars. According to the IIHS, SUVs have a rollover rate that is two to three times that of passenger cars. In 2006, 59 percent of all SUV fatalities and 48 percent of pickup-truck fatalities involved a rollover. In contrast, only 25 percent of passenger-car fatalities involved a rollover.

A taller vehicle has a higher center of gravity, which makes it more top-heavy than one that sits lower to the ground. In a situation where a vehicle is subjected to strong sideways forces, such as in a sudden cornering maneuver, it's easier for a taller vehicle to roll over.

To give consumers a way of telling which vehicles have a higher rollover propensity than others, NHTSA has developed a five-star rating system called the Rollover Resistance Rating (RRR). Until recently, the RRR was based solely on a vehicle's "static stability factor (SSF)," which is determined from measurements of its track width and center of gravity. Because the SSF is based on measurements of a stationary vehicle rather than on a dynamic road test, the rating doesn't account for vehicles' different suspension designs, tires, or the presence of a stability-control system--any of which can make a significant difference. Beginning with the ratings for 2004 models, NHTSA has combined the SSF with a dynamic rollover test performed with moving vehicles.

The RRR is accessible online at www.safercar.gov, but you need to dig deeper than the star ratings to tell how a vehicle performed in the dynamic test. Click on the model name. Scroll down to "Rollover." That section gives the predicted chance of a rollover in a single-vehicle crash, stated as a percentage of probability. The site tells you whether or not a vehicle tipped up in the test, but not at what speed. The top of the test-results page specifies if the vehicle had side air bags or stability control when it was tested.

We believe that vehicles that tip up in NHTSA's test have a potential stability problem and CR will not recommend them, regardless of their star rating. In order for an SUV or pickup to be recommended, it must either have been included in NHTSA's test and have not tipped up or, if it has not been tested, it must offer electronic stability control.

Visit of call Planet Ford 45 if you need further assistance understanding the safety features in our Ford Lineup.

Safety Feature #2

2010-10-18T09:18:00.001-07:00

Last week we talked about the things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety.

The range from how it performs in an emergency-handling situation and how it protects its occupants in a collision to how easy it is to secure a child seat. When comparing vehicles, it's important to look at all the appropriate variables, including safety-related ratings and features.

For the next couple of days we will be listing the rest of the top 10 safety checks that are worth reviewing before you make your final buying decision. Here is number 2

Electronic stability control (ESC)
CR's auto experts highly recommend electronic stability control, particularly on SUVs. ESC is designed to help keep the vehicle under control and on its intended path during cornering, and prevent it from sliding or skidding. If a vehicle begins to go out of control, the system selectively applies brakes to one or more wheels and cuts engine power to keep the vehicle on course. On SUVs, stability control can help prevent the vehicle from getting into a situation that could lead to a rollover. While electronic stability control has improved the emergency handling on the vehicles we have tested, it's not a cure-all for inherently poor-handling vehicles. Its effectiveness depends on how it is programmed and how it is integrated with the vehicle. It also cannot overcome the laws of physics.

Automakers often refer to their stability-control systems by different names (see our guide to safety features), so if it's not clear be sure to ask if a vehicle has electronic stability control. To make it less confusing for the consumer, the Society of Automotive Engineers has asked that all manufacturers use electronic stability control, or ESC, as common terminology when referring to their stability-control systems. Consumer Reports supports this move because it will help consumers know what they are buying.

A number of studies of ESC have been completed and all point to a substantial reduction in accidents and deaths. The IIHS has estimated that if all cars had ESC, it would save 10,000 lives per year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced plans to require ESC as standard on all vehicles by the 2012 model year

Visit of call Planet Ford 45 if you need further assistance understanding the safety features in our Ford Lineup.

Safety Feature Must Have #1

2010-10-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

You need to consider several factors when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. They range from how it performs in an emergency-handling situation and how it protects its occupants in a collision to how easy it is to secure a child seat. When comparing vehicles, it's important to look at all the appropriate variables, including safety-related ratings and features. For the next couple of days we will be listing the top 10 safety checks that worth reviewing before you make your final buying decision.

1. Insurance-industry crash-test ratings
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a safety-research group that conducts its own series of crash tests. In its frontal-offset crash, the IIHS runs a vehicle at 40 mph into a deformable barrier. Instead of engaging the whole width of the car's front end, the barrier covers just the 40 percent of the car in front of the driver.

Using a deformable barrier simulates a car-to-car, driver's-side-to-driver's-side collision, which is a common form of fatal crash. By focusing the crash on only a portion of the car's front, this test severely stresses the car's structural integrity and its ability to protect the area around the driver without collapsing.

The IIHS scores its frontal-crash results as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. You can find ratings for all tested vehicles on the IIHS Web site, at www.hwysafety.org.

Since 2002, the IIHS also has conducted its own side-impact tests, which simulate a vehicle being struck in the side at 31 mph by a vehicle the height and weight of a typical SUV or pickup. The test is more severe than the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's side-crash test (described below), which simulates a vehicle being hit in the side by a vehicle the height and weight of a typical family sedan.

For more information on crash testing and ratings click here.

Test Driving the EcoBoost

2010-10-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Planet Ford employees from both our 45 and 59 stores went to the 2011 Ford F150 Round Up event at Sam Houston Race Park to try out the new 2011 Ford F150. Our employees we're looking forward to test driving the new 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, the 360-hp 5.0-liter V8 and the 300-hp 3.7-liter V6, but it was the top of-the-line EcoBoost V6 that had our employees were very excited for.

According to Ford the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine is tough enough to take whatever F-150 buyers can throw at it. So how is it possible to know if that's true? Well our employees test drove the EcoBoost to the extreme to see if Ford could put their money where their mouth is (see pictures). Well we can honestly say that compare to the competition the EcoBoost is the best in class compare to its competition. Test driving the EcoBoost is nothing any of us have experience in a truck. Which we all agree that was a good thing since we see that Ford is moving forward in becoming the leader.

Don't believe us? Stop by Planet Ford 45 when the EcoBoost arrives and test drive that baby.

My "Check Engine" light is on.

2010-09-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

My "Check Engine" light is on. Why is it doing that? Should I ignore it?

It means your vehicle's onboard computer system has self-diagnosed some kind of problem. The "Check Engine" light, which is also called a "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" (MIL) or "Service Engine Soon" (SES) lamp, is there to signal you when a problem occurs that may require attention. This can include anything from a momentary hiccup that has has little or no noticeable affect on engine performance or driving safety to a failure of a major electronic component. There's no way to know what the light means without running a diagnostic scan on the system to determine the nature of the fault.

At Planet Ford 45 we seen people ignored their check engine light and a after weeks of ignorance the problem turned into a costly mistake. We recommend you visiting Planet Ford 45 and running a full diagnostic scan to see what the problem is. We want you to protect your investment and highly recommend you seeing what the problem is.

2012 Ford Focus ST

2010-09-29T09:40:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot of buzz about the Paris Motor Show for many auto manufacturers, and Ford is no exception. The biggest announcement is the first official viewing of the new high-performance Ford Focus ST, and it will be the first time that production-ready Focus body styles will be featured together. This will be the first peek before models go on sale in Europe and North America in early 2011, and I pulled some more information for you from The Ford Story site:

The new range-topping Focus — which will feature a unique version of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine — will be true to heritage of Ford ST models. It will offer driving enthusiasts a mix of exhilarating performance and handling, accompanied by an addictive sound.

The dramatic new ST will launch in early 2012 and will be revealed on September 30, 2010, at the Ford stand by Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO, and Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO.

Visitors to the Paris Motor Show will immediately notice the car’s highly distinctive sports exterior, which is finished in Tangerine Scream, a dramatic new body color that reflects the exciting and energetic character of the Focus ST.

Ford is also moving forward with its electrification program and will be displaying for the first time the technology destined to drive its C-MAX plug-in hybrid vehicle, that will be produced at the Valencia plant in Spain.

The formal launch of the full production-ready Focus range in Paris signals the introduction of the first truly global product developed under the company’s ONE Ford strategy.

Developed at Ford’s Global Center of Excellence for Small Cars in Germany, for sale in over 120 markets worldwide, the next-generation model is the most important Focus yet. It is created from the new Ford global C segment platform with up to 80 percent parts-commonality globally. This platform will underpin at least ten vehicles around the world, and it will account for approximately two million units of annual production by 2012.

New App for Fiesta

2010-09-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ford is the latest to jump on the Apple bandwagon, with a new iPad app for the 2011 Fiesta.

The Fiesta iPad app is essentially an interactive sales brochure, providing users with tech information, features, photos, videos and lots of extras.

One screen lists the available graphic treatments, including "tattoos." Another details Fiesta's safety features, while a third lists the various connectivity options.

The Fiesta app can be downloaded for free from Apple's iTunes store.

Need help downloading the app. Visit us at Planet Ford 45 and let us show you how to downloaded to your iPhone.

Original Article

Can I recharge my A/C system myself?

2010-09-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

A person came to the shop yesterday at one of our sister stores and ask a very important question to one of our mechanics. the question was how he can recharge his A/C system himself?

Well to summarize the answer here is pretty much what we told him.

You have all the right to recharge your A/C system however you must first get your hands on the correct type of refrigerant required for your vehicle.

The major problem with that is that federal law prohibits the sale of R12 and R134 automotive refrigerants to "non certified" individuals (to become certified, you must pass a written test approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- something which all professional A/C technicians must do before they can legally work on your vehicle).

Our Service Advisor informed that to our customer and suggested that he let the certified professionals recharge his A/C system. The customer walked out a happy camper and a more knowledgeable person.

If you need your A/C recharge stop by Planet Ford 45 and let the professionals take care of it.

How Do You Know When Your Car Needs a Brake Job?

2010-09-21T08:55:00.001-07:00

You need a "brake job" when your brake linings are worn down to the minimum acceptable thickness specified by the vehicle manufacturer or the applicable state agency in areas that set their own requirements. The only way to determine if new linings are required, therefore, is to inspect the brakes.

You may also need a brake job if you're having brake problems such as grabbing, pulling, low or soft pedal, pedal vibration, noise, etc., or if some component in your brake system has failed. But if the problem is isolated to only one component, there's no need to replace other parts that are still in perfectly good working order.

There is no specific mileage interval at which the brakes need to be relined because brake wear varies depending on how the vehicle is driven, the braking habits of the driver, the weight of the vehicle, the design of the brake system and a dozen other variables. A set of brake linings that last 70,000 miles or more on a car driven mostly on the highway may last only 30,000 or 40,000 miles on the same vehicle that is driven mostly in stop-and-go city traffic.

As a rule, the front brakes wear out before the ones on the rear because the front brakes handle a higher percentage of the braking load -- especially in front-wheel drive cars and minivans.

So stop by Planet Ford 45 today and see how you can improve your braking system on your investment.

Original Article

Car Battery Help

2010-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

How can I tell if my battery is low and needs to be recharged?

The first and most likely indication of a low battery would be a hard starting problem caused by slow cranking. If the battery seems weak or fails to crank your engine normally, it may be low. To find out, you need to check the battery's "state of charge."

A battery is nothing more than a chemical storage device for holding electrons until they're needed to crank the engine or run the lights or other electrical accessories on your vehicle. Checking the battery's state of charge will tell you how much juice the battery has available for such purposes.

If your battery is low, it needs to be recharged, not only to restore full power, but also to prevent possible damage to the battery. Ordinary automotive lead-acid storage batteries must be kept at or near full charge to keep the cell plates from becoming "sulfated" (a condition that occurs if the battery is run down and left in a discharged condition for more than a few days). As sulfate builds up, it reduces the battery's ability to hold a charge and supply voltage. Eventually the battery becomes useless and must be replaced.

Recharging The Battery

CAUTION: Do not attempt to recharge a battery with low (or frozen) electrolyte! Doing so risks blowing up the battery if the hydrogen gas inside is ignited by a spark.

Your charging system should be capable of recharging the battery if it is not fully discharged. Thirty minutes or so of normal driving should be enough.

If your battery is completely dead or extremely low, it should be recharged with a fast or slow charger. This will reduce the risk of overtaxing and damaging your vehicle's charging system. One or both battery cables should be disconnected from the battery prior to charging it with a charger. This will eliminate any risk of damage to your vehicle's electrical system or its onboard electronics.

If you have any question feel free to contact or visit Planet Ford 45's service department and ask for further assistance.

Remember be safe when working on electrical components.

Original Article Here

Genuine Ford Parts

2010-09-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

Whether you own an F150 truck, a Crown Victoria, or a sporty new Mustang, it’s inevitable that you’ll need Ford parts at some point in your vehicle’s life. Maybe you’re a weekend mechanic, or perhaps you simply want to give your new Ford a personal touch. Either way, thanks to the Internet, you can rely on your local dealer to supply you with Ford genuine parts. Click here to see how.

Here are some tips to help you find a reputable and dependable online parts distributor in case you decide to opt out of our website and .

Stick with Genuine Ford Parts. Don’t mess around with car and truck parts that aren’t made specifically by Ford for Fords. It’s simply not worth the risk to your vehicle. Buying only Ford OEM parts will help ensure that your car or truck stays in top condition, and helps protect the integrity of any warranties on your vehicle.

Quick Turnaround. Watch out for back-order parts. Some online part stores have huge traffic that some of your more popular parts may be on back-order. The best online and offline sources for Ford parts have a huge inventory and ship within 24 hours of the time you place your order.

If your car or truck needs a part, you don’t want to wait forever to have it shipped. Remember that most of the time your local dealer has the part you need.

So if you are looking for Genuine Ford Parts stop by Planet Ford 45 and order that part or accessory you have always wanted.

Cool New Car for Back to School

2010-09-08T09:18:00.001-07:00

Kelley Blue Book singled out 10 cars recently as the best for back to school. And wouldn't you know it that the Ford Fiesta is one of them.

2011 Ford Fiesta

Ford’s marketing tag for the all-new 2011 Fiesta (above) is “It’s a pretty big deal.” It’s easy to see why. At a starting MSRP of $13,320 (for the S sedan), the five-passenger small car is a virtual steal on price alone – but its snazzy good looks and kid-cool features really make Fiesta a winner. Reviewers are also high on Fiesta’s virtues, calling it a new benchmark in the small car class and KBB lists Fiesta as #1 on its list of best back-to-school cars. Fiesta is a fun-to-drive four-door sedan or five-door hatchback with an upscale quality interior for the price, available SYNC system, airbag for the driver’s knees, and many other features not commonly found in the small/subcompact car class. Best of all, Fiesta achieves near-hybrid fuel economy estimated at 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway for some models, and it’s a 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

So stop by Planet Ford 45 today and see the new Ford Fiesta!

What do you recommend for protecting aluminum wheels?

2010-09-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

We at Planet Ford 45 always get asked what is the best way to protecting aluminum wheels. So we put our heads together and and did some research and this is what we found out.

According to Yahoo! Autos the most original equipment aluminum wheels are clear coated for corrosion resistance. You can generally use any type of wax or sealer specially formulated for alloy wheels, or any product that is designed for a base coat, clear coat finish.

CAUTION: Do not use any wax or polish that contains abrasives on a clear coated wheel (chrome polish, rubbing compound, ordinary wax designed for ordinary painted finishes or that "restores faded paint." The abrasives in such products will scratch and dull the clear coat on the wheels.If your wheels are not clear coated, or the original coating is worn away or damaged, you can clean the wheels with "mag wheel polish" or fine steel wool to remove surface oxide and dirt (and what's left of the old finish) -- then repaint the wheels with a durable clear coat epoxy or paint designed for this purpose.

Unprotected aluminum wheels quickly corrode and pit when exposed to road salt and excessive moisture. If the corrosion continues unchecked for too long, the cosmetic damage may be too great to reverse. So if you don't want to drive around with ugly, pitted alloy wheels, use some type of coating (wax, sealer and/or paint) to protect them from the elements.

You can also stop by Planet Ford 45 and get your car fully wash by one of our service representatives that specialize in car looks and maintance.

Original Article

Whe Should You Change Your Car Wipers?

2010-09-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

Wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on vehicles today. Many blades are cracked, split, torn, brittle, worn or otherwise in obvious need of replacement. Others may look okay, but do a lousy job of wiping when put to the test.

Ninety percent of all driving decisions are based on a clear unobstructed view of the road, which means good visibility is absolutely essential -- especially during wet weather when vision may be obscured by water, road splash, sleet or snow on the windshield. But good visibility requires wipers that are in good condition. If the wipers are chattering, streaking or otherwise failing to wipe cleanly and consistently, you need new blades -- NOW!

Most experts say wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimum performance and driving visibility. That's because wiper blades don't last forever. Natural rubber deteriorates over time. Halogen-hardened rubber as well as synthetic rubber provides longer life. But eventually all blade materials fall victim to environmental factors. Exposure to sunlight and ozone causes the rubber to age, even if the wipers aren't used much.

So stop by Planet Ford 45 and check into our service & parts departments and see our selection of car wipers.

Blind Spots Info

2010-08-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Every year, children are injured and killed because drivers (in some cases, parents) don't see them while backing up. According to KIDS AND CARS (www.kidsandcars.org), a nonprofit group that works to improve child safety around cars, at least 50 children are backed over every week in the U.S. Forty-eight are treated in hospital emergency rooms and at least 2 children die. There were 474 fatal backover accidents between 2001 and 2006, which represents almost half of all non-traffic fatalities that involved children.

A contributing factor is that larger vehicles (SUVs, pickups, and minivans), which have become increasingly popular, have larger blind zones than passenger cars. A blind zone is the area behind a vehicle that a person can't see from the driver's seat.

To help consumers understand how large some blind zones are, Consumer Reports has measured the blind zones of a number of popular models. The results for both an average-height driver (5 feet 8 inches and a shorter driver (5 feet 1 inch) are listed in the accompanying charts.

Bottom line: Your best defense against backover accidents is to get out of your vehicle and check behind it just before you back up. If kids are nearby, make sure you can see them while backing up.

We at Planet Ford 45 also recommend people in the market for new vehicles to heavily invest their money with vehicles that have backup sensors and cameras (Such as the Ford Fusion). Or buy the after market convex mirror sold in our part department. But as the article above states your best defense against backover accidents is to get out of your vehicle and check behind it just before you back up

For complete Ratings, reliability information, test results, reviews, and other in-depth information on specific models of cars & trucks, subscribe today to access all of ConsumerReports.org.

Original Article

Anti-Aging Car

2010-08-25T08:17:00.001-07:00

Yahoo! Autos has named the Ford Mustang as one of the cars that are guaranteed to grow old gracefully.

Blame the economy, or better engineering. The fact is, more and more people are looking to save money by holding onto their vehicles for a longer period of time.

Some cars are simply graced with timeless good looks. Put one in your garage, and you might start getting calls from Hollywood celebs seeking the latest anti-aging advice. Sound engineering and clever styling are not mutually exclusive, no matter your budget.

In 1964 the Ford Mustang inspired the term “pony car,” an entire breed of high-performance sports coupes with a budget price and good performance. With the exception of a few fallow years in the 1970s, the Mustang has remained at the cutting edge of the pony car market in both looks and performance.

Completely revamped for the 2005 model year, and freshened for 2010, the latest Mustang is arguably the best-looking pony car ever. For approximately $30,000, the 2010 Mustang GT offers a growling V-8 engine and enough attitude to make Russell Crowe think twice before picking a fight. For 2011, the Mustang is available with a 305-horsepower V-6 engine capable of 31 mpg on the highway (when equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission).

So if you are looking for the cure for car aging, stop by Planet Ford 45 and invest your money on Ford Mustang. It is truly a timeless piece of engineering.

Original Yahoo! Article here

3 Common Car-buying Mistakes

2010-08-23T13:56:00.001-07:00

Buying a new car can be exciting. But it's also a complex process through which you can end up overpaying by hundreds or thousands of dollars or with a vehicle that you won't be happy with down the road. Below are the top 3 common mistakes that beginner car buyers often make.

1. Falling in love with a model.
When spending tens of thousands of dollars on a car, emotion shouldn't rule the day. Becoming infatuated with a single model can blind you to alternative vehicles that may be better for your needs or make you skimp on thoroughly researching a vehicle's ratings, reviews, reliability, or safety and pricing information. To determine which vehicle is best for you, you should set emotion aside and focus on doing your homework, comparing different models, and assessing your real wants and needs. There will be plenty of time for emotion after you've bought the vehicle.

2. Skipping the test drive.
The test drive is one of the most important parts of the car-buying process. A lot of vehicles look good on paper--especially in glossy brochure photos--but the test drive is your best chance to see how a vehicle measures up to expectations and how well it "fits" you and your family. You don't want any surprises after you've bought it. That's why it's surprising that many people give vehicles only a token test or, worse, none at all. That is a mistake and a sure recipe for buyer remorse. It's critical that you take ample time--at least 30 minutes--to conduct a complete test drive and perform a thorough walk-around of any vehicle you're considering.

3. Underestimating the value of modern safety features.
Today's vehicles offer an array of advanced safety features. But many buyers don't know which are most important or what to look for when comparing vehicles. Antilock brake systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and head-protecting side air bags, for instance, are effective and well worth the money. Studies have shown that ESC can significantly reduce accidents and fatalities. The feature is especially important for SUVs, because it can help prevent rollovers. Side-crash tests show that head-protecting side air bags are critical in preventing fatalities in side impacts. Unfortunately, you can't always depend on a dealership's salespeople to give you accurate information or reliable guidance about these features. That's why you should thoroughly research the benefit of all available safety features and look for vehicles that have the ones that will best protect you and your family.

You can also avoid all the confusion of buying a car when you visit Planet Ford 45 where we treat everyone fair and we look out for your investment.

Tax Free Weekend!

2010-08-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Is that time of year again!!! Tax Free Weekend starts tomorrow!!! The Texas Tax Free Items include clothing and footwear under $100, backpacks under $100 for elementary and secondary students, and school supplies.

Come to the Planet Ford on 45 to save that 8.25% on our great selection of apparel service center! For more information about the Texas Tax Free Rules read the following article!

Sales Tax Holiday
Additional Resources
Sales Tax Holiday Frequently Asked Questions
Fin de Semana Libre de Impuestos sobre las Ventas (98-490s)
Find other ways to save money for your household at TexasPowerfulSmart.com

August 20 - 22, 2010

Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 20, 21 and 22 - the state's annual tax holiday. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.

As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are also exempt. A backpack is a pack with straps one wears on the back. The exemption during the sales tax holiday includes backpacks with wheels, provided they can also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack, and messenger bags. The exemption does not include items that are reasonably defined as luggage, briefcases, athletic/duffle/gym bags, computer bags, purses or framed backpacks. Ten or fewer backpacks can be purchased tax-free at one time without providing an exemption certificate to the seller.

School Supplies
The 81st Texas Legislature passed HB 1801 (2009) expanding the list of items qualifying for exemption from Texas state and local sales and use taxes during the annual sales tax holiday in August. In addition to clothes, footwear and some backpacks, Texas families also get a sales tax break on most school supplies priced at less than $100 purchased for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school.

The following is an all-inclusive list of qualifying school supplies (if priced less than $100):

Binders
Book bags
Calculators
Cellophane tape
Blackboard chalk
Compasses
Composition books
Crayons
Erasers
Folders; expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila
Glue, paste and paste sticks
Highlighters
Index cards
Index card boxes
Legal pads
Lunch boxes
Markers
Notebooks
Paper; loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper
Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
Pencil sharpeners
Pencils
Pens
Protractors
Rulers
Scissors
Writing tablets

No exemption certificate is required - with one exception. If the purchaser is buying the supplies under a business account, the retailer must obtain an exemption certificate from the purchaser certifying that the items are purchased for use by an elementary or secondary school student. “Under a business account” means the purchaser is using a business credit card or business check rather than a personal credit card or personal check; being billed under a business account maintained at the retailer; or is using a business membership at a retailer that is membership based.

List of Clothing, Footwear and Backpacks, and Their Exemption Status
TAX-FREE TAXED
Baby clothes
Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students
Belts with attached buckles
Boots - cowboy, hiking
Caps/hats - baseball, fishing, golf, knitted
Coats and wraps
Diapers - adult and baby
Dresses
Gloves (generally)
Gym suits and uniforms
Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts
Hosiery
Jackets
Jeans
Jerseys - baseball and football
Jogging apparel
Neckwear and ties
Pajamas
Pants and trousers
Raincoats and ponchos
Robes
Shirts
Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking
Socks (including athletic)
Shorts
Suits, slacks, and jackets
Sweatshirts
Sweat suits
Sweaters
Swimsuits
Underclothes
Work clothes and uniforms
Accessories (generally) - barrettes, elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches
Backpacks - unless for use by elementary and secondary students
Baseball cleats and pants
Belt buckles (without belt)
Boots - climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski, waders
Buttons and zippers
Cloth and lace, knitting yarns, and other fabrics
Dry cleaning services
Football pants
Golf gloves
Handbags and purses
Handkerchiefs
Hard hats
Helmets - bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports
Ice skates
Jewelry
Laundering services
Leather goods - except belts with buckles and wearing apparel
Pads - football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder
Personal flotation devices
Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes)
Roller blades and skates
Safety clothing, glasses
Shoes - bicycle (cleated), bowling, golf

A word of caution: If you sell items that do not qualify for the exemption, you may not advertise or promise that you will pay your customers' sales tax. Additionally, you are prohibited from advertising that you will not collect sales tax on items that do not qualify. You may advertise that tax is included in the sales price of the taxable items that you sell, however.

For information on how to report tax on these sales, please visit Reporting Sales Tax on Tax-Free Items or call us toll free at (800) 252-5555.

Sales Tax Holiday official site click here

Friday the 13th Luck Changer

2010-08-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

Friday the 13th is synonymous with bad luck and superstitions. So much so that some people flat-out refuse to fly, make business deals or get married on this fateful day.

As many as 21 million people in the United States are fearful of Friday the 13th, according to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, N.C., which estimates that $800 million to $900 million is lost in business every Friday the 13th because of fears of the doomed day.

But we at Planet Ford 45 consider everyday to be lucky especially Friday the 13th. But if you are still doubtful consider the Ford Fiesta as a personal bad luck changer. Why you might ask. Well for starters the Ford Fiesta is a fun car to drive because it’s so small and can zip in and out of parking lots, corners, and even your driveway (This can highly improve your good luck by getting that hard to fit parking stop you would probably avoid in a bigger car). Also the motor is connected to a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Let’s not forget that this little car should be able to get around 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 in the city. Prices start at $13,320, so this little Fiesta is a great buy.

So don’t let Friday the 13th spoil your luck! Stop by Planet Ford 45 and change your luck today!

Another Fiesta Victory

2010-08-12T08:27:00.001-07:00

It is no surprise to us at Planet Ford 45 that the Ford Fiesta still continues to turned heads with its incredible price. It is becoming more common for us to read more and more articles of how the Ford Fiesta is the best car for its price. Case in point would be the latest article by the Ride Lust blog which names the Ford Fiesta and one of the Ten Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Today.

In their blog they state that, "If (they) were handing out the award for best value on the list, it would go the the new Ford Fiesta S".

Remember folks that Ford has packed a lot of content into the Fiesta, including power mirrors, capless fuel filler, aux in / USB jacks and A/C, yet has managed to keep the price reasonable for the entry level model.

Visit Planet Ford 45 to see the Ford Fiesta today!

See the complete list here

Mustang named a Head Turning Car Under 25K

2010-08-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

According to Yahoo! Autos the Ford Mustang is named as one of the Head-Turning Cars Under 25k. The list is compiled by a simple criteria; they came up with a list of cars that play to a baser automotive instinct than the search for good fuel economy, spacious rear seats, or cupholders that accommodate juice boxes and Big Gulps. These are the cars that turn heads and get thumbs-up everywhere you go.

According to Yahoo! Autos this is what they had to say about the Ford Mustang.

What is it?

The 2011 Mustang proves a good thing can keep getting better. While the basic shape dates back to 2005—not to mention the 1960s’ original that inspired the retro look—the ’Stang still looks great.

For the 2011 model year, the base Mustang comes equipped with a 305-horsepower V-6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission and electronic stability control, all for around $22,100. Add the optional 6-speed automatic and a set of 18-in. alloy wheels, and you’re still within our $25,000 budget cap.

Why is it hot?

A long hood and short rear deck make the Mustang look like it’s in motion even when standing still. There are tons of ways to mix and match colors and trim levels, which is why so many Mustangs have a fantastic custom-built appearance.

There also happens to be a horsepower war going on at the lower end of the muscle car spectrum, with Chevy and Ford pumping up the power in their base V-6 engines. This means you can have the economy of a V-6, with nearly the firepower of a V-8, and with cash left to load up your Mustang with side scoops, chrome billet grille, racing stripes, hood scoop and window louvers.

Visit Planet Ford 45 and see why the Ford Mustang is a head turner. The best news is you don’t have to risk your credit rating when putting one of these beauties in your driveway. Driving a car that looks like a million bucks doesn’t mean you have to hand over a seven-figure sum to own one.

For the complete list click here.

Ford Fusion Makes Top 5 Fuel Efficient Cars List

2010-08-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

A recent list compiled by Crave Online suggest that the Ford Fusion is one of the top 5 fuel efficient cars.

At $27,000, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is one of the most affordable hybrid midsize cars in America. Fuel economy is great with 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. If $27,000 and 41 mpg doesn´t suit you, the federal tax credit worth $850 (awarded before April 1 of this year) would have. Comfort is another strong suit; there is more leg room and 2 inches more hip room in the rear seats than in the Toyota Prius.

Visit Planet Ford 45 to see our full hybrid inventory today.

For the complete list click here.

Mysterious Dashboard Light

2010-08-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Do you know what that this little dashboard light means? No? Don't worry.

According to a Schrader report 44 percent were unaware what the symbol was supposed to represent.

The dashboard light which represents the TPMS sensor is a sensor that constantly measure the pressure in all four tires, and when one or more tires is more than 25 percent below the recommended amount, a light illuminates on the gauge cluster.

Most of us know the light (on the left ) and if you do, you're among the 54 percent of drivers who know what it means. But more importantly, less than half of the population doesn't.

TPMS sensor maker Schrader recently surveyed drivers to see if there were knowledgeable about all things TPMS, and the results had to be a bit disappointing for them. First, the good news: 96 percent of all drivers surveyed felt that under-inflated tires were a serious safety problem. Now the bad news: Only 44 percent of drivers polled regularly check their tire pressure. Furthermore, one third of drivers surveyed didn't know what TPMS was or what it was used for, while still another 14 percent thought the symbol identified a problem of the non-tire variety.

Remember that at Planet Ford 45 we care about tire safety and will inspect your tires for you. So the next time this dashboard light shows up don't risk your life by ignoring it and stop by and let our professional service department check it out.

Ford F-Series Update: More Horsepower & Torque

2010-08-03T07:45:00.001-07:00

The Ford F-Series line is going to be getting a boost this week and set a history benchmark in the process. The most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a heavy-duty pickup will soon be powering the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. Take a look at the official word from ford.com:

The 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged diesel is now rated at best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, an increase of 65 lb.-ft. of torque and 10 horsepower. Current 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty diesel owners can get the increased performance through a free dealer-installed software upgrade to the truck’s powertrain control module
Super Duty reclaims F-350 towing and payload leadership vs. Chevrolet Silverado 3500. When it comes to capability, Super Duty offers uncompromised choice – whether it’s F-250, F-350, F-450 or F-550
The 6.7-liter Super Duty diesel now has 20 percent better fuel economy compared with the outgoing engine based on Ford drive-cycle tests of comparably equipped 2011 Ford and 2010 Ford models

Ford Motor Company will begin production this week of the most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a heavy-duty pickup, Barb Samardzich, vice president of powertrain engineering, announced today at an international auto industry conference.

Introduced in April 2010, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel powering the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty will be upgraded to best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, Samardzich said at the Center for Automotive Research’s annual Management Briefing Seminars.

“These numbers are impressive, yes, but that is not why they matter,” Samardzich said. “These numbers matter because our customers say they do. The higher torque means that fleet operators, such as Florida Power & Light, can plow through deep swamps and get to downed power lines faster and more confidently. It means that oil and gas crews in the Northwest can tow up an 8,000-foot grade maintaining a steady speed and using less fuel.”

In an industry-first customer loyalty program, Ford will provide the power upgrades free of charge to all current owners of a 2011 Super Duty diesel pickup. Customers will receive letters explaining the procedure, a 30-minute software adjustment to the truck’s powertrain control module, and inviting them to visit their dealerships for the upgrade.

The upgrade program will begin by Aug. 31 and continue for the next 12 months. The 2011 Super Duty diesel pickups in dealer inventory will receive the upgrade as well.

A rigorous testing protocol that included computer, laboratory and on-road validation ensured 250,000-mile durability in the new Power Stroke’s components and systems. This strict testing opened the door for the 2011 Super Duty’s increased capability.

“We know that durability and reliability is uppermost in the minds of our Super Duty customers, along with torque and horsepower, so we took a conservative approach that ensured that the new Power Stroke would be absolutely bulletproof while delivering significantly improved power,” said Chris Brewer, chief engineer of the 2011 Super Duty.

Visit Planet Ford 45 to see our large Super Duty inventory.

Fix that Sunroof!

2010-08-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

I know that sometimes things suddenly happen to your car. It can be frustrating. Your sunroof is no exception so how do you fix it when it goes wrong? It can be a hassle trying to figure out how to fix the problem. Well thanks to Online Auto Repair we found tips and hints on how to take care of a broken down sun roof. Sure you can visit Planet Ford 45 for help but some of you are do it "your-selfers" and there is nothing wrong with that at all!

Many malfunctions in the sunroof system fall into 2 categories that can often be related to each-other. Water leak issues and electrical problems. Sometimes wiring or switch corrosion can be caused by the water leaks.

A power sunroof can slide the roof panel open or closed. You can also tilt the roof panel up in the back to allow fresh air into the passenger compartment. When driving down the road this can also pull a vacuum and remove stale air from the interior cabin.

In most cases power sunroofs are not that much different than electrically operated power window systems found in most automobiles. Many common parts are shared such as system relays, a master control switch and the motor assembly to perform the movement.

Note that most power sunroof systems are protected by a circuit breaker instead of a fuse. This is in case the sunroof begins to bind. It protects the motor by opening the circuit breaker. Often when people have power sunroof problems they will begin to look for the fuse when there is actually none. A circuit breaker will reset automatically when it cools down.

Power sunroof common problems

Often power sunroofs are a popular option that does not get used very often. When this system sits for months or years without being used often components can develop corrosion that may hinder operation when it is finally desired.

Since a sunroof is part of the exterior surface of the vehicle a complete watertight seal is necessary. If this seal fails or the automatic drain becomes clogged with debris and water sits around the components the corrosion mentioned above will be accelerated. For this reason a very common sunroof problem is water sealing and drainage.

Diagnosing power sunroof problems is pretty straightforward. The first thing to check would be the circuit breaker. Next you would want to verify power at the motor connector. In that case you would be working from the load back towards the battery. If there is no power at the motor you can break out a wiring diagram and do some pinpoint checks at the relay and switch.

To read the full article you can see OnlineAutoRepair.com

80 MPG Concept Car Heading To Auction

2010-07-29T09:54:00.001-07:00

Ever hear of the of a hybrid vehicle capable of delivering about 80mpg? Neither have we. The vehicle was actually developed under a program by the Clinton Administration in 1993. The program involved the three major U.S. automakers and eight Federal Agencies to produce several high-mileage concept cars to be put into production by 2003. Each of the automakers delivered; GM came up with the Precept, Chrysler the ESX II, and Ford developed the Prodigy. Each was a hybrid vehicle capable of delivering about 80 mpg.

The car of course never made it into production and was hardly seen by the general public. Today the car is up for auction online and it is likely that the Prodigy will never be seen again.

Planet Ford 45 wants to know if you would have bought this car if it was ever developed? Remember that at Planet Ford 45 is giving away a Ford Fusion Hybrid! Sign up here.

See the actual car listing here.

Explorer to get big MPG gains

2010-07-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ford Explorer – the vehicle that defined a segment – has been completely reinvented, raising customers' expectations of sport utility vehicle (SUV) fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.

The 2011 Explorer with V6 power is expected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, shattering conventional expectations for SUV fuel efficiency. When equipped with the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine, Explorer fuel economy is expected to improve by more than 30 percent and exceed the 2010 Honda Pilot and 2010 Toyota Highlander V6.

Driven by the commitment to give customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency with each new vehicle, Ford attacked every detail to transform Explorer with significantly improved fuel economy:

• Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)
• Latest Ford EcoBoost engine
• Six-speed automatic transmissions
• Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to significantly reduce parasitic power loss
• Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD)
• Variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor
• Optimized tires for reduced rolling resistance
• Slippery aerodynamics with harmonized front air dam and rear liftgate spoiler

Weight reduction is a key element in improving Explorer fuel efficiency. While adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminum hood. Explorer weight loss is even more impressive, as the latest versions of Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner have added pounds versus previous models.

Explorer's available advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6 without compromising four-cylinder fuel economy. Aimed at the SUV buyer whose top priority is fuel economy, this turbocharged and intercooled I-4 engine delivers a projected 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost employs direct injection of gasoline, Ti-VCT, direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valve lifters and four valves per cylinder.

Explorer's standard powertrain combines front-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Ti-VCT allows individually optimized camshaft timing of valve opening and closing events to improve mechanical efficiency while delivering increased power and reducing part-throttle emissions. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this powerful, flexible and efficient V6 is projected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer V6 model.

Explorer's variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor provides a fuel economy benefit with less drag and smoother transition for improved driveability.

Each Explorer engine is paired with a unique six-speed automatic transmission, combining lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising.

Loaded with features, convenience and connectivity
The all-new Explorer is available in three trim series levels – base, XLT and Limited. Each offering presents a robust array of standard features, with a class-leading selection of additional convenience and connectivity options so a buyer can tailor a new Explorer to his or her individual needs and desires.

Standard convenience features include:
• MyFord driver connect technology including 4.2-inch LCD screen
• MyKey™ owner control feature
• Air filtration system
• Media hub
• Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler system
• Cruise control
• Power windows, with one-touch down for driver
• Power door locks with child safety rear door locks
• Tilt/telescoping steering column
• Four 12-volt power points
• Cargo hooks

Explorer XLT includes standard content and adds:
• Automatic headlamps
• Six-speed SelectShift Automatic™
• Heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps
• SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad
• Reverse sensing system
• Perimeter alarm

Explorer Limited includes all base and XLT content, plus:
• PowerFold® sideview mirrors with driver's side memory
• Ambient lighting
• Adjustable pedals with memory functionality
• Cargo net
• Dual-zone electronic temperature control
• 10-way power driver's seat, with power recline and lumbar
• Electrochromic interior mirror
• Rear view camera
• Remote start system
• 110-volt outlet
• MyFord Touch driver connect technology
• Intelligent Access with push-button start
• Universal garage door opener

The 2011 Explorer will be assembled at Ford's Chicago manufacturing facility. Production begins late this year, and Explorer will be available in dealerships this winter.

Stay tuned to see when Planet Ford 45 will have the Ford Explorer in stock!

2011 Ford Explorer News

2010-07-26T11:42:00.001-07:00

Ford debuted the stunning new 2011 Ford Explorer today via the popular networking site Facebook. The 2011 Ford Explorer pictures reveal a body style that hints Land Rover and emerges more car like, less upright box-like SUV. In fact, the frame of the new 2011 Ford Explorer draws major inspiration from the new Land Rover Evoque 2011. The new 2011 Ford Explorer is lighter and more fuel efficient.

Stay tune for more Ford Explorer news.

Visit Planet Ford 45 and ask when the 2011 will be coming to our showroom!

Fiesta Named as One of The Top Ten Small Cars for under $20K

2010-07-23T10:16:00.001-07:00

The Ford Fiesta was named as one the top ten small cars for under $20k. The full list from Top Speed blog also included the Ford Focus.

The Ford Fiesta is a fun car to drive because it’s so small and can zip in and out of parking lots, corners, and even your driveway. The motor is connected to a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Let’s not forget that this little car should be able to get around 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 in the city. Prices start at $13,320, so this little Fiesta is a great buy.

$1800 plus Commission No Experience Needed Planet Ford Spring – Humble (Planet Ford Spring)

2010-07-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Planet Ford Spring and Humble. Please wait until the below listed interview dates to stop by. Regardless of what the media says about the automobile industry, we're doing great and I'm hiring 10 new salespeople to meet the demands. Having no prior experience in our industry is not a problem.

You will receive training, an $1800 monthly minimum, commission, medical, dental, 401-K and a 5 day work week. Like you, most of our top producers come from fields not related to auto sales and with the proper training have a chance to earn a 6 figure income. Interviews for both locations will be held at the Planet Ford store in Spring Only .

Monday July 26th, between the hours of 10am and 4pm, and Tuesday July 27th, Between the hours of 10am and 1pm. Please wait until the above interview dates to come by and fill out a brief, one page application for a guaranteed interview and get some details about the auto sales business.

Or, if you have any questions, call Jeff Johnson 713-515-9221, or e-mail him at faststarttraining@sbcglobal.net

Interview Location,
20403 - I-45 N.( Louetta Exit )
Spring , Texas 77388

Ford Raptor is a Beast

2010-07-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ford SVT has built some special vehicles over the years. Supercharged Mustangs, F-150s, and Focus SVT have been the poster children of Ford's SVT division.

But the Raptor F150 SVT changes all that.

The previous Ford SVT vehicles were designed to be perfectly performing pieces of machinery that took on the pavement world however, the F150 Raptor SVT changes all that.

When the Ford's SVT division got their hands on the The Raptor they transformed the vehicle into the toughest production truck ever.

The Raptor is truly an off-road beast built to take a beating in various races sucah as the Baja 1000 desert race. The secret to the Ford Raptor's success is found underneath in the highly-modified suspension. A mild lift is accompanied by the world's first ever internal-triple-bypass shock absorbers on a production vehicle.

Underneath, the Raptor gets a smattering of custom SVT control arms, skidplates and short metal running boards to help keep the truck moving no matter the terrain. Just in case you get stuck, there are big tow loops front and rear, although the rear window is a bit small to be climbing through when stuck in the deep stuff. Most buyers would never think of such things, but for off-roaders it's a consideration.

The most surprising thing for many potential buyers looking at such a hardcore off-road machine is that the Raptor is actually more civil on the road than the regular pickup. In fact, the suspension provides a smoother ride over rough city roads than many high-end luxury cars.

Read More Here

Ford teams up with DUB Magazine

2010-07-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ford Motor Company is teaming up with automotive lifestyle magazine DUB to roll out a specially customized version of the new 2011 Mustang, introducing the iconic sports car to a new generation of enthusiasts.

The V6 Mustang and will be available in the fall of 2010 and will offer:

20-inch TIS wheels with Pirelli performance tires
Roush front fascia and splitter
Roush quarter window louvers and windshield banner
Roush lowering springs
Coupe, convertible or Glass Roof body style
Six-speed manual or automatic transmission
DUB logo embroidered in front headrest and DUB stripe package
Black interior
Choice of four exterior colors: Black, Grabber Blue, Race Red or Ingot Silver

Ask your Planet Ford 45 sales team about availability of this one of a kind Mustang.

Click here for full article.

Yahoo! Autos name various Autos as Best Used Cars

2010-07-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Autos have named the 2006 Ford Fusion and the 2005 Ford Five Hundred as two of the best used autos to buy under $10k. Yahoo!

Autos mention that the Ford Five Hundred came standard with antilock brakes, a V-6 engine and an automatic transmission. And the Ford Fusion is a well-equipped sedan that should run around $10,000.Visit Planet Ford 45 Pre Owned and ask why these cars are the best in the used car market!

Click on the link to see full story

Sims get Ford Fiesta for free

2010-07-15T12:01:00.001-07:00

Ford and E.A. have once again teamed up to give Sim's users a new virtual car. The Ford Fiesta will be given to users who have bought the Sims 3 2009 edition. EA's Sim's franchise is a highly popular strategic life-simulation computer game.

This is not the first time that Ford has teamed up with EA. A few years back when Ford released their classic Mustang GT it provided users of the game a free download of its car. It proved to be a very popular addition to the game and The Sims 2 fans rushed to get this official, authentic looking car with over one million downloads to date from the official Sims 2 site.

Ford followed this up later in the same year with the release of the Ford Focus in August and the Fusion in November. Both cars were released online in the colors available when buying them from a 'real life' dealership, which only added to the fun and excitement of player's Sims - as the game characters are known - owning one in the game.

This zippy and fun urban Ford Fiesta comes in Lime Squeeze, Blue Flame, Yellow Blaze or Red Candy Metallic. But why just settle for the one online? Visit Planet Ford 45 and get buy the real one for yourself!

Original Article

We Take Care of the Competition!

2010-07-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Looking for a new or used Ford F-150? Houston drivers are finding that Planet Ford 45 is the best of all Ford dealers in the Houston area. So if you’re looking to buy Ford F-150 Houston's Planet Ford has you covered with a great selection of Ford F-150 Houston to choose from.

The new Ford F-350 Trucks offer numerous different options with each New Ford Fleet purchases, such as a all new lockable tool box to handle all your construction needs. Used Ford F350 hold their value like none other. Three unique instrument panel designs give each series an individual appearance.

The smooth flowing interior console gives customers the option of two captain’s chairs with a shifter on the floor in the FX4 and Lariat series. Seating arrangements offered in the new F-series include the basic split seats (40/20/40), making it a little more comfortable for the person in the middle . F-150 comes with three diverse engine choices: a 4.2-liter V-6 engine, a 4.6-liter Triton™ V-8 and the upscale 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton V-8(VCT). The 5.4-liter Triton V-8 engine delivers 320 horsepower and 390 ft.lbs of tourqe. A flex-fuel version can run on E85 biofuel.

So visit Planet Ford 45 and see why most Houston F-150s have the Planet Ford decals in the back!

FORD SELECTS COMPACT POWERFORD SELECTS COMPACT POWER

2010-07-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

Ford Motor Company today announced it has selected Compact Power, Inc. (CPI), a subsidiary of LG Chem, to build lithium-ion battery packs for the Ford Focus Electric, which will go on sale in the U.S. in 2011.

CPI, based in Troy, Mich., will begin battery pack assembly for the Ford Focus Electric next year and is finalizing production site selection for the U.S. The lithium-ion cells for the packs will initially be sourced from Korea through LG Chem. LG Chem and CPI will be localizing cell production at their new site in Holland, Mich.

For more detail visit Planet Ford 45.

Spy shots of 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat Limited 6.2

2010-07-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

PickupTrucks.com recently released photos of what they think is the 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat. (Full Article)

What’s unique about the Lariat Limited shown here? Highlights include a body-colored front air dam that’s shared with the Ford Harley-Davidson F-150, a six-slat grille borrowed from the XLT F-150 that’s painted to match the rest of the truck and wheels painted with body-colored accents.

Other features include body-colored skullcaps on the mirrors, body-colored door handle bezels with chrome pulls and automatic retractable running boards. The word “Limited” is embossed on the sides of the cargo box.

4 Texters Only

2010-07-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Of all of the bad driving habits we’ve seen over the years such as applying make-up, reading the newspaper or eating, the most dangerous of them all seems to be texting while driving.

Indeed, the practice has become so prevalent–and deadly–that many people and groups have been advocating the banning of the practice.

However Ford will try to make texting safe for drivers.

The Ford Motor Company is updating its SYNC technology to enable text messaging and give drivers more control over how messages are received and sent. For example Ford is giving drivers a “Do Not Disturb” button so they can choose the level of connectivity and communications they want while driving. In addition, Ford is taking the initiative to “lock-out” capabilities that are not relevant to the task of driving while the vehicle is in motion.

Planet Ford 45 wants hard-core text message senders to please do everyone a favor by quitting your texting while driving or go out and buy a properly equipped texting Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle.

Article

Most Amazing Roads

2010-07-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

The World's Most Spectacular Roads

1. Milford Road, New Zealand
Not to be confused with the famous Milford Track trekking route, the Milford Road State Highway 94 passes through the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island.
Photo: macronix

2. Stelvio Pass, Italy
48 hairpin turns up to a 2757m (9045ft) pass in the Italian Alps, and Top Gear’s pick for “greatest driving road in the world.”
Photo: Damian Morys Foto

3. Great Ocean Road, Australia
This coastal road in Victoria runs for 241km, between Torquay and Warrnambool. The car-less might consider the Great Ocean Walk as an alternative.
Photo: Stas Kulesh

4. Chalus Road, Iran
Tehran is connected to the northern city of Chalus via this road through the Alborz Mountains. Check this site for more images.
Photo: ninara

5. Cabot Trail, Canada
Wrapping around northern Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is mountainous and windy with near-constant ocean views. I recommend biking it.
Photo: kennymatic

6. I-70 at Glenwood Canyon, Colorado
The Colorado River, of Grand Canyon fame, carved this canyon billions of years ago. The U.S. government built the 12-mile, $490 million interstate route through it, which was only completed in 1992.
Photo: Payton Chung

7. Millau Bridge, France
Southern France’s Millau Bridge is the tallest in the world — taller, actually, than the Eiffel Tower.
Photo: tibchris

8. Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
The “highest paved international road in the world” connects Pakistan with Xinjiang, China. It is currently closed at the Hunza Valley due to a massive landslide.
Photo: Umair Mohsin

9. Mountain road, Snowdonia, Wales
Mountainous northern Wales is traversed by many of these ancient, narrow, stone-walled roads. I’ve experienced the challenge of navigating them at night. With oncoming traffic. Car renters beware.
Photo: Richard0

10. Ice Highway, Canada
Winter means greater accessibility in northern Canada. This frozen road runs up the Northwest Territories.
Photo: madmack66

11. Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
Another great coastal road, this one just 15 miles south of Cape Town.
Photo: Raveesh Vyas

12. Mountain road, central Peru
Most mountain pass roads in Peru qualify as “spectacular.” This one runs north from the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo and is part of the car route to Machu Picchu.
Photo: ThiagoJ

13. Liwa, UAE
Roads through the desert oasis of Liwa, Abu Dhabi, stretch long.
Photo: Luca Assen

14. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
The only route through Glacier National Park was featured in the opening scenes of “The Shining.”
Photo: Colin Gregory Palmer

15. Mývatn, Iceland
Mývatn is a volcanically active region in northern Iceland. This road will take you there.
Photo: Francesco_G

16. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida Keys
U.S. Highway 1 runs for miles over the water, connecting the Florida Keys to the mainland. It includes this long span of bridge.
Photo: milan.boers

17. Gotthard Pass, Switzerland
Traveling north from Italy into Switzerland, you’ll come to Gotthard Pass, which you can cross on either the new, straightforward road, or the old roller coaster above. My money’s on the latter.
Photo: Mikael Miettinen

18. Tichka Pass, Morocco
I recently drove over the 2260m Tichka Pass on my way to Zagora to ride a camel. The pass was cooler. No offense, camel.
Photo: cliffwilliams

19. Pacific Coast Highway, California
This is the only road getting reprised from the original post. It seems to deserve it.
Photo: tibchris

20. Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
The roads of western Ireland are narrow, flanked by green, and sometimes charmed.
Photo: ktylerconk

Original Article

PIMP that Fiesta out!

2010-07-08T14:32:00.001-07:00

Ford Motor Company is giving Fiesta customers even more reasons to love their new car with an assortment of personalized options such as custom accessories, body kits, a Fiesta tattoo and graphics.

Ford Custom Accessories offers almost anything an owner would need to put a creative touch on their Fiesta or give the car even more functionality. If an owner is looking to light up the interior, for example, there are several choices. An illuminated gear indicator shift knob comes with a digital gear display, while illuminated door sill plates add special effects with an LED Fiesta logo.

Visit Planet Ford 45 and speak to one of our accessory sales representatives about the new Fiesta accessories.

Original Article

Pandora Radio will be available on Ford Vehicles

2010-07-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

According to TPI News, many of the 2010 Ford Cars will carry the Pandora service by the end of the year. The service was announced by Tim Westergren earlier on this week. The service will be offer in many of the new Ford vehicles.

Pandora which is an automated music recommendation service allows users to enter a song or artist that they enjoy and the service responds by playing selections that are musically similar.

With Pandora Radio, drivers and passengers will be able to enjoy a personalized radio station that puts music according to the user tastes.

For more information visit Ford.com or click here for the original article .

Visit Planet Ford 45 and ask any of our sales reps about the new feature.

Great For the Kidos

2010-07-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle are two of best cars for kids in car seat according to Yahoo Autos!

Weather you’re about to welcome your first child into the world or your family became five; the question always comes up when purchasing a new auto of what is the best car to protect my family in the case of an unmentionable accident.

Yahoo! Autos took everything into consideration to determine on its list what the best autos are for your children.

The criteria to determine which car was the best not only included the latest airbags technology but also;

-how deep, flap seat bottom cushion is,

-the placement of the seatbelts,

-LATCH points,

-the angle of the seat back cushion,

-ease of access,

-and availability of automatics locking retractor (ALR) seatbelts.

See these cars at Planet Ford 45 today.

Original Article

Yahoo! Autos gives nod to Ford

2010-07-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Autos named various Ford Vehicles as the highest quality cars of 2010.

The Ford Mustang along with the Taurus sedan and Focus compact car made the list of what Yahoo! Autos considers as the highest quality cars.

J.D. Power compiled its 2010 Initial Quality Study by surveying 82,000 buyers and lessees of new, 2010 model-year vehicles, asking them what problems they've had with their cars. The study was conducted from February to May of this year, and cars were scored based on how many problems were reported per 100 vehicles. The industry average score this year is 109, up slightly from 108 last year.

See all these vehicles at your local Planet Ford 45 store.

For complete article click here.

Houston's 4th of July Events

2010-07-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

Eleanor Tinsley Park

500 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77002

Houston’s official July 4th celebration hosted by Mayor Annise Parker is an all day festival capped off with a performance by Pat Green. Admission is free if you bring a canned good or $8 otherwise but keep in mind that the party draws a huge crowd--arrive early for a good view of the fireworks.

Miller Outdoor Theater

100 Concert Dr, Houston, TX 77030

In keeping with tradition, the Houston Symphony will have their annual performance of the 1812 Overture--complete with booming cannons—and The Texas Tenors will join in singing patriotic tunes. Admission is free but tickets must be obtained at the box office the day of the event for covered seating.

Houston Museum of Fine Arts

1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005

It being the first Sunday of the month, the MFAH will not only be open on July 4th but admission is free thanks to Target Free First Sundays. Crafts and performances will occur between 1pm-5pm and a screening of the film “1776” starts at 2:30pm.

Discovery Green Park

1500 McKinney Dr, Houston, TX 77002

Yes, it's true. There is a competition in which dogs leap high into the air off a dock and into the water. It's called Dock Dogs and you can observe this canine sport for yourself on July 4.

Red, Hot and Blue Festival - July 4

Town Green Park and Waterway Square, both located in the The Woodlands Waterway Live music, face painting, strolling performers, games, H-E-B Hot Dog and Watermelon Eating contest, vendor booths, concessions from 6 - 10 p.m. 23 minutes of fireworks; 9:15-9:30 p.m. start Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, however coolers, outside food and drinks are prohibited. Admission is free and tickets for concessions and games can be purchased at the festival.

Ford To Reduce Debt

2010-07-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

A resent article found in The Associated Press stated that Ford Motor Co., the only Detroit automaker to avoid bankruptcy protection, said Wednesday it will reduce its huge debt by another $4 billion as it continues to show signs of financial strength.

The article also said that, "the payments are another sign of confidence that the company's restructuring plan is working."
Ford sales have been up more than 30 percent through May, almost double the 17 percent increase in total U.S. car sales.

Stop by Hillcrest Ford and see why people are buying Ford.

Full Article

Ford Motor Co. Expanding Soy Foam & Biobased Materials Use

2010-06-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Ford will continue expanding their “green” effort according to a recent article found in USAgNet. The article stated that…

the new 2011 Ford Explorer will now feature soy foam in seat cushions and seatbacks, further expanding the company's use of biobased products. Ford is expanding its use of bio-based soy foam through its vehicle lineup this year as part of an ongoing effort to use more renewable and recyclable materials.

See the Ford Explorer at Planet Ford 45 today.

Mustang gets 776 Miles on tank of gas

2010-06-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

For a Ford Team that originally plan to see if the Ford Mustang could get 1,000 laps they were surprise to see what would happen next.

The 2011 Ford Mustang surpass the 1,000 laps and went on to complete 1,457 laps. The trip totaled 776.5 miles on a 16-gallon tank. Oh course the drivers were cruising around the Bristol Motor Speedway at a pace of 43.9 mph and the trip took over 17 hours.

Many car enthusiast are aware that the 2011 Ford Mustang is the first car with more than 300 horsepower to get over 30 mpg on the highway and a Ford team recently proved it can do even better.

Stop by Planet Ford and see the 2010 Ford Mustang.

Source (Drive On)

Ford F150 tops the list

2010-06-23T12:46:00.001-07:00

The Ford F-150 topped Kelley Blue Book’s ranking of new pickups this year.

The Kelley Blue Book, which analyzes vehicle pricing and values, called the F-150 “strong and refined in every aspect,” from its exterior styling to its towing.

Kelley Blue Book's top five pickups for the 2010 model year

1. Ford F-150

2. 2010 Ram 1500

3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

4. Toyota Tundra

5. Nissan Titan

See full article here

One Of The Best Convertibles

2010-06-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

A article in MSN Autos named the Ford Mustang as one of the best convertibles in the 2010 market. MSN Autos stated that,

...the Chevy Camaro versus Ford Mustang argument is a lively one, with both vehicles providing staggering horsepower at bargain prices. Both V6 and V8 versions of the cars are within a couple of horsepower of each other, and the respective model lines are priced comparably.

But when it comes to convertibles, there's no comparison — at least not yet.

That's because there isn't a convertible Camaro, and there won't be until next year. There are, however, a couple of convertible Mustangs: a 306-horse 3.7-liter V6, which provides some much-needed muscle at the price point and a 5.0-liter V8 that can make 412 horsepower.

Stop by Planet Ford 45 and see why the 2010 Ford Mustang is named one of the best convertibles in the market.

To see the full list click here .

Missouri City: Big gator found in backyard pool of Planet Ford Employee

2010-06-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

A huge alligator was found in the pool of one of out Planet Ford employee.

Jodie Morris our Marketing Director went into her backyard to let her dogs out when she noticed something strange in her pool.

She took a closer look and spotted the huge alligator resting at the bottom of her pool.

The local Sienna Plantation game warden arrived at the home and captured the alligator with a catch pole.

Jodie and her family made sure to get various pictures to prove to friends and relatives that might not believe their story.

After it’s captured the alligator was later taken to El Campo and released.

Click play to see the video coverage from ABC 13.

2010-06-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Father’s day is just around the corner and if your dad is a Ford fan we have compiled a list of items that we feel he will like for his special day. (Items can be found on http://www.fordcollection.com/)

Decorate His Den: Set of heavy duty glass handle mugs. A perfect gift for any true Ford fanatic! Hand wash only!. Prices start at $22.99 for 4.

Make Him Look Good: This one of a kind neck tie will allow you to show your Ford pride in style. Color matched to officially be Ford blue!

Keep Him Warm: Men's leather and wool jacket with stand collar. 60% wool / 20% polyester / 20% viscose. Genuine leather sleeves and trim. Full taffeta lined quilted insulation.

Make Him Feel Like a Kid Again: Get him a 1:14 SCALE RAPTOR RC! A off road full function r/c with big oversized rubber tires, chrome wheels, four wheel suspension, steering alignment adjustment. Over sized brush guard and impact resistant body for rugged terrain. Unit uses (1) 6V NiCd battery, controller uses (1) 9V bat

Fix His Drive: Wilson(R) Harmonized Putter features a soft polymer insert is same hardness as golf ball cover and is double milled to be flat. True Temper(TM) steel shafts.

The Ford Collection includes more than 750 unique Ford, Lincoln and Mercury branded items.

For more info regarding availability visit http://www.fordcollection.com/ or call Planet Ford 45.

Google Maps and Ford Sync

2010-06-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

An article in AutoBlog.com stated that Ford will add the ability to sync Google maps directions to your Ford Sync. Great news for those people who use Google Maps to figure their way out from Point A to Point B.

The article also stated that "drivers of late-model Ford vehicles equipped with Sync Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI) will soon be able to plot out their routes using Google Maps on their home computer and then download turn-by-turn directions directly to the car".

To use the latest feature Ford and Lincoln owners must used the "Send to Sync" feature and register on syncmyride.com for the free TDI services. The ability to send Google directions to Sync TDI will be launched later this month.

Yahoo Names Fiesta a Great Buy for Under $25k.

2010-06-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Autos recent article, 8 Greatest Cars and SUV’s for Under $25K named the Ford Fiesta as one of the must have cars to buy. With an MSRP of $13,320-$17120 and fuel economy of 30/40 mpg it is not surprise the Fiesta made Yahoo’s list. To see the full list click here or to see when the Ford Fiesta is arriving near you visit Planet Ford 45 and talk to any Planet Ford Rep.

Mustang beats Camaro

2010-06-03T12:29:00.001-07:00

The Pony is Back!

After vast improvements on the Ford Mustang, the Pony has made it the muscle car sales leader for the month of May. According to AutoBlog.com, Ford managed to sell 10,222 Mustangs, while Chevy only moved 8,931 Camaros.

AutoBlog.com also reported that while the Mustang tended to rank higher in comparisons against the Camaro even before the new engines hit the scene for 2011, American buyers responded to the big power numbers and menacing style of the General Motors muscle car. Now that the Ford is cranking out slightly more grunt and marginally better fuel economy, Chevrolet may find itself playing catch up for the rest of the year.

Stop by Planet Ford 45 and see what all the Mustang fuss is about.
Original Article (AutoBlog)

NPC Muscular Development Branch Warren Event

2010-06-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

A few years ago The City of Houston was branded as the fattest city in the United States. However, that statement is far from the truth today.

On July 10th evidence of how much the City of Houston has turned itself around would be on display at Legends Sports Complex. Forever Fit Med Spa & Gym will be hosting the National Qualifier NPC Muscular Development Branch Warren Event. This is a chance to witness the human body at its finest with extreme competition such as the Strongman, Mixed Martial Art and USAPL PowerLifting events.

If that wasn’t enough there will be a K-9 Country Power Dog Weight pull Contest. That’s right even man’s best friend is getting into the action.

Don’t forget that Planet Ford 45 is helping Houston’s own Barbie Barbell with a Pink Ford Edge.

For more information these events visit http://www.metroflexgym.com/.

Ford SYNC Now Provides Even More

2010-05-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this latest article,

DEARBORN, Mich., May 27, 2010 – Horoscopes, stock quotes, movie listings and access to airlines, rental cars and hotels are now just a voice command away for customers driving Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with the SYNC® app Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI).

And customers did not have to inquire, purchase or upgrade anything to get this whole new set of services. All that is needed is an active owner account on www.syncmyride.com.
“SYNC is helping us move at a faster pace and deliver the level of connectivity and access that consumers want,” said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services Organization. “Now, by leveraging the cloud, we continue to give our customers access to more and more services without having to touch the vehicle or inconvenience the owner with more subscription fees.”
Ford expanded SYNC TDI services to include stock quotes, entertainment, travel and movie categories, in addition to the already available traffic, directions, news and business search capabilities. The new services are provided by Microsoft Tellme, one of the many partners in Ford’s cloud-based Service Delivery Network, which gives SYNC users the ability to use a simple Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to connect and voice request the information they want while in the car.

More features, no extra costOwners of SYNC-equipped 2010 and 2011 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products will have immediate access to the enhanced TDI services.

“Current TDI users will hear a special announcement through SYNC the first time they call in, announcing stocks, movies, horoscopes and travel, and informing them that they have more choices,” adds VanDagens.

When users say the “services” voice command, they can ask for “stocks,” horoscopes,” “movies” or “travel,” and follow the prompts. They can also create personalized lists of stocks and horoscopes to follow by visiting their account on www.syncmyride.com, clicking on the “Manage favorites” tab and adding their top picks.

In total, the new SYNC TDI categories offer the following options:

Stocks• Say a company name and receive real-time stock quotes• Request other specifics such as the high/low of the day, of a 52-week period, share volume, market cap and price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio

Horoscopes• Speak an astrological sign to hear the daily horoscope• Hear list of astrological signs

Movies• Search for movie theaters near customer’s current location or provided city• Receive lists of new releases• Say a movie name and receive rating information, theater names where movies are playing• Request movie times at a location for today, tomorrow or the next day

Travel• Request to be directly connected to 150 airlines, the 50 largest hotel chains and the 11 largest rental car agencies – all in the U.S.

Visit Planet Ford 45 and try out the new Ford SYNC!

Ford Leads Resale-Value Bloomberg Businessweek Reports

2010-05-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

A recent online article in the Bloomberg Business reported that Ford now leads the industry in resale value in its cars. Ford Motor Co. car resale values have raised an average of $2,420, the most of any automaker, research firm Automotive Lease Guide said.

“The perception is starting to catch up with reality,” Jim Farley, Ford’s global marketing chief, told reporters on the call. “Resale value is the ultimate proof point.”

The article also states that Ford has gained sales and market share in its home market with many redesigned models such as the Ford Fusion which has seen its resale value go higher than that of Toyota Motor Corp.’s Camry.

Visit Planet Ford 45 and Swap Your Ride and see for yourself today why Ford leads the industry in resale value!

Ford Fiesta at Planet 45

2010-05-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

Come see the new Ford Fiesta at Planet Ford 45!!! Today at Planet Ford 45 from 10am till 4pm.

The European phenomenon that was been dub an internet star by many. The new Ford Fiesta has been EPA approved for 40 mpg main road and twenty-nine mpg city delivering class-leading fuel economy. Read the following article for more exiting information regarding the Ford Fiesta.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2010 – Ford’s all-new 2011 Fiesta – an Internet star even prior to it goes on sale this summer – will right away mount out on the main road with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved 40 mpg rating, creation it the many fuel fit car in the class.
The Ford Fiesta 40 mpg, completed with Ford’s latest six-speed PowerShift involuntary transmission, is 5 mpg improved than the Honda Fit and 4 mpg improved than the Toyota Yaris.
“The latest Fiesta is nonetheless an additional car in Ford’s lineup which delivers class-leading fuel economy,” pronounced Barb Samardzich, clamp president, Global Powertrain Engineering. “From Super Duty to Fusion Hybrid and the latest Mustang V-6, Ford is committed to fuel manage to buy care with each latest car it introduces in all segments.”

Fiesta’s class-leading fuel potency follows Fusion Hybrid – America’s many fuel fit midsize sedan – and alternative fuel manage to buy champs such as the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Ranger pickup. For 2011, the strain continues with the Mustang V-6, Ford Super Duty and right away the responsive, sporty and careful Fiesta. Moving forward, Ford is committed to being a fuel manage to buy personality in each shred in which it competes.
The Fiesta achieves the best-in-segment fuel total interjection to a host of fuel-saving technologies not routinely seen at this cost level. To enlarge fuel economy, Fiesta facilities a latest 1.6-liter Duratec¨ engine with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) which delivers 120 horsepower, an assertive deceleration fuel shutoff and an engine appendage expostulate complement which improves potency by shortening the appetite it takes to appetite the air conditioner and alternator.

In addition, the Fiesta additionally facilities the PowerShift transmission, a six-speed involuntary which combines the fuel benefits of a primer with the preference of an automatic. Combine which with electric power-assisted steering, an additional fuel saver and a little aerodynamic optimizations and you have a car which can go a prolonged approach on a singular tank of fuel.
“We worked tough to broach the class-leading fuel manage to buy Ford is apropos synonymous for,” pronounced Steve Pintar, Fiesta arch nameplate engineer. “To be the usually car in the shred to broach 40 mpg is something we feel consumers will appreciate.”
The 2011 Fiesta with customary five-speed primer delivery is EPA rated at twenty-eight mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

These potency innovations mix with the in vogue and aerodynamically purify Fiesta physique pattern to well trip by the breeze with both fuel assets and marked down breeze noise.
Fiesta is built for North American markets at Ford’s production trickery in Cuautitlan, Mexico. The car goes on sale in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback physique styles – with the sedan starting at $13,995, together with end charges – at Ford dealerships this summer.
Originally appeared on: Autoguide.com

2010-05-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Check this out, a Ford Fiesta up against a Lamborghini. The Lamborghini may be faster on the straightaway, but the Fiesta rocks a capless fuel filler, 34.5 ft turning diameter, and a useable trunk (41.4 cubic feet of storage space).

Ford’s SYNC AppLink Brings Android and BlackBerry Apps to Your Car

2010-04-28T12:50:00.001-07:00

Today Ford is releasing SYNC AppLink, a downloadable software upgrade for Ford SYNC systems that will allow hands-free voice control of popular applications for the BlackBerry and Android smartphones. The first car to get SYNC AppLink support will be the 2011 Fiesta, available later this summer.

Back in January, Ford announced the next evolution of the Ford SYNC system, MyFord Touch. When MyFord Touch was announced, Ford also said it would support third-party mobile applications for a seamless connected experience. This is exactly what the SYNC AppLink does.

Pandora (Pandora), Stitcher and OpenBeak are the first SYNC-enabled mobile apps that will be available. Using AppLink, BlackBerry and Android (Android) users can access and control their applications using their voice and in-dash car controls, rather than having to connect a phone to an line-in jack and fumbling with the phone while keeping an eye on the road.

Furthermore, Ford is launching a new Mobile Application Developer Network so that Android and BlackBerry developers can build in SYNC support for their applications. The possibilities for this sort of integration are tremendous. Just imagine the potential of leveraging a geolocation app with an in-dash navigation system!

Check out this video that shows Ford SYNC AppLink in action with Pandora and Stitcher:While there are adapters that you can purchase to better integrate the Pandora and smartphone experience for third-party head units, this is one of the most seamless examples of app-to-phone integration that we’ve seen on the factory level.

Check out an extended demonstration of Pandora using SYNC AppLink:This technology will debut with the Ford Fiesta 2011 this summer in the U.S. AppLink will roll out to other models in the SYNC ecosystem next year. By fusing the connected car and the mobile phone, Ford is bringing a whole new level of synergy to the SYNC system.

What do you think of SYNC AppLink? Let us know!

SHARE YOUR FORD STORY:

2010-04-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

"Always happy to share my 'Ford' stories. Actually they're not 'stories', they're facts!

Simply put, in the last twenty years I have not owned any other automobile other than a Ford. And I never will.

So many car companies these days try to sell their product based on safety awards handed out by some B.S. institute. Well I live in the real world, and I have raised four children, three boys and one girl. And we all know how boys drive. And having them driving in the Houston area was just another level of danger. My children have never driven anything but a Ford, and to this day all of them own at least two Ford autos.

But back to the reality check. All three of my boys have been involved in major auto accidents. Three of those were a total loss of their vehicles and one involved another persons fatality. But out of all of those wrecks the very worst injury any of them suffered was a slight concussion after colliding with a large horse in a Ford Probe.

True story, I would get a call from one of my sons after an accident and it always started the same way; 'dad, I'm OK but I have had an accident'. And of course it was never their fault! I got to the point where I would get to the scene and the wrecker drivers knew my name. I would get Christmas cards from wrecker drivers!

Added to that my (ex) wife has been involved in three major accidents resulting in a total loss. The most devastating was a head on collision on FM-105 from Cleveland to Conroe late one night. She was driving home from work in her brand new F-150 Super Crew when a drunk driver swerved into her lane and struck her head on at 65 mph. The other driver (in a Chevy Silverado) was killed instantly. The dash board and engine compartment just caved in on him and severed both of his legs at the thigh. I arrived at the scene and my wife's Ford was still running! My wife was sent to the hospital and treated for bruised ribs caused from the (seat belt) and I took her home that night!

I have plenty of 'Ford' stories that involve dependability, style, power and blah, blah, blah. More stories than I could type in this email. In my drive way at this moment is a Ford-F150 lariat, a Ford-F-150 and a Jaguar XJ8 VandenPlas (also made by Ford). But at the end of the day I have stuck with Ford because of the safety factor. You see while other car companies talk crap about safety, and are handed safety awards by some commercialized, propped up institute................Ford delivers. I have four grown children and three grand children that I am quite sure I would not have if I had allowed them to drive another brand of auto. And as I said, all of my children drive Fords to this day, and they are as committed to Ford as I am.

And very importantly to me as a American and a tax payer, I could not be more proud of Americas (and my) #1 auto company, Ford. They did not take the government hand out, taking the tax payers money. Ford said 'hell no'! And for that and so many other reasons I will forever be a 'Ford Man'. And my kids and grand kids will be also.

So feel free to share my 'stories' with others. Thank you for writing to me, and I wish you much success with Planet Ford. I have purchased at least 5 autos from Planet and I will be back again I am sure."

Best regards,
Darrell W. Lee

How to get turn by turn directions with Ford SYNC

2010-04-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

If you have just purchased a new Ford Taurus, you may have noticed the new SYNC feature. SYNC is a GPS built right into your dashboard. If this is your first time using a global positioning system, you may need a few pointers. Check out this video and learn how to access step by step directions and get where you need to go.

You Will Need

* 2010 Ford Taurus with SYNC

Step 1: Get directions

Rely on SYNC for detailed directions. Simply say “Services” to dial into the voice-activated network, and then “Directions.” Then, just speak your destination. The system provides spoken, turn-by-turn directions over the audio system. It can also access a location you’ve already programmed.

Step 2: Find a place without an address
If you’re heading to a business but don’t know its exact address, just say the name, and SYNC will point you in the right direction. You can even search for a type of business near your current location, and SYNC will offer the closest options.

Step 3: Get the lay of the land

Bypass traffic, avoid road closures, and get the lowdown on detours with personalized updates. Just say “Services” and then “Traffic,” and you’ll receive a real-time report broadcast over your vehicle’s audio system. You can also set personalization features to text you traffic alerts for destinations that you program in beforehand. Knowing about potential hazards beforehand can save you time and aggravation.

Step 4: Stay connected

Stay connected with personalized weather conditions and forecasts, news updates, and sports reports — all using easy voice commands. You never know what might affect your route.

Step 5: Stay safe in an accident

Stay safe. In the event of an accident, SYNC automatically contacts 911 when the airbag is deployed so the vehicle’s occupants can communicate with the emergency operator.

Step 6: Drive with confidence Wherever you’re headed, set out secure in the knowledge Ford can help you get there — quickly and safe!

Ford F-150, Edge, Explorer To Get EcoBoost Engines

2010-04-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ford said Monday it will add its popular turbocharging system — EcoBoost — to three more engines by the end of 2010, with the F-150 also getting the blower for its V6.
Ford also said that by 2013, it expects to be producing approximately 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally, about 200,000 more than originally expected.
Plans call for an EcoBoost engine to be available in 80 per cent of the company’s global nameplates and 90 per cent of North American nameplates. About half of the 1.5 million EcoBoost engines are expected to be sold in North America, while the rest are to be sold in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific regions.
The next three EcoBoost engines include:
1.6-litre four-cylinder that will be offered in the European C-Max people mover.
2.0-litre four-cylinder for the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV and Edge CUV.
3.5-litre V-6 for the F-150. Ford engineers have upgraded the 3.5-litre V-6 for rear-wheel-drive applications. The EcoBoost F-150 is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy along with the power and towing capability of a V-8.
“We are trying to get in front of the pack in leveraging EcoBoost for fuel economy,” said Dan Kapp, Ford’s director of powertrain research and advanced engineering. “It’s going to be a trend in the industry, and we can’t rest on our laurels for one minute. We are going to keep wringing more efficiency out of EcoBoost.”
The three new engines will increase the number of global nameplates available with EcoBoost to 11. EcoBoost is available now in the Ford Flex and Taurus and Lincoln MKS and MKT.
EcoBoost technology combines direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and cut vehicle weight, while giving drivers the performance of a bigger engine.

Ford brings back "Swap Your Ride" with 0% financing, $1,000

2010-04-07T08:05:00.001-07:00

Ford has some good news if you've been eying its products and happen to drive a vehicle from another manufacturer. The company's "Swap Your Ride" campaign is back in full swing, and will run wide open until the end of next month. All you have to do to qualify for zero-percent financing and a $1,000 trade-in bonus is simply hand over the keys to your old set of wheels.

Expect to see a new slew of ads featuring Mike Rowe on your television promoting the incentives soon. And come visit us here at Planet Ford 45 to Swap Your Ride!!

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Video Review – Kelley Blue Book

2010-03-30T16:23:00.001-07:00

FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES BY ETHISPHERE

2010-03-26T12:18:00.001-07:00

DEARBORN, Mich., March 22, 2010 – Ford Motor Company has been recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a leading business ethics think tank.

Ford is among 100 global companies chosen for the designation from a field of thousands of companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries. Ford is the only automaker to receive the honor in 2010. The results are based on an extensive review of companies’ social responsibility efforts, corporate governance and business practices.

“Ford Motor Company is honored and pleased to receive this recognition,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “At Ford, we’re not only committed to making great products and building a strong business, we believe in contributing to a better world and doing business in an ethical way.”

This is the fourth year Ethisphere has published its list of the world’s most ethical companies. The firm is dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability.

“Ford’s promotion of a sound ethical environment shines within its industry and shows a clear understanding that operating under the highest standards for business behavior goes beyond goodwill and lip service and is intimately linked to performance and profitability,” said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute. “This year’s award was more competitive than ever, because companies realize that making ethics a priority is critical in a tough and unprecedented economic environment.”

The criteria researchers and analysts followed included:

A review of each company’s codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories
An evaluation of investment in innovation and sustainable business practices
A look into activities designed to improve corporate citizenship
Input through nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.

Information was provided to the Institute through formal questionnaires and through additional independent research.

“This honor underscores the efforts by the men and women at Ford Motor Company who diligently and consistently work every day to do the right thing on behalf of all of our stakeholders,” Bill Ford said.

The complete list of the 2010 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at http://ethisphere.com/wme-2010.

LET YOUR VOTE BE HEARD!!

2010-03-22T10:23:00.001-07:00

Planet Ford 45 invites you to let your vote be heard!. Cast your vote for the best-selling midsize sedan: Ford Fusion

Alan Mulally interviewed by Joe Courrege at Randall Reed's Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury

2010-03-17T11:11:00.001-07:00

Alan Mulally, President & CEO of Ford, provides insight on the brand's growing success.

Ford Announces – Receive $1000 Extra for Your Import Trade-In

2010-01-28T12:55:00.001-08:00

Customers that currently own or lease a 1995 or newer Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Scion or Acura car, truck or SUV who trade-in or have a lease expiring by June 30, 2010 will receive $1,000 toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2009 or 2010 model Ford, Lincoln or Mercury car, truck or SUV. Call us for more details.

More Accolades For Ford

2010-01-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

Ford vehicles are chosen over all other makes by Americans every day and it's simple to see why. Below are some of Ford's most recent accolades:

- The Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, is the Motor Trend Car of the Year and named to Car and Driver magazine’s "10Best" cars for 2010 list

- The Transit Connect was named the Truck of the Year by the Detroit News

- The EcoBoost V-6 and Fusion Hybrid 2.5-liter I-4 engines were named to Ward’s 10-best engine list

- The Ford F-150 is closing in on its 33rd consecutive year as America’s best-selling vehicle

- Get your sneak preview of the Mustang Unleashed at www.youtube.com\fordmustang

CNBC's Winners & Losers of 2009

2009-11-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

Alan Mulally,CEO, Ford Motor

Mulally is in the winner's circle.

Read more at: http://www.cnbc.com/id/33278153/page/12/

Ford Fusion is top car; billionaire buys stock

2009-11-27T06:55:00.001-08:00

By BRENT SNAVELY
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Photos and video Ford Motor Co. scored a hat trick on Tuesday. Motor Trend magazine selected the Ford Fusion midsize sedan as its car of the year. Billionaire financier George Soros revealed his investment arm has purchased $52.9 million in Ford stock. And, the company's stock price hit a 2year high of $9 per share before closing at $8.98 for the day.

"It's really gratifying to see that everybody is appreciating the Ford plan and the progress we are making," Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally said during a crowded celebration Tuesday, while sporting an arm sling because of recent shoulder surgery.

Mulally, who underwent surgery this month to fix a lingering tennis and golf injury, attended Motor Trend's award ceremony at Ford's world headquarters.

Mulally said the progress of his shoulder, like Ford, is ahead of schedule and said the Motor Trend Car of the Year award provides additional evidence of that progress.

About 500 employees attended the emotional ceremony, including hundreds who worked directly on the Fusion and proudly stood up to accept credit from Ford's leaders.

"It means so much to all the Ford employees," said Sonya Nematollahi, who was the engineering supervisor for the Fusion's instrument cluster and has worked for Ford for 19 years. "We had such a dedicated team that worked through Saturdays and Sundays and holidays."

Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend's editor in chief, said the 2010 Ford Fusion beat a field of nearly two dozen contenders that were put through intensive driving tests.

First introduced in 2005, the Ford Fusion was refreshed this year with a new engine, transmission and better fuel efficiency as well as a redesigned front end and interior.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, said better fuel efficiency was among the key improvements for the 2010 Ford Fusion.

Because of the improved fuel economy, Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said the 2010 Fusion has "really done a lot for our image, and it's done a lot for our sales and market share."

Since the redesigned Fusion was introduced in March, it has become the top-selling car built by an American automaker.

Top 2010 safety picks
The Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety named 27
vehicles as winners of its top
safety pick award for the 2010
model year. The award recognizes
vehicles that do the best
job of protecting motorists in
front, side, rear and rollover
crashes and have anti-rollover
technology called electronic
stability control, or ESC.

LARGE CARS
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

MIDSIZE CARS
AudiA3
Chevrolet Malibu (built after
Oct. 2009)
Chrysler Sebring (4-door with
optional ESC)
Dodge Avenger
Mercedes CClass
Su ba ru Legacy
Su ba ru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta (4-door)
Volkswagen Passat (4-door)
Volvo C30

SMALL CARS
Honda Civic (4-door with optional
ESC, except Si)
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza (except WRX)
Volkswagen Golf (4-door)

MIDSIZE SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

SMALL SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot (with optional side
thorax air bags)
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

2010 MotorTrend Car of the Year: Ford Fusion

2009-11-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

The Comeback Kid: Do-it-All Sedan is Reborn for 2010 and is Better, Smarter, Nicer, Prettier, Comfier, Leaner, Meaner, and Greener in Every Way
November 17, 2009 / By Matt Stone / Photography by Wesley Allison

n 1964, Motor Trend's Car of the Year award went to the entire Ford lineup, recognizing its combination of design, engineering excellence, and performance. In 1970, we gave the nod to the Ford Torino, which could be ordered in a wide variety of configurations. Forty years ago, buyers could choose from economical, six-cylinder-powered sedans to the dragstrip-ready 429 Super Cobra Jet fastback. These legendary winners had one thing in common: bandwidth. In the 1960s and '70s, this term wasn't yet part of popular lexicon. Today, the 2010 Ford Fusion's impressive bandwidth as a model range was one of the many factors that helped it earn the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

Want an economical midsize sedan that doesn't cost much, yet won't bore you to tears? Need to please your greener side with a high-tech hybrid? Fancy a near-sport sedan with AWD, 18-inch rolling stock, and the latest infotainment and electronics? Depending on which model you choose and how many option boxes you tick, the Fusion can be any of the above. Arthur St. Antoine calls the Fusion "a compelling sweep across one of the market's most hotly contested segments."

The original Ford Fusion came to market for the 2006 model year. The basics were there, but the car wasn't fully baked. For 2010, Ford's product teams gave the lineup a soup-to-nuts redevelopment so thorough, it's as if the first-generation car never existed. Only the passenger-shell sheetmetal and other basic architectural elements escaped being redesigned, upgraded, or replaced. Although a four-door sedan is the only body style offered, powertrain choices expand from two to four, and each is new or substantially revised. There are several trim levels offered as well: base S, upmarket SE, luxurious SEL, a separate Sport model, and a Hybrid. Early in this year's COTY program, there were quiet whispers, while heads nodded, about how the Fusion looked, felt, and drove like an entirely new machine.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/112_1001_2010_motor_trend_car_of_the_year_ford_fusion/index.html#ixzz0XRoFQoMB

A Customer's Testimonial on Ford Safety Sent to Mr. Allan Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company: FW: My New F-150

2009-10-14T16:54:00.001-07:00

I recently purchased a 2009 For F-150 and I am writing you this email to praise the safety features of that vehicle that saved my life. I was recently at the Texas State Fair and was looking at the new Ford vehicles because we will soon be in the market for my wife a new SUV, and I told one of the representatives my story. They told me that I should send the pictures in to someone at Ford. I did a google search for contact info at Ford, and I am taking a guess at your email address from your name.

On May 9th, I was driving on south Interstate 45 from Dallas to Houston at 5 in the morning. It was pitch black outside and as I came over a small hill in the road, there were 6 cattle standing across the freeway. I was traveling 65-70 miles an hour and I did not have time to react and swerve away from the cows. I hit and killed 3 of the cows. I don't remember much of the wreck, but I do remember that I walked away from it. Once the police arrived on the scene, the were sure that anyone in the vehicle was surely dead. As every new officer and helping passer by came upon us, I was asked if I had checked on the people in the vehicle. They were surprised every time that I told them that I was the only one in the vehicle. They would ask how I was even standing after the wreck. I firmly believe that God put me in an F-150 exactly one week before the accident for a reason. The truck was totaled, and looking at the damage, I can see how anyone would not believe that I walked away from the accident. I had a twisted vertebrae, dislocated ribs, a concussion, and some burns from the airbag. All of that is fixable, and the one thing that I also have is my life. If I would have been in my previous vehicle, they said I would have been decapitated. On my F-150, the hood rolled back over the windshield and shielded anything from coming through it. The frame kept the cockpit in tact and overall, this truck truly performed the safety features to the max. No-one ever thinks of hitting 3 900 lb cows when they think of auto accidents, but your engineers and designers have put features into this truck that will save hundreds of lives, and I am sure glad they saved mine. My wife were married in March and this accident happened only 2 months after our wedding. Now we are expecting our first child, and I will only trust Ford vehicles with my wife and family in the future. I have attached a picture of the truck and I will say, the sales staff was fantastic in assisting me with getting a new 2009 F-150.

Thank You So Much,
J. Cross

2009 Ford Focus has it all – safety, fuel economy and technology and now a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2009-07-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ford's smallest North American car, the sporty two-door Focus, has a new award to add to its list of reasons to buy – a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Features that helped the 2009 Focus earn the rating include six standard air bags, standard ABS and available stability control. With fuel economy up to 35 mpg, Focus also will be among the first vehicles to offer MyKey™, which encourages safer teen driving by allowing parents to program limits like top speed and radio volume when their teen is driving.

Do you qualify? "Cash for Clunkers" - CARS (Cash Allowance Rebate System)

2009-07-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Commonly known as the Cash for Clunkers program, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is the government's new vehicle trade-in program and Randall Reed's Planet Ford 45 in Spring is your expert.

There are two cash vouchers that can be issued when a consumer purchases a new, not used, car. If the new car gets 4 miles per gallon more than their current car, you may qualify for a voucher of $3,500 toward the purchase of a new vehicle. If the increase is 10 miles per gallon, you may qualify for a voucher of $4,500 voucher toward the purchase of a new vehicle.

We will make it easy for you to receive your incentive, recycle your old vehicle and save on a new, high-quality Ford vehicle.

CLICK HERE to submit your trade information and desired new Ford vehicle information and let us help you figure out what rebate you may qualify for.

Or CLICK HERE to research your trade with Ford.

With many Ford vehicles eligible, we are confident you will find the model that fits your needs.

To be eligible for the program, you must trade-in a vehicle that meets the following criteria:

• Must have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in
• Must have a "new" combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less
• Must be in drivable condition and must have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in

Note: For some transactions, work trucks (very large pickup trucks and cargo vans) only qualify if they are 2001 model year or earlier.

In addition to the government incentive, you may also be eligible for additional Ford discounts. Contact us today to get your best deal at 866-879-9329.

Congratulations Ford... 106 Years as an American Icon

2009-06-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Click on the image below to read the article.

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 45 Participates in the Ford Advantage Test-Drive Program Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

2009-05-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Even in these difficult times, we believe it is important for our business to give back to the communities it serves. So thru June 1, 2009, Planet Ford and Ford are providing the opportunity to help raise up to $1 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure,® part of Planet Ford’s and Ford’s ongoing commitment to fight against breast cancer. As a 15-year National Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure,® Ford has dedicated more than $100 million in donations and in-kind gifts.

The Ford Advantage Test-Drive is a national program, available to all consumers in one of two ways.

1.) At Race for the Cure events, participants will receive a certificate redeemable for test-drives at Planet Ford.
2.) Certificates are also available for download at www.FordCares.com.

Consumers should bring the certificates to Planet Ford, take a test-drive and receive a special code (Dealer Sales Code e.g., 88A23). Once consumers have their special code, they then log into www.FordCares.com, type in the code, and Ford will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure on their behalf – to the Komen affiliate in the city of their choice.

Please join us at Planet Ford for the Ford Advantage Test Drive for the Cure event.

Car shoppers turn increasingly to Ford. It's gaining notice by avoiding bailout help.

2009-04-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

BY BRENT SNAVELY • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • April 9, 2009

Evidence is mounting that the few customers who are shopping for new cars and trucks in this tough market are increasingly turning to Ford Motor Co. because it hasn't asked for federal aid and is perceived as healthiest of the Detroit Three.

Craig Lahti, 32, of Wixom grew up in a "GM family" but purchased a Ford Focus last month.

"It was largely due to the fact that they've managed their business affairs better, in my opinion," Lahti said. "Not only ... did they not take the loans, but just seems that they are heading down the right road."

General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have accepted $17.4 billion in federal loans and are now struggling to meet the terms mandated by the federal government in order to receive additional funding. Ford, in contrast, decided in December not to ask for federal loans, even though it reported a record $14.6-billion loss for 2008.

Since then, Ford executives and dealers have been pushing the message that "Ford is different," which seems to be resonating with customers.

Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Ore., said his research shows that the percentage of people who list Ford as a top brand to shop increased 12 points during the first quarter of this year compared with last year.

"It indicates that Ford really dodged a bullet," Spinella said.

Spinella said Ford is mostly attracting buyers who previously preferred to buy GM and Chrysler vehicles, but are worried about the possibility of those companies filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Last Friday, Tustin, Calif.-based AutoPacific said only 3% of Americans participating in a recent online survey were unaware that GM and Chrysler had received billions of dollars in federal loans. It also said 72% of respondents were more likely to buy a Ford vehicle.

Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said the number of visitors who shopped for Ford vehicles during the first three months of the year increased 12% compared with the same year-ago period. Meanwhile, the number shopping for GM and Chrysler vehicles declined 19% and 15%, respectively, during the same period.

Despite the positive research about Ford, the company continues to struggle. In March, Ford U.S. sales of new cars and trucks declined 40.8% compared with the same month a year ago. Industry-wide sales, by comparison, showed a decline of 36.8%.

NEWS: Special Tax Break Available for New Car Purchases This Year

2009-03-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

IR-2009-30, March 30, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who buy a new passenger vehicle this year may be entitled to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase on their 2009 tax returns next year.
“For those thinking about buying a new car this year, this deduction may give them a little more drive to make their purchase this year,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “This deduction enables taxpayers to buy now and get cash back later on their tax returns.”

The deduction is limited to the state and local sales and excise taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle.

The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.

IRS also alerted taxpayers that the vehicle must be purchased after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010, to qualify for the deduction.

The special deduction is available regardless of whether a taxpayer itemizes deductions on their return. The IRS reminded taxpayers the deduction may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.

For more information go to: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205863,00.html

Ford Benefits as GM, Chrysler Stumble

2009-03-03T08:42:00.001-08:00

FEBRUARY 20, 2009
By MATTHEW DOLAN
(See Correction & Amplification below.)

Ford Motor Co., which hasn't taken a dime of government bailout loans, is benefiting from the troubles of its two cross-town competitors in Detroit, General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC.

GM and Chrysler are required to seek cost concessions from the United Auto Workers union under the terms of their federal loans. That allowed Ford to open parallel talks with the UAW, which has a history of working out the same conditions at each company.

This week, Ford and the UAW reached an agreement to cut pay for laid-off workers, ease work rules and eliminate wage increases tied to the cost of living -- two days before GM and Chrysler reached the same deal.

At the same time, while GM and Chrysler have been hit with a steady stream of negative news -- including growing concern they may need to file for bankruptcy protection -- Ford has been having more success at luring away its competitors' customers. Ford's share of the U.S. retail market rose in each of the past four months, while GM's and Chrysler's fell, Ford said.

In January, 45% of Ford buyers turned in cars or trucks of other manufacturers, up from 38% in August, according to Edmunds.com, an auto-shopping Web site. Meantime, the "conquest rate" for GM's Chevrolet was 43% last month, down from 49% in August, and for the Chrysler brand, the conquest rate was 60% last month, down from 67% in August, according to Edmunds. "That's a sign that there is something definitely going on for Ford," said Jesse Toprak, an analyst at Edmunds Inc.

For some domestic-car buyers, the bankruptcy talk has been enough to cause them to defect to Ford. John Grassi of Warren, Mich., recently turned in his leased Dodge Grand Caravan minivan and replaced it with a Ford Fusion.

"The future of GM and Chrysler certainly played a part in my decision," said Mr. Grassi, 50 years old, who works for Warren's parks and recreation department. "Ford seems to be the most sound in terms of staying solvent. I mean, you look at your warranty and you want that warranty to be good." Still, Ford has many challenges.

Edmunds's Mr. Toprak said the company is "weighed down" by the perception of many consumers that it is in the same boat as GM and Chrysler. All auto makers are suffering from the recession and credit crunch, which have sent sales plummeting. In January, Ford's sales were down 40%. And the company continues to post huge losses, including $5.5 billion in the fourth quarter, which are eating up its cash.

Ford isn't assuming its trend of recent market share increases will continue. "This market provides limited opportunities.

You can't will yourself to higher sales," said Ford sales analyst George Pipas.

Ford has told the federal government it doesn't need loans for now, mainly because it raised about $23.5 billion in 2006 by mortgaging almost all of its plants and assets. The company said it had $13.4 billion in cash as of Dec. 31. Its credit lines dried up in January.

So far, GM has won $13.4 billion in loans from the Treasury Department, and this week asked for as much as $16.6 billion more in a revitalization plan it was required to give the government. Chrysler has received $4 billion and has asked for $5 billion more.

The UAW concessions reached this week could save the auto makers hundreds of millions of dollars a year -- for Ford, a windfall from its rivals' struggles. The union agreement "was styled in such a way to benefit all three companies," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said in an interview Thursday with Detroit radio station WWJ.

The terms of the government loans also require GM, Chrysler and the union to work out a way for the companies to put less cash and more stock into trust funds to cover the cost of health care for retired union workers. That has opened the door for similar talks at Ford, although no agreements have been reached yet.

The terms of the government loans also require GM, Chrysler and the union to work out a way for the companies to put less cash and more stock into trust funds to cover the cost of health care for retired union workers. That has opened the door for similar talks at Ford, although no agreements have been reached yet. Ford also is believed to be seeking concessions from its bondholders and dealers, also required by the loans given to GM and Chrysler.

Ford has been less forthcoming about the state of these negotiations. But Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally said during an earnings call last month that "I really believe from the ongoing conversations that we are having with all the stakeholders and the U.S. government that as we go through this and we continue to take the actions that we need to take that we will not be disadvantaged."

Meanwhile, Ford seems to have made headway with customers as both GM and Chrysler nearly ran out of money over the past few months. In Centerline, Mich., Bob Thibodeau said he's noticed more owners of other makes shopping at his Ford dealership. "We have certainly seen a lot more cross-shopping in recent months like we've never seen before," he said.

Ford also may be seeing more customer traffic because it just launched a redesigned version of its F-150 pickup truck, the top-selling vehicle in the country, and its finance arm is healthier than the lenders GM and Chrysler work with, GMAC LLC and Chrysler Financial. Write to Matthew Dolan at matthew.dolan@wsj.com Corrections & Amplifications

Ford Motor Co. had $13.4 billion in cash as of Dec. 31, 2008, but still had $10.1 billion in lines of credit. A previous version of this article implied that its last credit lines had also been drawn down by that time, a move that did not happen until January.