Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln and Siren Spread Christmas Cheer!

Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln and SIREN Shelter of Eaton County are teaming up again for the annual "Fill The Truck" for Christmas!

SIREN Shelter's mission statement is to promote elimination of domestic violence and homelessness by providing temporary housing, support, advocacy, education, and information to the community.

The harsh winter months of Michigan are quickly approaching and they become grueling months for the homeless. The cold months bring increased needs for emergency shelter and temporary housing to get families out of the cold.

Each year Grand Ledge Ford fills a truck with donations from the community and individuals and delivers 5-7 truck loads per year. We cannot do it without the support of the community and we hope that it continues this year!

Besides the basic cash donations the shelter also needs: Gas cards, Quality Dairy Laundry tokens, ETran Tokens for adults and children, batteries of all sizes, diapers, pull ups, food vouchers for local restaurants, motel vouchers for Charlotte to use during family placement.

Also, the basic necessities are also greatly appreciated: hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, boots, paper products, baby food (except cereal), towels, pillows, blankets, toiletries, baby wipes, non- perishable food items (fruit, chunky soup, microwavable dinners) and more!

Any clothing and toys are always a good donation as long as they are clean!

SIREN depends on the donations from individuals, churches, clubs, and contributions of food, clothing, and furnishings to make up 25% of their annual budget! The remaining budget is made of from state/federal grants, United way, and community foundations.

It cost $12 per person a day to provide housing, food, and other needs which is reimbursed by the state of Michigan. Additionally each person cost $10-$15! Anything does help.

Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln is located at 6080 East Saginaw Highway, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48917. All donations are welcome. You can find the decorated truck in the showroom and employees are standing by to help!

Happy Holidays from Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln and SIREN!

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)

Dandelion Roots for Rubber?

The thought of a dandelion usually rings the bell as being a weed in a yard. Not anymore. Researchers at Ford and Ohio State University have found that dandelion roots can serve as a sustainable resource for rubber. Since synthetic rubber is not a sustainable resource Ford is trying to reduce the use of it in their vehicles.

The particular dandelion that can used for a sustainable resource for rubber is the Russian dandelion. This dandelion is called Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS). A milky white substance that seeps from the dandelion root is used for the rubber.

The substance that seeps from dandelion roots can potentially be used for a plastic modifier and used in cup holders, floor mats, and interior trim.

Before the new product is used Ford will test the quality to make sure for suitability and that it meets durability standards.

Not only is Ford looking into the prospects of using dandelion root for rubber they are also looking into using a guayule, a U.S. shrub, for potential rubber. Both dandelion root and guayule can be grown domestically.

Ford has made a "reduce, reuse, and recycle" commitment as part of the organizations commitment to become more Eco-friendly. Ford is actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint.

Please visit us at http://www.grandledgeford.com/

(Information in this article is courtesy of media.ford.com)

Ford Explorer Industry-First Rear Inflatable Seatbelts Earns Safety Award

-The already popular new Ford Explorer may get even more looks after its industry-exclusive rear inflatable seat belts received another important honor, the 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award
-The rear inflatable seat belts just launched on the new 2011 Ford Explorer SUV – named in January as the North American Truck of the Year
-Ford’s rear inflatable seat belts also stood out at the 2011 Edison Best New Product Award ceremony by receiving the gold medal in applied technology
-New Explorer safety innovations include Ford’s MyKey® teen safety technology – a prior recipient of this safety award – and curve control, which can help drivers maintain control of a vehicle if they drive too quickly into a curve

NEW YORK, April 29, 2011 – Ford’s industry-exclusive rear inflatable seat belts – one of the 2011 Explorer’s breakthrough safety innovations that helped nearly triple the vehicle’s March sales – earned the 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award from the New York International Auto Show’s World Traffic Safety Symposium.

This advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat occupants. Over time, Ford plans to offer this technology in other nameplates globally.

“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear seat passengers of all ages, especially young children who might be more vulnerable in crashes,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Rear inflatable seat belts – a Ford exclusive – help build on our safety leadership.”

Safer and more comfortable
In everyday use, rear inflatable belts operate like conventional seat belts, including compatibility with infant and child safety and booster seats. The additional comfort and padding of rear inflatable seat belts encourages increased use.

In the event of a frontal or side crash, the increased diameter of the inflated belt more effectively holds the occupant in the proper seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

The inflated belts help to distribute crash force energy across up to five times more of the occupant’s torso than a traditional belt. This expands its range of protection and reduces risk of injury by diffusing crash pressure over a larger area, while helping provide additional head and neck support.

Following deployment, the belt remains inflated for several seconds before dispersing its air through pores in the material.

Innovation and heritage
Rear inflatable seat belts debuted as an affordable option for the 2011 Ford Explorer, named in January as the 2011 North American Truck of the Year.

Ford has the most top U.S. safety ratings of any automotive manufacturer ever. This includes more Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and more National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) five-star ratings.

Ford was the first automaker to introduce seat belts in all seating positions in 1955 and was a leader in making driver and front passenger airbags standard in most vehicles by 1993.

The New York International Auto Show’s 2009 World Traffic Safety Symposium honored Ford’s MyKey® owner control feature, enabling parents or fleet administrators to set limits on vehicle speed and audio volume while muting the audio system if front occupants don’t buckle up.

In 2007 Ford was recognized with the Traffic Safety Achievement Award for Community Service, honoring the Driving Skills for Lifeinitiative to improve driver skill sets among teens. Two years earlier, Ford was feted for its exclusive VIRTTEX driving simulator and its use in researching potential driver distractions.

Ford’s rear inflatable seat belts also stood out at the 2011 Edison Best New Product Award ceremony by receiving the gold medal in applied technology.

Article Courtesy of Media.Ford.Com