BEST SELLING 2011 FORD F-SERIES SUPER DUTY DIESEL BOOSTS POWER, CAPABILITY, FUEL ECONOMY AND VALUE

BEST SELLING 2011 FORD F-SERIES SUPER DUTY DIESEL

BOOSTS POWER, CAPABILITY, FUEL ECONOMY AND VALUE

Current 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty diesel owners can get the increased performance through a free dealer-installed software upgrade to the truck's powertrain control module.
Click here to download related images.

• The 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged diesel is now rated at best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, an increase of 65 lb.-ft. of torque and 10 horsepower. Current 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty diesel owners can get the increased performance through a free dealer-installed software upgrade to the truck's powertrain control module
• Super Duty reclaims F-350 towing and payload leadership vs. Chevrolet Silverado 3500. When it comes to capability, Super Duty offers uncompromised choice - whether it's F-250, F-350, F-450 or F-550
• The 6.7-liter Super Duty diesel now has 20 percent better fuel economy compared with the outgoing engine based on Ford drive-cycle tests of comparably equipped 2011 Ford and 2010 Ford models

For more news from the CAR Management Briefing Seminars, please click here.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 3, 2010 - Ford Motor Company will begin production this week of the most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a heavy-duty pickup, Barb Samardzich, vice president of powertrain engineering, announced today at an international auto industry conference.

Introduced in April 2010, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel powering the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty will be upgraded to best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, Samardzich said at the Center for Automotive Research's annual Management Briefing Seminars.

"These numbers are impressive, yes, but that is not why they matter," Samardzich said. "These numbers matter because our customers say they do. The higher torque means that fleet operators, such as Florida Power & Light, can plow through deep swamps and get to downed power lines faster and more confidently. It means that oil and gas crews in the Northwest can tow up an 8,000-foot grade maintaining a steady speed and using less fuel."

In an industry-first customer loyalty program, Ford will provide the power upgrades free of charge to all current owners of a 2011 Super Duty diesel pickup. Customers will receive letters explaining the procedure, a 30-minute software adjustment to the truck's powertrain control module, and inviting them to visit their dealerships for the upgrade.

The upgrade program will begin by Aug. 31 and continue for the next 12 months. The 2011 Super Duty diesel pickups in dealer inventory will receive the upgrade as well.

A rigorous testing protocol that included computer, laboratory and on-road validation ensured 250,000-mile durability in the new Power Stroke's components and systems. This strict testing opened the door for the 2011 Super Duty's increased capability.

"We know that durability and reliability is uppermost in the minds of our Super Duty customers, along with torque and horsepower, so we took a conservative approach that ensured that the new Power Stroke would be absolutely bulletproof while delivering significantly improved power," said Chris Brewer, chief engineer of the 2011 Super Duty.

New Ford design and engineering methods enable strong platform from which to build
The new Power Stroke is a "clean sheet" that combines the best of proven technology with new, patented approaches backed by an extensive laboratory and real-world testing regimen to assure customer satisfaction. Benefits of the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine include:

• First use of a compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block in a Super Duty-class vehicle in North America; stronger than cast iron, Ford has successfully used CGI in engine blocks in products around the world. The block structure was optimized for reduced weight and maximum strength to meet the demands of higher torque and horsepower.
• Unique inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture, an automotive-industry first for a modern production diesel engine, reduces overall exhaust system volume, which leads to better throttle response for the customer; additionally, reduced exhaust system surface area minimizes heat transfer to the engine compartment and improves NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance.
• The new engine architecture enables easier service work for all major engine components, potentially reducing downtime. On turbocharger service, for example, the body/cab no longer has to be removed from the frame to access the turbo; also, the high-pressure fuel pump, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) components and thermostats are directly accessible from the front of the vehicle.
• The turbocharger features an industry-first dual-sided compressor wheel that works in a single housing. The unit is uniquely center-mounted on a pedestal low in the back of the valley for improved NVH. This turbocharger design allows the single unit to deliver the benefits of a twin-turbocharger system in a smaller, more efficient package, combining the advantages of a small turbocharger (faster response) and a large turbocharger (ability to compress and force more air into the engine for more power) in one unit.
• The high-pressure fuel system injects fuel at more than 29,000 psi. The system delivers up to five injection events per cylinder per cycle using eight-hole piezo injectors to spray fuel into the piston bowl. The direct-injection system is calibrated and phased for optimum power, fuel efficiency and NVH performance.
• Aluminum cylinder heads for reduced weight; the mid-deck construction with dual water jackets provides increased strength and optimal cooling; also, six head bolts, instead of four as found on other engines, help improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity.
• Compatible up to B20 fuel, allowing greener fueling options of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel.

The new Super Duty debuted not only with a new diesel engine, but with a new heavy-duty TorqShift^TM six-speed automatic transmission. As experience was gained building the new powertrain, engineers continued to test components, check data and seek optimizations.

More power and better fuel economy, too
Fuel economy is expected to improve at least another 2 percent, making the 2011 F-Series Super Duty 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel a full 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 2010 model. The improved torque and horsepower, for example, means a customer can get to a higher gear faster and stay in it longer, both of which aid fuel economy.

"Our testing procedure proved to us we could push the hardware a little harder," said Brewer. "Again, we wanted to make absolutely sure our customers received an engine that was outstanding in all the key attributes: durability, reliability, power, performance and fuel economy."

The increased performance will be evident in situations such as improved passing capability on the highway or when towing a heavy load up a steep grade. When towing, the increased engine torque will let the vehicle stay in high gear more often, reducing transmission shifting frequency and keeping engine speed low for better fuel economy and lower noise. 

Best-in-class capability reclaimed for F-350 models going forward
Going forward, the F-350 dual-rear-wheel (DRW) model will add vehicle upgrades to bring maximum payload and maximum fifth-wheel towing to best-in-class levels. Higher-strength steel in the frame will boost the payload and towing ratings as follows:

• F-350 DRW maximum payload to 7,070 pounds, from 6,520 pounds
• F-350 DRW maximum fifth-wheel towing to 22,600 pounds, from 21,600 pounds

"Customers of the F-350 dual-rear-wheel configuration push their trucks to the limit and are the ultimate payload and towing users," said Brewer. "And like with the diesel upgrades, we've found we can push the Super Duty even harder and bump up the ratings. The fact we have more torque and horsepower makes the job that much easier."

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano

email service provided by http://123BrandMe.com

How to Keep Children Safer During Summertime Travel

How to Keep Children Safer During Summertime Travel

Learn More Know the Rules...Traveling Outside Of/To the United States Know the Rules...When Your Child Is Flying Unaccompanied Know the Rules...When Your Child Is Traveling Unaccompanied by Bus or Train

As families take to the highways and airways this summer, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) wants to remind parents and guardians about some tips to help make the traveling experience more enjoyable and minimize some of the potential risks. 

Whether traveling solo or with family, parents and guardians need to talk with children about safety before boarding a plane, train, or bus this summer season. Crowds are greater this time of year and children may easily become separated from their parents and guardians. If that should happen, parents and guardians need a plan and children should be taught what to do.

And remember: child safety is a year-round priority. Parents and guardians need to look out for kids and keep communication lines open 365 days a year!

If your child is flying or riding a train or bus this summer, NCMEC urges parents and guardians to remember the following travel safety tips:

• When you make reservations for your child, specify whether your child will be traveling alone.
  
  
• Whenever possible, book a non-stop flight or direct route. Avoid booking the last flight of the day.
  
  
• Plan to visit the airport, train or bus terminal prior to departure. Let your child know what to expect, so the experience will not be so intimidating.
  
  
• In case of delay or cancellation, remain at the station or gate until the train, plane or bus departs.
  
  
• Make sure children travel with proper identification and parents or guardian contact information.
  
  
• Always have a back-up plan for the person or people meeting the plane at the destination, in case they are delayed.
  
  
• Encourage children not to become too friendly with other passengers or to reveal any personal information.

• Remind them that the flight attendant is the adult to go to if they are uncomfortable or need assistance.

Safety Tips adapted from Know the Rules...When Your Child is Flying Unaccompanied, and Know the Rules...When Your Child is Traveling unaccompanied by Bus or Train. Copyright © respectively 2000 and 2000 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). All rights reserved.

Copyright© 2010 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. All rights reserved. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Charles B. Wang International Children's Building 699 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314-3175 703-224-2150 | 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) | www.missingkids.com

email service provided by http://123BrandMe.com

I know... it's a fad...

Tom Callahan, Ford Lincoln Mercury Digital Team I know... it's a fad... who would want a car dealer on their Facebook or Twitter?? Why would we spend money on something I cannot manage or measure? Social... bocial... loco...

I have two words for the people I meet that have a "step back" attitude when it comes to Facebook...

Wake Up!

I have been working at dealerships since 1978, and the top salesperson who never took any ups was the social champion of the store IN 1978! In fact, you know the guy - because there was one at every store I worked. He had a social network that kept feeding him referrals day after day and anyone that ever got a car or truck from him never forgot him because HE WOULDN'T LET THEM. The funny part was that he did it without twitter, facebook, ning, linkedin or bebo, he did it the "old fashion way."

He was the guy who took a box full of Christmas cards to the business office and the owner bought the stamps. He was the guy who always sent a "Thank You" card for buying from him and I even saw him send a card to people for coming in and taking a test drive after leaving to "think about it." He was the guy who did birthday cards to his clients with a hand-written note saying, "Call anytime if I can help and have a great day."

You know the guy, he was gone every first Tuesday of the month for a noon lunch with the local Rotary Club and was a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce. Man, he was a social butterfly and he knew a lot of people.

But more importantly, A LOT of people knew they could trust him with their referral. He was the first guy the owner called into his office when it was time to order more inventory, because he knew what the customer was thinking.

If there is one common mistake I see in stores today when it comes to our social opportunities, it's the person we put in charge. I see an Internet manager or Internet salesperson working leads and trying to sell and they should be left alone. The social networks today need a social butterfly that can take the sites and work them. It's all about connecting and reconnecting with people. It's about keeping Ford and all its great news today in front of a lot of people for a very low cost per thousand. Making time for social and having the right person involved at your store is so simple but we make it so difficult.

We should all take a moment to remember how the great social champions of the past did it year after year without a DSL connection. He did not go to the Rotary Club, the Optimist Club or the Kiwanis to sell a car. He went there to be social, meet other people in his market, and get to know them outside of work. He did not drop off the full page ad from Saturday, he went there to help the group raise $$$ for their cause... their mission. He got so busy working with so many people that he had to hire his own assistant to help him sell cars along with all the other projects.

So please wake up and take a look at your social set up today. Ask yourself if the format is to meet more people or sell more cars, because chances are you got it backwards. Find a social butterfly and simply ask them to take the plunge into the world of social networks. You can have a presence in your community but you have to make it to all the meetings. You can't show up and not get involved.

One of the great social champions I worked with in the past always told me: "If selling cars was easy... everyone would do it." Then he said with a grin: "They didn't buy my cars, they bought me!"

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

P.S. Are you 'Advertising' or 'Marketing' ?

Ask me the Difference?

Used Car Prices Up

Used Car Prices Up - Except Recalled Toyotas'
March 15, 2010

Used car prices are up about 2 percent from last month, but the prices
of used Toyotas affected by the recalls are down about 2.5 percent,
according to Edmunds.com.

"Many used car buyers are turned off by the negative publicity
surrounding the Toyota recall, so prices of those vehicles are pacing at
about 4.5 percent below the market," said Edmunds.com Analyst Joe Spina.

Spina added: "Also contributing to the decline in values is the fact
that a fair number of Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla models were
recently returned by rental fleets, making it somewhat of a buyers'
market for those vehicles."

Compared with this time last year, the average three-year-old midsize
sedan increased 6.6 percent in value, while the average three-year-old
Camry price is flat. Compared with January, before the Toyota recalls
came to light, prices for used Camry models are down almost 4.5 percent.
By comparison, Mazda 6 and Chevrolet Malibu have risen about 1.5
percent.

"Certainly there are bargains to be had because of Toyota's issues,"
noted Edmunds.com Senior Consumer Advice Editor Philip Reed.
"Car-shoppers are in a great position to negotiate, and once they pick
up a Toyota - or any used car -- they should immediately get their
contact information into the automaker's owner database to be kept up to
date on recalls and other alerts."

Listen Carefully To The Customer...

Listen Carefully To The Customer...

The best sales technique for selling customers any product involves a sequence of logical events occurring. A salesperson must understand what the customer wants, qualify that the customer can afford to purchase what they seek, and make an organized presentation that will result in a sale.

Listen Carefully To The Customer...

By listening carefully, a good car salesperson does not waste valuable time trying to sell something that will not interest their customer. Most car shoppers have a good idea of what they want before visiting any automobile agencies. Establishing the type of car being sought is essential to beginning a good sales presentation.

In the event that a customer is non-specific as to what they want, key questions should be asked to help them determine a logical type of vehicle to begin the selection process with. They will surely define if they need a family car, want a sports car for fun, or must find something that will maximize mileage for heavy use.

Qualify The Customer...

Many customers are less than realistic about what they want and what they can afford. The best sales technique in the world cannot be successful if your customer cannot afford the car that they want to buy. The process of qualifying a customer is simple, and involves asking them what their budget for a car purchase is. Without the parameters of what is possible financially, it is foolish to proceed with a sales presentation.

Show The Product, Eliminate The Obstacles...

Once a car salesperson knows what a customer wants/needs, and understands their financial ability to pay for a vehicle, the rest is actually quite easy. By having listened carefully, the salesperson can proceed to show their customer several possibilities. By the process of elimination, a logical choice can usually be found for a "test drive".

It is likely that a customer will present their potential reason for not buying a specific car during the selection process or test drive. Any reason for not buying represents an obstacle that a good salesperson should attempt to remove. As the reasons for not buying are removed, the sale is essentially accomplished.

Of course, asking for the sale is the final phase to any successful selling situation. One essential component for any sale is closing the deal. It does not have to be a high-pressure situation for a salesperson to ask their customer if they would like to see how easy it would be for them to take this car home with them today.

Conclusion...

Since all sales professionals are individuals, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for sales techniques guaranteed to work for everyone. A pleasant personality, willingness to be helpful, and strong product knowledge are the basic ingredients to successful selling. Beyond that, individual sales people should build upon their individual strengths to find a selling style that works for them. If customers sense that you are smart, helpful, and not bullying them to buy what you want to sell; they will likely become your faithful customer for years of repeat and referral business.


Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462
P.S. Are you 'Advertising' or 'Marketing' ?
Ask me the Difference?