Waldorf Ford Awarded Ford’s Triple Crown for Exceptional Sales & Customer Service Record

Waldorf Ford Awarded Ford’s Triple Crown for Exceptional Sales & Customer Service Record

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Waldorf Ford is also known locally as a leader in community giving

Waldorf, MD 2013 – Today, Ford Motor Company awarded Waldorf Ford with the Triple Crown award.  The prestigious award honors dealerships that have excelled in automotive retailing by providing exceptional customer service and satisfaction. The dealership joins an exclusive and elite group of 23 dealerships across the country recognized with the Triple Crown.

“We recognize that our customers have highly individualized needs when they are shopping for their next car,” said Greg Basiliko, General Manager of Waldorf Ford. “We are a people business and enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each time, while serving the Southern Maryland community.”

The Triple Crown Award was established in 2001. This program recognizes those dealerships that have earned Presidents Award, for which Waldorf Ford has earned for the 12th time this year, Sales Leadership (Ford One Hundred or Lincoln Leaders), and Premier Club distinction in the same year – a truly incredible accomplishment.

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Waldorf Ford is only one of 23 Ford and Lincoln dealerships in the country to win the 2012 Triple Crown Award. Waldorf Ford is among a select few dealerships in the United States to earn the Triple Crown award for 7 consecutive years. 

“Our motto is Dedicated to Excellence. Whether it is during or after the sale, our priority is taking care of our customers,” said Basiliko. “We take customer satisfaction seriously and we work hard every day to make sure our customers are taken care of.  Our team couldn’t be more proud to receive this recognition, especially since it comes from the people we value most – our customers. They’re the reason we were able to achieve this award.”

Waldorf Ford is located on 2440 Crain Highway Route 301 North of Waldorf, MD, 20601 and online at http://www.waldorfford.com

The Easter Bunny is Headed to the Humane Society of Charles County!

Waldorf FordDodge, & Pre-Owned Volunteers for The Humane Society of Charles County!

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 About this photo: Humane Society Directors Leah and Nora promoting The Dog Gone Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday, March 30th, 2013 from 2pm-5pm. 

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About this photo: IT Director for Kody Holdings – Mike Fitzgerald directing the video shoot. He volunteers at The Humane Society once a month to shoot pet adoption videos. 
 

Waldorf Ford, Dodge, & Pre-Owned‘s IT Director, Mike Fitzgerald spent an afternoon with The Humane Society of Charles County to help promote The Dog Gone Easter Hunt. The visit consisted of taping the directors of the Charles County Humane Society to discuss The Dog Gone Easter Event.  He also taped pet adoption videos for which he volunteers every month to help friendly and adorable puppies, dogs, kittens, cats, and pocket pets find a loving and responsible home and family!

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About this photo: Take a look at just a few of our adoptable animals for this month. As always please give us a call or stop by to see all of the animals we have available for adoption. Please call us at 301-645-8181. 
 
 

These videos also help promote awareness about The Humane Society.  The Humane Society was established in 1978 approximately 34 years ago.  It has a dual mission of “Promoting the humane treatment of animals and of fostering a respect for all life, both animal and human.” ~The Humane Society website http://www.humanesocietycc.org/.

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About this photo:  Spring is Kitten Season!  Take a look at just a few of our adoptable animals for this month. As always please give us a call or stop by to see all of the animals we have available for adoption. Please call us at 301-645-8181.

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Simple Steps to Recommend and Review Us!

Simple Steps to Recommend and Review us!

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In these times of social media and the internet, it is important for us to hear what you have to say!  Your recommendations and reviews are a great way for you to express yourself, share your experience, and educate others!  Your feedback is important to us and it matters!

There are multiple places that you can reviews us:

1. Google Reviews

2. Cars.com

3. Edmunds.com

4. Yelp.com

Instructions on how to Recommend on Facebook:

  1. To recommend us on Facebook you have to have a facebook account.
  2. Login to your Facebook Account.
  3. If you haven’t LIKED us you must press LIKE us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/waldorfford
  4. Scroll down to the center of the page to the recommendations.
  5. Then write your recommendation and press share or post!

Thank you!

Visit us at Waldorf Ford

2440 Crain Hwy
Waldorf, MD 20601

(301) 843-2400

Waldorf Ford, Waldorf, MD

Benefits of Buying Used Vehicles – Guest Blogger Eric M. Carter

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Editor’s Note: Welcome our guest blogger Eric M. Carter!  He is a Sales Consultant here at the Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned Center, located in Waldorf, Maryland. He has been with us for since 2002.  He is originally from Washington, DC and graduated from Largo High School in Largo, Maryland.  Mr. Carter stays very busy with this family. His youngest daughter is a national celebrity!  If you are familiar with the 2013 Super Bowl Champions – The Baltimore Ravens and our much-loved retired linebacker Ray Lewis, you may remember this VISA credit card commercial titled Visa NFL: Ray Lewis’s Toughest Interview Yet.” The little girl interviewing “Ray Ray” is Mr. Carter’s daughter.  He shows true dedication and heart in everything he does.  From being a beloved father of five children (4 girls and 1 boy) and devoted husband, to informing and supporting all of his customers throughout their buying process; Eric prides himself on providing his customers with the Best Sales Experience. Eric has been in the automotive industry for 11 years and his knowledge is expansive. Please make sure to stop by to see him for help. He enjoys exceeding all of his customer’s expectations!  

Benefits of Buying Used vs. New

1st reason: Used cars cost less.

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They’ve got a few miles on them and they’ve been around the block a few times but for the money you’ll save, that’s no big deal!

When buying used, prices are often softer than new and that means you you’ll be able to stretch your dollar further. If you need a big car for your family, or want a lot of options like a top of the line stereo but can’t afford that option in a new car, you’ll likely be able to afford it in the used car market even among newer used cars that are less than three years old.

2nd reason:  Save on insurance.

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Usually, insurance costs are higher for a new car of the same model sold used.  Buy used and get a lower quote – it is as simple as that!

3rd Reason: Less depreciation.

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The moment you drive a new car off the lot it loses value.  A car doesn’t offer the same kind of investment a home does, it will continue to lose value over time.  But if you’ve purchased a used car, then you’re already paying less and your loss over time will be less.

The reason for this is that the original owner has already absorbed the largest depreciation hit, so you don’t have to.  Finally, another reason there is less depreciation is that you didn’t start at the higher brand new price like in a new vehicle.

4th Reason: Reliability.

Consider the value of a used car between one and three years old.  It still may run like a new car or even better since all the bugs from the manufacturer most likely have been worked out.

For example, a slightly used car has had all those little things fixed from recalls, or for air conditioner components, to a lemon of a stereo of which otherwise is a great car.  Also, a slightly used car will have plenty of life and will run well for many years to come just so that it is properly maintained just like a new car.

Finally: Making the choice to buy.

So, if your still debating on whether to buy a used vehicle start with asking questions. Begin comparing prices and inquiring about the financing opportunities.  But whatever you do, it is always best to buy used from a dealer verse an individual seller.  Buying from a dealer is better because if you ever have any further questions you have a place to go back to!

Visit Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned for more information on this story.  Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned is located at 2430 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601 or call toll-free at (800) 883-2818.

It’s Electric! The New 2013 Ford Fusion Energi has arrived at Waldorf Ford!

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi has arrived at Waldorf Ford, located in Waldorf Maryland!

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The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in America. The Fusion Energi is projected to deliver more miles per gallon equivalent than the Chevrolet Volt or Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.

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Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, making it the most fuel-efficient midsize car in America.  Fusion Energi is charged through a port conveniently located on the driver’s side. A light ring illuminates when the car is plugge

d in and charging so owners know how much power is contained within their Fusion Energi battery.

 

The vehicle also features an impressive array of technological advancements – including Sync voice control, a lane-keeping system, and a system that parallel parks the car automatically.

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For more information on this exciting vehicle visit Waldorf Ford to check it out!  Waldorf Ford is located at 2440 Crain Hwy Waldorf, MD 20601. Call toll free at 888 284-1463 or visit us online at http://www.waldorfford.com!



Evolution of Ford Vehicle Technology – Guest Blogger Clarence Ball

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Editor’s Note: Welcome our guest blogger Clarence Ball!  He is a Sales Consultant here at Waldorf Ford, located in Waldorf, Maryland. He has been with us for since 2001, that’s 12 years to be exact!  He is originally from Waldorf, Maryland and attended the College of Southern Maryland.  Mr. Ball is very active in his community.  From volunteering at local charity events to being visible at all our events here at Waldorf Ford, I am sure you have met him!  His favorite part of the job is making sure his customers are completely satisfied!  He also enjoys learning & developing his product knowledge base as you will see in this blog!  Clarence’s automotive knowledge is expansive so if you have any questions ask for him!

It seems like it was just yesterday when in 2001 Ford Motor Company introduced The Personal Safety System and made it standard on most vehicles.  At the time, this innovative system was a tool that recognized the weight of a passenger, how close they were to airbags, the speed of a vehicle, and also determined the amount of pressure need for each front passenger.  Today, along with the Personal Safety System Ford has added standard side curtain airbags and rear inflatable seat belts in the Explorer and Flex.  Even now the Ford Fiesta offers drivers a knee air bag!

In 2002, reverse sensing and flip down video cassette players were introduced when the Expedition came out.  Since video cassette players, Ford has evolved to flip down DVDs to DVDs in headrests with USB connections.  Then there came navigation systems.  Navigation systems first started with a small screen with seven discs for each region of the United States, now they are large MyFord Touch screens running off a small SD card. That means saving space!  The vehicles still offer the reverse sensing system but now have available rear view cameras which show you backing into a parking space, garage, or even assist in backing up a boat or trailer!  Our trucks and vans now offer a built in trailer brake controller.  This controls the braking of your trailer which is conveniently displayed on your instrument panel and can also STOP your loaded trailer faster than your conventional aftermarket brake controllers!

In 2007, technology in Ford vehicles really took a big leap forward with the introduction of SYNC.  SYNC is an operating system designed by Microsoft that debuted in 2007.

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sync3In the first version, it was just Bluetooth for your phone and music connectivity for your line in or USB devices such as IPODs.    The latest generation of SYNC on 2010 models and newer, feature SYNC Services which has a turn by turn navigation, Vehicle Health Report (gives you the health of your vehicle like when it is time for your oil change), and 911 Assist.  All can be activated on the http://www.syncmyride.com website.

Next jump was the introduction of Adaptive Cruise control in some of our vehicles.  This feature is great for stop and go traffic.  It can measure the distance between you and the car in front of you.  For instance, if the vehicle in front slows down, your vehicle maintains the same distance or gap between the two vehicles.  2011-ford-edge-adaptive-cruise-controlSome of the other great advances are BLIS and Active Park Assist.  The Blind Spot Information System automatically senses vehicles in your blind spot.  It uses an amber indicator that comes on in the corner of your side view mirrors.  Another great feature is the collision warning with brake assist.  This is available on some models.  This feature senses cars in front and gives you a warning if you need to brake quickly.  It actually precharges your brakes so you can stop quicker than without this system.

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Active Park Assist is another great feature.  It can parallel park your car for you once a space is found.

So possibly, one day in the future you might see people with a car that can drive for them.  Like K.I.T.T. on Knight Rider.

hoff-knight-rider-mustangThere are many more innovations in the works and some that are actually arriving in our showroom now.  If you would like to hear more about them, just stop in and see me at Waldorf Ford.  Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.  You can find us online at waldorfford.com.

5 Car Questions That Will Get You Ready For Spring

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Snow is still falling in many parts of the country, but we’re just two weeks away from Daylight Savings Time, and spring won’t be that long in coming after that.

That means you should start thinking now about the ways you want to become car-ready by the time the new season arrives. I’m talking about everything from maintaining your car to buying a new one, to deciding what your future transportation needs will be.

For every step, you need a strategy, and that starts with the way you use your car. Here are five questions to ask yourself.

1. Am I happy with what I’m driving? The answer lies in how you view your automobile. Is it a matter of convenience, or a statement of style? Is your car still within your budget? Could you afford to step up to something fresher?

2. Is my car serving me well, or is it in the shop more than I’d like? Automobile quality is better than ever, but when a car reaches a certain point in its life-cycle, it can mean some major time and money spent on repairs.

3. Do I want to keep driving? How many times have you vowed, “This is the year I’m going to start taking the bus?” Likewise, do visions of Townie bikes dance in your head? Only you can decide whether you are ready to give up an automobile and go the public transit route.

4. Which car would I buy if I had my choice? Maybe you’ve done well in the market recently, or you got a bonus check. Perhaps you’ve finally gotten the settlement from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. This is a good time to go car shopping, while dealers still have good inventories, so take a look at car company Web sites and videos.
5. Where would I like my car to take me? If you are going to drive somewhere, now is a time to think about where. Play with Google Maps, look at sites like Gadling.com and plan some road trips. I drove all over the South last summer and am thinking about a trip East this year.

Disclaimer: This article was originally posted on Forbes.com.

Accessorizing your Ford truck

Whether you have had your Ford truck for 1 hour or 20 years, there is no time like the present to add some fun and even necessary accessories.  We have compiled a short list of add-ons that most anyone can put on themselves, though you can always head over to see us to have our Aftermarket team order and install them for you.

These are listed in no particular order, except it does seem like the first ones might be a little easier to install.

1.  HID or Xenon headlights.   Upgrade your headlights to one of these choices for terrific nighttime visibility.  They produce a whiter and brighter light than traditional bulbs.  Light up the roadway ahead and avoid potential hazards sooner.

2.  HID or Xenon Fog lamps.  As with headlights, these new bulbs for your fog lamps really make a huge difference when your visibility is compromised by fog or rain conditions.  These lights can be white or, as more commonly seen off-road, yellow.

3.  LED Under Bedrail lights.   Once you have installed these you will wonder what took you so long to put them on.  These LEDs install right under the bedrails and out of sight, except when you need them.  I am sure at one time or another you have had to fish around in the dark in the bed of your truck for something.  Now with the flip of a switch, your whole bed will be lit up!

4.  Back-up Camera.  Most new vehicles have a backup camera installed.   They are super handy and help to keep you from backing into the trash can or over the kids toys.  They are also great when you are trying to hookup your trailer (unless of course you have a gooseneck trailer).  There are lots of sources where you can buy a kit and install your very own.

5.  Wireless trailer camera system.  While this isn’t really for your truck, it is great for your own peace of mind.  If you do a lot of hauling and want to keep an eye on your precious cargo, then one of these is just the ticket.  You install the monitor in your truck and the camera in the trailer and voila!  Well, maybe not THAT easy, but still do-able yourself.  And the come wireless, so installation is even easier.

Those are our picks for today.  What accessories are a must have for your truck?  Share them with us by emailing them to leads@waldorfford.com.  If you want more information about Waldorf Ford or any of the new F150s or Superduty trucks we have in stock, check us out online at waldorfford.com – or stop by and see us.  We are located on Route 301N in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.

NASCAR getting ready to race!

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During the days of prohibition a sport was born by speeding alcohol smugglers, who altered their cars in order to escape police.  When prohibition was overturned, there was still a subculture of altering and racing cars, this would become NASCAR.

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Since those humble days, NASCAR has grown to become one of the most popular sports in the United States. A particular section is Stock car racing, which brings us to the upcoming 2013 Sprint Cup race series.

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This year Ford will be racing a Ford Fusion, against Charger, Chevrolet SS and a Toyota Camry.  Penske Racing has switched its manufacturer from Dodge to Ford.

Suffering from a slowdown in fan, NASCAR is rumored to have plans to use the Sprint series as a vehicle to attract new fans and a new generation to the sport. This year, more videos and a larger online presence are expected to help bring in the internet generation.

The race schedule will be held on as follows, be sure to watch, and be sure to come back to the Waldorf Ford blog for more information and future updates.

2013 Schedule

Date Track TV Date Track TV Date Track TV
Feb. 16 Daytona Shootout Fox May 18 Charlotte All-Star Speed Aug. 24 Bristol ABC
Feb. 17 Daytona 500 qualifying Fox May 26 Charlotte Fox Sept. 1 Atlanta ESPN
Feb. 21 Daytona Duel Speed June 2 Dover Fox Sept. 7 Richmond ABC
Feb. 24 Daytona 500 Fox June 9 Pocono TNT Sept. 15 Chicagoland ESPN
March 3 Phoenix Fox June 16 Michigan TNT Sept. 22 New Hampshire ESPN
March 10 Las Vegas Fox June 23 Sonoma TNT Sept. 29 Dover ESPN
March 17 Bristol Fox June 29 Kentucky TNT Oct. 6 Kansas ESPN
March 24 Auto Club Fox July 6 Daytona TNT Oct. 12 Charlotte ABC
April 7 Martinsville Fox July 14 New Hampshire TNT Oct. 20 Talladega ESPN
April 13 Texas Fox July 28 Indianapolis ESPN Oct. 27 Martinsville ESPN
April 21 Kansas Fox Aug. 4 Pocono ESPN Nov. 3 Texas ESPN
April 27 Richmond Fox Aug. 11 Watkins Glen ESPN Nov. 10 Phoenix ESPN
May 5 Talladega Fox Aug. 18 Michigan ESPN Nov. 17 Homestead ESPN

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Social networking

Waldorf Ford and many other great dealers, including Prince Frederick Dodge, Car center, Waldorf Dodge, and more. 

are now taking to social media sites, twitter, tumblr, and of course, here on wordpress. Our readers can expect updates on our stock, (look forward to a future post about the C.Max, and Fusion.) as well as post like this, detailing the relationship between ford and politics through out the century long lifetime of the company, as well as ford fiction, (Everyone from john Steinbeck, as well as Stephen King have wrote about the company, and its cars) 

 

We hope these post entertain, and enlighten you, as well as encourage you, to stop by Waldorf Ford.