Ford scoops

Ford has been declared the overall winner of the annual What Van? awards for 2010 after walking away with seven of the prizes on offer.

The US manufacturer won five different awards for commercial vehicles from its Transit range, including best security for the standard Transit and Transit Connect.

Meanwhile, the Ford Fiesta Van was named the best small van of the year, with What Car? praising the commercial vehicle for its responsive driving, user-friendly gearchange system and enjoyable handling.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director for Ford of Britain, described the level of appreciation it received at the awards as a "magnificent endorsement".

He said: "This success is a testament to the investment we continue to make in developing the workhorse vehicles that British businesses need."

Last month, the Transit Connect also won the light van of the year prize at the Association of Car Fleet Operators' Fleet Car and Vans Awards.

Ford vans

A poll conducted among leasing companies has revealed Ford to be the most reliable van manufacturer in Britain.

The Fleet News magazine survey, which questioned users of more than one million vehicles, revealed that Ford vans are the least likely to suffer breakdowns.

In addition to this, Ford's Transit van was named the single most reliable van make, the third year in a row it has taken this title.

Steve Kimber, Ford of Britain's commercial vehicle director, expressed delight at the manufacturer's victory and said it was indicative of the quality of its range.

He said: "Ford models have led the commercial vehicle market for 44 years.

"Their reliability record is of paramount importance."

This comes a month after the US carmaker was named as Van Manufacturer of the Year at the Fleet Van Awards - a title it also won in 2008 - in recognition of the affordability and efficiency of its vehicles

Find hundreds of Ford vans for sale at vansandtrucks.co.uk

The Monster Fly

the ford monster fly

the ford monster fly

The Monster

Truck freestyle

Truk Destroyer

Truck freestyle

Truk Destroyer

Production of Ford

The firm axed half of its 1,100 workforce at the UK's only assembly plant in Southampton last year.
Ford had said production of the panel vans, which is being moved to Turkey, would cease at the factory in 2011 to be replaced by Transit chassis cabs.

The manufacturer, which makes about 35,000 vans a year at the site, said the move should not affect jobs.
The site will produce similar numbers of chassis cabs, which allows users to adapt the body of the vehicle for specific use.

The final vans will roll off the production line once the next generation of Transit vans are ready to be manufactured in Turkey.

'Last outpost'
A Ford spokesman said: "The plan remains the same at Southampton but we are unsure when the next generation of Transit will come in which pushes production of the current panel vans beyond 2011 at the site.


"Ford has outlined a multi-million pound investment plan for Southampton as lead plant for the chassis cab variants of the next model.

"The UK remains an important market for Transit."

Steve Banner, from What Van? magazine, said it would be a sad day when the final panel van rolls off the production line in the UK.


He said: "The Transit plant in Southampton is the last outpost of vehicle assembly in the UK for Ford.
"The Transit will continue in chassis cab form, but of course it won't be a van."

More than 500 workers at the factory in Swaythling took voluntary redundancy or retirement last May.
The plant has also been reduced to a single shift.

The manufacturer blamed "unprecedented" economic conditions.

Introducing the 2007 Ford F-150 SuperCrew

If you're looking for power, efficiency and style, the new 2007 Ford F-150 SuperCrew certainly fits the bill. Pictured here is the F-150 SuperCrew WB Lariat Styleside. This 4X4, 6 passwnger, full-size pick-up comes equipped with a standard 5.4-liter, V8, 300-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.


Visit our showroom at Central Ford Lincoln Mercury in South Beloit, Illinois for a closer look at the best selling Ford F-150 or shop online today!

Special Deals on Ford Cars, Trucks SUVs and Crossovers

Shoppers can now take advantage of special deals on Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and crossover vehicles in stock at Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen in South Beloit, Illinois. Stop in for a test drive today. We're easy to find; just west of I-90 on the Northwest corner of Gardner St. and Willowbrook Rd. Get directions >>

You can also shop online or contact us regarding fleet sales, certified pre-owned vehicles, financing, service and more.

Ford Cars for 2008

From the sporty and economical to the powerful and luxurious, Ford’s car lineup for 2008 offers a model to meet virtually any customer’s needs.

Younger, first-time buyers are drawn to Focus, while the all-new Taurus attracts those seeking an outstanding luxury sedan. A true American icon, Mustang — in tandem with its big brother the Shelby GT500 — fills a void in the hearts of American hot rodders everywhere. Add to the list Fusion, the epitome of midsize comfort and convenience. The result is a lineup that's sure to please.

Check back often or subscribe to the Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen blog feed to find out when your favorite 2008 model arrives in the showroom.

Now in the showroom; 2008 Mercury Mariner, Ford Super Duty trucks, Ford Escape and Escape Hybrids.

Ford Excels in JD Powers and Associates Survey

From Ford Motor Company...

June 6, 2007

Ford Motor Company Vehicle Quality Soars in 2007 J.D. Power and Associates Customer Survey

Ford Motor Company wins 14 vehicle honors, more than any other automaker. Five Ford Motor Company vehicles are top segment performers: Mercury Milan, Ford Mustang, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln Mark LT and Mazda MX-5 Miata swept their vehicle segments for top honors. Ford's recently launched vehicles are among industry's best performers. Four brands – Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar – place in top 10, all significantly above industry average.

Ford Motor Company has the most top-quality vehicles in the industry, according to a customer-based initial quality survey released today by J.D. Power and Associates. In the research firm's 2007 Initial Quality Study (IQS), Ford Mustang, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln Mark LT and Mazda MX-5 Miata swept their vehicle segments for top honors.

"We are designing and building world-class vehicles, and it's great to have this affirmation from the customers who drive our cars and trucks every day," said Mark Fields, president of the Americas, Ford Motor Company. "While we're pleased that our internal focus on quality is receiving this kind of recognition from J.D. Power and Associates, we will not let up. We will continue to deliver even more high-quality products that customers want."

Overall, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury nameplates placed among the top 10 nameplates, with Lincoln in 3rd place, Mercury in 8th place and Ford brand in 10th. Jaguar ranked 6th.

Ford Motor Company received 14 total vehicle honors, more than any other automaker. In addition to the five first-place winners, the following vehicles also were recognized:
Second-place winners:

• Ford F-150 LD: Large pickup
• Lincoln MKX: Midsize premium MAV
• Lincoln Navigator: Large premium MAV
• Third-place winners:
• Ford Fusion: Midsize car
• Ford Econoline: Van
• Ford Five Hundred: Large car
• Mercury Montego: Large car (tied with Five Hundred)
• Mercury Mountaineer: Midsize MAV
• Volvo S80: Midsize premium car
  

The company's overall ranking in the survey climbed to 4th place from last year's 7th, helped in part by the performance of Ford's recently launched vehicles. Crossovers Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge received high marks, as did the new Lincoln Navigator. Fusion, Milan and MKZ continue building quality momentum. Edge ranked 4th in its segment, midsize MAV, just behind Mountaineer.

Wixom Assembly Plant received a Platinum Award, recognizing it as the industry's best-quality performing plant worldwide. This marks the first time since 1999 that a North American assembly plant has received J.D. Power's top award for producing vehicles yielding the fewest defects.

Wixom Assembly Plant, which ended production and was idled on May 31 as part of the company's plan to align capacity with demand, produced the Lincoln Town Car. The large premium car ranked 4 th in its segment.

Bennie Fowler, vice president of Global Quality, Ford Motor Company, said Wixom's performance underlines the fact that Ford's UAW-represented employees are dedicated to producing quality vehicles, even as they face change.

"This is a testament to a committed and focused workforce," Fowler said. "They raised their game even as they prepared to idle their plant."

Ford's Premier Automotive Group brands ranked as follows: Jaguar placed 6th, Volvo placed 15th, Mazda placed 34th and Land Rover placed 35th while also becoming the most-improved brand in this year's study.

J.D. Power & Associates 2007 IQS report measures problems per 100 vehicles as reported by customers after having driven their new vehicles for three months. The report is the most recent third party to validate Ford's significant quality improvements.

In April 2006, RDA Group of Bloomfield, Mich., released the Global Quality Research System report (GQRS) showing Ford in a statistical dead heat with Toyota and just behind Honda.

That report, an analysis of "things gone wrong" (TGW) in new vehicles as measured by customers, is commissioned quarterly by Ford to study customer feedback. Ford improved its TGW rate by eight percent, besting the industry average improvement of 2 percent.

"Our vehicle quality is showing such dramatic improvement because Ford Motor Company employees are committed to delivering world-class vehicles to our customers," Fowler said. "Quality at Ford is the ultimate team sport. We're playing hard, and we'll continue playing to win."

Ford Motor Company

The New '08 Escape Hybrid; Really, Really Green

The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is a complete hybrid vehicle—An important point to consider if you are shopping for “green” cars this summer. Keep an eye out for the new models arriving soon at the dealership and we'll keep you posted on the latest developments.

The use of the word “green” in this article takes on a double meaning; green for the environment and green as in the color of money, which you’ll save at the gas tank with the Escape Hybrid. By the way, with gas prices very likely to approach $4 per gallon this year, that may be reason enough to go green!

What makes the Ford product different? Unlike GM hybrids, Escape Hybrid is capable of running solely on electric motors at speeds up to 30 mph. In addition, a 70 Kw electric motor produces 155 horsepower in tandem with a 2.3L four-cylinder gas-powered engine. That means the Escape Hybrid delivers performance numbers comparable to a 200-horsepower gasoline V6. The result; a 75% increase in fuel economy for city driving alone.

Learn more about the new ’08 Escape Hybrid today. Visit Hybrid Central at the Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen blog. We'll be adding more content regarding Ford and Lincoln Mercury hybrid vehicles as it becomes available, so please check back often. Thanks!

Welcome Fleet Customers

Central Ford Lincoln Mercury knows that running your business is a top priority. As a prospective business customer, we would like to offer an easy, cost-effective vehicle acquisition program that can save you time and money. Our dealership has a variety of programs availabe to help meet your Fleet vehicle and service needs. As a Fleet customer, you and your business will qualify for many benefits including; unique pricing, incentives, finance terms and priority vehicle service.

Please contact our Commercial Business Office to speak to a fleet specialist and confirm your eligiblity.

Taurus Returns!

The all new 2008 Ford Taurus was unveiled during the opening gala event at the Chicago Auto Show yesterday. The new models go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. Taurus now features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, an available all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.

More than just a name change, we noticed that Ford developed the new Taurus with your family's safety in mind. For example, standard on every Taurus is the Safety Canopy™ System. This innovation senses a rollover situation and deploys side curtain airbags for added protection on both rows of seating. It also includes front side airbags for enhanced chest protection.

Learn more about the new Taurus coming soon at Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen!

Ford Rolls Out New AWD Fusion

This week Ford is introducing the new all-wheel drive (AWD) Fusion for 2007. The new model is being positioned as the most affordable, V-6 powered AWD sedan on the market.

The AWD Fusion also offers great new features and standard equipment. New for 2007 is the availability of a DVD-based satellite navigation system, a factory-installed SIRIUS satellite radio, and an appearance package for Fusion SE models equipped with the four-cylinder engine.

Ford is also offering five new value incentives up to $1,000 worth of additional standard equipment on the 2007 Fusion, including:

1. All Fusion models are equipped with an MP3 audio input jack as standard equipment
2. All Fusion models now offer standard side-impact airbags, side air curtains, and a perimeter alarm, previously part of the $595 Safety and Security Package
3. Fusion SE and Fusion SEL models come standard with a new, fold-down front-passenger seat for greater cargo flexibility
4. Fusion SE models now come standard with 16-inch aluminum wheels, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, and foglights, previously part of the $425 SE Sport Package
5. Fusion SEL models now come standard with automatic headlamps, compass, self-dimming mirrors, and heated side mirrors with puddle lamps, previously included in the $395 SEL Premium Package

The 2007 Fusion is simply one of the best midsize sedans in terms of quality and value.