Ford Fusion Hybrid certified at 41 mpg in city and 36 mpg on highway – beating the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in city and 2 mpg on highway
Advanced hybrid propulsion system allows Fusion Hybrid to reach speeds of up to 47 miles per hour in electric mode – faster than the Camry Hybrid and all other hybrids currently on the road
New smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery produces 20 percent more power than the previous hybrid system and a new regenerative brake system allows for approximately 94 percent energy recovery in city driving
On sale this spring, new Fusion Hybrid can travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas in city driving!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
"Here's my question..." Commonly asked questions and answers
Q: Is it true Ford Motor Credit Company is getting out of the leasing business?
A: No. Although some of our competitors have eliminated or severely restricted their leasing business, Ford Motor Credit Company continues to offer our customers the option to lease. In addition, Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Credit Company offer an outstanding suite of financing options to ensure that customers are able to take advantage of the benefits of improved Ford quality through a retail purchase.
Q: If I purchase instead of lease, am I still eligible for incentives?
A: Of course. Ford Motor Company has generous incentives for many of its customers, whether they purchase or lease. We can provide details on the latest available incentives, or you can go to http://www.ford.com/.
Q: Which option will give me the lowest monthly payment?
A: It depends on the vehicle you're interested in, the length of time you want to lease or finance and the current incentives available. To estimate payments you'll need to be able to answer questions such as "How long do you want to own the vehicle before trade-in?", "How many miles a year do you drive?", and "How much of a down payment do you want to make?" We can discuss the benefits of both leasing and retail financing with you, as well as incentives, financing options and special APR incentives currently available so that you can confidently choose the contract that represents the best value for you.
Q: If I purchase instead of lease, will I have to pay more taxes?
A: It's true that interest rates and sales taxes are handled differently from state to state for retail financing and lease contracts. We can review with you all of the Ford Motor Credit Company financing options available and explain the differences. The information provided will help you choose the terms that meet the needs of both your budget and lifestyle.
Q: What happens when my warranty runs out and I own the vehicle?
A: Protection is still available. For starters, did you know that Ford and Lincoln Mercury powertrain limited warranties extend well beyond the initial bumper to bumper limited warranty? In fact, the Ford and Mercury powertrain limited warranty is for 5-years/60,000 miles, Lincoln is 6-years/70,000 miles and diesel engine limited warranty is 5-years/100,000 miles. For emissions warranty coverage, see the warranty and policy booklet. In addition to our great powertrain coverage, Ford Motor Company also offers Ford ESP PremiumCARE which provides you with an opportunity to extend you bumper to bumper limited warranty for up to 7-years/100,000 miles. We will be glad to provide you with more information on this and other outstanding protection plans pfferend by Ford Motor Company.
ALSO EXCLUSIVE ONLY AT ANDERSON FORD - ENGINE FOR LIFE GUARANTEE. ASK DEALER FOR DETAILS!
A: No. Although some of our competitors have eliminated or severely restricted their leasing business, Ford Motor Credit Company continues to offer our customers the option to lease. In addition, Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Credit Company offer an outstanding suite of financing options to ensure that customers are able to take advantage of the benefits of improved Ford quality through a retail purchase.
Q: If I purchase instead of lease, am I still eligible for incentives?
A: Of course. Ford Motor Company has generous incentives for many of its customers, whether they purchase or lease. We can provide details on the latest available incentives, or you can go to http://www.ford.com/.
Q: Which option will give me the lowest monthly payment?
A: It depends on the vehicle you're interested in, the length of time you want to lease or finance and the current incentives available. To estimate payments you'll need to be able to answer questions such as "How long do you want to own the vehicle before trade-in?", "How many miles a year do you drive?", and "How much of a down payment do you want to make?" We can discuss the benefits of both leasing and retail financing with you, as well as incentives, financing options and special APR incentives currently available so that you can confidently choose the contract that represents the best value for you.
Q: If I purchase instead of lease, will I have to pay more taxes?
A: It's true that interest rates and sales taxes are handled differently from state to state for retail financing and lease contracts. We can review with you all of the Ford Motor Credit Company financing options available and explain the differences. The information provided will help you choose the terms that meet the needs of both your budget and lifestyle.
Q: What happens when my warranty runs out and I own the vehicle?
A: Protection is still available. For starters, did you know that Ford and Lincoln Mercury powertrain limited warranties extend well beyond the initial bumper to bumper limited warranty? In fact, the Ford and Mercury powertrain limited warranty is for 5-years/60,000 miles, Lincoln is 6-years/70,000 miles and diesel engine limited warranty is 5-years/100,000 miles. For emissions warranty coverage, see the warranty and policy booklet. In addition to our great powertrain coverage, Ford Motor Company also offers Ford ESP PremiumCARE which provides you with an opportunity to extend you bumper to bumper limited warranty for up to 7-years/100,000 miles. We will be glad to provide you with more information on this and other outstanding protection plans pfferend by Ford Motor Company.
ALSO EXCLUSIVE ONLY AT ANDERSON FORD - ENGINE FOR LIFE GUARANTEE. ASK DEALER FOR DETAILS!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Anderson Ford's Quick Lane and Service
Anderson of Lincoln and Anderson of St. Joseph have recognized the need for speedy and competent service when it comes to maintaining the life of your vehicle. That is why we offer Quick Lane for your vehicle maintenance needs, and extended hours, because we know life is busy!Anderson’s Ford and ASE Certified Technicians will maintain your car, and make sure through a Multi-Point Inspection that you car is in great condition!
Quick Lane offers oil changes, fluid top-off, tire pressure checks, and a complimentary car wash all included in the price of an oil change!
Friday, October 10, 2008
"Throwing Away Energy"--Fuel Economy tips
Kaufman's training as an engineer taught him to look at vehicles as well as driving, itself, as a use of energy. He's confident that with careful, "fuel-conscious driving behaviors," a driver of any kind of vehicle might be able to save a considerable amount of energy, perhaps "as much as a tank of gas every other month."
His tips for improving fuel economy start with the obvious:
-Plan your trips and driving routes to avoid traffic congestion. Backed-up traffic and redundant trips cause you to be on the roads for a longer time, burning more gasoline.
-Accelerate evenly and drive smoothly so you keep abreast of traffic but aren't putting on the brakes frequently. "Any time you hit your brakes, you're throwing energy away" in a traditional gas-powered vehicle, Kaufman said.
-Use cruise control when traffic conditions allow because it "will smooth out the transitions" and help maintain an even speed.
-Don't carry more than you need on your vehicle. For example, rooftop cargo carriers, no matter how aerodynamically shaped, will detract from fuel mileage by creating drag, he said.
-Get rid of things inside the vehicle you don't need for your trip, such as sports equipment stored in the trunk. Kaufman estimates there's a "2 percent penalty" in fuel economy for every extra 100 pounds of cargo and people in a vehicle.
-Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. This includes keeping the air filter clean, getting regular oil changes and, most especially, routinely checking to ensure tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires can tax fuel economy by as much as 10 percent, he said.
Other Things to Consider:
If you drive a pickup truck, keep the tailgate closed and don't replace the tailgate with netted fencing. According to Kaufman, a lowered tailgate or a tailgate that's replaced with netting result in the same problem: Extra air turbulence at the back of the vehicle that causes drag and reduces fuel economy.
On the other hand, a tonneau cover over the pickup bed in the back of a truck can help fuel economy by lessening the drag from air being buffeted into and around that open bed, he said. Kaufman doesn't believe it's necessary to use a different kind of engine oil from what the manufacturer of your vehicle recommends. He noted that at GM, vehicles are developed for use with a certain oil quality "to get the right balance between fuel economy and vehicle reliability, so the oil we list [for each vehicle] is good." While it may be tempting to tuck closely behind a semitrailer and drive in the turbulence-free air back there, don't. Tailgating is dangerous, because for it to really be effective, a driver needs to be really close to the back end of the vehicle ahead. And this does not allow enough space for emergency maneuvers, Kaufman said. It's also an extremely fatiguing exercise for the driver. Generally speaking, it's better to keep the windows closed as you travel. "Open windows create drag" because the air cannot flow smoothly around the vehicle, he said. Still, Kaufman said drivers need to understand that accessories, such as air conditioning and even headlights and rear defroster, are energy users and can affect fuel economy. So he suggests limiting the use of some accessories, if possible. For example, he said once a back window is free of ice, a driver should turn off the rear defroster. A driver also can turn off the air conditioning once the interior of a vehicle reaches a comfortable temperature, he said.
Still More Fuel Economy Tips:
Many car owners like to modify their vehicles. Unfortunately, this can lead to energy losses, too. According to Kaufman, installing wider or bigger tires on a vehicle can drop fuel mileage because both kinds of tires change the vehicle's aerodynamics, and both typically add to the mass of the vehicle at each corner. With more mass to move, the engine needs to use more fuel. Bold light racks look cool on the roofs of some sport-utility vehicles and trucks, but they can contribute to drag and reduce fuel economy, Kaufman said. Don't use lift kits to boost the height of your SUV or pickup. Besides the fact a vehicle's height is maximized for fuel economy, safe handling as well as design by the auto manufacturer, Kaufman noted that in fuel economy, "generally speaking, lower is better."
10 Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer
Getting from point A to point B by car costs a certain amount of dough, and thanks to recent record-high gas prices it takes more of your hard-earned money than ever before. But while you can’t always control ownership costs such as fuel, repairs and insurance rates, one thing you do have power over is making your car last longer and maintaining its value. Here you have a choice: Either spend money on a new car every few years or keep your current car running great and looking sharp. If you decide to go the latter route, follow these 10 tips to help keep your ride rolling.
Breathe Easier
Even the most mechanically challenged drivers know to change a car’s oil and oil filter on a regular basis — even if they don’t always do it. But other fluids and filters also need regular maintenance. For example, changing your air filter helps your car breathe easier and the engine last longer. “If your air filter is clogged, your engine is not performing properly,” notes Jack Nerad, editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “It also hurts your fuel economy, and it can harm the engine over the long term.”
Keep It Cool
Maintaining your car’s cooling system and the proper coolant level is as important as making sure the engine is well lubed and can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs. “A cooling system failure can result in your engine literally melting down,” warns Nerad. “Because of lack of proper coolant and maintenance of hoses, you can have major problems.”
Pressure Check
Tires are often the most neglected part of a car, Nerad adds. “Most people don’t pay much attention to keeping their tires at the right inflation pressure,” he says. “And it’s not only bad for the car, the tires and fuel economy, but it’s also a safety issue. The simple step of keeping the tires up to proper pressure is valuable all the way around,” he adds, “and it essentially costs almost nothing.”
Fully En-Gauged
If there is a problem with your oil pressure, cooling system or even tire pressure on the latest vehicles, your car’s gauges will tell you — if you’re paying attention to them. “The vast majority of people don’t,” remarks Nerad. “That’s why manufacturers went to ‘idiot lights’ to give a clear indication of when there’s a problem.”
Get Regular Checkups
Find a repair shop and mechanic you trust. “And let that shop service your car all the time,” says Dave Jones, owner of Jones Automotive in Green County, Pennsylvania, and co-host of the Web site AskAutoPro.com. “When you get sick you don’t go to a different doctor every time. Your doctor knows you from top to bottom, inside and out.” A good mechanic will get to know your car and look over it the same way, Jones adds.
Look Closely
Jones also suggests spending time inspecting your car. “Every now and then, take five minutes and walk around the car and look at it,” he said. Check to see if the tires are wearing unevenly. Open the hood and check out the hoses. Make sure all the lights are working. “It only takes a couple of minutes to check things like that,” he adds.
Get on a Schedule
While your owner’s manual will have a maintenance schedule, another advantage of using the same mechanics on a regular basis is they will be able to make sure you stick to the schedule — and take care of things the manual may not include. “If you go to different places each time you have your car serviced, they won’t know the last time you had something done,” says Aaron Clements, owner of C&C Automotive in Augusta, Georgia, and a 31-year auto-repair veteran. “So you may end up paying for unnecessary repairs. Most shops have electronic records so they know when each service was done. The scheduled maintenance charts in owner’s manuals tell only part of the story,” he adds. “So it’s also a benefit to have a relationship with a service advisor who knows your vehicle and when to perform service in addition to what’s in the owner’s manual.”
Drive Smarter
The way you drive has an effect on how long your car — and your gas — will last. “You not only save wear and tear by having good driving habits, but also fuel,” claims Clements. “Taking off fast and coming to a stop quickly can be bad on a car and affect the engine, the brakes and other things.”
Keep It Clean
Nerad also stresses taking care of the exterior of your car by regularly washing and waxing it. And don’t forget about the interior. “That’s an often overlooked area,” he says. “Spend time keeping it clean and clean-smelling without perfuming it, and vacuum the carpet on a regular basis. Get spills out immediately because if you don’t they’re more difficult to remove.”
Keep it Covered
Nerad also suggests storing your car in a garage or under a carport or cover. “Keep your car out of the sun,” he says. “And keep it away from bird droppings and tree sap. Also be careful where you park to avoid dings,” he adds. Keeping your car maintained will not only make it last longer but also will make it much more pleasant to drive — which will make you want to take better care of it. “If you have a vehicle that looks good and you enjoy getting in it and driving, you’re much more prone to take care of it,” observes Clements.” And since it won’t last forever, taking care of your car will also increase the resale value. “It’s very clear on our site that condition is crucial,” says Nerad. “In real estate they say it’s all about location, location, location, but with car values it’s all about condition, condition, condition.”
Breathe Easier
Even the most mechanically challenged drivers know to change a car’s oil and oil filter on a regular basis — even if they don’t always do it. But other fluids and filters also need regular maintenance. For example, changing your air filter helps your car breathe easier and the engine last longer. “If your air filter is clogged, your engine is not performing properly,” notes Jack Nerad, editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “It also hurts your fuel economy, and it can harm the engine over the long term.”
Keep It Cool
Maintaining your car’s cooling system and the proper coolant level is as important as making sure the engine is well lubed and can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs. “A cooling system failure can result in your engine literally melting down,” warns Nerad. “Because of lack of proper coolant and maintenance of hoses, you can have major problems.”
Pressure Check
Tires are often the most neglected part of a car, Nerad adds. “Most people don’t pay much attention to keeping their tires at the right inflation pressure,” he says. “And it’s not only bad for the car, the tires and fuel economy, but it’s also a safety issue. The simple step of keeping the tires up to proper pressure is valuable all the way around,” he adds, “and it essentially costs almost nothing.”
Fully En-Gauged
If there is a problem with your oil pressure, cooling system or even tire pressure on the latest vehicles, your car’s gauges will tell you — if you’re paying attention to them. “The vast majority of people don’t,” remarks Nerad. “That’s why manufacturers went to ‘idiot lights’ to give a clear indication of when there’s a problem.”
Get Regular Checkups
Find a repair shop and mechanic you trust. “And let that shop service your car all the time,” says Dave Jones, owner of Jones Automotive in Green County, Pennsylvania, and co-host of the Web site AskAutoPro.com. “When you get sick you don’t go to a different doctor every time. Your doctor knows you from top to bottom, inside and out.” A good mechanic will get to know your car and look over it the same way, Jones adds.
Look Closely
Jones also suggests spending time inspecting your car. “Every now and then, take five minutes and walk around the car and look at it,” he said. Check to see if the tires are wearing unevenly. Open the hood and check out the hoses. Make sure all the lights are working. “It only takes a couple of minutes to check things like that,” he adds.
Get on a Schedule
While your owner’s manual will have a maintenance schedule, another advantage of using the same mechanics on a regular basis is they will be able to make sure you stick to the schedule — and take care of things the manual may not include. “If you go to different places each time you have your car serviced, they won’t know the last time you had something done,” says Aaron Clements, owner of C&C Automotive in Augusta, Georgia, and a 31-year auto-repair veteran. “So you may end up paying for unnecessary repairs. Most shops have electronic records so they know when each service was done. The scheduled maintenance charts in owner’s manuals tell only part of the story,” he adds. “So it’s also a benefit to have a relationship with a service advisor who knows your vehicle and when to perform service in addition to what’s in the owner’s manual.”
Drive Smarter
The way you drive has an effect on how long your car — and your gas — will last. “You not only save wear and tear by having good driving habits, but also fuel,” claims Clements. “Taking off fast and coming to a stop quickly can be bad on a car and affect the engine, the brakes and other things.”
Keep It Clean
Nerad also stresses taking care of the exterior of your car by regularly washing and waxing it. And don’t forget about the interior. “That’s an often overlooked area,” he says. “Spend time keeping it clean and clean-smelling without perfuming it, and vacuum the carpet on a regular basis. Get spills out immediately because if you don’t they’re more difficult to remove.”
Keep it Covered
Nerad also suggests storing your car in a garage or under a carport or cover. “Keep your car out of the sun,” he says. “And keep it away from bird droppings and tree sap. Also be careful where you park to avoid dings,” he adds. Keeping your car maintained will not only make it last longer but also will make it much more pleasant to drive — which will make you want to take better care of it. “If you have a vehicle that looks good and you enjoy getting in it and driving, you’re much more prone to take care of it,” observes Clements.” And since it won’t last forever, taking care of your car will also increase the resale value. “It’s very clear on our site that condition is crucial,” says Nerad. “In real estate they say it’s all about location, location, location, but with car values it’s all about condition, condition, condition.”
Penny to Quarter: The New Tire Test
Blame it on inflation. For years the de facto standard for determining how much rubber remained on your tires was to use a penny. Depending on how much of Lincoln’s noggin was visible when the coin was placed in the tire’s treads, you knew if it was time for a new set of shoes for your ride. Now nationwide retailer The Tire Rack says the price of the test has gone up 2500 percent. The Tire Rack claims the so-called Penny Test should be replaced by the Quarter Test if you want to be certain your tires are safe for wet-weather driving.
Devaluing the Penny
Developed decades ago as a quick way to check your tires for tread wear, the Penny Test consists of placing the coin upside down in a tire’s tread grooves. If the top of Lincoln's hair is visible, it indicates that the tread has worn to less than 2/32 of an inch (1.6mm). In some states it’s illegal to drive with only that amount of tread wear remaining on a tire. Even if it’s not the law where you live, it can be downright dangerous to rely on so little rubber for traction in emergency situations. After testing tires that pass the Penny Test on a water-slicked track and comparing their grip to tires with a tread depth of 4/32 of an inch — or the amount of tread that’s left when you place a quarter in a tire’s grooves and can still see Washington’s scalp — The Tire Rack says that small amount of extra rubber makes a big difference in stopping distances. At highway speeds with 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining, resistance to hydroplaning (when a tire “floats” over water on the road instead of gripping the pavement) is significantly reduced and stopping distances dramatically increase. “Our recommendation is intended to get people to recognize that they’re going to be sacrificing wet stopping ability by letting their tires get to a 2/32 of an inch tread depth," says John Rastetter, director of tire information at The Tire Rack. “And we want them to consider that rather than driving on their tires longer.”
Baking Rubber
The Tire Rack came to its “two-bit” conclusion after conducting an independent test that compared the stopping distances of tires with 2/32 of an inch of remaining tread depth to tires with 4/32 of an inch of tread depth and to new tires. The tests were conducted at a 70-degree ambient temperature on a 600-foot long asphalt braking lane using a 2006 BMW 325i and a 2006 Ford F-150 SuperCab 4x2 pickup driving at 70 mph. Both vehicles were equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brake systems, and with tires that had been used as original equipment on equivalent models of the cars.
Devaluing the Penny
Developed decades ago as a quick way to check your tires for tread wear, the Penny Test consists of placing the coin upside down in a tire’s tread grooves. If the top of Lincoln's hair is visible, it indicates that the tread has worn to less than 2/32 of an inch (1.6mm). In some states it’s illegal to drive with only that amount of tread wear remaining on a tire. Even if it’s not the law where you live, it can be downright dangerous to rely on so little rubber for traction in emergency situations. After testing tires that pass the Penny Test on a water-slicked track and comparing their grip to tires with a tread depth of 4/32 of an inch — or the amount of tread that’s left when you place a quarter in a tire’s grooves and can still see Washington’s scalp — The Tire Rack says that small amount of extra rubber makes a big difference in stopping distances. At highway speeds with 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining, resistance to hydroplaning (when a tire “floats” over water on the road instead of gripping the pavement) is significantly reduced and stopping distances dramatically increase. “Our recommendation is intended to get people to recognize that they’re going to be sacrificing wet stopping ability by letting their tires get to a 2/32 of an inch tread depth," says John Rastetter, director of tire information at The Tire Rack. “And we want them to consider that rather than driving on their tires longer.”
Baking Rubber
The Tire Rack came to its “two-bit” conclusion after conducting an independent test that compared the stopping distances of tires with 2/32 of an inch of remaining tread depth to tires with 4/32 of an inch of tread depth and to new tires. The tests were conducted at a 70-degree ambient temperature on a 600-foot long asphalt braking lane using a 2006 BMW 325i and a 2006 Ford F-150 SuperCab 4x2 pickup driving at 70 mph. Both vehicles were equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brake systems, and with tires that had been used as original equipment on equivalent models of the cars.
Edge, Taurus X and MKX Recognized for Winter Performance
The Ford Edge, Taurus X and Lincoln MKX are featured among Forbes.com's list of vehicles that are "Best in Snow". Ford's new Edge feels sportier on the road than other so-called crossover SUVs or CUVs, noted the report. An available road-oriented all-wheel-drive system makes it an ideal choice for families living in areas prone to frequent heavy snows. For the Taurus X, Forbes.com calls out the more powerful Duratec 35 V-6 engine and sportier six-speed automatic for better overall performance, which build on the strengths of the Freestyle. Luckily, Ford hasn't changed much else about the roomy wagon. The Taurus X remains one of the most spacious and practical designs for families, and with the available all-wheel drive, it's a great vehicle for the snow. Meanwhile, Lincoln MKX s amenities helped it earn high marks for cold-weather performance. The front seats in particular, which are ventilated and heated/cooled, will keep you very comfortable.
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