Will the Ford F-150 Be Back in Black?

STONEHAM, Mass --When Henry Ford introduced the Model T, he said that drivers could have it in “any color, so long as it’s black.” In a surprising twist, the opposite is now true for customers who want a 2011 Ford F-150 with a black exterior.

Ford Motor Company has instructed its dealers to stop taking new orders for vehicles in its Tuxedo Black color due to the limited availability of a paint pigment exported from Japan. Shipments of the pigment have been stalled in the wake of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake that shook the northern part of Japan on March 15.

While buyers in search of Japanese cars expected some delays, the shortage of American-made black F-150s is a bit more surprising. Customers searching for a black F-150 without the wait can find them at Stoneham Ford, thanks to the Massachusetts Ford dealer’s extensive selection of F-150 pickup trucks.

With multiple Tuxedo Black 2011 Ford F-150s currently available, Stoneham Ford is offering potential buyers an extended chance to get the best-in-class vehicle in Henry Ford’s favorite color before production becomes limited to other colors. Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan and Louisville, Kentucky plants halted production of the black F-150 the week of April 4, while the automaker’s Kansas City plant will continue limited production of Tuxedo Black models.

“Black trucks look cool, even when they’re dirty, so it’s no surprise that black is a popular color for the Ford F-150,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Stoneham Ford. “The F-150’s fuel efficiency has also been a strong draw. The idea that such a bold vehicle can be gentle at the pump was a foreign one only a few years ago, but the F-150 has made it a reality on the road just in time for skyrocketing gas prices.”

Ford’s short supply of black F-150s dipped in March, the same month that the EPA rated the truck the most fuel efficient in its segment. With a combined city and highway fuel economy of 19 mpg, the all-new 3.7-liter V6 F-150 model beat all other non-hybrid, full-size pickups that the EPA tested. The Ford F-150 achieves superior fuel efficiency without any compromise in power, offering up to 6,100 pounds of conventional towing and 302 horsepower, numbers that both lead in their segment.

The 2011 Ford F-150 offers additional engine options for those who want more efficiency or power, including a 3.5-liter EcoBoost and a new 5.0-liter V8. Providing 22 mpg highway and 16 mpg city, EcoBoost-powered F-150s offer fuel economy that cannot be matched by trucks with similar horsepower. The 5.0-liter V8 offers the best performance in its segment in highway fuel economy, maximum conventional towing, horsepower and torque.

As the F-150’s companions in the top-selling Ford F-Series, Ford Super Duty trucks will also be affected by the black-paint shortage. Stoneham Ford will also be able to meet demand for these Super Duty trucks in the near future, as they currently have a number of models at their Greater Boston Ford dealership in the suddenly hard-to-find Tuxedo Black exterior.

“Right here, right now, we have Tuxedo Black,” Melkonian said. “Word is getting out about the shortage, so these may not last for long. We’ll do everything we can to keep these trucks in stock, but for someone who really wants one, the best advice is to come in soon.”

Ford Out-Economizes the Competition

STONEHAM, Mass -- The cost of fuel is on the rise again, and drivers around the world are more interested than ever in models that will not only provide the performance they need but also help them save some money at the pumps. With efficiency eclipsing all other features as prospective buyers watch gas prices head for $4 a gallon, Ford has taken their customers’ needs to heart and released a lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs that greatly improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

“If this is anything like 2008, we’re about to see a major shift in what consumers look for when they’re shopping for new cars,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Greater Boston Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. “The last time gas went over $4, fuel economy became the top priority among our customers. Then, as now, Ford is ready to meet that demand with some of the most efficient vehicles on the market.”

Not surprisingly, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is at the head of the fuel economy class for gas-powered cars, checking in at 40 mpg on the highway. What may surprise is the new 2012 Ford Focus SFE, short for “super fuel economy,” which was recently certified at 40 mpg on the highway, bringing a new standard of fuel economy to the compact class.

Mid-size sedan owners can opt for the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which offers 41 mpg in the city thanks to an electric engine powered in part by regenerative braking. Even the workhorse 2011 F-150 offers best-in-class fuel economy, with its 3.7 liter V6 providing 302 horsepower along with 23 mpg on the highway.

A variety of innovations contribute to these impressive numbers, including streamlined designs that improve aerodynamics. Also helping to propel the Fiesta, F-150 and other Ford models to the top in terms of fuel economy is the six-speed automatic dry-clutch Powershift transmission, which, with its high-efficiency design, contributes a 9% boost in efficiency. The new EcoBoost engine, available on some models, and Ford’s electric-power assisted steering do their part as well, not only launching fuel economy to new heights but also proving that Ford is committed and thorough in its effort to make its lineup one of the most fuel-efficient in the United States.

Ford’s successes in that area go beyond the models breaking the 40-mpg barrier. The lineup currently available at Ford dealerships boasts 12 vehicles that lead their respective segments in fuel efficiency. The Ford Mustang V6 is the first car ever to offer an engine that tops 300 horsepower and 30 miles per gallon, proving that Ford’s commitment to improving fuel efficiency across its fleet runs deeper than simply tossing out an economical subcompact to lure buyers.

“Car buyers should take a look at what’s in their driveways right now and ask themselves if they’re getting the best possible fuel economy,” Melkonian said. “The idea that an SUV, pickup truck or performance car needs to be a gas guzzler is outdated. Trade-in values for those old, thirsty models are likely to plummet if gas prices break the four-dollar mark in New England. This is the time to see the improvements that Ford has made, and to take ownership of a vehicle that will save money for years to come.”

New Ford Focus Will Tell You If You’re a Lousy Driver

STONEHAM, Mass -- Fair or not, Massachusetts drivers have a certain irreversible reputation for their driving. However, a new technology in the Ford Focus could help alter the driving behaviors of many Massachusetts Ford owners. Ford EcoMode, a software application in the 2012 Ford Focus, will analyze drivers’ performance and suggest changes that will help them improve fuel economy, save money and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

Anyone that has braved Boston commutes on the Mass Pike, Route 93 or I-95 has seen drivers furiously accelerating, only to brake suddenly as traffic comes to a halt. Ford EcoMode recognizes the toll this behavior takes on fuel economy and suggests a better way forward, such as smoothly accelerating and decelerating, anticipating slow-moving traffic and maintaining a proper distance and consistent speed.

“Common-sense driving rules get tossed out the window as soon as most Massachusetts commuters leave their driveways. The reminders from EcoMode offer an antidote for that,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Greater Boston Ford dealership Stoneham Ford. “Buyers shouldn’t just think of it as an electronic nanny, though. EcoMode analyzes less-obvious factors that affect fuel consumption, like proper gear use and the ideal highway cruising speed.”

Located on the driver information menu in the new Focus instrument cluster, EcoMode allows drivers to compare a personal performance score against ideal driving patterns, with scores ranging from two leaves (lowest) to five leaves (highest). While determining scores, EcoMode suggests driving tips along the way, such as “smooth driving saves fuel,” during erratic accelerating, decelerating or braking, or “early shifting saves fuel,” when the driver is not shifting in line with their acceleration.

Ford has found that eco-driving skills encouraged by the EcoMode software can improve fuel economy by an average of 24%. Additionally, the Auto Alliance’s national EcoDriving initiative determined that a 15% improvement in fuel economy by every American driver could reduce fuel consumption by more than 22 billion gallons of gas a year.

Ford EcoMode is one of several new additions to the 2012 Ford Focus, which will be powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine that gets up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch will replace dashboard buttons with touch-sensitive display screens and five-way buttons. Ford will also offer an available active park assist system that automates parallel parking.

Ford has yet to confirm a release date for the reimagined Focus, but most industry watchers expect to see it at Ford dealerships before the end of the summer.

“Everyone in Massachusetts thinks they’re a great driver, and everyone else on the road is the problem,” Melkonian added. “Ford Focus owners who really want to know what kind of driver they are will be brave enough to fire up EcoMode and see what the car has to say. For a lot of them, it will be a very eye-opening experience.”

Ford Taurus Named a Top Safety Pick for the Fifth Straight Year

STONEHAM, Mass. --The snow has arrived and Massachusetts car buyers serious about crash protection in dangerous driving conditions can visit their local Ford dealer and take a look at the 2011 Ford Taurus. Recently named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the fifth year in a row, the Taurus is the only American vehicle in the “Large Car” class to have earned the distinction for as many consecutive years. The Volvo S80 is the only other car globally that has equaled this achievement.

Determined through extensive testing, the IIHS 2011 Top Safety Picks recognize those vehicles that provide high quality protection to their occupants during crashes. The vehicles tested received a “good,” “acceptable,” “marginal,” or “poor” rating in each of four tests, including a front crash test, a side crash test, a rollover test and an analysis of neck protection during rear impacts. In order to be called a Top Safety Pick, the 2011 Ford Taurus and the other winners had to receive a “good” rating in all four tests and include electronic stability control.

“Consistency is never more important than when it comes to safety, and that’s why the engineers at Ford have ensured that every new Ford Taurus continues to provide excellent crash protection year after year,” said Alan Melkonian, general manager of Greater Boston Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. “Customers shouldn’t have to worry about whether a 2007 model had an ‘off-year’ for safety. With a Taurus they know that, regardless of any external design changes, they’ll be getting the same dedication to safety with every model.

The 2011 Ford Taurus also has a wide-ranging list of safety features that help to prevent or reduce the impact of crashes, including dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags with the Personal Safety System, which optimizes bag deployment based on passenger weight and position. The vehicle also features a state-of-the-art side air bag system that can release its air bags up to 30 percent faster than traditional air bags.

Additional safety features that contribute to the Taurus’ impressive IIHS ratings include SPACE, or Side Protection and Cabin Enhancement Architecture, which adds significant strength to the side portion of the vehicle; the Trinity Front Crash Architecture, which provides an energy-absorbing, strength-optimized frame; AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, which automatically adjusts for oversteering and loss of wheel traction; and the SOS Post-Crash Alert System, which automatically unlocks doors and turns on emergency lights after a crash. Plus, the 2011 Taurus has available All-Wheel Drive, a perfect feature to help maintain control in slippery winter weather.

Several of these safety features are available across the entire line of Ford vehicles, a major reason why four other models were named 2011 Top Safety Picks, including the Explorer, Fusion and Flex, as well as the Ford Fiesta, the first “minicar” to ever be chosen.

“Ford has strengthened the structure of many of its vehicles in recent years, and their innovation has resulted in these Top Safety Picks, including the first ever for the redesigned Ford Explorer,” Melkonian added. “We expect these new Ford models to stay on the IIHS list for a long time to come, joining mainstays like the Taurus that have become synonymous with safety.”

Tax Window Closing for Commercial Car and Truck Buyers

STONEHAM, Mass. -- Alan Melkonian, general manager of Greater Boston Ford dealer Stoneham Ford, has a simple message to commercial vehicle customers looking for a tax break: Buy now. A federal tax credit is available for auto buyers who put a new vehicle on the road for business use, but the window for this credit closes on December 31.

Under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, commercial buyers may be able to write off the full purchase price of a new truck or van put into service before December 31. Trucks with a gross vehicle weight greater than 6,000 pounds and a bed length of six feet or more qualify for a first-year deduction of the full purchase price. SUVs and trucks that weigh more than 6,000 pounds and have a bed length of less than 6 feet qualify for a first-year deduction of up to $25,000. If the purchase price is more than $25,000, a 20% depreciation can be taken on the remaining balance.

Trucks, vans and SUVs that weigh less than 6,000 pounds, like the Transit Connect, qualify for a maximum first-year deduction of $11,600. To qualify for the full amount, the vehicle must be used for business 100% of the time, but vehicles that share time for business and personal use are still eligible for a smaller deduction.

“All you need is one day on the road to get the deduction, but time is running out,” Melkonian said. “Our Massachusetts customers need to consider dealer prep of vehicles, loan processing and the time it takes to get a new vehicle registered when deciding to purchase a new commercial vehicle. With all of the holiday bank and government closings coming up, it’s not a good idea to wait until the last minute if you want this tax deduction.”

Only new vehicles qualify for the tax break, which qualifies as a Section 179 deduction. Under Section 179, qualifying businesses can write off deductions up to $2,000,000 in total property value, as long as that deduction doesn’t turn net annual income from a gain to a loss. Though the maximum deductions for commercial vehicles are only a fraction of the property deduction, they still represent significant savings in tough economic times.

For Boston Ford customers who visit Melkonian’s showroom, the tax deduction makes it possible to own a new Transit Connect for less than $12,000, assuming the value of the deduction is applied to the purchase price of Ford’s versatile, business-focused van. Designed to allow easy customization for a variety of business uses, the Transit Connect offers a small size ideal for the crowded streets of Greater Boston and a bottom-line-friendly 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway from its four-cylinder engine.

Ford has also released a minivan version of the Transit Connect, offering seating for five, carpeted floors and four rear windows with privacy glass. Designed to appeal to families on a budget, the Transit Connect Premium skips amenities such as built-in coolers and DVD entertainment systems, but does offer plenty of cargo space behind the rear seats.

“Any time a business can get a break on taxes, it’s worth a very close look,” Melkonian said. “For companies or individuals that have seen growth in the last few months, this deduction offers a good way to offset the extra income.”