Waldorf Ford Awarded Ford’s Triple Crown for Exceptional Sales & Customer Service Record
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.
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.”
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!
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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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Take a look; a view from our lunch room! Stop in today to take advantage of great #presidents day deals & specials!
Visit Waldorf Ford at 2440 Crain Hwy, Waldrof, MD 20601
Visit us at http://www.waldorfford.com
Call: New Ford Sales: (800) 883-1487
Pre-Owned Sales: (800) 883-2818
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.
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.
“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.
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