In a world where all we hear is “More Miles Per Gallon”, everyone is scrambling to beat the next guy while trying to maintain customer satisfaction, style and performance. Each year brings a whole new generation of models and this year is no exception. The all new 2011 Ford Mustang V6 while once delivering a fuel economy savings at 30mpg on the highway has now proven it has what it take by delivering an impressive average of 48.5 mpg with an average speed of 43.9 mph from testing done at the Bristol testing grounds.
Equipped with Ford’s new V-6 engine in combination with their advanced six-speed transmission, the Mustang is poised to be a key element in Fords’ plan to deliver both fuel economy and performance throughout the Ford and Lincoln Mercury ranks. Ford has made the commitment to becoming a leader in fuel economy within every segment that it has competition. The introduction of this new technology opens the doors for this to become the foundation on which Ford will build its future including other Ford fuel economy leaders like the Ford Fiesta, Fusion Hybrid and new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, America’s most fuel efficient luxury sedan.
So now that Ford has succeeded in delivering the best in looks, style and performance, the sales figures going into 2011 are beginning to tell the story of Ford’s future. Cincinnati Ford Dealers think it may seem too early to be thinking about what 2011 will bring with so much focus & intensity, but if the story behind what the Ford Mustang is now telling is any indication, it’s telling Ford that they need to keep the momentum going and stay ahead of the curve and the rest of the competition. Always forward thinking and looking at what the future will bring, the engineers at Ford are already looking at changes for the 2011 Mustang in hopes of ramping up even more to set new records in the sales. Analyst have already seen that in the first month when orders were being taken, Ford has seen more than 11,000 orders being processed which is almost three times as many orders as the last years model had at its launch. What’s even more impressive is that the what so many people have found as their reasons for buying the Ford Mustang over the years is what’s keeping the brand strong Sales figures today show that more than 50% of the orders processed are for the new V6 Model 2011 Mustang.
The development of the technology behind the new 2011 Mustang is a joint venture between the Ford Engineering team and the Ohio University Advanced Automotive Labs. The technology behind the engine for this new Mustang is made up of a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V-6 engine using advanced engineering to deliver its combination of power and economy.
So for those who were willing to stay with it and see it through and were wondering whether or not the Mustang had it in it still, I believe the facts are speaking for themselves and it is about to pay off big time for Ford.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The 10 Steps of a Body Shop Repair
Like with anything in life that requires a great deal of effort there will almost always be a process that one must follow in order to insure things are done completely and accurately. Body shop repair is no exception. From the initial accident to the insurance claim and estimates through the final repair and completion there are an enormous number of items that need to be addressed. Here is a quick overview, from the body shop of Northgate Ford, of the steps which may make your life easier when the time comes to get your vehicle repaired:
Step 1. Getting an Estimate
In most larger body shops that are better equipped to handle repairs better, in order to provide the most accurate estimate possible, the collision estimator will enter all the information about the repair into a computerized estimating system. A report is then generated outlining the work that will need to be done along with the costs involved.
Step 2. Getting Insurance Approval
Once an estimate has been obtained from a reputable collision repair shop, a representative from the insurance company may want to inspect the vehicle and prepare their own estimate for comparisons. Before the repair process can begin, in most cases the body shop must work with the insurance company to make sure the figures on the body shop estimate is in line with the figure from the insurance company as well as with the repair procedures needed to fix any damage. Because of this step, it is not uncommon for an insurance company to evaluate as a total loss so no repairs will be needed.
Step 3. Disassembly
Occasionally there may be the need for extra charges due to additional damage that is found after a vehicle has been disassembled for repair. When this happens, photos will be taken of the damage and the owner and possibly the insurance company will be contacted to get approval for any additional repairs.
Step 4. Ordering Parts
Before any work begins and in many cases before you are asked to bring your car in for repair, all parts will be ordered for your vehicle's repair to make sure they are available when the work begins. This insures the repairs are done quickly and efficiently with the least amount of inconvenience to the customer. Occasionally, there may be the need to place a special order for parts which can then add time to the repair process.
Step 5. Frame Repair
Most larger collision repair shops are equipped with sophisticated repair systems that enable them to carefully and accurately measure, analyze, and align the frame of your vehicle to restore it to its original factory specifications.
Step 6. Body Repair
Depending on the nature of the damage to the vehicle, there may be the need to perform some major body repair. The body repair process involves replacing any damaged exterior parts as well as any necessary metal finishing.
Step 7. Paint
After all of the repairs have been completed and parts replaced, the next step is to repaint the repaired areas. Generally a computerized paint-mixing system will be used in order to match your vehicle's paint color perfectly. To ensure the best adhesion possible, the areas to be painted are sanded down then are masked and primed for refinishing.
Step 8. Reassembly
After all necessary repairs are completed and the vehicle has been repainted, the next step is to reassemble any parts that were removed and/or repaired. A check is then made to verify that your car is structurally sound and ready for delivery.
Step 9. Inspection
When everything has been put back together and the technician is satisfied that the work is complete, a test-drive of your vehicle is completed in order to perform a quality control system check to make sure everything functions correctly and the repairs have been completed successfully.
Step 10. Completion
When your car is ready for pick up, the repair service manager will meet with you to review your invoice and answer any questions. The goal should be to make sure you're 100 percent satisfied with the work.
Step 1. Getting an Estimate
In most larger body shops that are better equipped to handle repairs better, in order to provide the most accurate estimate possible, the collision estimator will enter all the information about the repair into a computerized estimating system. A report is then generated outlining the work that will need to be done along with the costs involved.
Step 2. Getting Insurance Approval
Once an estimate has been obtained from a reputable collision repair shop, a representative from the insurance company may want to inspect the vehicle and prepare their own estimate for comparisons. Before the repair process can begin, in most cases the body shop must work with the insurance company to make sure the figures on the body shop estimate is in line with the figure from the insurance company as well as with the repair procedures needed to fix any damage. Because of this step, it is not uncommon for an insurance company to evaluate as a total loss so no repairs will be needed.
Step 3. Disassembly
Occasionally there may be the need for extra charges due to additional damage that is found after a vehicle has been disassembled for repair. When this happens, photos will be taken of the damage and the owner and possibly the insurance company will be contacted to get approval for any additional repairs.
Step 4. Ordering Parts
Before any work begins and in many cases before you are asked to bring your car in for repair, all parts will be ordered for your vehicle's repair to make sure they are available when the work begins. This insures the repairs are done quickly and efficiently with the least amount of inconvenience to the customer. Occasionally, there may be the need to place a special order for parts which can then add time to the repair process.
Step 5. Frame Repair
Most larger collision repair shops are equipped with sophisticated repair systems that enable them to carefully and accurately measure, analyze, and align the frame of your vehicle to restore it to its original factory specifications.
Step 6. Body Repair
Depending on the nature of the damage to the vehicle, there may be the need to perform some major body repair. The body repair process involves replacing any damaged exterior parts as well as any necessary metal finishing.
Step 7. Paint
After all of the repairs have been completed and parts replaced, the next step is to repaint the repaired areas. Generally a computerized paint-mixing system will be used in order to match your vehicle's paint color perfectly. To ensure the best adhesion possible, the areas to be painted are sanded down then are masked and primed for refinishing.
Step 8. Reassembly
After all necessary repairs are completed and the vehicle has been repainted, the next step is to reassemble any parts that were removed and/or repaired. A check is then made to verify that your car is structurally sound and ready for delivery.
Step 9. Inspection
When everything has been put back together and the technician is satisfied that the work is complete, a test-drive of your vehicle is completed in order to perform a quality control system check to make sure everything functions correctly and the repairs have been completed successfully.
Step 10. Completion
When your car is ready for pick up, the repair service manager will meet with you to review your invoice and answer any questions. The goal should be to make sure you're 100 percent satisfied with the work.
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Takes Center Stage
Going into 2011, Ford has positioned themselves to be a winner with the all new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Standing out from the crowd, the MKZ Hybrid provides customers with a real choice in the marketplace when looking for a vehicle that truly makes a statement Ford has placed a lot of emphasis of making sure that this vehicle reflects the ideals of the Lincoln mercury division. To set itself apart from the crowd, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid comes in offering the best fuel economy for any car in its segment. Additionally, to appeal to the discriminating tastes of its customers, they have added a host of advanced safety features, and all the amenities and modern design of a true luxury sedan.
According to the management for Northgate Ford, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has gone above and beyond to offer everything that a customer could possibly look for in a midsize luxury sedan. With its unsurpassed fuel economy, ,the engineers at Lincoln Mercury worked extra hard to ensure the MKZ Hybrid’s electric motor and engine complement each other.
With a reputation as a world class leader in electrified technology, the Ford Motor Company with its introduction of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses the company’s second-generation hybrid engines. This system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver optimal performance and fuel economy.
When you look under the hood you find that the Industry-leading fuel economy comes without the need to sacrifice power. The mix of the gasoline engine and electric motor provide a great deal more horsepower than one would expect. Additionally, the pure electric mode on the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid extends the gas mileage to an extraordinary 47 MPG.
But even after all the reviews and the great ratings, the question that still surrounds the MKZ Hybrid isn't how well can it perform against its competitors, but if it will carry enough extra kit to significantly differentiate it from vehicles using the same or similar power trains. For people who may only be looking for efficiency may be willing to part with certain luxury amenities in order to save money.
Bottom line is that with Lincoln’s take on the Ford hybrid theme it will be much better equipped than either of the less-expensive vehicles in its class. Just to spotlight a few, it will include swiveling HID headlamps, cushy heated and cooled leather seats, and to top it off, a slightly more jazzed up version of the nifty, configurable EcoGuide instrument cluster. For those who may be familiar with the mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids, they have a screen-based botanical garden that grows leaves and vines as a reward for fuel-efficient driving. With the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, they have added pretty flowers! Other standard goodies include Sync voice-activated controls; sustainable wood trim for the dash, doors, and steering wheel; and reverse and cross-traffic sensors.
The feeling seems to be now that with the Introduction of the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid that it complements Ford's already aggressive global electrification plan while setting them up for the introduction of five new electrified vehicles by 2013.
According to the management for Northgate Ford, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has gone above and beyond to offer everything that a customer could possibly look for in a midsize luxury sedan. With its unsurpassed fuel economy, ,the engineers at Lincoln Mercury worked extra hard to ensure the MKZ Hybrid’s electric motor and engine complement each other.
With a reputation as a world class leader in electrified technology, the Ford Motor Company with its introduction of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses the company’s second-generation hybrid engines. This system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver optimal performance and fuel economy.
When you look under the hood you find that the Industry-leading fuel economy comes without the need to sacrifice power. The mix of the gasoline engine and electric motor provide a great deal more horsepower than one would expect. Additionally, the pure electric mode on the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid extends the gas mileage to an extraordinary 47 MPG.
But even after all the reviews and the great ratings, the question that still surrounds the MKZ Hybrid isn't how well can it perform against its competitors, but if it will carry enough extra kit to significantly differentiate it from vehicles using the same or similar power trains. For people who may only be looking for efficiency may be willing to part with certain luxury amenities in order to save money.
Bottom line is that with Lincoln’s take on the Ford hybrid theme it will be much better equipped than either of the less-expensive vehicles in its class. Just to spotlight a few, it will include swiveling HID headlamps, cushy heated and cooled leather seats, and to top it off, a slightly more jazzed up version of the nifty, configurable EcoGuide instrument cluster. For those who may be familiar with the mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids, they have a screen-based botanical garden that grows leaves and vines as a reward for fuel-efficient driving. With the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, they have added pretty flowers! Other standard goodies include Sync voice-activated controls; sustainable wood trim for the dash, doors, and steering wheel; and reverse and cross-traffic sensors.
The feeling seems to be now that with the Introduction of the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid that it complements Ford's already aggressive global electrification plan while setting them up for the introduction of five new electrified vehicles by 2013.
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