Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards Have Ford Looking Good

                                                                                                   

While it may be what’s under the sheet metal that really counts, it is buyers’ perceptions of an automaker’s vehicles that tend to drive sales. The recently released Kelley Blue Book 2012 Brand Image Awards have found that consumers see vehicles at Ford dealerships in a particularly positive light. Winning in four award categories, the most of any automaker, Ford was named the Most Rugged Truck Brand and Most Family-Friendly Brand, as well as Best Interior Design Brand and Best Exterior Design Brand for non-luxury makes.

The Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards are based on consumer-perception data compiled from the auto researcher’s website and take into account the opinions of more than 12,000 vehicle shoppers. The data indicated that Ford’s best-selling F-150 impresses pickup buyers with its rugged durability, while models like the Ford Taurus sedan and the Flex crossover have the looks and spaciousness to satisfy families. When it came to the design awards, it was Ford’s increasingly upscale interiors and dynamic exteriors that helped earn the automaker recognition.

“Perception is reality when it comes to Ford’s vehicles; they have earned outstanding reputations for a variety of different qualities shoppers desire in their vehicles,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Massachusetts Ford dealership Stoneham Ford. “Their lineup has the capability to get tough jobs done and the comfort and safety suitable for growing families, as well as functional yet eye-catching designs inside and out.”

Though the Brand Image Awards focused on consumers’ perceptions of current vehicles, Ford is looking to keep up the momentum when its new 2013 Ford Explorer Sport arrives at dealerships later this year. As the first high-performance trim for Ford’s popular SUV, the Explorer Sport will bring added capability, family-friendly features and fresh designs, all attributes that helped the automaker win its recent awards.

With a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, the Explorer Sport will churn out 350 horsepower, yet it is still projected by Ford to be the most fuel-efficient gas-powered high-performance SUV on the market. Four-wheel drive and a Terrain Management System are also standard features, meaning all that power won’t be wasted when conditions get rough.

The Explorer Sport will also pack in plenty of creature comforts for family members, as well as an array of sporty design cues that will make the neighbors jealous. Features like standard heated front seats and optional inflatable rear seatbelts ensure that families get a comfortable and safe ride, while Charcoal Black leather seats available with contrasting Sienna inserts give the cabin a premium look and feel. Outside, a unique Sterling Gray mesh grille accentuates glossy ebony crossbars, while 20-inch painted wheels and blacked-out headlamps give the Explorer Sport a distinctive appearance.

“The Explorer Sport embodies everything that consumers like about the Ford brand,” added Melkonian. “Whether it is the powerful-yet-efficient engine, the innovative safety features or the inviting interior and bold style, the SUV is a great example of how Ford nails down every aspect of their vehicles.”

All-New Focus Electric Rakes In Leaf’s Mileage Title

Ford recently gained new momentum in the fuel-efficiency race, as its Focus Electric earned the highest EPA mileage rating of any five-passenger vehicle in the United States. Currently arriving at select Ford dealerships, Ford’s new electric vehicle nets an impressive 110 MPGe in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway, shooting past most of the electric and hybrid vehicles on the market.

The Ford Focus Electric boasts a combined rating of 105 MPGe, which bests the Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe. Ford’s electric compact surpasses the Leaf when it comes to charging and stamina as well, fully recharging in nearly half the time, about four hours, and featuring an EPA-estimated range of 76 miles. Depending on factors like traffic, weather and driving practices, Ford reports the Focus Electric can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge.

“The Focus Electric’s efficiency numbers are staggering, but the more impressive thing is that it gets there using the existing body of the gas-powered Focus,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Massachusetts Ford dealership Stoneham Ford. “The current gas-only Focus can already get up to 40 mpg, and now Ford has introduced an electric vehicle that has a more comfortable interior and more passenger room than the Leaf. A great car like the Focus meant Ford didn’t have to go back to the drawing board like other automakers.”

Ford’s strategy of electrifying its existing models is intended to improve cost effectiveness and productivity in a market where manufacturers like Nissan and Chevy have thus far suffered as a result of creating electric vehicles from scratch. The Focus Electric is built on the same production line as the gas-powered Focus, giving Ford the flexibility to deal with varying customer demand. The automaker is continuing that approach later this year with the launch of the revamped 2013 Fusion Hybrid and all-new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.

Both 2013 Fusion hybrid models are projected by Ford to get the best mileage in their class according to their respective powertrain categories. The plug-in Energi aims to be the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan on the market, with Ford predicting it to get more than 100 MPGe in electric-only mode. Meanwhile, the Fusion Hybrid is expected to take the fuel-economy crown in its non-rechargeable midsize class, featuring a 47-mpg predicted rating.

For all its attention on the hybrid models, Ford is by no means neglecting gas-only versions of the all-new Fusion. The automaker will be offering both a 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine on the 2013 Fusion, giving owners a solid balance of power and fuel efficiency. While Ford expects the 1.6-liter EcoBoost to return a best-in-class 37 mpg on the highway, the 2.0-liter Fusion EcoBoost will provide customers the option of a fuel-efficient performance model.

“Ford is hitting fuel efficiency from all angles in a smart, practical way,” Melkonian added. “Its customers get a great selection of models and a choice of how they are powered, while it reaps the benefits of streamlined production and better quality control. The new Fusion will be a prime example of that when it arrives at our dealership later this year.”

2013 Ford Escape Uses Software to Fight the Snow

Ford’s push for innovation has yielded SYNC with MyFord Touch, as well as the fuel-efficient and powerful EcoBoost engines. The automaker’s latest advancement is of particular significance to New England drivers dealing with winter weather: an available intelligent all-wheel-drive system for the 2013 Ford Escape. The next-generation Escape, due to reach Ford dealerships this spring, will use a host of software and sensors to distribute power in ways that previous models could not, offering owners added confidence when the roads get slippery.

Ford’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system is capable of not only sending all of the vehicle’s torque to either the front or rear axles, but also dividing it between the two to provide optimum traction in all conditions. To do this, the 2013 Ford Escape gathers information from 25 external signals to assess not only which direction the vehicle is moving, but where the driver wants to go, distributing power as needed to change trajectory.

“Ford’s new all-wheel-drive system can assess conditions 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, so it is already reacting before drivers even know what they are getting themselves into.” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Massachusetts Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. “That makes it ideal for battling the crazy New England weather, but the system even improves handling during the dry, mild days that we’ve been having this winter.”

The 2013 Escape’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system isn’t the only new piece of innovative technology added as part of the redesign. In addition to its standard 2.5-liter engine, Ford’s compact SUV will be available with two EcoBoost engines that promise greater fuel economy without sacrificing power. A 1.6-liter EcoBoost powerplant will likely be the most fuel-efficient option in the Escape, while the most powerful unit will be the 2.0-liter EcoBoost, estimated to deliver 237 horsepower. Official EPA fuel-economy estimates have yet to be released, but Ford is expecting the new model being up to 5 mpg more fuel efficient than the current model.

Power and fuel efficiency are important, but a compact SUV also needs to offer utility. With that in mind, Ford Escape engineers also developed optional features like a hands-free liftgate that opens itself with the wave of a foot under the rear bumper, meaning drivers don’t have to put down their groceries. Also available is the SYNC with MyFord Touch system, which enables voice control of the stereo, climate control and navigation, as well as phone apps like Pandora internet radio when connected to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.

Ford hopes the next-generation Escape will build on the popularity of the current model, which, despite being at the end of its run, continues to sell well. More than 17,000 Escape models were sold in January, leading to a 24-percent increase compared to same month last year and setting a new January sales record for the compact utility.

“Regardless of future updates, buyers already love the Escape, and we’re seeing a lot of traffic in our showroom as people snap up the remaining models,” Melkonian noted. “With production of the 2013 model year starting up, it will be harder and harder to get 2012 models, so buyers with a preference for the outgoing drivetrains will want to act sooner rather than later.”

About Stoneham Ford:

Located on Route 28, just 15 minutes north of Boston, Stoneham Ford is a premier new and used Ford dealer in Massachusetts. They offer a wide selection of Ford cars, trucks and SUVS, including the latest Ford hybrid models, and their helpful sales and service staff serve their customers with integrity and respect. For more information and to view the current Ford inventory, visit Stoneham Ford online at www.stonehamford.com, or in person at 211 Main St. in Stoneham, Massachusetts. They can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyStonehamFord, and you can reach them by phone at 781-438-0490.

Ford Kicks Off 2012 with Rush of Awards

Barely a dent has been made into 2012, but Ford is already starting to fill its 2012 trophy case with accolades compliments of Polk, U.S. News & World Report and Autobytel. Ford took top honors in the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards this month for having the most manufacturer- and brand-loyal customers during the 2011 model year. Polk found that Ford dealerships saw the highest percentage of repeat customers from October 2010 through September 2011.

Presented annually, Polk’s Automotive Loyalty Awards recognize auto manufacturers that show the most success and improvement in retaining customers over repeat buying cycles. To earn its top honors, Ford won in three overall categories: Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer, Overall Loyalty to Make and African American Market Loyalty to Make. Meanwhile, the Ford F-Series won in the Mid/Full-size Pickup vehicle category, and the Ford Escape took the Compact SUV category.

“Customers are loyal to Ford because its vehicles are loyal to them first,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Massachusetts Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. “All Ford vehicles, even the newer models like the Fusion, have earned a reputation for being reliable and dependable. After owning a Ford and experiencing that first-hand, it’s difficult to picture yourself driving anything else.”

Ford’s individual vehicles were further recognized this month by the U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money Awards 2012. Five Ford vehicles took home awards, the most of any automaker. The 2012 Ford Taurus, Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and Edge all topped their respective segments, while the Ford Fiesta won both the Subcompact Car and Hatchback categories.

In its annual Best Cars for the Money Awards, U.S. News aims to provide consumers with a list of vehicles that successfully deliver value and quality in every possible aspect. Automotive researchers at U.S. News consider the average price paid, five-year total cost of ownership and input from car reviewers when making their decisions. Top-ranked vehicles are those with lower upfront and long-term ownership costs that also receive positive praise from reviewers.

This month, editors at automotive advising website Autobytel also recognized two Ford models for being standouts in their respective classes in the site’s 2012 Car and Truck of the Year Awards. Thanks to its fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, the 2012 Ford F-150 won Autobytel’s Pickup Truck of the Year award, while the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 won in the Sports Car of the Year category.

“Ford consistently delivers what consumers want, and that’s evident when you look at the kinds of awards the company rakes in on a regular basis,” added Melkonian. “Ultimately, all of Ford’s awards recognize the brand for providing drivers with high-quality, durable and reliable models.”

About Stoneham Ford:

Located on Route 28, just 15 minutes north of Boston, Stoneham Ford is a premier new and used Ford dealer in Massachusetts. They offer a wide selection of Ford cars, trucks and SUVS, including the latest Ford hybrid models, and their helpful sales and service staff serve their customers with integrity and respect. For more information and to view the current Ford inventory, visit Stoneham Ford online at www.stonehamford.com, or in person at 211 Main St. in Stoneham, Mass. They can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyStonehamFord, and you can reach them by phone at 781-438-0490.

Ford F-Series Trucks Pick Up Speed in Sales

Ford’s F-Series trucks are gaining in popularity with businesses and consumers alike, increasing commercial market share this year and earning a sizeable boost in November retail sales. U.S. sales of the pickup at Ford dealers were up 23.9 percent last month compared to November 2010. Meanwhile, the F-Series Super Duty has a market share of 47.1 percent in the heavy-duty commercial segment this year, up almost two percent since 2008. 

With a diverse lineup ranging from the F-150 to the Ford Super Duty, 516,639 units of the F-Series have found new homes this year through November, a year-over-year increase of 9.1 percent. Businesses are increasingly relying on capable Ford vehicles like the F-Series to best equip their employees, with six of the top 10 commercial vehicles in the United States coming from the automaker, according to Polk U.S. registration data.

“We’ve seen increased traffic at our dealership from business owners looking for reliable and durable vehicles that will help them get more work done with less overhead,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Massachusetts Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. “One way we’ve been able to increase commercial Ford sales is to package specific equipment with the trucks, like our popular Boss snowplow packages. Also, the current tax savings available for commercial trucks has meant that many business owners are stopping by before the end of the year.”

The tax deductions for commercial trucks are thanks to the Economic Stimulus Act and allow small business owners the opportunity to write off up to 100% of the cost of vehicles used for their work. If a purchased commercial vehicle, whether a Ford Super Duty truck, E-Series van or F-150 pickup, weighs over 6,000 pounds and is put into use before December 31, 2011, the business owners can take advantage of the tax deductions. Indications are that these deductions will be significantly reduced in 2012.  

The Ford F-Series Super Duty remains a popular commercial vehicle in part because of its lasting value, which was recently recognized with a Best Full-Size Pickup win in the Kelley Blue Book 2012 Best Resale Value Awards. The awards are based on resale value after five years of use, an area in which the Super Duty has a projected retained value of 38.7 percent. Kelley Blue Book predicts that the 2012 Super Duty will still have 55.1 percent of its worth after three years of use, appealing to business owners that want a strong return on their investment when it is time to upgrade down the road.

Ford will be growing its commercial lineup for 2012 with a medium-duty F-650 featuring a gasoline-powered V10, as well as two new Police Interceptors. The automaker also plans to replace its popular Econoline van with a fuel-efficient, full-size Ford Transit van in 2013.

“When it comes to commercial vehicles, Ford takes a long hard look at what business owners and fleet operators need and gives it to them,” Melkonian noted. “That means longer times between services, better efficiency and features that increase productivity rather than just the price of the van or truck.”

About Stoneham Ford:

Located on Route 28, just 15 minutes north of Boston, Stoneham Ford is a premier new and used Ford dealer in Massachusetts. They offer a wide selection of Ford cars, trucks and SUVS, including the latest Ford hybrid models, and their helpful sales and service staff serve their customers with integrity and respect. For more information and to view the current Ford inventory, visit Stoneham Ford online at www.stonehamford.com, or in person at 211 Main St. in Stoneham, Mass. They can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyStonehamFord, and you can reach them by phone at 781-438-0490.

Ford Families Get Glimpse of New Flex

Ford has put a strong focus on family-friendly vehicles in recent years, and those efforts will be on full display when the refreshed 2013 Ford Flex crossover debuts at the LA Auto Show, which is taking place from November 18-27. Sporting a sleeker front-end design, an upgraded engine and intuitive in-car technology, the automaker expects the Flex to be an enticing choice when it reaches Ford dealerships next year.

Ford has further refined both the exterior and interior design of the boxy 2013 Ford Flex, adding a more modern front end that replaces the previous three-bar grille with a single chrome band flanked by futuristic headlights. Inside, the Flex receives new gauge clusters and electronic finish panels, revised seat trims and a new steering wheel. The crossover also remains the only vehicle in its class to offer a second-row refrigerated console to keep kids’ juice boxes cold.

“There’s nothing else like the Flex on the market,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Massachusetts Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. “It’s stylishly boxy, which means it looks modern while maintaining the impressive amount of space needed to accommodate large families and their belongings.”

Under the 2013 Flex’s quirky exterior lies an upgraded base V6 engine that produces 20-more horsepower than the previous unit thanks to independent variable camshaft timing. Putting out 285 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, the new V6 is also more fuel efficient than its predecessor, netting a one mpg increase for a projected 25-mpg rating on the highway with front-wheel drive. Plus, there is an all-wheel-drive system available for families looking to conquer Massachusetts’ wintry roads, as well as an available EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 355 horsepower for parents that prefer the fast lane.

While fuel-efficient performance is a big part of the Flex equation, technology doesn’t take a back seat. The 2013 Flex will come with an updated version of SYNC with MyFord Touch, Ford’s comprehensive infotainment system. The new system is easier to use thanks to simplified menus and controls that can open up access to a suite of internet apps when connected to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.

Of course, any proper family vehicle has to pass muster when it comes to safety, and the Ford Flex has the technology to keep all seven passengers safe. New features include available radar-enabled adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support and the Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert. The second row of seats also now incorporates Ford’s innovative inflatable seatbelts, which can greatly reduce the chance of injury in an accident.

“Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to Ford’s family vehicles,” Melkonian noted. “The Flex is the second vehicle to feature Ford’s inflatable seatbelts, a feature that won a Breakthrough Product Award from Popular Mechanics. Flex buyers can rest assured that their family is safe in the back seats.”

Ford has been working to prevent injury to vehicle occupants even when there is no accident involved. The 2013 Ford Escape will feature lighter, more comfortable seats that are designed to prevent back pain from frequent driving. The next-generation Escape will also debut at the LA Auto Show.

2012 Ford F-150 Promises Fewer Pit Stops, Added Grip

STONEHAM, Mass. -- Ford is ensuring its truck owners get where they want to go by extending the cruising range of its 2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost pickup with a new 36-gallon fuel tank. Now capable of traveling 756 miles between stops, the F-150 EcoBoost could take Boston drivers all the way Detroit without fueling up. On the same trip, a V6 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 would have to stop around Buffalo, N.Y.

While the larger gas tank in EcoBoost models will help Massachusetts Ford owners get more work done, the new Hill Start Assist feature on 2012 F-150s that arrive at Ford dealerships will make sure work is done efficiently. The system detects when the truck is on a slope and maintains enough brake pressure to hold the vehicle stationary for up to two seconds after the brake pedal has been released, making starting off an incline an easier endeavor.

“The changes for the 2012 F-150 are all about allowing more work to get done while you’re on the job and enjoying your drive when you’re not,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Massachusetts Ford dealership Stoneham Ford. “A pickup truck with a range of more than 700 miles is almost unheard of, and features like Hill Start Assist make your job that much easier. Ford refuses to take the ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ approach to its F-150 and the result is new capability that was unheard of a few years ago.”

As winter approaches, the 2012 Ford F-150 is even better-equipped for slick conditions with a two-speed automatic 4x4 system available on the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. The system preserves the driver’s ability to select four-high and four-low modes, but adds a 4x4 auto setting to the mix, allowing the truck to engage the front wheels on its own when it detects the rear tires slipping.

For those who want their truck’s exterior to match the boldness of its drivetrain, Ford offers a new FX appearance package featuring flat-black accents and black fender and tailgate badges with red “FX” lettering. On the inside, features like black leather seating with red perforations, black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces and a satin shifter knob complete the 2012 F150’s stealthy style.

All 2012 4x4 F-150s can now be flat-towed in neutral as well, while an electronic-locking rear axle will be available for the EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 models to provide additional traction during snowy New England winters.

“What Ford has done is add features to the F-150 that make a difference in the day-to-day driving experience, rather than add in a bunch of stuff most truck owners will never use,” Melkonian added. “It’s a smart approach that Massachusetts Ford fans will appreciate, whether they are at work or at play.”