High-Performance Ford Explorer Sport to Deliver Class-Leading Fuel Economy

Posted on August 27, 2012 by randall

Ford is always on a quest to created class-leading vehicles. They have done it again with the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport high-performance SUV. It is certified at 365 horsepower and with a class-leading EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 city and 22 highway MPG. That’s 3 mpg better in the city and 2 MPG better on the highway than both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T with 5.7-liter Hemi engines.

“Explorer Sport hits a sweet-spot combination of power, usable torque, 4WD capability, with class-leading fuel efficiency,” according to Bill Gubing, the 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.”

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

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

Check out this video to see the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport in

For information about the Explorer or any new Ford vehicle, stop by Planet Ford in Spring (serving The Woodlands and the Greater Houston area). We are just a short drive down I-45. Shop online anytime at www.PlanetFord.com.

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Planet Ford Spring: Register to Win a 2013 Ford Escape or 2013 Ford Fusion

Posted on August 24, 2012 by randall

2013 Ford Escape

Interested in winning a new SUV or car? Here is your chance!

Now through December 1, 2012, you have a chance to win a 2013 Ford Escape. There will be two Grand Prize Winners. The First winner selected will receive a 2013 Ford Escape. The second will be awarded a 2013 Ford Fusion.

The Grand Prize winners will be selected from among all eligible entries received during the entry period in a random drawing occurring December 15, 2012.

Don’t miss your chance to win! Click here to visit Planet Ford‘s site in Spring (also serving the greater Houston and The Woodlands area) to register and read full contest rules, today!

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Ford Dealers Now Using Cutting-Edge SHOWCASE App

Posted on August 14, 2012 by randall

Buying a car, truck or SUV is a large and sometimes stressful purchase. Now, Ford is has an app to help with that coming to a dealership near you. The new ground-breaking iPad application was designed to improve a the customer experience and make finding the right car easier and faster than ever.

The SHOWCASE app offers Ford sales consultants “anytime, anywhere” access to the dealership’s inventory, rich video content on features and technologies linked to the vehicle inventory, as well as a wide range of product information. In addition, the new app allows the dealership to save and share customer vehicle preferences.

Using the new SHOWCASE App via an iPad, the salesperson can sit with a customer to pick out the model that person wants, then filter the selection based in trim level, colors, equipment and price. The app will then display all the vehicles in stock that match the customer’s specific criteria, including a list of all the equipment installed on each vehicle.

If the customer needs time to consider the purchase or discuss it with his or her significant other, the sales associate can simply e-mail the information on the specific vehicle directly to the customer or designated recipient.

The SHOWCASE app, which was developed by Ford and user interface design specialists Razorfish, opens registration for all Ford dealers this August. Currently, approximately 200 dealers have already signed up to use the new app and the number is expected to increase at a rapid rate.

The SHOWCASE app is just the latest cutting-edge technology from Ford to help improve the customer’s experience before, during and after the purchase of a new Ford vehicle. We can’t wait to see what future applications Ford will think of next.

 

 

 

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Protecting the Interior of Your Car from the Sun

Posted on August 10, 2012 by randall

Protecting your car, truck or SUV’s interior from sun damage is just as important as your vehicle’s maintenance when thinking about reselling. The effect of heat on a car’s interior can quickly inflict irreversible damage, which could ultimately devalue your car. Here are some simple tips to help prolong your vehicle’s interior.

  1. Block the sun: Try to keep your car out of the direct sun whenever possible. If that is not possible, then it is recommended to use a sun blocker on your windshield.
  2. Crack your windows: Trapped heat plays a major role in damaging your interior. A study done by the Animal Protection Institute showed that a car’s interior temperature could easily rise to above 150 degrees when parked in the sun without any protection.  To help minimize this destruction caused by this trapped air, leave your windows down approximately an inch.
  3. Window Tint: If you live in a hot climate, a smart investment would be in tinting your windows. Installing tint can help to keep your car from overheating and the sun from causing as much damage. It also has the hidden benefit of making your windows shatter proof. The cost varies depending on your vehicle, but it certainly can go a long way in protecting the interior.
  4. Protective leather conditioners: Leather seats in the heat require maintenance. To keep them looking beautiful, remember to use a leather conditioner with UV protection. It can be found in most auto repair stores and many dealers carry protective products for your car, as well.

If left unprotected ,your car’s interior will show the signs of damage. By putting in a little tender loving care now, your vehicle will be in great shape for years to come.

If you have any questions or are interested in reselling your car, call, stop by or visit  Planet Ford in Spring (serving the upper Houston and The Woodlands area) online at www.PlanetFord45.com.

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Planet Ford in Spring Searches for Talent!

Posted on August 7, 2012 by randall

World Class Automotive’s Got Talent

Randall and Sherry Reed, owners of Planet Ford in Spring, are auditioning for unique and funny ways to promote their well-known slogan:  “We’re Dealin’!”   A Texas-wide search is underway for energetic, enthusiastic and/or talented people to appear in the upcoming TV commercials.

What do you need?

Bring a costume, a prop, an animal,or even your kids to help bring the slogan to life in your own special way. Each audition will receive $100 for participating and there will be free food and refreshments.

Interested?

Live auditions are August 30th
, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are interested and would like to schedule your call time, call 817-633-3183 or e-mail goriley@wheeleradvertising.com . Slots will fill up fast, so call today!

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Ford Enables SYNC Voice Control of Allergy App by IMS Health Allowing Allergy Forecast Alerts

Posted on August 2, 2012 by randall

Are you one of the millions who suffer with allergies?  Now there is an app for that and it works with SYNC Voice control.

According to Ford, with SYNC AppLink, drivers can connect smartphones or tablets to their cars, and by using simple voice commands are able to quickly access information from Allergy Alert.

Through the app’s pollen index rating, you can now request to hear the different types of allergen conditions you’re likely to encounter and that may cause an allergy attack. In addition, the app also provides a risk index for asthma, flu, cough, cold and ultraviolet rays.

Ford SYNC® AppLink™-equipped vehicles can now check allergy, pollen, asthma, flu and UV conditions on the go with the Allergy Alert® app.

This is part of Ford continued efforts to improve the health and wellness of drivers by utilizing connectivity beyond just information and entertainment. For more information, read the full article at http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=36859

Healthy driving!

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Trendy and Safe: Pet Travel Gear

Posted on July 31, 2012 by randall

Pets can make great travel companions. However, before you start planning your

3-in-1 Stow & Go Car Seat on Solutions.com holds your pets gear & gives him/her a great view on the go!

vacation it is important to prepare yourself and your pet for the road ahead. To help ensure safety and comfort while your pet is traveling, check out some these top of the line pet gear products.

  1. Car Safety Harness: A dog seatbelt will help protect your dog during sudden stops or accidents.  The harnesses work with your seatbelt and feature quick-release buckles. It will allow your pet to sit or stand comfortably while keeping him secure.
  2. Pet Ramp: This allows your dog to easily access minivans, SUVs, pick-up trucks and other high areas. It is light and easy to fold and can be stored in compact areas.
  3. Pet Booster Seats: The on-seat booster cradles your pet allowing it to feel secure as you cruise down the road. The basket is attached with your seatbelt and installs securely in one minute.
  4. Travel Water Bowls: To make sure your four-legged friend stays hydrated, don’t forget to pack portable travel bowls.
  5. Dog Bed: Traveling with your dog can be chaotic. To make life less crazy, have a special dog bed just for travel. There is also dog crate wear, which can help reduce traveling and separation anxiety.

These are just a few helpful accessories to keep your pet safe on your next road trip.

For any other automotive accessory needs, from truck lifts to exhaust kits, call the experts at Planet Ford in Spring (serving the greater Houston and The Woodland areas). www.PlanetFord45.com

 

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Ford’s Kicks their Live Into Overdrive with the Insider Series

Posted on July 25, 2012 by randall

Love Toby Keith? Love adventure? Love a good laugh? Then, you will definitely enjoy the new tale of “The Insiders.”

Follow the Insiders, two brothers named Turner Clay and John Will Clay, as they give unique updates from behind the scenes of Toby Keith’s Live In Overdrive tour presented by Ford F-Series. The three month trek, which began on June 14th in Salt Lake City, Utah and ends September 22nd in Boston, takes the two and their all-access passes from coast to coast and into parts of Canada. It is more than just a behind the scene look at what happens on tour… sometimes they become the scene on tour.

Here are just a few videos from this series that is a little bit country and a little bit of a rocky road.

Live in Overdrive: Week Three

Catching Toby Keith at His Bus

Don’t forget to enter for the chance to win your own Ford F-150 EcoBoost Truck and other prizes along the way. Check out WWW.TobyKeith.com/ford, for more details.

When you want to win at saving big on your next Ford, visit Planet Ford in Spring (serving the greater Houston area). For your new Ford, take the short drive on I-45! www.PlanetFord45.com

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How to Shop for the Best Car Loan Rate

Posted on July 20, 2012 by randall

Are you are looking for the best car loan rate? Here are some simple steps to help you secure the interest rate you want.

Budget:  First step is to sit down and determine how much you can comfortably and reasonably pay per month, how long would you like your loan to last and what your initial down payment will be. There are several online tools available, such as the Monthly Loan Payment Calculator or credit.ford.com.  These can help you easily to determine your payment and budget.

Credit: Before applying for a loan, check your credit score. Your credit history can affect the quality of the loan that you can attain. You can get copies of your credit report for free at www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Make sure you do this with time in mind. Meaning, if there are errors or items you want to fix, you will need to have enough time to address those credit problems before applying for the loan.

Loans: If you truly want the best rates, you may need to apply for loans with several different organizations. The three primary lending locations are: your personal bank, a credit union and through the automaker. When applying to these locations, you should research the institution’s lending habits.

For example, contrary to belief getting a loan through your dealership is not automatically more expensive. In fact, car dealerships are the only way to get specialized low rates form automakers. While credit unions generally only account for less than 20 percent of total auto loans, but often offer good rates for consumers.

Negotiate: Using all the information gathered, now you can confidently go to the dealer and negotiate to get the best deal.

If you have more financial question and would like to talk to someone in person, the staff at Planet Ford in Spring (serving the greater Houston and The Woodlands area) are always happy to help.  www.PlanetFord45.com

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Randall Reed’s Planet Ford, Planet Lincoln Make Automotive News’ Best Dealerships to Work For

Posted on July 17, 2012 by randall

Randall Reed (center), Owner and President of World Class Automotive congratulates the Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln dealerships in Spring, Texas (serving greater Houston area) for making Automotive News’ Best Dealerships to Work For. Also photographed: Sean Burns, General Manager and Operating Partner (left) and Rick Ford, Chief Operating Officer (right)

World Class Automotive Group is pleased to announce that two of its locations have been named recipients of the top 100 automotive dealerships to work for in America!

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring, Texas and Randall Reed’s Planet Lincoln in Spring, Texas made Automotive News’ inaugural Best Dealerships To Work For list.

“We’re very proud,” said Randall Reed, President and Owner of World Class Automotive. “The management, along with all of the members of the Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln family are now among the elite chosen as the best of the best in the country.”

The list was compiled based on employee workplace satisfaction scores that measured everything, from the quality of the work place to the treatment of the employees. “We have identified those dealerships and the recognition begins with this list of the top 100 places to work–a summary that honors new-car dealerships in the United States that have excelled in creating a quality work environment,” per a statement from Jason Stein, Editor of Automotive News.

“This is quite an honor,” said Shawn Burns, General Manager and Operating Partner at Planet Ford. “We have garnered many awards, but this one is truly special. We believe in creating a quality work environment where everyone can thrive, and this shows that our efforts are working.”

Both dealerships will not only be highlighted in an upcoming October issue of Automotive News, the dealerships and their management teams will be recognized at a gala hosted by the publication on October 17, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois.

Today, the dealership celebrated the top honor from Automotive News with a catered luncheon and party for both dealerships at the Planet Ford location in Spring.

“The automotive business is about the customers and their total satisfaction, but a key to achieving that goal is to have world class employees who enjoy what they do,” said Mr. Reed. “And, we have an incredible team of apparently VERY happy and excited associates numbering over 250 strong!“

About World Class Automotive Group
World Class Automotive Group is owned by Randall and Sherry Reed. The family-owned business is comprised of several dealerships throughout Texas, including: Planet Ford in Spring, Planet Lincoln in Spring, Planet Ford in Humble, Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM in Humble. Hillcrest Ford in Huntsville, Prestige Ford in Garland and Park Cities Ford and Lincoln in Dallas.

About Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln in Spring
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford is located at 20403 I-45 in Spring, Texas. The dealership has earned the honor of being the No. 1 Ford dealer in the area for 12 Years. Planet Lincoln is located at 20440 I-45 in Spring, Texas. Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln, serving the greater Houston area, offer new and quality pre-owned vehicles. In addition, Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln also provide full Service, Parts and Collision Departments.

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

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