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Evolution of Ford Vehicle Technology – Guest Blogger Clarence Ball

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Administrator

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.

In 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. Some 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.

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.

There 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

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Administrator

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.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid – First Drive

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Administrator

Ford has a fixation on the Toyota Prius V, that homely hybrid schlepper of families who demand more cargo room for antiquing or obscenely large Fender stacks. “That popular hybrid that everyone’s talking about,” Ford snidely remarked in its presentation for the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid in West Hollywood, which got a chuckle out of us media types.

But here’s how things work in the product development team, issuing press releases that mention the Toyota Prius V with aplomb: Ford claims more mileage than the Prius V with their C-MAX. The C-MAX is $1,500 cheaper than the Prius V, before federal incentives. It has more range than the Prius V, more horsepower, and can drive in electric mode at a higher top speed as well.

The C-MAX, in itself, is a curious sight on our shores. Based on the European version, it comes to America as a relatively niche product; as a hybrid in lieu of gasoline and diesel versions that Ford sells in Europe, both variants that could eke out more sportiness and cargo room without battery packs. But “we wanted to offer something that was more unique, in terms of what we’ve got for a family vehicle,” says Ford, and a car that “is really speaking to an electrified type product as opposed to just a general product that offers a hybrid.”

So there you have it — the making of an epic brawl between the Ford C-MAX, a European transplant, and the Prius V. Seeing as there are currently no other hybrids in this weird pseudo-wagon segment, it’s an apt comparison. And one that, as we found out, is more complex than we thought.

2013 Ford Explorer Sport – Order banks are OPEN!

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Administrator

New High-Performance Ford Explorer Sport, a Fully Capable SUV Certified to Deliver Class-Leading Fuel Economy

The Ford Explorer Sport high-performance SUV is certified at 365 horsepower, with class-leading EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 city and 22 highway mpg

The Ford Explorer Sport’s standard Terrain Management System^™ has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased EcoBoost^® power

Explorer Sport features an interior inspired by designer fashion accessories, sporty exterior cues, and 20-inch high-performance tires and wheels

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 24, 2012 – Ford’s new Explorer Sport will stand in a class of one when it goes on sale next month with an EPA-certified 22 mpg highway rating, the only seven-passenger, high-performance SUV on the market to do so.

New for the 2013 model year, Ford Explorer Sport arrives, packing a 365 horsepower EcoBoost^® engine, high-fashion interior design and class-leading fuel economy.

“Explorer Sport hits a sweet-spot combination of power, usable torque, 4WD capability, with class-leading fuel efficiency,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor vehicles. “The Explorer Sport EcoBoost engine matches Taurus SHO for output and the Terrain Management System has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased power – regardless of the road or conditions.”

Explorer Sport mixes high-performance SUV power with fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. This is 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg better on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T with 5.7-liter Hemi engines.

Explorer Sport scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the supercharged Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

No compromises

“Explorer Sport is an uncompromised high-performance SUV,” said Gubing. “From making changes to the chassis and suspension, uniquely calibrating the Terrain Management System for added power, we’re delivering an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”

The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic^™transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better highway fuel efficiency.

Ford engineers also added chassis tunnel reinforcements and a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with improved pedal feel and response for drivers, both on-road and off.

This model comes standard with larger brakes for improved pedal feel, stronger resistance to fade and better performance while towing.

Explorer Sport also has received special Terrain Management System settings for optimizing increased power and torque in on-road touring and under sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent conditions. These changes enable a luxurious ride for driving enthusiasts, without the harshness or thirst for fuel of performance-intended competitors.

Development engineers validated snow settings in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and returned to Borrego Springs, Calif. to fine-tune sand settings.

Sport-specific calibration optimizes increased EcoBoost power and consistent torque to specific conditions such as deep sand or snow, at the setting of a console-mounted knob.

Design elements

The 2013 Sport builds on Explorer’s muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup.

Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué.

The Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars.

The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement.

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats.

Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

Comfort, convenience, connectivity

As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:

Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC)
10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar
Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
First-row heated seats
Compass and exterior temperature display
Rearview camera system
SYNC^®with MyFord Touch^®driver connect technology
Sony^®Premium Audio System with HD Radio^™and 12 speakers

Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options:

Adaptive cruise control
BLIS^® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert
Cooled seats
Inflatable rear seat belts
110-volt outlet
PowerFold mirrors
Rain-sensing wipers
Intelligent access with Push-Button Start
Remote Start
Power tilt and telescoping steering column
Adjustable pedals with memory
Dual-panel moonroof
Power liftgate
Class III trailer-towing package

Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility and goes on sale this fall. You can order your Explorer Sport at Waldorf Ford. We are located on Route 301 North in Waldorf MD, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Brand promoter – are you one?

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Administrator

Yesterday, when I was out and about in a 2013 Explorer, I happened to stop at a local grocery store to pickup some things. As I was walking into the grocery store a woman I didn’t know stopped me to ask how I liked my Explorer.

Have you ever had this happen? Seems like I am always being asked about whatever vehicle I am driving – whether it is an Explorer, Edge, Fusion or Super Duty. My answers are always honest about what I like and don’t like, but they do always end up promoting what I am driving. I guess its because I won’t drive it if I don’t like it….but that is probably the case with most of us.

So what did I tell her you ask? Well simply that I really liked the Explorer. It handles well, is roomy and gets decent gas mileage for it’s size. I encouraged her to take it for a test drive at a local event sponsored by our dealership. Hopefully she will and we can add another promoter to the Ford family.

It’s fast, it’s beautiful AND it’s STREET LEGAL.

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Administrator

There is a lot of talk recently about the 2013 Shelby GT500. This car puts out a ridiculous 650 horsepower and 631 foot pounds of torque. It’s fast, it’s beautiful AND it’s STREET LEGAL.

Fast. The force behind the speed is the 5.8L V8 Supercharged engine built here in North America. In fact, it is the most powerful engine ever built in North America. Almost every part of the power train has been tweaked to help maximize horsepower and to convert that horsepower to speed. Built with an all aluminum block, a new supercharger, upgraded cooling system, redesigned connecting rods, higher cooling fan capacity and much more… To help the driver harness all of this power and translate it to sheer speed, Ford developed Launch Control. Launch control combines brake and engine management to help keep the tires from slipping. The unique part of Ford’s system is that the driver can adjust engine speed settings to suit their driving style. Plus they are in control of other settings to help further define their preferences. All of these things (and more) packaged in the restyled exterior help Shelby GT500 achieve speeds in excess of 200 MPH.

Beautiful. Now don’t think for one second that just because the car is fast that you need to drive around town with a paper bag over your head so people don’t recognize you, because the car is ugly. This car is GORGEOUS! 7 different colors, three stripe options, window louvers, side scoops, two wheel choices and more that you can add or take off to suit your taste.

The Recaro seats are a must, in our opinion, if you are going to add the Track package. 2013 brings some modern touches to the Mustang look. HID headlamps with LED lighting are book ends for the updated billet grille which looks great above the thinner, neater lower air dams. The rear deck is updated with LED lamps that have a dark, almost tinted look to them. I swear, the Mustang looks meaner and tougher than it ever has!

Street legal. The question is can something this mean looking and fast really be street legal? YOU BET IT CAN – and it is! This car will turn heads with its looks and its roar. It is proof positive that Mustang’s do lead the pack of muscle cars. In the 1970’s many drag racers were looking for a car like this, something that could run a ¼ mile in 10 – 12 seconds. Now you can get it right off the showroom floor and take it to MIR and post those times…or quicker!

There will be a limited supply of the Shelby GT500 here at Waldorf Ford, in Southern Maryland and nationally. Don’t let that stop you from coming in to see what we have. If we don’t have one available, we might just have another Mustang that will fill that need for speed for you.

Thinking about a car wash and found these great tips

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Administrator

I don’t know where you live, but here in Southern Maryland the amount of pollen in the air is unbelievable. To make things worse we haven’t had any real rain in weeks. So everything is covered in a thick yellow/green layer of pollen and dirt. It’s driving me batty! The answer…wash my car of course

If you don’t want to go to the car wash, here are some tips from the good folks over at ConsumerReports.

When should I wash the car?
Don’t… wait for a layer of crud to accumulate before washing. Dead bugs, bird droppings, and chemicals from the atmosphere all leach acids that can strip away wax and eventually eat into your car’s paint. If left too long, they can cause damage that requires sanding and repainting the area to correct.

Do… wash off dead bugs, bird droppings, and tree-sap mist as soon as possible. Other than this, a weekly car wash will keep the finish in its best shape. In addition, if you live in an area that suffers from acid rain, rinse your vehicle off after a period of rainy weather. Otherwise, acidic chemicals in the rainwater will be left on the surface after the droplets have evaporated, leaving a mark that can permanently mar the paint.

What kind of products should I use?
Don’t… use household cleaning agents like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, or glass cleaner on the paint. These aren’t formulated for use on a car’s paint and may strip off the protective wax.

Do… use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint. Apply the suds with a large, soft natural sponge or a lamb’s-wool mitt. See our car wax buying advice for tips on all types of waxes.

Grease, rubber, and road-tar deposits picked up from the road often accumulate around the wheel wells and along the lower edge of the body. These can be stubborn to remove and may require a stronger product, such as a bug-and-tar remover. Use a soft, nonabrasive cloth to remove these deposits, as they can quickly blacken your sponge.

Use a separate sponge to clean the wheels and tires, which may be coated with sand, brake dust, and other debris that could mar the car’s finish. Mild soap and water may work here; if not, a dedicated wheel cleaner may be required. Be sure the cleaner is compatible with the type of finish (paint, clear-coat, chrome, etc.) used on the wheels. A strong formula intended for mag wheels, for instance, can damage the clear coat that’s used on the wheels that come on today’s cars. To be on the safe side, choose a cleaner that’s labeled as safe for use on all wheels.

Are there any general guidelines I should follow when washing a car?
Don’t… wash your car when the body is hot, such as immediately after driving it or after it has been parked in direct sunlight for awhile. Heat speeds the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the chances that spots or deposits will form.

Don’t move the sponge in circles. This can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise across the hood and other body panels. And don’t continue using a sponge that’s dropped on the ground without thoroughly rinsing it out. The sponge can pick up dirt particles that can scratch the paint.

Do… rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching. Once you begin, concentrate on one section at a time, washing and rinsing each area completely before moving on to the next one. This ensures that you have plenty of time to rinse before the soap dries. Start at the top, and then work your way around the car.

Work the car-wash solution into a lather with plenty of suds that provide lots of lubrication on the paint surface. And rinse the sponge often. Using a separate bucket to rinse the sponge keeps dirt from getting mixed into the sudsy wash water.

When rinsing, use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom. This creates a sheeting action that helps minimize pooling of water.

How should I dry the car when I’m done?
Don’t… let the car air dry, and don’t expect a drive around the block to do an effective job. Either will leave watermarks, which in areas with hard water are the minerals left after evaporation. In addition, don’t use an abrasive towel or other material that can leave hairline scratches in the paint.

Do… use a chamois (natural or synthetic) or soft terry towels. If you choose towels, you may need several. It’s best to blot the water up instead of dragging the towel or chamois over the paint. The drying process can be speeded up by using a soft squeegee to remove most of the water on the body, but be sure the rubber is pliable and that it doesn’t pick up bits of dirt that can cause scratches.

Well, there you have it. It’s a lot of work to keep your Ford vehicle clean, but will be well worth it when you decide to trade it in.

Stay tuned as we add more articles that hopefully you will find informative. If you have a topic you would like us to cover, feel free to email us at leads@waldorfford.com. Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf MD, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.

Coming Late 2012 is the 2013 Focus ST – did you say HOT RIDE!

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Administrator

This racing inspired model is going to turn heads for sure. Now, don’t think this is just another wanna be, the development was overseen by Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles, Jost Capito. Before coming to Ford, Jost was the head of Red Bull Sauber’s F1 program, headed Porche’s racing efforts and in 1985 won the Paris-Dakar race truck category. So we are thinking this guy knows a little bit about racing.

The Focus ST will come with a 2 liter ecoboost engine putting out 247 horsepower and a 6 speed manual transmission. Also Ford has added high performance brakes and a sport tuned suspension. The exhaust has also been upgraded and tuned to give this racer a throatier sound. Finally, the ST will have lower springs and stiffer shock absorbers which allowed Ford to lower the center of gravity and giving it a meaner stance.

Driving the 2013 Ford Focus ST Video

The look of the ST is different too. It will have a unique black honeycomb grille and a larger rear spoiler for better high speed stability. The colors are unique to ST as well; performance blue, race red, white and tangerine scream, the signature color for ST.

Inside you will have the benefit of adding Recaro race inspired seating and specially designed sport pedals. They even redesigned the rear seating to give more stability to those passengers during vigorous driving maneuvers.

So, stay tuned for more news on Focus ST. If you want to find out when we expect them to start arriving here at Waldorf Ford, check us out online at waldorfford.com or stop by and see us. We are located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.

How many ways can I customize a Mustang?

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Administrator

“Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.” Henry Ford.

The thinking at Ford Motor Company has changed a lot since 1906 when Henry Ford made the above quote. Imagine today telling a potential Mustang owner (or any other Ford model) that they can only get their car in black?

If the amount of customization is any indication, This year promises to be a spectacular year for the classic car. For the V6 model ONLY there are 9 color choices, 8 body kits, 5 different decklids, 8 grilles, 4 hoods, 4 louvers, 8 roof choices, you can get it with or without side scoops, 3 side skirts, 8 different spoilers, and 22 different wheels – YES, 22 WHEELS! That isn’t it either, there are choices for door handles, door trim, fuel doors, headlights, hoodpins, side mirrors and 23 choices for stripes and decals. What is even more amazing is that this is JUST THE EXTERIOR! Finally the icing on the cake is that you still have 3 other trim levels to choose from and customizations for all of those!

So, when you are ready to take the plunge and start shopping for a 2013 Mustang, and you start feeling a little overwhelmed by the choices, stop in and see us at Waldorf Ford. We will be happy to sit down and go through it all with you and help you make your PERFECT Mustang. Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC. Call 800-883-1487.

P.S. This is MY Perfect Mustang

My Perfect Mustang

Fun at the Southern Maryland Food Bank

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Administrator

Wow, where did the time go. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and not far behind is Christmas and the end of 2011. We at Waldorf Ford and Waldorf Dodge, try very hard to give back to our communities by not only donating money, but by also donating our time and resources. We regularly go to the Humane Society of Charles County to highlight animals in need of new homes. This time we decided to head to the Southern Maryland Food Bank to talk to them about what they do and to see what we, as a community, could do to help them to help others. Check out the video of our visit.

Can you believe the amount of food that they distribute out of such a small space?! We were amazed. As you can see they need more help. So, if you would like to donate food or money, you can contact them at Southern Maryland Food Bank. We are grateful to have them serving our community.