Hot Topic: After-Market technology gives 41 MPG to a Ford F-150

With "hybrid technology" on the tip of everyone's tongue, many major auto makers remain curious as to whether consumers will actually purchase hybrid trucks.

The concern, of course, is performance, as people who purchase pick-ups genuinely need the power of the trucks for towing, heavy payloads, etc. For instance, the GMC Denali XT hybrid, while it achieves incredible fuel economy, simply cannot offer the same performance as a traditional truck, and has been called "a bit more of a crossover than a pure truck."

However, many people agree that outfitting large vehicles such as trucks and SUVs with hybrid technology simply makes sense. Since these vehicles sport the worst fuel efficiency numbers on the road, converting trucks and SUVs to hybrid technology would make far more of an environmental impact than converting the already fuel efficient smaller class vehicles. And since hybrid technology is expensive, some argue that placing hybrid technology in vehicles that are already fairly low-cost and fuel efficient is almost counter-intuitive, as the sticker price would have to rise accordingly.

So, we know it makes sense to make hybrid trucks and SUVs, but the question still remains - How can we increase fuel efficiency and maintain high performance?

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. thinks it might have the answer. At last weeks Plug-In 2008 Conference and Expedition, HEVT unveiled the world's first plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PEHV) version of the Ford F-150 pick-up truck.

HEVT's technology allows for vehicles such as pick-ups, SUVs, and vans to be retrofitted with the PEHV system. In the Ford F-150 prototype, HEVT was able to transform the pick-up's gas mileage from 16 mpg to 41 mpg (it appears that the figures were calculated from an average day of city driving). Even more importantly for many pick-up truck owners, the technology allows for the same great performance they expect from Ford trucks, and HEVT claims their system creates even more low-speed torque for better towing.

HEVT also made a video about this technology. Take a look, and let us know what you think! Our "Bottom Line" is after the video.



Bottom Line: We're impressed. If the technology holds up to the claims, it could be a major stepping stone in the marriage between maintaining high performance and increasing fuel efficiency. HEVT is currently making these F-150 conversions available to individuals and organizations on a custom basis. We definitely think this technology has a fighting chance in the crowded world of automobile innovations - while HEVT is currently focusing on everyday vehicles with low fuel efficiency, their ultimate goal is to expand to school busses and transit busses.

Our August Newsletter

Go green with Service Motors!

That's the theme of this month's newsletter, which we just sent out to our e-mail list.

You can view our newsletter here.

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Spotlight Customer: Jeannie Wachs

In January of this year, Service Motors called Jeannie Wachs and told her we had finally gotten an Escape Hybrid into our dealership. Immediately, Jeannie visited our dealership and bought her hybrid while it was still being serviced and inspected by our service department! Several months later, Jeannie spoke with us about "going green."

When Jeannie Wachs decided her old vehicle was simply too small for her needs, soaring gas prices made her seriously debate whether she wanted to upgrade to a larger vehicle.

Ultimately, it was her friend Lori who tuned her into hybrid vehicles, which use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to run. After doing some research, Jeannie decided to pursue a Ford Escape Hybrid, which changed the face of hybrids in 2005 when it took the technology out of small vehicles and put it into an SUV.

In “mild” hybrid designs, the gasoline engine is always running and the electric motor simply augments it to help save some fuel. However, the Escape Hybrid implements a full hybrid system, which means the engine and the motor can run independently of one another. Put simply, the electric motor runs when you’re stopped or traveling at speeds of less than 25 mph, and the gas engine takes over at other times.

Since Jeannie does a lot of city driving, she determined the hybrid technology was perfect for her needs.

“In the city it is very efficient,” Jeannie said. “You can definitely tell the difference.”

According to Jeannie, the only thing she had to get used to was the transition between gas and electric power.

“When it’s in ‘battery mode’ you can’t hear the engine,” she said. “It took me about a week or two to get used to that!”

Other than the noise factor, Jeannie said the shift to her hybrid was essentially effortless.

“It performs the same way and feels just like a regular vehicle,” Jeannie said. “It drives the same, it brakes the same – the only thing different about it is how it functions.”

That was the exact concept Ford engineers had in mind when they created the Ford Escape Hybrid. Ford wanted to ensure that no special technical skills were needed to drive the vehicle, and they attempted to make the hybrid technology as transparent as possible. There isn’t even a meter to show the charge of the Escape Hybrid’s battery – the driver simply isn’t supposed to worry about it.

According to Jeannie, while her hybrid was slightly pricier than other similar vehicles, the benefits of increased gas mileage and a sense of being environmentally friendly are completely worth it. In fact, she is now considering making her house “green” by installing solar panels.

“Even though it is more expensive to go green, once you get the technology, you definitely save the money in the long run,” Jeannie said.

Tips from Ford on increasing fuel efficiency

Got road rage? While it may release stress on the road, the U.S. Department of Energy notes behaviors such as speeding and rapid acceleration and braking can have a serious effect on your gas mileage.

And with gas prices hovering around four dollars a gallon, that's no statistic to ignore.

In order to assist their customers in maintaining high fuel efficiency, Ford recently released tips that have both ECOnomical and ECOlogical benefits for drivers. From Ford, here are the "Top Ten Eco-Driving Tips:"

• Drive at posted speed limits. This is a tip that may save a life as well as fuel. EPA estimates a 10 to 15 percent improvement in fuel economy by driving 55 instead of 65 mph. On the highway, use cruise control whenever possible
• Accelerate smoothly and brake gradually. Jackrabbit starts waste fuel
• Don't be an aggressive driver. Time studies show that fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and accelerating to and from a stop sign or traffic light don't save much time but do waste fuel and wear out car components such as brakes and tires faster
• Check your tires. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. They also wear more rapidly. Check the vehicle door-post sticker for minimum cold tire inflation pressure. Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure-this alone can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3 to 4 percent
• Don't idle for more than 30 seconds. Today's engines don't need to be warmed up. Prolonged idling creates excess emissions and wastes fuel. Start the car and immediately drive away
• Avoid piling a lot of luggage on the roof rack. This reduces aerodynamics and can reduce fuel economy by up to 5 percent
• Don't drive at higher speeds with windows wide open. It decreases vehicle aerodynamics on highways and lowers fuel economy
• Maintain your vehicle. A properly tuned-up engine will run more efficiently. Keep the wheels aligned. Wheels that are fighting each other waste fuel
• Replace air filters as needed. Consult the owner's guide for the recommended schedule
• Use good-quality oils with the viscosity grade recommended in the owner guide. Ford recommends SAE 5W-20 oil for most cars and trucks to provide the best fuel economy. Only oils "Certified for Gasoline Engines" by the American Petroleum Institute (API) with the starburst symbol should be used
  

Check out one of our previous posts, where we interviewed our Service Director on even more tips to keep your vehicle at peak fuel efficiency.

Is Personal Rapid Transit the answer?

A recent comment by one of our readers brought our attention to the intriguing issue of Personal Rapid Transit systems. The PRT Project calls for a complete revolution in transportation, much like the revolution of the automobile. It's important to note that strong proponents of PRT seek not an evolution in transportation (hybrid vehicles and other innovations in fuel efficiency and mass transit), but instead are pushing for a dynamic change in how we get from place to place.

PRT is essentially a form of mass transit . . . with door-to-door service. According to the PRT Project's Web site, PRT "puts the automobile on tracks," and unlike most forms of mass transportation, PRT would seek to not co-exist with the automobile, but instead replace it. Proponents argue that set-up costs would be minimal, especially when compared with installing something such as a traditional light rail.

The vehicles are publicly owned, but you "summon" them for your private use. For instance, let's say I needed to get to the furniture store across town. I summon a PRT vehicle, it comes to my door in a few minutes, drops me off, and moves on to the next pick-up location.

And if I happen to buy a couch that strikes my fancy, I would simply have to summon another "freight" PRT vehicle.

Interesting? Yes. Straight out of the Jetson's? Definitely. Could it actually be put to use? Maybe.

Heathrow Airport in London, England is currently in the process of building a PRT system, which is scheduled to make its first run in the Spring of 2009. It's the first in the world, and many officials from the Heathrow and BAA Airports, the company that owns the London airport, appear optimistic about its benefits.

More than 20 million dollars has been invested in this project, but Project Manager David Holdcroft said the PRT team is hoping this new system will significantly improve both the passenger experience and the airport's environmental impact.

“It offers a completely new form of public transport – one that will deliver a fast, efficient service to passengers and bring considerable environmental benefits, saving more than half of the fuel used by existing forms of public or private transport. Not only that, it’s a world first," Holdcroft said.

In an airport like Heathrow, which is the third largest in the world, this type of technology makes sense. Many large airports utilize some sort of mass transportation for their passengers, and this new PRT system simply capitalizes on that formula. It's an incredible idea and a significant step for this type of technology, but it must be noted that this is not exactly how PRT advocates originally envisioned.

So, of course, the question remains: Are PRT systems realistic in the "real world?"

After perusing the PRT Project Web site, I have my doubts. Just take a look at the FAQ page, and most people will agree that many issues presented there simply seem to great to ignore. Everything from privacy concerns (wouldn't the government theoretically be able to track my every move?) to simple worries of timeliness (how long will this really take? and what about rural areas?) are mentioned, and several of the answers seem lacking in definitive support.

Ideally, everyone would wholeheartedly embrace the idea of PRT systems. Their electrical motors are certainly an intriguing solution to the increased worries of environmental sustainability and the worrisome oil market. However, I have a difficult time envisioning most individuals fully giving up their vehicles and the convenience they provide. I can't even count the amount of times I've stored things in my vehicle during the work day to do errands later in the afternoon, and the issue of traveling long distances also seems confusing. Would all the PRT systems in every city and every state be interconnected? And if that's the case, it seems it would take years to gain local, state, and national government support and funding.

The Web site does provide a "transition" plan, but once again, it seems to occur in an ideal setting with little thought to concerns of individuals who will physically have to be a part of the transition.

Finally, I view the economic impact as a possible concern as well. The final question presented in the FAQ says:

What happens to all the unused automobiles once the PRT system is implemented?

The answer provided seems overly simple:

The PRT system would take years to construct. Existing automobiles would naturally migrate to the unincorporated areas of the system as they are resold as used vehicles. So while the new automobile market would certainly be impacted, the existing automobiles would not be wasted.

Try telling that answer to the thousands of individuals who make their living in the automobile industry. Whether its production, sales, or service, the effect of countless people losing their jobs seems unfathomable.

Bottom Line: PRTs are interesting solutions for small, isolated communities such as airports, retirement villages, etc. Advocates say their plan is to begin with those types of areas, but their long-term goal of completely eliminating the automobile does not seem fully refined. Either way, it will most likely be several years before these ideas surface to the mainstream. Until then, auto makers must focus on strategies to make their vehicles universally more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Cars can remain competitive with mass transportation, but it is up to their manufacturers to pool the resources into making them so.

This interesting article from the TriCity Herald has some good information. The article thinks the time for PRT may have come. But for every proponent, there's someone blogging about the downsides to PRT. An rousing debate is bound to occur if this technology ever picks up speed.

Ford announces rebuilding plans after stark second-quarter-loss

Yesterday's announcement from Ford regarding a substantial second-quarter loss followed weeks of speculation by bloggers and car experts about what Ford will do to improve their standing with American consumers.

An official press release sent to us yesterday afternoon from Ford detailed the company's new aggressive product plan, which focuses on retooling several plants to produce the new, small, fuel-efficient vehicles Ford will pursue for the next few years.

We've scoured the press release for important information, and we're bringing a comprehensive view of Ford's new strategy to you.

Ford will convert three existing North American truck and SUV plants for small car production, with the first conversion beginning this December.

The Wayne, Michigan Truck Plant will be the first plant to see this transformation. Ford will also be doing somewhat of an intricate musical chairs with various other plants to cut costs while continuing to maintain a high level of vehicle production.

The moves are in addition to Ford's announcements in May and June that it is reducing its North American production plans for large trucks and SUVs for the remainder of 2008, as well as increasing production of smaller cars and crossovers. [ . . . ]

Ford is adding several new North American products in the near- and mid-term, and shifting from a primary emphasis on large trucks and SUVs to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. By the end of 2010, two-thirds of spending will be on cars and crossovers – up from one-half today.

Again, the "musical chairs" effect. As we mentioned in a previous post, Ford's realization that it must begin to rely on other vehicles besides their staple trucks and SUVs will ultimately benefit both the company and its customers, who are seeking a limited amount of hybrids and fuel-efficient passenger cars. And the spending increase on cars and crossovers certainly represents a dynamic shift in the classic "Built Ford Tough" mindset that has accompanied a long history of producing the popular F-Series. Further proof of this sentiment is found later in the release:

The new products include six European small vehicles to be introduced in North America by the end of 2012. Ford's acclaimed European products are set apart by their world-class driving dynamics, exciting design and outstanding quality.

"While we have no intention of giving up our longtime truck leadership, we are creating a new Ford in North America on a foundation of small, fuel-efficient cars and crossovers that will set new standards for quality, fuel economy, product features and refinement," Fields said.

It can't get much more obvious that Ford has opened its eyes to consumer demands and outside economic factors. Again, this is no surprise, and we've already posted on the effects of bringing European cars to America.

Finally, CEO Alan Mulally's ambitious "One Ford" global product development vision got plenty of attention in the release. According the the release, the "One Ford" vision will allow for increased delivery of vehicles worldwide and reduce costs by allowing for the increased use of parts and systems.

Bottom Line:
There will always be people who buy the F-150, Ford's most well-known and widely available truck. But Ford is making a smart (though some may argue, delayed) move that will allow them to remain competitive. One thing Service Motors would like to see is increased focus on Hybrid technologies. While Ford currently supports hybrid models of the Ford Escape and the Mercury Mountaineer, customers are itching for more applications of the technology.

Ford's loss could mean their customers' long-term gain

It's looking to be a long day for Ford, which just reported an $8.7 million second-quarter loss.

"Because of deteriorating economic conditions, demand has declined dramatically, especially in North America," said Ford CEO Alan Mulally in a cnn.com report.

The report is no surprise to most American consumers, who have been feeling the heat of increased gas prices all summer. But this loss for Ford could be their customers' gain.

Mulally has been hinting for quite some time now that Ford will shift its focus to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. By December of this year, three American plants currently used to manufacture large trucks and SUVs will be converted to manufacture small cars. And during a time when demand for hybrids and fuel-friendly cars is high, but supply is low, this is bound to please loyal Ford customers.

Ford will also increase production of two small utility vehicles, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. Both the Escape and Mariner have hybrid models available, and increased production means that dealers like us might have an easier time finding these high-demand vehicles for our customers.

Either way, Ford is certainly not alone in feeling the pressure from concerned consumers. Many other large auto makers are reporting decreased sales, and all of them are citing the sluggish economy and high price of oil.

We've also found an interesting article from Automotive News about Ford's plan for its Mercury line. Looks like they'll be using the brand as a pinnacle for their transition to smaller vehicles. Check out the article here.

It's a bird . . . it's a plane . . . it's a Mustang?

EAA Airventure Oshkosh is standing tradition that Fox Valley residents are quite familiar with.

And while approximately 10,000 aircraft and 650,000 visitors are expected to make the trek to Oshkosh this year, EAA will be showing off something a little different from their ordinary airplane fare.

This Sunday, a one-of-a-kind AirVenture Mustang, the Mustang AV8R, will be unveiled to aviation and automobile enthusiasts. While the vehicle was named after the P-51 Mustang fighter plane used in WWII, this special edition Mustang was developed by the team at Ford Racing to be exceptionally aviation-inspired.

While the 2009 Mustang GT is pretty incredible in its own right (seriously, you can get a glass roof on this edition), the Mustang AV8R turns it up a notch. The car features Black Gloss accents on its Satin Silver matte paint job, and the interior features distressed "bomber jacket" leather inserts. The AV8R even has an appliqué autograph area for the several aviation legends expected to be in attendance at this year's event.

The Mustang will be auctioned off on July 31, and proceeds will benefit the EAA's Gathering for Eagles program, a scholarship program for kids interested in making aviation their career. We'd say this is a pretty successful fundraiser - when Ford donated a Mustang Shelby GT-H in 2006, it sold for $250,000.

Wow. And we thought we'd only get one cool look at an exclusive Mustang this month. Guess there's a first time for everything.

More small cars in the works for Ford?

Tomorrow, Ford will officially release its second-quarter earnings to the public.

But for now, speculation is building as to what Ford will do to stay afloat in a market desperate for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Yesterday, we blogged about the possibility of Ford producing European cars in the United States. Even more recently, the Associated press reports that Ford will bring six small vehicles to the American market from overseas. Their source seems reliable, an insider from Ford who has been briefed on the company's plans.

This is an exciting, yet mind-blowing change for Ford, who is known as a heavily truck-dependent auto maker. However, as sales of these traditional Ford vehicles dropped as quickly as gas prices sky-rocketed, it's a smart move for Ford to put their attention on small passenger vehicles.

Check out this interesting commentary we found from MinnPost.com.

Happy Birthday, Model T

The weeklong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the iconic Model T Ford began yesterday with what is being called the largest gathering of the cars since they left the factory.

And a large gathering it was, with 750 Model Ts and an even larger crowd gathering at an opening banquet in Richmond, Indiana.

An emotional Edsel Ford II, great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford, addressed the gathering, the Associated Press reported. According to Ford, the spirit of the Model T, which was the first vehicle to introduce motoring to the masses, was what made it so successful.

"It was a product that delivered freedom," he told the crowd. "You are the guardians of the spirit that got the whole thing going. You are the keepers of the flame. As long as we have people who love the Model T, we will never forget what brought us here."

The first Model T was produced in Detroit in 1908, and over the next 19 years Ford built 15 million cars with the infamous Model T engine.

At a time when a slowing economy has slowed vehicle sales and spiked fears about fuel consumption, Ford's attention has shifted towards fuel-friendly passenger cars. But the nostalgia for the Model T remains alive and well a century later. Try expounding the value of fuel frugality to hundreds of proud Model T owners who made the slow trek to Indiana to share their passion with fellow enthusiasts. As a vehicle that transformed the nation, the Model T will always remain a piece of Americana.

Across the Atlantic: Ford Seeks European Options in U.S.

In 2006, Ford CEO Alan Mulally came to Ford with a breath of fresh air.

After years of dragging company strategy, the newly instated Mulally announced his plan to unify Ford's global product line. This Thursday, Ford is expected to announce that it will fast-track at least one of its European passenger cars for U.S. production.

Its definitely a step in the right direction, but what vehicle makes the cut remains to be seen. Mulally is pushing for two vehicles, the Ford Mondeo and the European Ford Focus, while still others are trying to persuade Ford to sell the tiny Ka.

Why not just export from Europe? First, the weak U.S. dollar would make Ford a loser even before the vehicle made it to the showroom. Secondly, these vehicles, while fine by European standards, just won't make the cut for U.S. federal regulations.

Several "old school" strategists within Ford are resisting this move, and with good reason. Several past attempts to sell certain vehicles globally still make managers cringe, but with rising oil prices and a more environmentally conscious generation it is obvious Ford needs to shift their focus (Ford pun intended). With an updated Taurus due out next year and increased talk of adding well-performing European cars to the American repertoire, Ford has accepted the changing face of the vehicle market.

A Rare Reveal

Car enthusiasts found heaven this weekend in Elkhart Lake, WI.

The Kohler International Challenge took place at the infamous Road America racing track. Hundreds of vintage cars and their proud owners gathered for this dynamic event. And since the event was celebrates a historic 1983 Mustang racing win, Ford decided to up the ante on the event excitement.

Event attendees were treated to a special sneak preview of the 2010 Ford Mustang, which is not scheduled to officially debut until the November Los Angeles Auto Show. Ford didn't give everything away though - the Mustang was outfitted in a special "camo package" that kept several key design features a secret.

We'll certainly be looking forward to the full reveal, as a great deal of buzz is already being generated about this next-generation vehicle. This unique strategy from Ford leads us to believe the new Stang will have some interesting surprises up its sleeve as well. Check out one blogger's article about the vehicle's possible look.

The Lincoln MKS has arrived!

We recently blogged about the highly anticipated 2009 Lincoln MKS, a modern vehicle targeted towards the up-and-coming tech-savvy generation of car buyers.

This month, the Lincoln MKS has made it to the Service Motors dealership.

Today I took a short break from driving my 1996 Ford Taurus to test out the new MKS. The verdict? My well-used and well-loved Taurus, while reliable and sturdy, has nothing on the seemingly magical features of the MKS.

The MKS is laughing the face of the days when people like me would dig out their keys to open and start their vehicle. With the Intelligent Access key fob in my back pocket, I waved my hand over the invisible keypad mounted on the front door. The keypad glowed red, the doors unlocked, and I proceeded to repeat the process approximately five times (hey, it was fun).
I had barely managed to get over this cool new way to get into the car when I was faced with actually starting the MKS. Once again, no keys are necessary here. I tossed the key fob on the passenger seat, put my foot on the brake, and pressed the start button mounted right next to the steering wheel. Sure, maybe it seems almost unnecessary, but the novelty of it is bound to impress many car buyers.

It's also pretty hard to compete with the smooth ride of the MKS. Though it's obvious there's plenty of power behind this car, the quietness of the ride was impressive.

While driving, the leather interior, wood detailing, and satellite radio gave a significant touch of luxury to the experience. But Lincoln also strove to make the most basic of features as technologically modern as possible. From the push-button start to available rain-sensing windshield wipers, the MKS proves innovation can still be found outside of advanced navigation systems and fun additions (though Lincoln didn't scrimp on those either).

Hot Topic: A national speed limit

Since 1995, when Congress scrapped the idea of a national speed limit, states have had the freedom to set their own regulations.

However, as panic about rising fuel prices sets in, the days of driving 65 mph on Wisconsin highways may be over.

Some lawmakers are taking cues from the 1970s, when a national fuel shortage prompted the government to enforce a national 55 mph speed limit. Supporters such as Sen. John Warner, R-Virginia, cite increased fuel economy and safety as their main motivations.

According to Warner, studies show that a 55 mph speed limit could save about 167 thousand barrels of oil each day. The United States Energy Department's Web site also notes that "gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60mph."

However, the American Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, found that 12 years of 55 mph speed limits cut fuel consumption by just 1 percent. And countless blogs and news stories continue to question the effectiveness of a lower speed limit, noting that ever since Connecticut adopted the nation's first speed limit over a century ago people have been intent on ignoring it.

What do you think? Will people follow a 55 mph speed limit? Or is it simply too big of an adjustment? Take our poll on our MySpace homepage!

Ask the Service Director: What are simple ways to get better gas mileage?

When it comes to gas mileage, Service Director Greg Kilmer has plenty to say. According to Kilmer, there are several simple checks you can have done on your vehicle to insure your car is operating at its highest standard.

"It's very important for tire pressure to be set to manufacturer specifications," Kilmer said. "A low tire can decrease gas mileage."

Service Motors typically checks tires when a vehicle comes in for maintenance or a routine oil change.

According to Kilmer, putting Nitrogen in your vehicle's tires is another option to keep your gas mileage in peak condition.

"What changes air pressure is hot or cold weather, and Nitrogen remains consistent in all weather conditions," Kilmer said. Service Motors will put Nitrogen in your vehicle's tires for about $25.

Getting your air filter routinely cleaned is another simple way to avoid low gas mileage. Kilmer noted that when your air filter becomes clogged with debris, it is difficult for the car to get air through the engine. When this happens, a vehicle's gas mileage goes down accordingly.

Finally, getting a simple fuel injection cleaning can help keep your gas mileage at its ultimate level. This treatment, which cleans your fuel system and air intake system, is yet another easy solution to help lessen your pain at the pump. Beginning August 1st, Service Motors is offering discounted fuel injection cleaning treatments to our valued customers. Through the end of August, get this $134.95 treatment for only $99.95!

Visit us at 24 East Scott Street.

Join the party with the Ford Fiesta

Get ready to celebrate – the Ford Fiesta is on its way.

Ford released an in-depth look at the small car late last week, announcing that three- and five-door Fiestas will roll off production lines this summer in Europe. By 2010, regionally tailored models will also arrive in Asia, South Africa, and the Americas.

This small, yet high-tech, vehicle fits neatly into Ford's vision of a global company. Boasting high fuel-efficiency and an engine that emits especially low levels of CO2, the Fiesta proves that Ford is remaining conscious of both the environment and their customer's wallets.

In keeping with a trend that consumers have seen with many new Fords, the Fiesta's premium features are not only top-of-the-line, but also extensive. From an "aesthetic lighting pack," which lights the cabin with a soft red glow, to a "Ford Power" start button, the Fiesta will certainly appeal to the new class of young, tech-savvy consumers.

And, of course, the fact that it just looks cool doesn't hurt either.

Check out this in-depth look from autoblog.com.

One of the most buzzed about cars of the summer

Welcome to the future of Ford.

As Ford embarks on its quest to become the best in both design and technology, they present the all-new 2009 Ford Flex. And, yes, Service Motors just received one of these elegant crossover SUVs.

The Flex's striking and innovative design radiates style, but the outside isn't the only part of the Flex vying for the Spotlight .

Though the intriguing use of contrasting roof and body colors certainly attracts attention, the Flex interior warrants a second look as well. The Flex has a wide variety of available features, including a multi-panel Vista Roof, Family Entertainment System, refrigerated center consul, voice-activated navigation system, and much more.

Driving the Flex proves to be a pleasant experience as well. As the automotive press begins their test drives of Ford's newest innovation, rave reviews have begun circulating about the Flex's sleek handling and quiet ride.

If the unique design (certainly a step up in class from crossover vehicles of the past), thoughtful extras, or smooth ride still doesn't fully manage to win you over, there is one positive that is certainly unique to midsize SUVS of past and present - room to stretch. Daniel Pund, Senior Detroit Editor at Edmunds, puts it succinctly in his June 11 article "First Drive: 2009 Ford Flex."

"Actually, we don't have too many bad things to say about the rear of the cabin, either. Ford has given the second-row passengers all of the extra room that came along with this stretched Taurus X platform and its 5-inch longer wheelbase. The third row is not a horrible place to pass time either, certainly not compared to the torture chambers that pass for third rows in some midsize SUVs."

Service Motors newly aquired Ford Flex is available at our dealership located at 24 East Scott Street in Fond du Lac. Check out some pics of one of our favorite new vehicles!