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2009 Ford Escapes Are In Stock

July 3, 2009

improved fuel economy,award winning,Ford  green enviornment,2009 Ford Escape,5-Star saftey

 

Ford engineers used almost every technique available to allow the 2009 Ford Escape sport-utility vehicle to squeeze every foot from each ounce of precious gasoline. Simultaneously they enhanced the acceleration that buyers demand.

Here’s what Ford did to improve the fuel mileage of gasoline-engined Escape while upping performance: Added the new Duretec-2.5L I-4 engine, improved the 3.0L engine and added an all new 6-speed automatic transmission; and also added more aerodynamic bodywork.

Escape buyers have a choice of two gasoline engines: A 171-horsepower, 2.5-liter four cylinder and a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6. Both feature double overhead cam construction. The four-cylinder engine makes 18 more horsepower than the 2.3-liter four it replaces, yet it will help the front-wheel-drive, six-speed automatic transmission Escape get 28 mpg in the government highway-mode testing.

Another fuel-conserving feature: Michelin developed a new version of its Latitude Tour tire especially for the Escape. The new rubber has what tire engineers call “lower rolling resistance.” That means it takes less power-and thus less gas-to make the tire turn. As part of this process, the tire is lighter in weight and has specially designed tread and internal components.

Other features and technology advances for the new-for-2009 features on the Escape include a capless refueling system, a re-tuned suspension for better ride comfort and an enhanced braking system that improves initial performance during an urgent stop. Also the Escape seat cushions are made with a soy-based foam rather than the conventional petroleum-derived product. In addition seat fabrics are made from 100 percent post-industrial recycled materials. Leather seating surfaces are also optional. Cruise control now comes standard on all Escape models. The Escape features a rear seat back that folds forward in a 60/40 split to enhance cargo room.

Safety continues to be a primary focus with Ford engineers. The Escape’s standard features include anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. Combined, these help the driver maintain control during accident avoidance maneuvers. The Escape has six airbags, including a pair of two-row side-curtain airbags. The Ford Personal Safety System® is also standard on all 2009 Escape and Escape Hybrid. In addition to the dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags, the system includes both driver and passenger seat position sensors, and load-limiting safety belt retractors and pretensioners. These features have helped the 2009 Escape earn 5-star crash-test honors from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award.

Better mileage, improved acceleration, enhanced ride and steering and a list of new features makes the 2009 Ford Escape one of the most attractive values in the sport-utility world.

Come see one and drive it for yourself.

Dick’s Mackenzie Ford

4151 SE Tualatin Valley Hwy

Hillsboro OR 97123

800-783-0863

http://mackenzieford.com

Portland Oregon Ford dealer serving Beaverton, Hillsboro and Tigard

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Chrysler Production Plants Opening!

June 17, 2009

Production to resume at 7 more assembly plants

Posted Wednesday, Jun 17, 2009, 2:43 pm in Company, Restructuring Tagged: | Comments Off

One week after finalizing its global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, Chrysler Group LLC announced today that it will resume volume production of vehicles with the start up of seven of its North American assembly plants the week of June 29.

As part of a phased production ramp-up, the following assembly plants are scheduled to resume production at the end of the month:

• Sterling Heights Assembly Plant(Sterling Heights, Mich.) – Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger
Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, Mich) – Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota
• St. Louis North Assembly Plant(Fenton, Mo) – Dodge Ram
Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, Ohio) – Jeep® Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario) – Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger
Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada ) – Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
• Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico) – Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser

Chrysler Group’s Powertrain and Stamping facilities that supply these assembly plants also will be operating. Chrysler’s Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, which builds the Dodge Viper, resumed production on June 15.

All Chrysler Group plants will be closed during a previously announced two-week summer break the weeks of July 13 and 20.

A restart of production at other Chrysler Group assembly plants will be announced at a later date.

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Chrysler News

June 16, 2009

The last few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster for everyone in the auto industry, connected to the auto industry or even observing the auto industry.  There have been heartaches and frustration along with anticipation and hope.  But what we come out with at the end, are just some facts and statements that we all have to process and adapt to.

It is a new era going forward.  Dick Inukai has been through “new eras” before.  Actually he was born in the middle of one of those eras.  A little event called World War II.  He also had a Dodge dealership during the 70’s and another little event called the oil embargo and gas rationing.  No stranger to tough times, the Inuaki family and Dicks Auto Group will pull through and be there for you, our valuablle clients, both now and in the future.  We appreciate your patronage and we will always keep our clients foremost in our business plan.  Without you there is no us.

Here is a quick update of the last few days concerning Chrysler and their re-organization process.

The Supreme Court has declined to extend a stay of the sale of Chrysler assets to Fiat, clearing the way for the deal to close.

A federal bankruptcy judge approved the automaker’s plan to terminate 789 dealer franchises.

Sergio Marchionne, the Fiat CEO who heads the reborn Chrysler Group, appointed a new management team that includes Jim Press as deputy CEO.

http://dickscountrydodge.com

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Supreme Court: Way Is Clear and Smooth For Chrysler Reorganization

June 10, 2009
Photobucket

Made in the USA

 

After much to do about what would happen or not happen, it has happened.  The highest court in the land has cleared away the hopefully last hurdle in the re-organization process for Chrysler Corp with Italian mfg., Fiat.

This last challange and failure will hopefully allow the process to continue on in relative peace.  Whether this is good or not, we will all soon find out. 
(source:AP)

Supreme Court clears way for Chrysler’s Fiat sale

 
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the way for Chrysler LLC’s sale to Fiat, turning down a last-ditch bid by opponents that included consumer groups and three Indiana pension plans. The court rejected a plea to block the sale of most of Chrysler’s assets to the Italian automaker. Chrysler, Fiat and the Obama administration had warned that the high court’s intervention could have scuttled the sale.

A federal appeals court in New York had earlier approved the sale, but gave opponents until Monday afternoon to try to get the Supreme Court to intervene.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ordered a temporary delay just before a 4 p.m. deadline on Monday. A little more than 24 hours later, the court freed the automakers to complete their deal.

The opponents include a trio of Indiana pension plans, consumer groups and individuals with product-related lawsuits.

The court issued a brief, unsigned opinion explaining its action. To obtain a delay, or stay, someone must show that at least four of the nine justices find that the issue raised is serious enough to warrant hearing a full appeal and that a majority of the court will conclude the lower court decision was wrong.

“The applicants have not carried that burden,” the court said.

Chrysler has been working to complete the sale of its assets to Fiat before a June 15 deadline, a key element in its restructuring plans.

The pension plans seized on comments from Fiat officials that they would not walk away from the deal even if June 15 were to pass without completing the sale. The plans tried to persuade the justices that there was no reason to rush to meet that deadline.

But Chrysler, Fiat and the Obama administration stressed in response that Chrysler was losing $100 million a day and that the deal automatically terminates in less than a week, with no guarantee that a new agreement would be reached.

The court did not consider the merits of the opponents’ arguments, only whether to hear their full-blown appeal.

Earlier Tuesday, Chrysler returned to bankruptcy court to get approval to terminate 789 dealer franchises.

More than 25 attorneys representing hundreds of dealers from across the country opposed Chrysler’s request, arguing that little would be gained by ending the franchises. The company said the move was a necessary part of its plan to cut costs and quickly emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Many of the dealers were selling the last cars on their lots and preparing to shut their doors for good at the end of the day, while others planned to sell used cars or other brands after severing ties with Chrysler.

Dick’s Auto Group will be here to serve you no matter what happens in this matter.  We all watch with great anticipation and with compassion to the effected individuals and organizations.

Dick’s Auto Group

Dick’s Country Dodge

503-214-5014

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We Are Ready for the Fiat 500

June 2, 2009

We have a brand new faucility and are ready for the new Fiats. I think they will do well here if the market continues to support small sporty vehicles. America really likes its large V8 powered vehciles. If fuel prices continue to rise and the green movement continue, so will the Fiats! It looks like the first one will be the 500.

Read after the break-

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You can see all the results of recent changes and improvements in Dodge Chrysler Jeep products at Portland’s Best:
Dick’s Country Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Scott and Shannon Inukai are committed to providing quality vehicles at great prices.
767 SW Baseline Rd
Hillsboro OR 97123
503-214-5014
800-783-4891
http://dickscountrydodge.com
http://dicksautogroup.com
The best and #1 rated Portland area Five Star rated Dodge dealer, Chrysler dealer, Jeep dealer near Beaverton Oregon. We have the 2009 Ram and 2009 Dodge Challenger available and instock for sale. Also come and see our Internet Special prices on used, pre-owned and certified vehicles.

We carry SmartWay certified vehicles like the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring. Click here to search our new SmartWay Certifed Vehiclesor here to search our pre-owned SmartWay Certified vehicles. They keep your world green and your enemies more green with envy. You can also checkout our fuel saving technology such as Duel Mode Hybrid, MDS, VVT, CVT and the clean burning house hauling power of the New Cummins Diesel 6.7 Liter I6.

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Dick’s Auto Group is a dealer group made up of only domestic brands. We have Chrysler, Dodge, Ford and Jeep. Give a call and set a time to come test drive our products and look at the advantage of buying an American automobile. Scott and Shannon Inukai are committed to providing quality vehicles at great prices. They are also proud to represent the number one selling truck in America today.

Dick’s Auto Group

http://dicksautogroup.com

Hillsboro Oregon 97123

888-898-7901

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(Source:Left Lane News)
Fiat 500 coming to a Chrysler dealer near you

06/01/2009, 11:45 AM
By Drew Johnson

Confirming earlier speculations, Fiat has officially announced its retro-styled 500 hatchback will be coming to America in about 18 months. The 500 will be sold through Chrysler dealers nationwide and will be the only Fiat-badged vehicle sold in the states.

Richard Gadeselli, vice president of Fiat communications in Italy, revealed the news to Automotive News on Monday. “The Fiat 500 – we see that, like the MINI, as a sort of boutique car that we think we can sell in good numbers on the East and West coasts in the same way that MINI has been successful in the U.S.,” Gadeselli said.

Gadeselli didn’t give a sales prediction for the 500 in the U.S., but the Italian automaker is likely eyeing a goal of at least 40,000 sales per year – just under the volume of BMW’s MINI brand.

Gadeselli also revealed the 500 will be the only Fiat-badged model sold in the United States. While Fiat will supply Chrysler with the underpinnings of six vehicles, each will be Chrysler-badged and wear sheet metal unique to the Chrysler brand. “The vehicles will be U.S. vehicles, designed for U.S. customers by a U.S. company,” he said.

No timeline has been given for the other Fiat-made Chrysler vehicles, but we suspect the first examples won’t be far behind the 500’s launch.

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Fiat Will Sell 500 at Chrysler Dealerships Badged as Fiat!

June 2, 2009

CNET reports that a Fiat spokesperson in an interview with Automotive News indicated there would be technology and platform sharing but the Fiat 500 would remain a Fiat. It would be sold in the North America within the 18 months or so but it would not be re-badged. Read after the Break.

Dick’s Auto Group
http://dicksautogroup.com
http://dicksautogroup.wordpress.com

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Fiat will market the Fiat 500 at Chrysler dealerships in about 11/2 years, a Fiat spokesman says.

The 500 will be the only Fiat or Fiat-derived car that will be sold in Chrysler dealerships badged as a Fiat. New vehicles derived from Fiat platforms will be sold with Chrysler brands.

“The Fiat 500 — we see that, like the Mini, as a sort of boutique car that we think we can sell in good numbers on the East and West coasts in the same way that Mini has been successful in the U.S.,” says Richard Gadeselli, vice president of Fiat communications in Italy.

Meanwhile, he says, Chrysler will design and engineer its own vehicles from Fiat platforms. Chrysler is planning six small or mid-sized vehicles based on Fiats.

“There is a misconception out there that Chrysler is going to build the Fiat Bravo, just stick a different badge on it” and do other rebadging, Gadeselli says.

“They will be Chrysler products,” Gadeselli says. “They will be specific to Chrysler. The vehicle architectures will be based on our stuff, and there will be some powertrains. The vehicles will be U.S. vehicles, designed for U.S. customers by a U.S. company.”

The vehicles will not share sheet metal with Fiat vehicles, Gadeselli says. The 500, he says, will be the only model badged as a Fiat in the United States.

The original 500 two-door debuted in 1957 and gained wide acceptance as a low-priced, practical tiny car similar to the Volkswagen Beetle and Mini of that era. The 500 was sold until 1975.

The current 500, which captures the styling heritage of the original, debuted in 2007 as a front-drive hatchback.

Fiat is on track to control Chrysler when the American automaker emerges from U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

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FUSION HYBRID SETS WORLD RECORD WITH 1,445 MILES ON SINGLE TANK OF GAS

May 30, 2009

Ford is leading the pack and setting the tone. Ford Fusion is winning award after award and setting one record after another. The latest recognition it recieved was during an attempt to drive 1000 miles on one tank of regular 87 octane fuel. The same stuff you and I put in our cars everyday. The result was, they failed. They got to a 1000 miles and still had about 1/3 tank left! Then the question becomes, how far can a Ford Fusion actually get on one regular tank of fuel. Questions like that demand to be answered. So they did. You will be surprised. Read below to find out.

  • Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques achieve 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid – averaging 81.5 mpg in Washington, D.C. – and set world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan
  • The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge proves that fuel-efficient driving techniques can nearly double a vehicle’s EPA-rated fuel economy
  • The demonstration of the Fusion Hybrid’s ultra high-mileage potential also raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

(SOURCE:FORD)

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2009 – Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques such as smooth acceleration and coasting to red lights were able to get an

extraordinary 1,445.7 miles out of a single tank of gas during a fund-raising effort in Washington, D.C. that concluded today. They did it by averaging 81.5 miles per gallon in an off-the-showroom floor, non-modified 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsize car in North America – nearly doubling its U.S. certified mileage.

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ended this morning at 5:37 a.m. on George Washington Parkway in Washington, D.C. After more than 69 continuous hours of driving, the Fusion Hybrid finally depleted its tank and came to a stop with an odometer reading of 1,445.7 miles – setting a world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company engineers, raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. The Fusion Hybrid’s official estimated range is approximately 700 miles per tank.

“Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. “The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the effort doubly worthwhile.”

Maximizing mileage
A team of seven drivers prepared for the challenge by learning a few mileage-maximizing techniques, most of which can be used in any vehicle to improve fuel economy, but are especially useful in the Fusion Hybrid where the driver can take advantage of pure electric energy at speeds below 47 mph.

CleanMPG.com founder Wayne Gerdes, an engineer from Illinois who coined the term “hypermiling” to describe the mileage-maximizing techniques, provided the pointers. They include:

  • Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
  • Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
  • Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
  • Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
  • Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
  • Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
  • Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
  • Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
  • Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

“You become very aware of your driving because you’re constantly looking for opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver, too,” said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

In addition, it is important for Fusion Hybrid drivers to manage the battery system’s state of charge through the use of regenerative braking and coasting, and balancing the use of the electric motor and gas engine in city driving to avoid wasting fuel.

Fusion Hybrid drivers also can stay more connected to the hybrid driving experience with Ford’s SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

The Challenge
The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team took turns driving several routes in and around the national capital over the course of approximately three days and nights. The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of the city that is clogged with roughly 30 traffic signals.

“The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly,” Gerdes said. “When you don’t need acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down seamlessly. There’s not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park.”

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team’s success in D.C.

“It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid’s great mileage, and help out a great charity, makes it even more special,” said Edwards, whose ‘99′ team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races. “There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself.”

For More Information
Eco-Driving Tips
SmartGauge with EcoGuide
Images and video: YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, www.media.ford.com

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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 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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You can see all the results of recent changes and improvements at Portland’s best Ford dealer.

Dick’s Mackenzie Ford
4151 SE Tualatin Valley Hwy
Hillsboro OR 97123
800-783-0863
503-214-5029
http://mackenzieford.com
http://dicksautogroup.com
http://mackenziemotors.dealerconnection.com/

Dick’s Mackenzie Ford is the #1 rated local family owned and operated Blue Oval Portland Oregon area Ford dealer near Beaverton Oregon in Hillsboro Oregon. Also, serving the Southwest Washington population. Come and see our Internet Special priceson new, used, pre-ownedand factory-certified vehiclesor Q Certified Vehicles. We have all models available, 2009 Ford F-150, 2009 Ford Mustang and the money saving 2009 Ford Focus and more. Contact us for a free price quote. We also have Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers online at http://mackenzieford.com. Search for all new 2008 and 2009 Ford, including E-Series, Edge, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, F-250 Super Duty, F-350, F-450, Flex, Focus Coupe, Focus Sedan, Fusion, Mustang, Ranger, Sport Trac, Taurus, Taurus X, and for the soon to arrive Ford Transit van. Find your dream car from our Ford showroom of cars, trucks, SUVs and Crossovers or search our new Ford inventory to see what is on our lot, get new car pricing and free Ford price quotes.

We carry SmartWay certified new vehicleslike the Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, Ford Escape and other. Click here to check them out. We also carry SmartWay certified pre-owned vehicles. Click here to search our inventory.

We have Employee Price Plus and quick easy financing available with rates as low as 0% available on some models. Experience our fast credit approval and pre-approval process. We use the best banks to secure you your best deal, including Ford Motor Credit, US Bank, Chase, Bank of America, OnPoint Credit union and others. Contact us to get your best car loan in minutes!

Want to see why you should own a Ford? Click here for the Ford Story videoon why Ford Motor Company is your car company for the future. Click here to load videoon why the Ford F-150 is your truck.

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Dick’s Auto Group is a dealer group made up of only domestic brands. We have Chrysler, Dodge, Ford and Jeep. Give a call and set a time to come test drive our products and look at the advantage of buying an American automobile.

Dick’s Auto Group

http://dicksautogroup.com

Hillsboro Oregon 97123

888-898-7901

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