2010 Ford Taurus comes to Portland area’s own Dick’s Mackenzie Ford

Ford’s MotorCity Solutions is bringing the all new award winning 2010 Ford Taurus to Portland Oregon. Not just Portland or just any dealer in the Portland area. They are bringing it specifically to Dick’s Mackenzie Ford in Hillsboro!

They will arrive on Monday Aug 31, 2009 at 2:30PM. Arrive early to make sure you get a chance to take a look at the future for the only auto manufacturer able to be successful with bankruptcy and federal bailout money.

Ford quality! Ford innovation! Ford today! Ford tomorrow!

Dick’s Mackenzie Ford
4151 SE TV Hwy
Hillsboro OR 97123
800-783-0863

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New Plug-In Ford Technology

This is an exciting article about the new technology Ford Motor Company is pioneering to save you time and money and green. Yes, both kinds of green! The one we print and the one we work so hard to protect as well. Read after the break.

Visit our site and see our inventory or stop by and ask a question or two.

Dick’s Mackenzie Ford

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August 24, 2009
Ford unveils ‘Intelligent’ system for plug-in hybrids
Ford Motor Company announced that it has developed an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that “talks” directly with the nation’s electric grid.

This new technology – which builds on Ford’s advancements such as SYNC , SmartGauge with EcoGuide and Ford Work Solutions – allows the vehicle operator to program when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate, the automaker said.

“Electric vehicles are an important element of our strategy for improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman. “This vehicle-to-grid communication technology is an important step in the journey toward the widespread commercialization of electric vehicles.”

All 21 of Ford’s fleet of plug-in hybrid Escapes eventually will be equipped with the vehicle-to-grid communications technology. The first of the specially equipped plug-in hybrids has been delivered to American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio. Ford’s other utility partners’ vehicles will also be equipped with the communications technology.

When plugged in, the battery systems of these specially equipped plug-in hybrids can communicate directly with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies through wireless networking. The owner uses the vehicle’s touch screen navigation interface and Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer to choose when the vehicle should recharge, for how long and at what utility rate.

For example, a vehicle owner could choose to accept a charge only during off-peak hours between midnight and 6 a.m. when electricity rates are cheaper, or when the grid is using only renewable energy such as wind or solar power.

“We are designing what plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles will be capable of in the future,” said Greg Frenette, manager of Ford’s Battery Electric Vehicle Applications. “Direct communication between vehicles and the grid can only be accomplished through collaboration between automakers and utility companies, which Ford and its partners are demonstrating with this technology.”

Over the past two years, Ford and its energy industry partners have logged more than 75,000 miles on the plug-in hybrid test fleet. The plug-in hybrid research focuses on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage and grid infrastructure.

“Broad commercialization of electric transportation is not something a car company can achieve on its own,” said Nancy Gioia, Ford director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies. “Developing and producing the vehicles is just one part of the electric transportation equation. We are well on our way to delivering the vehicles, but for widespread adoption the infrastructure to support the technology needs to be in place and we need to ensure that the national electric grid can support increased electric demand.”

Real-world usage and laboratory research is helping to accelerate the advancement of electrified vehicles. Ford and its research partners are now focusing on ways to make the recharging process easy and efficient for consumers. In addition to low-cost recharging at home through the use of a smart meter, Ford researchers say recharging away from home – whether at work, in a shopping mall parking lot or at a curbside station – needs to be as simple as plugging in and swiping a credit card.

The plug-in hybrid advantage

Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer several benefits, including:
– Reduced dependency on petroleum and increased energy independence
– Reduced environmental impact through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
– Increased use of electricity from renewable energy sources (e.g. wind and solar) for vehicle recharging
– Potential consumer cost savings on energy/fuel costs

In 2007, Ford announced a partnership with Southern California Edison, the electric utility with the nation’s largest and most advanced electric vehicle fleet. The partnership is designed to explore ways to make plug-in hybrids more accessible to consumers, reduce petroleum-related emissions and understand issues related to connectivity between vehicles and the electric grid.

Since then, Ford and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), an independent nonprofit organization, have expanded the partnership, with a three-year plan to develop and evaluate technical approaches for integrating PHEVs into the nation’s electric grid system, a key requirement to facilitate widespread adoption of the vehicles.

Ford’s key partners include:
– Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
– U.S. Department of Energy
– Southern California Edison
– New York Power Authority
– Consolidated Edison of New York
– American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio
– Alabama Power of Birmingham, Ala.; and its parent, Atlanta-based Southern Company
– Progress Energy of Raleigh, N.C.
– DTE Energy of Detroit
– National Grid of Waltham, Mass.
– Pepco Holdings
– New York State Energy and Research Development Authority, a state agency
– Hydro-Quebec, the largest electricity generator in Canada

“Ford’s involvement in the collaboration with EPRI and some of the nation’s leading utilities will help accelerate the pace leading to the commercialization of PHEVs,” said Arshad Mansoor, vice president of EPRI’s Power Delivery and Utilization Sector. “This type of joint effort between an auto manufacturer and utilities will permit a more seamless integration of electric-drive vehicles into the power grid and the transportation sector.”

Ford also has announced key collaborations with:

– Smith Electric Vehicles, Europe’s leading battery electric commercial
vehicle upfitter engaged by Ford to help bring the Transit Connect
battery electric vehicle, a small commercial van, to market in 2010

– Magna International, the supplier jointly developing the Ford Focus
battery electric vehicle passenger car for 2011

– Johnson Controls-Saft, the battery supplier for Ford’s first
production plug-in hybrid vehicle coming to market in 2012

Getting charged up

Ford recently was selected for two grants from the Department of Energy under its fleet electrification program. The program is designed to accelerate viable commercial volumes of electrified vehicles and vehicle-to-grid infrastructure development.

One grant, for $30 million, will help fund Ford’s collaboration with utility partners across the nation with an expansion of a vehicle demonstration and grid integration program.

Ford also will receive a $62.7 million DOE grant for production of an electric-drive transaxle that could be used for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles at Ford’s Van Dyke transmission manufacturing facility in Sterling Heights, Mich. This grant will be matched by Ford.

DOE grant funds also will support production of electric-drive system components at Ford supplier Magna, for the Ford Focus battery electric vehicle, as well as Johnson Controls-Saft, which will supply high-voltage batteries for Ford’s plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012.

Ford plans to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years, retooling its U.S. plants more quickly to produce fuel-efficient vehicles and help meet the new, rigorous fuel economy requirements.
Published by Dealer Communications
Copyright © 2009 Dealer Communications . All rights reserved.
Information in this newsletter is provided by both proprietary and public sources.Dealer Communications makes no claims as to the accuracy of information from third party providers.

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Ford to Bring Back the Taurus

Great news for all the people who have owned and loved the Ford Taurus over the years.

Dick’s Mackenzie Ford
Ford to bring back the Taurus
The Ford Taurus, once the country’s best-selling car before being overrun by Honda and Toyota, is trying to stage a comeback, the Kansas City Star reports. Ford Motor Co. is in the midst of launching the new, redesigned Taurus, which has been making its way to dealerships in the past two weeks. It marks the resurgence of a Ford brand once regarded as the domestic auto industry’s answer to the fuel-efficient and cheap Japanese imports. “It’s an unbelievable car, the kind that we should expect from Ford in terms of styling, quality, safety and pricing,” said Brad Hewlett, dealer principal at Bob Allen Ford in Overland Park. “They should’ve never done away with the Taurus name in the first place.” The future of the 2010 Taurus, which has gone upscale with luxury features and technological gadgets, may also answer the question of whether Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally is a “car guy.” Analysts so far have given the former Boeing executive high marks for turning Ford’s financial fortunes around since joining the automaker in late 2006. Ford is the only domestic auto company to avoid a government-assisted bankruptcy reorganization plan this year.

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Where Oh Where is the Clunker Today

Everyday, in everywhere and at every level dealers are asking a few questions. When does it stop and when does my money start to come in. It is all about the clunker! At our dealer group it is a daily question. Do we keep going? Have we gotten any of the money back? How do we plan for the future? The questions are clear, the answers, no so much. With NADA as the mouth piece for the questions on the national level, maybe we are getting some answers. Read after the break.

Dick’s Auto Group
Dick’s Country Chrysler Jeep Dodge
Dick’s Mackenzie Ford
Dick’s Collision Center

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Dealers group wary of cash for clunkers
NADA: ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Program Enters Wind-Down Phase (Press Release)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The federal “cash for clunkers” or “CARS” program is now entering its wind-down phase. Earlier today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood announced that, within the next 48 hours, guidance will be issued regarding the process by which the program will be brought to a close.

NADA held a high level meeting this morning with DOT and NHTSA officials to reiterate dealer concerns about the “clunkers” program and to stress the urgency of fixing these problems. As the first order of business, NADA stressed the importance of addressing – as soon as possible – how the program will end, including the possible suspension of the program. In addition, NADA emphasized that NHTSA must eliminate all dealer reimbursement delays; the failure to make such payments is creating financial hardship and uncertainty for dealers and consumers alike.

As we await the end-of-program guidance, dealers should keep in mind the following points:

– Although, according to press reports, Secretary LaHood stated today
that “there will be no car dealer that won’t be reimbursed,” NADA
believes that this is based on DOT’s view that sufficient funds remain
available. It is important to note that NHTSA has confirmed elsewhere
that if the program’s money runs out before a dealer is reimbursed,
that dealer will not be paid.
– Given the popularity of the program and the rapid pace at which
“clunker” deals are being done, it is difficult, if not impossible, to
accurately project the “burn rate” of available funds.

– In view of the foregoing, dealers who accept additional “clunker”
deals face a growing risk that they may not be reimbursed.

NADA will continue to press NHTSA for clarity on, and resolution of, all open “cash for clunkers” questions, and we will provide additional dealer updates when circumstances warrant.

(NADA delivered this statement today to its membership.)
Source: National Automobile Dealers Association
Web Site: http://www.nada.org/

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Clunker Program Clunking Along

“Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp., Hyundai Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC all have announced production increases due to the clunkers program.”

What a great bit of news. Jeep Patriots have flown off the lot. The Dodge Caliber is not so many as before. The PT Cruiser still has a $4500 rebate on it from Chrysler as well as qualifying for the governments CARS program rebate. People are buying cars, inventories are lower and jobs are being created. That is great news for today.

Do not miss this opportunity to take advantage of this program. Grab your car and head on in to see us. The 2nd infusion of 2BIL in cash will not last long either.

Dick’s Auto Group, your Portland Oregon Chrysler Dodge Ford Jeep Dealer.

(SOURCE)

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Controlled Failure Clunking Along

What a successful clunker catastrophe Frustrating, maddening, hastily passed but slow, underfunded, cluelessly administered. Also fabulously successful. The now-infamous cash-for-clunkers‘ future is in question.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this program, we recommend you act fact. Inventory is dwindling and the program has already run out of money, been canceled, extended, voted on an threatened to not renew. If it is valid that day you read this, then that is all we know for sure.

Thanks,

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

8.7.09 Update: It was just renewed!

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

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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