Planet Ford Honors Spring ISD Educators with New SUV, $2,500 Award for Excellence

SPRING, Texas — Planet Ford in Spring, Texas proudly continues its long-standing tradition of celebrating excellence in education by honoring top educators during the Spring ISD Employee Recognition Banquet held Friday, May 8th.

During the special evening, Shawn Burns, General Manager/Operating Partner of Planet Ford awarded a brand-new Ford Escape to Spring ISD Teacher of the Year Gregory Sevor of Bailey Middle School. Sevor was recognized on stage alongside Burns and Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar as district leaders, educators and community supporters gathered to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Spring ISD employees.

In addition, Teacher of the Year Runner-Up Hannah Greer of Meyer Elementary School was awarded a $2,500 Visa gift card by Burns, also provided by Planet Ford and the Randall Reed family, in recognition of her dedication and impact on students and the Spring ISD community.

“Teachers play one of the most important roles in shaping the future of our communities,” said Burns, GM/OP Planet Ford on I-45. “It is truly an honor for Planet Ford to recognize and reward educators who go above and beyond every day for their students. Gregory and Hannah represent the very best of Spring ISD, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

Planet Ford, which is family owned by the Randall Reed family, has been a longtime supporter of education initiatives throughout the Greater Houston area, partnering with local school districts, education foundations and community organizations to invest in students, teachers and schools.

“Our communities thrive because of the dedication, care, and never-ending pursuit of education for students that our teachers and school teams provide,” said Shelby Reed, owner of Planet Ford and President of World Class Automotive Group. “We so thankful to be able to have our dealerships share in celebrating those who do so much.”

The support of Spring ISD, among other causes, reflects the World Class commitment to giving back to the community and recognizing the those who make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families and our cities.

For more information about Planet Ford in Spring, Texas (serving greater Houston, The Woodlands, Tomball, Conroe, Aldine, Cypress areas) and its community involvement efforts, visit Planet Ford Spring Community page at PlanetFord45.com.

Spring ISD Teacher of the Year Drives Home in New Ford SUV Gifted by Planet Ford in Spring, Texas and the Randall Reed Family

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App Leads the Way for Off Roaders

Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful desert expanse. A hawk glides overhead. A breeze swirls around wild cactus flowers. It’s the picture-perfect setting for any first-time off-roader. Now, open your eyes because this isn’t that.

This is King of the Hammers (KOH), a rough and raucous off-road competition. Held every January, the event draws a crowd of 80,000 strong into California’s Johnson Valley, a desert landscape about two hours northeast of Los Angeles.

What started as a friendly weekend showdown between buddies has turned into a yearly Mecca for off-roading enthusiasts from across the globe. This year, it also drew Ford’s own Jaife Rainelli and Brittany Pauley, members of the Integrated Services team and off-roading newbies.

OnX Empowers New Off-Roaders to Explore

Rainelli and Pauley spend their days strategizing and executing marketing plans with like-minded brands to deliver Ford customers amazing in-vehicle experiences. OnX, a leader in digital outdoor navigation, is one such collaboration. The two companies are teaming up to give eligible Ford owners one year of complimentary access to the onX suite of apps, which can be used seamlessly in-vehicle with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to get outside and explore.1

Driving at KOH was the perfect opportunity to test the onX capabilities, so Rainelli took the wheel of an F-150 Raptor and Pauley the Bronco Raptor to navigate some of the world’s most difficult terrain.

Both women were rookies in their own right. “I’d been off-roading with my husband, but never in the driver’s seat,” Pauley said. “I’d definitely never driven anything like the Bronco Raptor, and I instantly fell in love.”

Rainelli had attended Ford’s Bronco Off-Roadeo in Austin, Texas, but the desert was a far cry from her coastline upbringing. Being born and raised in Miami, “the desert, driving over rocks, has never been that intriguing to me,” Rainelli admitted. “There was just never any terrain on which to off-road. It wasn’t something my family did.”

From Craggy Canyons to Dusty Dunes

The route they planned via onX took the resolute duo around famous Johnson Valley landmarks, including steep boulders with rocks as large as bank vaults.

Over the course of their day, they navigated soft sand dunes, using the Bronco Goes Over Any Type of Terrain (G.O.A.T.) modes, which adapt steering, handling, and powertrain to various terrain, including sand and rocks.

G. O. A. T. Modes

Switching from Rock Crawl mode to Baja mode, Pauley’s Bronco Raptor could easily transition from scaling rocks to cruising down a stretch of dirt road.

With the Sand mode, they learned to keep momentum to stay atop deceiving terrain. Pauley marveled at how capably the Bronco Raptor scaled rocks in Rock Crawl mode, then switched into Baja mode and cruised down a stretch of dirt road. Even Rainelli’s longer wheel-based F-150 Raptor took every challenge in stride.

‘Like I Had a Trusted Guide’

The off-roading learning curve is almost as steep as the terrain itself. From eye placement to speed modulation to line choice, having the right vehicles and navigation tools helps turn a challenge into an adventure.

The experience gave Rainelli a new appreciation for the onX app. “Even without paved roads, it took us to the right location, and the directions were easily displayed on the in-vehicle screen,” she said.

Because she was able to download maps beforehand, losing cell service never meant losing direction. “It made me feel more confident, like I had a trusted guide, even when I lost the lead car in front of me,” Rainelli said.

Finding Magic in the Dirt

Even after returning home, Pauley and Rainelli admitted that the desert stayed with them.

Pauley, for one, said she wants more of it: “I feel confident and genuinely excited to continue conquering all different terrains. I love how my passion for adventure has integrated into my career here at Ford. It makes it all more meaningful.”

Even though Rainelli grew up by the water, she made a strong connection. “Looking out onto the vast desert was the same feeling I’d have on a boat in the middle of the ocean,” she said. “Now, I totally get why off-roaders love what they do. It’s an inexplicable experience, almost spiritual.”

“I feel confident and genuinely excited to continue conquering all different terrains.”

Brittany Pauley

“To reach the highest peak and find a view most people will never see, that’s magic,” she added. “And I can’t wait to do it with my family.”

And she’s not just saying that: Immediately after her KOH experience, she bought a Bronco Badlands. When the marketing experience works on the folks who put it together, you know you’re doing something right.

To learn more, check out the video below and visit onxmaps.com/ford to start your adventure today.

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Ford Leads the Way in American Auto Manufacturing Growth

According to a Washington Reporter article, recent industry data released this week is shining a spotlight on the growing strength of American auto manufacturing — and Ford Motor Company is leading the charge.

According to new figures from S&P Global Mobility, Ford imported fewer finished vehicles into the United States in 2025 than nearly every major automaker except Tesla and BMW. The report showed Ford imported 378,123 vehicles, while several competing automakers imported more than one million vehicles into the U.S.

The data highlights Ford’s continued investment in American manufacturing and workforce development as demand grows for vehicles built right here in the United States.

Ford CEO Jim Farley recently shared that Ford assembled more than 2 million vehicles in America last year — the highest total of any automaker. In fact, Ford built six vehicles in the United States for every one vehicle it imported. Even more notable, 83 percent of the vehicles Ford sold in the U.S. during 2025 were assembled domestically, up from roughly 80 percent the previous year.

Ford’s continued investment in American manufacturing includes major projects and expansion efforts across multiple states, including Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. The automaker says those investments will support future gas-powered, hybrid and electric vehicle production, along with battery and energy storage technologies.

The manufacturing growth comes as policymakers continue discussing efforts aimed at strengthening domestic production and reshoring jobs back to the United States. Several elected officials cited the latest numbers as evidence of renewed momentum for American automotive manufacturing and workforce investment.

For customers, the data reinforces what many Ford drivers already appreciate — Ford continues to build many of its most popular trucks, SUVs and vehicles in America while investing heavily in innovation, technology and the future of mobility.

At Planet Ford in Spring, Texas, we’re proud to offer a lineup of vehicles from a company with a longstanding commitment to American manufacturing, hardworking communities and automotive excellence. From legendary Ford trucks to family-friendly SUVs and advanced hybrid and electric vehicles, Ford continues to deliver vehicles designed for the way Americans drive.

When you’re ready to shop for your next vehicle, visit Planet Ford in Spring and discover why so many drivers continue to choose Ford.

Source: https://washingtonreporter.news/exclusive-trump-policies-drive-auto-manufacturing-surge-83-of-ford-vehicles-now-built-in-u-s/

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Supercharged Ford News

Planet Ford has some new you’ll want to read fast! Ford is making it easier than ever to unlock next-level performance with a new factory-backed Supercharger Kit for the 2026 Ford F-150 and Mustang 5.0L V8 lineup.

Developed in partnership with Whipple Superchargers, this turn-key upgrade delivers serious, track-ready power with factory engineering and warranty support.

🔧 Next-Level Power Gains

  • 2026 Ford F-150 5.0L V8: up to 700 hp and 590 lb.-ft. torque
  • 2026 Mustang GT / Dark Horse:
    • up to 810 hp (with active valve exhaust)
    • 800 hp (standard exhaust)

🏁 Built Ford Tough—Now Built Ford Faster

  • Engineered to Ford’s 100,000-mile durability standards
  • Includes 3-year / 36,000-mile Ford Racing Parts warranty
  • Factory-backed performance upgrades—no guesswork, no compromise
  • Vehicle top speed remains unchanged from production configuration

This is performance you can feel, backed by engineering you can trust.

🛻 Perfect Match: The F-150 Lobo

The new F-150 Lobo street truck sets the stage for this upgrade—delivering aggressive styling and now even more capability for drivers who want standout performance on the street.

🔩 Customize Your Ford Your Way

Ford continues expanding how owners can personalize their vehicles—from performance upgrades to factory accessories:

Explore options here: Ford Accessories

Learn more about Ford: Ford Official Site

🏁 Planet Ford Can Build Your Dream Ride

At Planet Ford in Spring, TX, we can help you take advantage of Ford’s latest performance and accessory options—from factory upgrades to fully customized builds.

Visit us off I-45 (Louetta) or at PlanetFord45.com and let’s turn your Ford into your dream machine.

Source: Ford Media — Ford Racing Parts / Ford Custom Garage operations

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Ford News: F-150, Maverick Make Consumer Reports 2026 Top 10 Picks!

At Planet Ford in Spring, TX (serving The Woodlands, Conroe, greater Houston) Ford is always our top pick and it is for our clients too, especially our Ford trucks. Now, Consumer Reports’ (CR) latest rankings has it in their 2026 Top 10 Picks and its first-ever Safety Verdict rankings.

Built Ford Tough Performance.  The inclusion of the Ford F-150 marks the first time a full-size truck has made the list since 2019. That is thanks to improvements in predicted reliability, 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid performance and available BlueCruise. Plus, it was a stand out for its strong powertrains, roomy cabin, and simple controls.

Leader of the Pack! The Ford Maverick continues to lead the small pickup category. It was noted for its affordability, reliability, smooth ride, and the impressive 37 mpg overall from Maverick hybrid.

These wins solidify Ford’s reputation for trucks that balance utility with efficiency.

Power Up Your Safety. Consumer Reports also shared its new Safety Verdict rankings, which incorporate their evaluations for handling and ease of use, crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and whether proven safety technologies are available as standard equipment. Visit CR to learn more, including how Ford’s sister brand, Lincoln earned their own great rankings!

Our sister store, Planet Lincoln on I-45 in Spring is loving the Consumer Reports rankings as well. The publication identified Lincoln as a top safety leader — ranking 4th overall and beating brands like Toyota, Honda, and Volvo by making advanced safety tech standard.

“It’s encouraging to see F-150 and Maverick earning two spots among Consumer Reports’ Top 10 Picks in New Cars, plus Lincoln ranking fourth in the new Safety Verdict rankings,” saidJosh Haliburton, Ford Executive Director of Quality. “Combined with Ford earning our best reliability finish in 15 years this past fall in Consumer Reports’ Reliability Rankings, these milestones show we are moving in the right direction. However, we aren’t resting on these achievements. We remain laser-focused on improving quality for our customers in every vehicle we assemble.”

Ready for to make Ford your top pick, too? Visit us on 204031 I-45 N. in Spring or PlanetFord45.com.

Source: https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2026/consumer-reports-2026-top-10-picks-ford-lincoln

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World Class Automotive President Among Ford Lincoln’s Rising Leaders

World Class Automotive Group proudly announces that Shelby Reed, co-owner of Planet Ford Lincoln and President of Reed Family Enterprises, is one of just 16 participants nationwide to graduate from Ford Motor Company’s inaugural Rising Leaders program.

The year-long, competitive program culminated in a recent graduation ceremony at Ford headquarters in Michigan, recognizing the first class of trailblazers poised to shape the future of the automotive industry and the dealership network.

“It’s a privilege to have joined the first class of Ford Rising Leaders,” said Shelby Reed. “I had the opportunity to network with dealer colleagues, interact with key Ford executives, and deepen my understanding of the business. I’m leaving the program more confident in Ford and Lincoln, and its bright future.”

Designed to empower the next generation of dealer leadership, the Rising Leaders program includes a blend of in-person and virtual sessions, dealer forums, executive interactions, and unique insights into Ford and Lincoln’s product innovations and history.

“We created this program to invest in our future leaders and strengthen our dealer network,” said Elena Ford, Chief Dealer Engagement Officer, Ford Motor Company. “The positive feedback and success from this inaugural class will allow us to expand the Rising Leaders program significantly moving forward.”

“This is a very exciting program,” said Randall Reed, CEO of World Class Automotive Group and Reed Family Enterprises. “We are thrilled one of our very own world-class stars was among Ford and Lincoln’s class of rising stars.”

Ford offers a range of immersive, in-person training programs, but Rising Leaders stands out by providing exclusive, small-group access to top-tier leadership development tailored to future dealer principals.

About World Class Automotive Group

World Class Automotive is owned by Randall, Sherry, and Shelby Reed. The family-owned business is comprised of several award-winning dealerships throughout Texas, including: The #1 Ford dealership* in Texas, Planet Ford in Spring, Planet Lincoln in Spring, Planet Ford in Humble, Planet Ford 635 (formerly Prestige Ford) in Garland, Planet Ford Dallas Love Field (formerly Park Cities Ford), and Planet Lincoln Dallas Love Field. Since 1996, the automotive group has earned well over 350 awards and achievements. Learn more at ReedHasIt.com

*Based on retail Ford sales reported by Ford annually since 1998

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Join the Historic Food Drive | Planet Ford, Spring

Planet Ford in Spring, Texas is thankful to be part of gathering donations to help fight hunger in our community and to be part of the Ford Building Together initiative.

September 14-25th, our Houston-area Ford dealership is asking our community members to help make history with the first dealer-dedicated food drive.

Drop off non-perishable items from the list to Planet Ford’s new car showroom at 20403 I-34 off the Louetta exit.

All donations will be delivered to the Montgomery County Food Banks to help battle hunger in our community.

When we all give a little, we can help a lot of people. PlanetFord45.com.

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Ford Ramps Up Public Fast Charging Access | Planet Ford

News for EV drivers to get charged up about! Over 800 Ford dealerships and counting are providing public access to more than 3,000 DC fast chargers to help electric vehicle drivers road trip to their favorite destinations, regardless of vehicle make or model, with less stress and more convenience.

Search the Network

Ford dealers have the option to choose a charging provider of their choice, and hundreds chose Ford to manage the reliable operations for nearly 1,200 of these DC fast chargers. These DC fast chargers are on a charging network called Ford Charge, which we are officially launching today. Ford Charge is backed by Ford and provides reliable fast charging at over 320 Ford dealerships across the U.S. and Canada. These public chargers are open to all compatible electric vehicles.

BlueOval Charge Network

All chargers at Ford Dealerships are part of the BlueOval Charge Network, North America’s largest integrated network, and gives Ford electric vehicle drivers access to fast chargers within 18 miles on most U.S. highways. The BlueOval Charge Network helps make finding a charger easy through one app and offers the convenience of Plug and Charge through the Tesla Supercharger and Electrify America networks.

The BlueOvalCharge Network now has more than 126,000 chargers, including more than 28,000 fast chargers, with more being added every week.

The network provides one seamless stored payment account through the FordPass App, or Charge Assist (soon to be “Public Charge” App in the vehicle touchscreen), that eliminates the need for onsite credit card use. Once owners have created an account, they can then select, activate, and pay for charging by using the FordPass App’s “View Chargers” functionality.

Ford customers can enjoy trip planning, routing and charging payment through FordPass Power My Trip on both the FordPass App and via Charge Assist (soon to be “Public Charge” App) on the in-vehicle touchscreen (Tesla Superchargers route planning coming in the future).

Ready for your EV or need to charge up? Visit Planet Ford in Spring on I-45 off Louetta. PlanetFord45.com.

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Planet Ford, Lincoln Donates Aviator for Delaney High School Automotive Program

Planet Ford in Spring, TX, along with Planet Lincoln in Spring in support of Ford and Lincoln believe it is key to give back to our communities, especially our youth and educational institutions. It was our honor to present a 2024 Lincoln Aviator to Spring ISD’s Dekaney High School’s automotive program.

Delaney students, staff, district leaders, community members and team members from Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln gathered at Spring ISD’s Dekaney High School this week to present the new vehicle and celebrate a special donation.

Planet Ford and Lincoln donated this high-tech vehicle to help accelerate learning and allow scholars the hands-on access needed to understand modern automotive technology.

According to Spring ISD, the donation is especially meaningful for students who have previously trained on aging vehicles with limited technology. The 2024 Lincoln Aviator allows them, for the first time, access to a nearly new model equipped with more than 10 onboard computers. With its advanced systems and modern features, the vehicle opens the door to hands-on training in diagnostics, electrical components, and technology students will encounter in today’s automotive industry.

Spring ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar praised the moment, calling it a point of pride for the district. “My heart is so full right now for the students to get this opportunity,” Cuellar said. “With the partnership of Planet Ford, I have immense gratitude. They have been a critical partner for Spring ISD. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that means the world to this fantastic program, our students, and our district.”

Brad Stapp, Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln Operations Director said, “Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln are committed to helping students prepare for real-world careers. Giving them the ability to work on vehicles of today, will make for better automotive professionals down the road.”

“This is such a special chance for the kids because this car is equipped with all of the modern technology,” Mr. Stapp added. “We have a longtime relationship with Spring ISD and want to continue to grow it. These students are the future of the industry, and we want to do what we can to help develop them.”

At Dekaney, the donation drew students in. P-TECH scholar Alicia Toussaint stepped forward for a closer look, honking the horn and grinning as classmates clustered around the Aviator. “When I found out, I was so excited. Not a lot of students get a chance to work on something like this, so I can’t stop smiling,” she said.

“You don’t see a lot of girls in automotive, but being able to work on cars like this could help build interest,” Toussaint added. “It’s important for girls to know they can work on cars too.”

With the Lincoln Aviator now in the shop, Dekaney’s P-TECH students will get firsthand experience with modern systems while strengthening the district’s connection to Planet Ford, a partner invested in students’ futures.

To learn more about Planet Ford or Planet Lincoln, visit the dealerships on I-45 in Spring (serving The Woodlands, Conroe, Cypress, Aldine and greater Houston) or PlanetFord.com

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Ford Garners J.D. Power Awards | Planet Ford News

It comes as no surprise to our team at Planet Ford, that Ford vehicles have earned more accolades. Recently, Ford earned the most segment awards in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study and now in J.D. Power 2025 U.S. APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) Study. It measures customer satisfaction with new vehicles after 90 days of ownership. APEAL considers design, performance, safety, usability, comfort, perceived quality and more.

The 2025 Ford F-Series Super Duty, 2025 Ford Mustang and 2025 Lincoln Nautilus each were named the most appealing vehicle in their respective segments: large heavy-duty pickups, sporty car and midsize premium SUV.

Super Duty continues its top APEAL ranking for the second consecutive year, with Mustang and Nautilus also topping their segments. Together, these wins give Ford Motor Company its best overall APEAL showing since 2019.

Super Duty and Mustang APEAL results also follow their segment-topping performances in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study, delivering both the highest initial quality and the highest satisfaction among owners, according to J.D. Power.

The Ford brand improved one spot to No. 12 among mass market brands, and the Lincoln brand climbed one spot to No. 5 overall in the premium segment.

All of this demonstrates Ford continues are on the right track in delivering an exceptional experience for customers. Ford continually incorporate customer feedback from sources like J.D. Power and internal measures to ensure our vehicles consistently exceed expectations.

Ready for your own new Ford? Our award-winning team at Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring (serving greater Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe, Cypress, Aldine) can help. From Ford F-150 and Super Duty to Bronco, Exporer, EVs and more, we are your #1 Houston-area Ford store. PlanetFord45.com

Source: Media.Ford.com

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