Posts Tagged ‘Ford Technology’

Portland Auto Dealer: Ford Technology Leaps Forward With Operator Assist

Have you ever experienced the frustration of having to find a nearby business location while driving?

As The Ford Story reports, Ford is attempting to solve this problem with its latest technology platform. Currently being tested is a new feature called Operator Assist, a function that makes getting directions or locating businesses easier with voice commands.

Operator Assist is different from other voice command systems that are easily confused and struggle with word accuracy. The program connects drivers to a real person who can immediately access the information you’re looking for, hassle-free. Operator Assist is currently being offered at no charge to existing subscribers of Ford’s SYNC Services, which also provides information on traffic, news, sports, weather, and more. Adding a strong customer service element could greatly enhance the way customers experience Ford products.

At any time, the driver can simply say the word “Operator” and they will be instantly connected to a Ford representative either by voice or video, whichever is preferred. Then, the representative can provide turn-by-turn directions, a text message with business information, or be connected directly to the business on the phone.

For more information and updates on Ford technology, stay tuned right here on the blog and Facebook.

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV?  Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Portland Auto Dealer: 2013 Ford Escape Crossover Photos Reveal a Whole New Shape

Ford’s vision for the future is to align its vehicle offerings with the ever-changing demands of the consumer. This will include a bold move of transitioning the world’s most popular compact SUV over to the crossover category.

As Car and Driver reports, the 2013 Ford Escape will feature an entirely different body shape and engine makeup. Spy photos were taken on Ford’s testing grounds, and it was revealed that the new body style will closely follow Ford’s Vertrek concept as displayed at various auto shows earlier this year. The Escape will include a swoopy greenhouse, bulging hood, swept-back headlights, and a strong character line running from the front wheelarch to the edge of the taillights.

In addition to its all-new body style, the next-generation Escape will feature something Ford enthusiasts have been begging for: more models featuring the Ford EcoBoost engine. Made popular in the 2011 Ford F-150, the EcoBoost engine will add a new level of power and fuel efficiency to Ford’s most fuel-efficient SUV. Car and Driver estimates that the EcoBoost offering will likely come in the form of a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter engine, drawing somewhere between 180 and 237 hp.

Ford’s post-2012 presence in the compact SUV market is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: the 2013 Escape will be provide an intriguing option to our customers. Stay tuned for more information as we receive it, right here on the Damerow Ford blog and on Facebook!

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV?  Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Portland Auto Dealer: Ford Helps Launch First Hydraulic Hybrid School Bus

Ford is taking its commitment to “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” to a whole new realm.

Ford has partnered with Georgia Tech to create the first ever hydraulic hybrid school bus, running only on recycled biofuel. Converting existing school buses into The Green Eco School Bus will potentially lower greenhouse emissions and reduce transportation costs for schools. The first school district to be granted with the innovative new bus is the APS school district in Atlanta, Georgia.

For the last 60 years, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services has worked with community partners to advance driving safety, education, American heritage and community life. Funded by Ford Motor Company, the organization hopes that the bus project will lead to cleaner, more efficient school buses for many school districts. Other significant projects include Driving Skills For Life, a safe teen driving program and The Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which uses a rigorous academic curriculum to provide high school students with 21st-century learning experiences to enhance real-world skills.

“Together with Georgia Tech and Atlanta Public Schools, we are taking innovation from the classroom to the community. This is a noteworthy example of the types of programs we are bringing to Atlanta as part of our new Operation Goodwill partnership with local Ford and Lincoln dealers with the goal of expanding our engagement with this community.” – Jim Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV? Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Portland Auto Dealer: Discover How Ford Achieves Record-Breaking Fuel Economy

Wonder how one car company can achieve such exceptional fuel economy across dozens of models? It turns out that good old-fashion hard work, preparation, and scientific research in Ford’s wind tunnel are the keys to creating the most aerodynamic designs possible.

It is only by this level of attention that Ford’s aerodynamicists (yes, this is a real job title) accomplished 40MPG in the 2012 Focus. They employed an innovative new active grille shutter system that opens during low-speed, stop-and-go-driving and closes during higher, steady speeds to achieve optimal aerodynamics and fuel-efficiency. This system is thought to be the future for other Ford models as well, and we will almost certainly see imitations from competitors with Ford leading the pack.

Through painstaking detail work, Ford designers and aerodynamicists have also delivered impressive fuel-economy results with the all-new Ford Explorer and Flex Crossover. The Explorer delivers a very solid 25 highway MPG through optimal balance between aerodynamic details such as the front airways, sideview mirrors, and rear spoiler. Watch the video below to get the full scoop!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a3Dd3WMz3c

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV? Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Portland Auto Dealer: Ford Wins Best New Technology for Inflatable Safety Belts

Ford was recently awarded Best New Technology by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) for the company’s rear inflatable seat belts. The announcement came at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show over the weekend, according to Torque News.

In order to reduce injuries that could be incurred during an accident, Ford’s inflatable rear seat belts reduce pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion. By spreading the impact force more than five times that of conventional belts, pressure is reduced on the chest which also affects head and neck motion. The Ford vehicle’s crash-sensing system determines exactly when the inflatable belt should deploy.

Traditionally, heat-generating chemicals would be used to inflate the belts, however, Ford uses cold compressed gas. This means, the inflatable belts do not get warmer than the wearer’s body temperature and they fill at a lower pressure than traditional airbags.

Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes. – Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

Ford originally introduced the seat belts in the 2011 Explorer and has promised to offer the technology globally.

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV?  Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Fuel Efficient Cars: 2011 Ford Edge Uses EcoBoost Turbo Technology

The 2011 Ford Edge with EcoBoost brings increased fuel efficiency to a people-moving family SUV, without the added cost premium of a hybrid system. The Edge is one of the first two Fords in the U.S. with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost, the next size down from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. The latter of the two being used in the Flex, Taurus SHO, and F-150.

As explained by Motor Trend, using a combination of turbocharging and specially engineered direct injection, EcoBoost provides a base 10% increase in fuel efficiency and lowered emissions over a comparably sized conventional engined vehicle. While increased fuel efficiency is certain, exact numbers have yet to be set in stone with some figures showing up to a 20% increase over the 3.5-liter V-6. In addition, Ford has addressed problems previously experienced with turbochargers in order to promote daily use.

The American family with a hectic lifestyle will surely benefit from the enhanced reliability and peace-of-mind that the Edge won’t need extra babysitting. – Benson Kong Motor Trend online

While the company has been using EcoBoost engine technology in four of its newer model vehicles, Ford has confirmed it as the way of the future – with the goal to make EcoBoost available in 90% of its vehicles by 2013.

To learn more about our other great new Ford cars, trucks & SUVs,  browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Portland Ford Dealer: New 2011 Ford Fusions and Fusion Hybrids Provide Reliability Year-Round

The 2011 Ford Fusion and 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid are reliable and fuel-efficient cars.  Browse our great selection below.

NEW 2011 Ford Fusion SEL

NEW 2011 Ford Fusion SE

NEW 2011 Ford Fusion Sport

NEW 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

NEW 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

To learn more about our other great new Ford cars, trucks & SUVs, browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Portland Ford Dealer: Ford Showcases Integrated Games At The Florida Auto Show

Ford Motors is steadily increasing the number of experiential components at nationwide auto shows to engage customers reported a fun article by Biz Bash.com.  This year’s Central Florida Auto Show provided show-goers with vehicle based video games, a pool table and foosball. Attendees also like the activities because they keep children occupied while the adults browse according to the Ford Communications Manager.

The more time people stay in our stand, the more they are going to learn about the new technologies, the quality and safety features. – Ford Communications Manager Marisa Bradley.

This year’s auto show was presented by the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association and produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows. Showcasing over 334 vehicles from 22 domestic and import manufacturers.

To learn more about our other great new Ford cars, trucks & SUVs,  browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

New Ford Cars: A Preview of the 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

The Mustang has been a favorite Ford vehicle since its first appeared on the road.  Recent years have seen upgrades including new engines and modifications inside and out.  Honoring this tradition, Ford’s racing division has released it’s own versions of racing Mustangs. Read more about it in a recent article by Motor Authority.

The Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is an exhilarating redesign ready for drag strips.  Almost a turnkey drag car, the Cobra Jet is built specifically to race in the NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing classes.

Upgraded with full race-prepared automatic or manual transmissions, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, and a fully certified roll cage, a 5.4-liter supercharged engine has Manley H-beam rods, and will be accompanied by black anodized wheels from Weld Racing.

To learn more about our other great new Ford cars, trucks & SUVs,  browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

New Ford Cars: Drive off in a Stylish 2011 Ford Fiesta

Looking for a fun and economical new vehicle? The all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta is modern car that provides the ultimate in both value and style:

NEW 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

NEW 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

NEW 2011 Ford Fiesta SE

NEW 2011 Ford Fiesta SE

NEW 2011 Ford Fiesta SE

To learn more about our other great new Ford cars, trucks & SUVs,  browse our latest online specialson new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

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