2012 Focus is Now on The Sims!

• The new Ford Focus sedan has joined 6 other Ford models and is now available on The Sims video game.



• The Focus is available to download in eight different colors!



• The seven Ford Vehicles offered in The Sims game have been downloaded more than 8 million times. Also, a study shows that 28% of people that download Fords to drive on Sims also drive Ford's in real life.

The Sims 3 is the worlds most popular real life simulation game, so it's no surprise that Ford would become part of that. The new Focus sedan is now available to download and drive on The Sims!

This is now the second time that the Focus has been a part of The Sims package including on The Sims 2 game.

The Sims is a game that can demonstrate personality and by allowing players to choose Ford vehicles such as the new Ford Focus this demonstrates their personality through the vehicle. The focus can be downloaded in eight different colors allowing players to showcase their personality through colors also.

Not only can players download the Focus for free they also get perks for their players when it's downloaded:
-One male Ford Tshirt
-One female Ford Tshirt
-a high end stereo
-a set of neon lights that can be incorporated into the game

Ford is using The Sims 3 as another way of marketing besides the print, television, and radio. With so many consumers playing video games it has become a very successful avenue that Ford has reached.

Only certain vehicles are used in these video games for a number of reasons. They are trying to reach a target audience and also gage what vehicles are most popular with consumers. The game allows Ford to build brand awareness.

The Sims 3 sold 1.4 million copies the first week that it was out, so it is no surprise that Ford has become a part of such an expanding market to reach consumers.

Other vehicles that have been available in The Sims 2 were the Escape Hybrid, Mustang GT, earlier version of the Focus, Fusion, Edge, and most recently the Fiesta in both the sedan and hatchback style.


(article courtesy of media.ford.com)

Lincoln AWD Mixes Luxury with Confidence

--Complete Lincoln family of luxury cars and crossovers available with all-wheel drive, combining all-weather capability with year-round agility and confidence

--Confident handling and acceleration provide peace of mind for safely negotiating many types of driving situations and conditions

--Significant numbers of Lincoln consumers are choosing optional all-wheel drive

DEARBORN, Mich., April 28, 2011 – All-wheel drive is a luxury feature that many buyers of premium automobiles demand in their vehicles for maximum mobility. This is especially true in northern states where colder climates naturally lead to more snow, ice, and generally inclement road conditions. Lincoln customers can choose the option of all-wheel drive on all of its models, giving them the added confidence and stability that this technology brings.

In fact, all-wheel drive offers safety and handling advantages in all seasons. Lincoln's all-wheel drive option allows drivers to accelerate and corner decisively and confidently with power to all four wheels, regardless of road surface and weather conditions.

"One of the greatest benefits of luxury is choice," said C.J. O'Donnell, Group Marketing Manager for Lincoln. "That is why Lincoln customers are able to equip any of our cars and crossovers with an advanced all-wheel drive system."

All five Lincoln models offer the convenience of all-wheel drive as an option, but customers of Lincoln's crossover and SUV models are more likely to choose this technology.

So far in 2011, 72 percent of Lincoln MKT three-row crossover customers and 62 percent of MKX two-row crossover buyers have opted for all-wheel drive. This compares to 46 percent of MKS and 25 percent of MKZ sedan customers. The truck-based Lincoln Navigator full-size SUV is built with all-wheel drive no less than 62 percent of the time.

The Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ all share a common all-wheel drive system to ensure the Lincoln DNA of luxurious ride and precise handling shines throughout the lineup.

All-wheel drive is standard on the MKS EcoBoost™ and MKT EcoBoost, proactively distributing torque to the wheels to allow performance-minded customers to take advantage of the power of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine's 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

The sophisticated AWD system fitted to MKS, MKT, and MKZ is fully automatic, using an advanced array of hardware and controls to efficiently distribute torque between front and rear wheels as needed. The Navigator uses unique truck-based hardware that also provides a luxurious experience.

The new MKX 2-row crossover, launched last summer, takes the AWD system to another level with even better handling attributes than the outgoing product with new controls specifically developed for improved cornering.

"We're seeing the number of customers choosing all-wheel drive increasing steadily as drivers appreciate the benefits," says O'Donnell. "More than half of our crossover customers are enjoying the reassurance that all-wheel drive delivers, such that once they have experienced it, they don't want to give it up.

"We see all-wheel drive as a core technology option for the entire Lincoln line-up, both today and for the future."

article courteousy of media.lincoln.com

Father's Day: June 19, 2011

Don't Forget that Father's day is quickly approaching on Sunday, June 19, 2011! Instead of getting Dad the regular clothes, golf clubs, or gift cards try something new like a new or pre-owned Ford or Lincoln from Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln!

With a wide range of selection GLF has many options to choose from for the special father in your life. If your looking for a small SUV to a full size sedan we have it for you! Stop by a pick up the perfect gift to surprise Dad with!

Packing a Picnic? Make Sure to Pack a Tire Gauge, Too!

-Keeping tires at the recommended pressure can reduce the average amount of fuel used by 3 to 4 percent
-Temperature can change tire pressure by an average of 1 psi for every change of 10 degrees – colder or warmer
-Don't rely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light. Check the tire pressure with a gauge weekly
-Remember to check the air pressure in the spare tire when you check the road tires

DEARBORN, Mich., May 27, 2011 – Ford says don’t forget to pack your tire pressure gauge along with the summer travel picnic basket and sunscreen.
That’s because correct tire pressure plays a huge role in achieving optimal fuel economy.
Despite higher fuel prices than last year, AAA predicts close to 31 million people plan to drive to their Memorial Day destinations.
“Many drivers will be wasting fuel – and money – if their tires are under-inflated,” says David Rohweder, Ford’s tire and wheel expert. “Properly inflated tires play an essential role in enabling vehicles to achieve their best fuel economy.”
The right amount of pressure in the tires also enhances safety. Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that alert the driver when a tire is significantly under-inflated. But that doesn’t mean drivers no longer have to check the air pressure regularly.
What the Tire Pressure Monitoring System warning looks like
Rohweder reminds motorists that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance. Even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low pressure warning light, drivers should check the pressure in their tires regularly.
Keeping tires at the recommended pressure can reduce the average amount of fuel used by 3 to 4 percent. Ford recommends customers check tire inflation pressures with an accurate (+/- 0.5 pounds per square inch, or psi) digital tire inflation pressure gauge.
Some tips for properly checking tire pressure:
Check tire pressure when the tires are cold; in other words, before they have been driven on. Do not bleed air pressure from hot tires. Follow the recommendation in your owner’s guide for proper bleeding procedures.
The proper air pressure for the front, rear and spare tires is listed on a sticker on the vehicle, usually on the driver’s door jamb. The pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the maximum for the tire and not the recommended inflation pressure.
Check tire pressure at least once a month and always before trips. Even if the tire pressure warning light is not on, the tires could be under-inflated.
Always remember to check the air pressure in the spare tire when you check the road tires.
Ford recommends using digital tire gauges because they tend to be more accurate than the old-fashioned mechanic gauge. Air temperature can have a great effect on anything that’s inflated – such as when a child’s ball goes flat when left out in the garage in the winter, for example. Temperature can change tire pressure by an average of 1 psi for every change of 10 degrees – colder or warmer.
Driving also affects tire pressure, so when traveling stop and check your tires before you’ve driven more than three minutes or more than one mile. After that, the tires become hot and the inflation pressure increases.
Always follow the recommendation in the vehicle owner’s guide for additional information on the proper procedures for tire maintenance.

(article courtesy of media.ford.com)