Ford Motor Company Climbs to Number 2 on Green Brands List

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Ford Motor Company is known for a lot of things. Producing excellent vehicles, generous donations to charity, a rich American history…  just to name a few.  It’s also known for being one of the most environmentally friendly brands. Well it’s now recognized as being even more green than ever before.

Ford just climbed 13 spots in the new report ranking companies mainly based on what the public’s perception of the brand’s sustainable or green practices. Ford has now rose all the way up to number 2 on list of 2013 Best Global Green Brands report by the consulting firm Interbrand.

The popularity of all Ford’s Hybrid cars and products such as it’s popular EcoBoost engine was enough to bolster Ford all the way up to number 2.  “In 2012, Ford (#2) moved sustainability from the periphery to the center of its business strategy,” according the the report.

Friendly Ford offers vehicles such as green vehicles such as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, C-Max Hybrid, and C-Max Energi that helped the Ford Motor Company climb all the way up to number 2 on the list. Stop by Friendly Ford today to check out these green and very fuel efficient hybrid cars.

The 2014 Ford Fiesta Reigns as Subcompact Fuel Efficiency King

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According to recent EPA testing, the new king of fuel efficiency for subcompact cars is the all-new 2014 Ford Fiesta. The new Fiesta achieves a best-in-class highway fuel economy of 41 mpg. It is the only subcompact car on the road today that can return more than 40 mp highway.

This fuel economy achievement is possible for the Fiesta SE with the Super Fuel Economy package that includes Ford’s 1.6-liter engine and PowerShift automatic transmission.  In addition to the amazing 41 mpg highway, the Fiesta also gets an impressive 30 mpg city and 34 mpg combined.

The new and improved aerodynamics also helps achieve a better fuel rating. The SFE package includes a rear spoiler, side air deflectors, lower grille blockers, underbody shields, low-rolling resistance tires and cruise control. These all help decrease the amount of fuel consumption needed to cruise down the interstate.

“The 2014 model is shaping up to be a game changer for Fiesta,” said Liz Elser, Ford Fiesta marketing manager. “With the addition of Fiesta ST and the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost®, we have fantastic performance and fuel efficiency. But with today’s news, buyers will have a fuel-efficient Fiesta no matter which they choose.”

The new 2014 Ford Fiesta will soon be arriving in dealerships such as Friendly Ford, located in Roselle, IL. To learn more about the new Fiesta, stop in to Friendly Ford today!

Ford Steps Up in Wake of Tragedy in Oklahoma

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After an F-5 tornado with winds of 210 mph ripped through the town of Moore, OK many lives were lost and the damage and destruction as a result of this natural disaster has made recovery efforts overwhelming for the surviving citizens. Thankfully volunteers, neighbors, friends, family, organizations, and companies such as the Ford Motor Company are stepping up to the plate and helping out in any way they can.

Ford announced it is donating a total of $400,000, with $150,000 coming from Oklahoma Ford dealers and going to the United Way, and $250,000 coming from the Ford Motor Company and going to the American Red Cross. In addition to the money, Ford is also donating a new Ford Transit Connect to help with relief and emergency preparedness education.

Ford is also offering residents whose vehicles were damaged by the tornado $500 towards the purchase of their next Ford vehicle.

“We know how much this tragedy is impacting our customers, neighbors and friends,” said Craig Billingsley, chairman of the Oklahoma Ford Dealers. “Oklahoma Ford dealers encourage everyone to step up to help those impacted by these devastating tornadoes.”

At Friendly Ford, our thoughts and prayers are with those in the tornado-ravaged areas of Oklahoma as they try to bounce back from this horrific tragedy.

Ford Fusion Energi Receives Top Safety Rating

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Everyone knows the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi provides the best in fuel efficiency but did you know it also provides the best in safety? The Fusion Energi just received a 5 Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the highest rating by the US Government that a vehicle can receive. The rating is based off a series of tests to determine how the vehicle responds to crashes such as side frontal impact, side impact, and resistance to rollover.

The Ford Fusion and Ford Fusion Hybrid have both received the same crash-test rating. With the market share for electric vehicles increasing, the NHTSA chose to test the plug-in vehicles separately from the gasoline internal combustion engines. The Fusion Energi also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) earlier in the year.

The Fusion Energi features the Personal Safety System with safety belt technologies along with font impact airbags. It also includes lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, rearview camera, hill state assist, and an electronic parking brake.

“The Fusion Energi combines the highest possible safety ratings from NHTSA and great fuel economy, two things we know customers are looking for in their vehicles,” said Steve Kenner, Global Director of the Ford Automotive Safety Office. “Our strategy is to provide our customers with a range of powertrain options in our vehicles, while still leading in fuel economy in every segment that we compete.”

The incredibly safe and fuel-efficient 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is available now at Friendly Ford, located in Roselle, IL.

KBB Tips Hat to Ford Escape with Best SUVs list.

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Kelley Blue Book recently unveiled another interesting “10 Best” vehicles list, this time the category is for the 10 Best SUVs Under $25,000. Once again, KBB.com tipped their hat to Ford while including a popular Ford SUV in the 3. The editors of KBB.com chose these vehicles based on things such as style, practicality, features, size, and of course, price. Ford is proud to announce that the 2013 Ford Escape came in at number 3 on the list.

The Escape has always been known to have a boxy look to it as part of its exterior design. It was a bold move this year by Ford when they decided to change things up a bit and went for a swoopier look with sleeker curves on the 2013 model. The feedback has been very positive though, as many really enjoy the new look. The new Escape also offers several new features and plenty of room on the inside, all at an affordable price.

“The latest Ford Escape represents a dramatic departure from the flavorless crossover it replaced for 2013 ,” said Kelley Blue Book. “Chock full of class-exclusive technology and luxury-like trimmings, the affordable yet stylish Ford Escape adds an unexpected splash of zest to the compact SUV segment.”

The stylish and affordable 2013 Ford Escape is available at Friendly Ford, located in Roselle, IL. We’ve got an enormous selection of Escapes so stop over today and check them out.

Ford Fusion is One of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2013

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Kelley Blue Book revealed their annual list of the best vehicles to buy for the whole family based on the opinions of the website editors.  Taking into account important areas such as safety, comfort, value, and roominess, the list is to guide to help people decide which vehicle would best fit their family. One Ford made Kelley Blue Book’s list of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2013 and it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise which one.

It seems as if the Ford Fusion just keeps racking up award after award and recognition after recognition. It’s been included on many lists this past year and now Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Family Cars of 2013 is just the latest. The Ford Fusion is the traditional family sedan on the inside but it just so happens to have a very exotic look on the outside.

“In addition to its eye-catching exterior, the Fusion stands out with a variety of powertrains that includes two hybrid options and a pair of turbocharged engines, plus available all-wheel-drive and enough tech features to make a geek swoon,” said Kelley Blue Book.

The new Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It also offers some of the latest and greatest driver-assistance and technology features based on cameras, radars, and sensors. It’s clear why Fusion sales are through the roof in 2013.

The new 2013 Ford Fusion is available at Friendly Ford so swing by today and check it out for yourself!

8 Simple Car Care Tips

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April came and went with the blink of eye, and with it, so did National Car Care Month.  This month just serves as a reminder of how important it is to keep your car in good health so that you not only extend the life of your vehicle but save yourself money in repair costs. Here are 8 simple and inexpensive ways to keep your car looking and running as good as new.

  1. Check and change your oil. This one is a biggie, nothing hurts an engine more than having old, dirty oil.
  2. Make sure to keep all your moving parts nice and greasy so that they run together smooth and efficiently.
  3. Get a coolant flush at least one time a year. To prevent corrosion, the mix between coolant and distilled water should be 50/50.
  4. Replace your break fluids at least once a year to also prevent corrosion, due to the build-up of moisture.
  5. Change out transmission and different oils. These should be changed according to service intervals.
  6. Wash your car frequently so the winter salt and other grime from the roads don’t eat away at the exterior.
  7. Use a protective wax coating to keep your paint shiny and protected.
  8. When possible, try parking in the shade instead of the sun. Also, apply protective coating to the vinyl and plastic of the interior to keep it looking shiny and new.

If you keep your car happy and healthy in the early years, it will return the favor in the later years by living a long life. Friendly Ford offers great service specials so stop in today and give us a try. You and your car will both be glad you did.

KBB Ranks Two Fords on Best Green Car List

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Once again Kelley Blue Book is honoring Ford with some pretty high praise. Recently, the trusted automotive website listed the 10 Best Green Cars for 2013. The rankings were determined based on how environmentally friendly the vehicles are, taking into account mileage statistics.

Coming in at number 6 on the list is the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi. KBB.com is calling it the “most affordable plug-in hybrid on the road.” Also saying it “is vying for the hearts and minds of eco-conscious enthusiasts who suffer from severe range anxiety.” It can go 21 miles all-electric and offers an outstanding 100 MPGe combined.

Also on the list at number 3 is the 2013 Ford Focus Electric. The new Focus can get up to 110 mpge city, 99 highway and 105 combined, with a range of 76 miles. Kelley Blue Book points out its cool features as well as its advanced powertrain that pairs a 107 kW electric motor with a liquid cooled Lithium-Ion battery. KBB.com calls it a “fun, practical runabout for green-leaners.”

Both vehicles feature the SmartGauge with EcoGuide to help provide owners information to help them optimize hybrid performance and get a more connected, fuel-efficient drive.

Ford’s incredible fuel efficient vehicles are available at Friendly Ford, located in Roselle, IL.

Friendly Ford Offers Zero Percent Financing

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Right now at Friendly Ford we’re offering some bonus cash back and 0% financing on the purchase of many of your favorite Ford vehicles. These deals going on right now are simply too good to pass up.

Now when you purchase the powerful, new 2013 Ford Escape, receive $500 cash back and 0% financing for up to 60 months.  The same deal goes for the stylish and fuel efficient, new 2013 Ford Fiesta. Also, get $500 cash back and 0% financing when purchasing the world’s best-selling car, the Ford Focus.


We’re also offering $1,750 cash back on the purchase of a new 2013 Ford Taurus. The classic and dependable Ford Taurus has been around for quite some time but still continues to improve every year.

Get 0% finance offers for up to 60 months are also good for the spacious 2013 Ford Explorer. America’s favorite pickup truck, the Ford F-150 is also available with 0% financing for up to 60 months. The same offer applies to the vehicle that has been racking up award after award, the new 2013 Ford Fusion.

Be sure to come out to Friendly Ford and take advantage of these amazing 0% financing offers while they still last.

Ford Focus: The Best-Selling Car in the World

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According to the latest Polk data that was recently released, the Ford Focus is officially the best-selling vehicle in the entire world. It actually topped the one million mark in 2012 as 1,020,410 cars were sold world-wide.

The Ford Fiesta also turned out to be the best-selling sub-compact car in the world and sixth overall in sales for 2012.

“Focus and Fiesta represent the culmination of our One Ford global product strategy,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “Our global products are resonating with consumers – especially in the best-selling, most competitive segments – with their unique combination of fuel efficiency, high quality, rich content and fun-to-drive personalities. Through One Ford, we’re able to bring economies of scale and fantastic value to customers all around the world.”

Ford Focus sales really picked up in Europe last year as it was the first Ford to be offered with the new innovative 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine, which actually won an award for engine of the year.

Sales for the Ford Focus continued to grow in China over the past year. It is now ranked as the best-selling passenger car for 2012 in China for the first time ever.

Friendly Ford is proud to say they offer “the best-selling car in the world.” Come in to Friendly Ford today and see for yourself why so many around the world are picking the Focus.