Meet the First Mustang Owner

Posted on September 8, 2014 by admin

Screen Shot 2014-09-08 at 9.32.10 AMOur team at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring is excited that the first 2015 Ford Mustangs are now rolling out of the Flat Rock plant. As we prepare for the new, we look back to the past and reflect on 50 years of pure pony power with the owner of the very first Mustang sold.

On April 15, 1964, Gail Brown, a teacher fresh out of college was looking for her first new car. Little did she realize that by the end of that day, she would become the first retail customer to buy a new Ford Mustang. She had one before it was even unveiled at the World Fair.

It was a salesman who changed her fate. She wanted a convertible. The salesperson said he didn’t have any but told her to come to another room. When he removed the cover from the vehicle, there it was. A baby blue convertible. She was sold. And you won’t believe what she paid for it.

Just take a look at her story…

As you can see, 50 years later, Gail Wise and her husband Tom still own that baby blue Mustang convertible. Ready to own your own dream ride? Come take a test drive at Planet Ford in Spring (serving The Woodlands, Pasadena, Cleveland and the greater Houston area). Shop online anytime at www.PlanetFord45.com!

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Planet Ford Celebrates Employee Milestones

Posted on September 2, 2014 by admin
Shawn Burns (left) recognizes all of Planet Ford in Spring birthdays, anniversaries and honors.

Shawn Burns (left) recognizes all of Planet Ford in Spring birthdays, anniversaries and honors.

At Planet Ford in Spring, Texas we have a group of amazing employees. The right team who truly cares about each other and the customers makes all the difference.

Each month we like to celebrate all of their major milestones including birthdays, anniversaries and honors.

We had lots of August birthdays! Happy birthday to you all.  We also celebrated all of the anniversaries, including 21 years of service by Dale Deskins. We are thankful to have so many long-time team members with us.

Last but not least, congrats to our Employee of the Month, Sean Currie. Great job! Keep up all of the wonderful work. We appreciate the ongoing hard work and wonderful customer dedication.

To learn more about Planet Ford in Spring (serving Houston, The Woodlands, Atascocita, Aldine, Cypress & Conroe), visit www.PlanetFord45.com. We’re your source for new Fords, certified pre-owned Fords and used vehicles!

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Planet Ford Locations Donate 100 Helmets to Little League Football

Posted on August 29, 2014 by admin

At Planet Ford, our team always strives to find ways help our community, especially our local schools and the kids.  Recently, we had the opportunity to help keep 100 little Spring Jr. Lions who were in need. The Reed family and Planet Ford stores donated 100 brand new football helmets.

Randall Reed, Owner, Chuck Kramer, Planet Ford in Humble GM/OP, and Shawn Burns, Planet Ford in Spring GM/OP, heard local pee wee football players were using old and potentially unsafe helmets. The Reed family and dealerships called a timeout.

“We all have children, and we all know how important it is to take the proper precautions, such as the right equipment when playing sports,” said Mr. Burns.  “So, we went out and immediately purchased 100 helmets for the upcoming Spring Jr. Lions football season,” said Mr. Kramer.

“We are happy to see kids getting outdoors, getting healthy exercise and having fun,” said Mr. Reed. “We were honored to be able to chip in to ensure the kids are safe out there on the field. Even small players can be at a big risk.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year U.S. emergency departments treat approximately 135,000 children ages 5 to 18 for sports-related brain injuries.

Many of those injuries are concussions, and the children recover. However, the prognosis for children who suffer repeat concussions, even mild ones, is considered part of the great unknown. Experts say, repeat concussions could put a child at risk for crippling conditions including: dementia, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders that require neurosurgery. That’s not something most people are pondering on the sidelines of a peewee football game.

Overall, over 1.7 million people a year injure their brains in an accident, a fall or on the playing field. About 75 percent of these brain injuries are concussions or other milder injuries. But some are deadly. About 52,000 people a year die from brain injuries and 275,000 are hospitalized.

To learn more about sport’s safety for your children, you can visit sites such as WebMD. To learn more about Planet Ford in Spring on I-45 (serving The Woodlands, Aldine, Cypress, Houston areas) and Planet Ford in Humble on Hwy. 59 (serving Kingwood, Atascocita, Katy and Houston areas), visit www.PlanetFord.com.

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Planet Ford’s Hot Weather Car Care Tips

Posted on August 27, 2014 by admin

2013-7-24-14-39-30The temperatures are still sky high and not likely to give us much relief anytime soon in Spring. So, our team at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford (serving The Woodlands, Conroe, Aldine and the greater Houston area) has some quick hot weather car tips to keep in mind this summer season.

Maintenance Matters
This may go without saying, but make sure you do all of your regular scheduled maintenance — from oil changes to filter changes. Many dealerships and service stations, including ours, conduct a general check of various components such as tires, brakes, etc. Make sure to ask if that is available to ensure your car, truck or SUV is in overall general good health.

Under Pressure
Your tires are the only thing between you and the road, so it’s key to make sure they are in good shape and that they are properly aired up as well. See your manual or tire instructions and adhere to the suggested air pressure. It not only helps the life of the tire and can help improve the quality of your vehicle’s ride and the overall MPG.

Interior Protection
Car shades and window tint also play a role in maintaining you vehicle after months of warm weather. These can help reduce the temp inside the car, which can reach upwards of 125-140 degrees Fahrenheit on a 90-100 degree F summer day. Furthermore, more comfortable driving environments can help reduce fatigue of the driver.

Summer-car-maintenance-tipsdKeep Cool
Engines have to work extra hard during the summer months. Without proper cooling system maintenance, you car becomes more at risk for long term engine damage. Engine coolant should be changed roughly 30,000 miles, though you should be safe up to 50,000 if you have a modern car using modern coolant formulas.

Battery Basics
Over time, the heat can do a real number on your battery. So while you may think that heat won’t last much longer, the same may be true for your battery. It’s a good idea to get your battery checked every couple months. Remember to keep your battery clean, as dirt can become a conductor that will ultimately drain power from your battery.

Be Prepared
It’s a fact of life, breakdowns happen. From tire mishaps to dead batteries, it’s always good to have an emergency road kit on hand. Some basic items include water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools, coolant, and a first aid kit.

When in doubt, bring your car in and let our team at Planet Ford check it out. Visit us online at www.PlanetFord45.com to schedule an appointment!

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2015 F-150 Sees New Aerodynamic Design

Posted on August 27, 2014 by admin

15F150-Windtunnel_0164We all know the storied legacy of the Ford F-150. Well, the Ford team has been hard at work building on past success of the F-150, and their efforts are apparent in the all-new 2015 F-150. Not only does this new model maintain the rugged, tough exterior of past F-150s, but it has also seen drastic increases in aerodynamic efficiency.

Engineers and designs of the F-150 had quite the daunting task ahead of them; it’s difficult to make improvements to the world’s most popular pickup truck. Nevertheless, they buckled down to create an aerodynamic, fuel-efficient design without sacrificing the rugged idiosyncrasies of Ford trucks. With bold contours and squared paneling, the all-new 2015 is built to last while reducing your trips to the pump.F150_Aero_Graphic

“The truck’s sharp, boxy shape gives it a tough appearance, but actually the key to the design is aerodynamic efficiency – getting the most out of the shape,” said Brad Richards, Ford F-150 exterior design manager. “We made F-150 look tough and capable, while also reducing wind resistance.”

According to Ford, testing clay models allowed designers to see exactly where they could improve, including:

  • Flush-mounted windshield eliminates need for molding that would disrupt smooth airflow
  • Tailgate top is designed to act as a spoiler, giving air that flows off the roof a place to land before smoothly trailing off, reducing turbulence behind the truck
  • Cargo box is narrower than the cab, with no reduction in box volume, which enhances airflow, while a trim piece prevents air from getting trapped between cab and box
  • Rear corners including taillamps are precisely angled so air breaks off cleanly, reducing turbulence behind the truck
  • The duct under the headlamp channels air through to the wheel housing and reduces the wake generated from the wheel.

2015 Ford F-150: Toughest and Most AerodynamicWith dropped beltline styling around the headlamps and taillamps, the beveled angles and edges pop even more. “The shapes, lines, angles and motifs are much stronger on the all-new F-150, and the chiseled edges convey toughness,” said Richards. “The hallmark beltline along the outside mirrors is the strongest piece of Built Ford Tough DNA. That’s inspired by heavy equipment such as cranes and bulldozers. It looks good, but it also improves driver visibility.”

Our team can’t wait to get a hold of these awesome new trucks! Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on the 2015 F-150 and other Ford models. Stop by the Planet Ford dealership in Spring (also serving Conroe, The Woodlands, and the greater Houston area) or visit us online at www.PlanetFord45.com!

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2015 Ford F-150, RAM 1500, Chevy Silverado Battle in Uphill Towing

Posted on August 25, 2014 by randall

Imagine this… three trucks pulling an identical 7,000 lbs. in unforgiving heat. The air conditioning is running on high and the trucks are taking on a 6 percent grade up a three-mile stretch of Davis Dam in northern Arizona.

The contenders are lined up and ready to battle for king of the uphill towing title. The trucks that are ready to roll include: the 2.7-liter 2015 Ford F-150, the size of a four-cylinder with the ability to match a V8 for work; the Chevy 1500 Silverado, powered by a 5.3 V8 and the RAM 1500 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. At Randall Reed’s Planet Ford (serving Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, and Greater Houston), we are putting our money on the Ford.

Who has the torque to take on this test and bring home the towing title?

When you’re ready to com and give a new Ford truck a road test of your own, visit Planet Ford located off I-45 inSpring, Texas. Log on to learn more at www.PlanetFord45.com!

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2015 F-150 is Full of Features

Posted on August 25, 2014 by randall

1408649270963The Ford design team seems to have an endless supply of added features to this year’s F-150. Ford recently released an article discussing the top 10 features they thought of so customers wouldn’t have to, so we thought we would make note of a few that caught our eye!

These features were specifically engineered by the Ford design team to make interacting with your vehicle that much easier. These features were implemented to satisfy customers without them ever even noticing. “If I do my job, the customer simply intuits that things are right – both inside and outside of his truck – without even having to think about it,” said Cary Diehl, Ford human factors 1408649229038engineer, who worked on the design and development of the all-new F-150.

Here’s a look at a few of our favorites:

  • Hard buttons on external keypad: While capacitive touch keyboards are extremely popular right now, Ford designers were in-tune with the wants and needs of pickup drivers. They have implemented a tactile feedback keypad for easier, more simplistic access. Not to mention, it still looks rather sleek.
  • MyView productivity screen customization: Ford knows that everyone who drives their vehicles is not the same. As such, the team has created a revamped heads-up display that allows truck customers to sort and organize their top 7 favorite gauges in a cluster on the F-150’s 8-inch productivity screen.
  • Entertainment information exclusivity: As part of Ford’s dedication to safety, entertainment information has now been reserved exclusively to the center console stack. “Our customers were adamant that trucks are different from cars, and vehicle information is essential,” Diehl explained. “Their truck is their tool, and they need to know what it’s doing. Other stuff can be in the center of the dashboard, or what we call the center stack.” The only entertainment information that appears in the instrument cluster of the F-150 are incoming calls and turn-by-turn directions.

With features like these its quite easy to see that the 2015 F-150 is in a class of its own. Stay up to date on the latest from Ford and the F-150 by visiting www.PlanetFord45.com or stopping by the dealership off I-45. We hope to see you soon!

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Planet Ford Helps Raise Thousands at Dekany High School

Posted on August 25, 2014 by randall

10411261_995564517136037_2222467464736440334_nRandall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring had a wonderful time this weekend sponsoring the Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School program at Dekaney High School. The event took place at Dekaney High School on Saturday, August 23, 2014, at 9:30 a.m.

Parents, students, faculty, family and community members all participated. For every valid test drive completed, Ford Motor Company is donating $20 to the participating high school, up to $6,000. Dekaney High School students went the extra mile. They also collected much needed school supplies for Booker Elementary School during this event.

“These events are always great fun and the students and Dekaney team did an amazing job during the event,” said Shawn Burns, General Manager and Operating Partner of Planet Ford. “We were proud to help support them in the quest to raise thousands of dollars.”

10628580_995564533802702_7165767633073902056_nThe Drive One 4 UR School program was developed as a fun, engaging way to help high schools raise money to support their sports programs and extracurricular activities. Ford and Lincoln dealerships partner with a local high school to conduct a test drive fundraising event.

Visit this link to watch a video and learn more about the Drive One 4 Ur School program! Drive One 4 UR School has had great success since its inception in 2007, with thousands of test drives and dollars generated for schools through the program. Stay tuned to our blog for more community updates!

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Planet Ford in Spring Sponsors Drive One 4 UR School at Dekaney High School

Posted on August 20, 2014 by admin

PrintSpring, Texas (August 20, 2014) – Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring has partnered with Dekaney High School for Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School program. The FUNdraising event is free to participants and can help earn the school up to $6,000. The event will take place at Dekaney High School on Saturday, August 23, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“We are excited to partner with Ford for a program benefiting our school,” said Sandra Ford, Sub Coordinator at Dekaney High School. “Our community has been blessed to have the support of a neighboring frontrunner like Planet Ford.”

Dekaney High School, located at 22351 Imperial Valley Drive in Houston, will also be collecting much-needed school supplies for Booker Elementary School during the event.dekaney-high-school-logo

Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School program was developed as a fun, engaging way to help high schools raise money to support various programs and extracurricular activities. Ford dealerships partner with local schools to conduct the fundraising test-drive events.

Participants get to drive a new Ford, such as the F-150, Fusion, Mustang, or Focus, among others! For every valid test drive completed, Ford Motor Company donates $20 to the participating high school — up to $6,000.

“We’ve always believed in our community, and the best way to demonstrate that is to support it in every way we can, starting with kids,” said Shawn Burns, General Manager and Operating Partner of Planet Ford.

Drive One 4 UR School has had great success since its inception in 2007 with thousands of test drives and dollars generated for schools through the program. To learn more about Drive One, visit the link to watch a brief video http://ford.to/VD1nXc. Stay up to date on community event at www.PlanetFord45.com.

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Ford C-MAX Earns Top Safety Pick

Posted on August 20, 2014 by admin

2014 Ford C-MAX HybridFor the 2nd consecutive year, the Ford C-MAX Hybrid has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The C-MAX Hybrid earned a rating of “good” in moderate overlap front, side, head restraint and seating tests, according to Ford Motor Co. This news comes isn’t a surprise to our team at Planet Ford in Spring (serving Houston, The Woodland, Cypress and Conroe).

One of the many features that our customers appreciate about Ford is the safety measures the manufacturer takes. “Ford takes the safety of our customers very seriously,” Steve Kenner, global director, Ford Automotive Safety Office said. “We are proud C-MAX Hybrid has achieved a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.”

Check out what Motor Trend has to say about the C-MAX and why they like it better than the Toyota Prius.

Some of the standard safety equipment includes MyKey, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and an SOS Post Crash Alert System.  C-MAX also comes with a ton of airbags, a safety canopy system, reverse sensing system and rain-sensing wipers.

With these kind of safety features, it’s easy to see why the C-MAX was award Top Safety Pick. Come in and take the Ford C-MAX for a spin at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring. We invite you to shop our inventory online anytime at www.PlanetFord45.com!

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