Dealership Service Department versus an Independent Shop



Many car owners dread the moment when they have to admit that it is time to take their car in to the shop. Suddenly they are forced to think about repair costs, how long they will have go without a car, whether or not they can trust the mechanic to do a good job, and it often leads to the question: should I take my car to be fixed at the dealer or into an independent shop? Here we will be talking about the benefits of taking your car to the dealer, and you see why from now on it will be an easy decision.

First off, lets talk about who will be working on your car. At a dealership Service Department, you will be putting your car into the hands of a highly qualified and trained technician who typically only works on your make of vehicle. This means that if you own a 2008 Ford F-150, it will be one of many 2008 Ford F-150s that your technician will look at this season. He or she will be familiar with its parts, how it runs, and the best ways to go about fixing a problem. At an independent shop, your 2008 Ford F-150 could be one of only a few 2008 Ford F-150s the shop sees this season and they will be basing their techniques off a general procedure rather than a specific one.

It is also common for the manufacturer to require that each dealership to stay up to date with the latest equipment, technology, and skills needed to make your experience and investment worthwhile. They do this by having regular programs where technicians refresh their skills and learn everything they need to in order to satisfy the customer, whereas, at an independent shop the technician may have less access to the latest trainings on the many technology changes and updates in today’s vehicles. 

Now, lets look at the equipment. Obviously, one of the most important parts about getting your car fixed is being certain that you will not run into the same problems again. One huge benefit of taking your car into a dealership service department is that the dealership will have access to all of the original equipment. Once again, your 2008 Ford F-150 will be taken care of and have all of its broken parts, replaced with original parts. Also, the parts are certified by Ford and match the original parts from the assembly line.  On the other hand, a competitive brand is designed to fit and work properly, but not certified and tested by the manufacturer.  An independent shop does not have this access to equipment and are forced to use aftermarket substitutes. You can request original equipment at an independent shop but you may have to wait for them to become available.

            Last, we should talk about the facilities. Dealerships definitely have the upper hand in this part of the experience. They have larger facilities with more service bays available, meaning there is less of a wait to make an appointment and a more efficient return time. They are often more organized and dealerships always have directly communication with manufacturers on equipment, recalls, and service tools. Overall, the experience is much more enjoyable at a dealership than at an independent shop.                                                                                                                                                               
            When you read about all of the benefits of having your car taken care of at a dealership service department, you can see why we recommend this decision to visit Apple Auto Group at www.appleautos.com. Overall, you will be in better hands, be fixed with better parts, and be ready to drive sooner. So now when you have the dreadful moment of realizing its time to bring your car in, you will have a lot less to worry about with Apple Auto Group!

39th Annual Twin Cities Auto Show: Apple Auto Group Products

Apple Auto Group, http://www.appleautos.com/, consists of 5 brands including Ford, Lincoln, Chevrolet, Buick, and Suzuki.  Below are some of the model highlights from the 39th Annual Twin Cities Auto Show.  This is the 39^th consecutive Twin Cities Auto Show, and every year it keeps getting bigger and better. Featuring an estimated $15,000,000 in new vehicles, and filled with amazing new displays this is the 7th largest Auto Show in the nation. You are able to view vehicles from almost every manufacturer in the world, but you only like the 5 brands Apple Auto Group provides, right?  Apple Auto Group's brands are the best, however we may be bias.  Go to http://www.appleautos.com/ or www.facebook.com/appleautogroup to get directions to the store to pickup your discounted Auto Show tickets.  Do not forget to stop by the Suzuki booth with represenatives from Apple Suzuki Shakopee to assist you, http://www.applesuzuki.com/. 

   

Ford 2012 Fusion

You can tell at first glance what a driver's car is all about before you ever get behind the wheel. Its exterior styling is dynamic and fluid, in motion even when standing perfectly still. And when you look inside, its upscale design breathes quality craftsmanship throughout. Of course, underneath it all are the components of a precisely engineered driver's car. Fusion gas-powered and hybrid models deliver plenty of performance. Impressive fuel economy, too. So you can enjoy a car that is responsive to the driving enthusiast within you – and all the while be assured that you're doing right by the environment.

Lincoln 2012 MKZ

Lincoln MKZ is powered by a 263-hp 3.5L Duratec® 24V V6. This engine generates smooth and responsive performance while achieving excellent fuel efficiency. The 6-speed SelectShift™ Automatic™ transmission is designed with a wide range of gear ratios for low-speed acceleration and excellent fuel economy. It also has a manual mode that lets you shift the gears like a manual, but without the clutch, for that added performance feel.  Lincoln MKZ delivers a comfortable driving experience without sacrificing precision or responsiveness, gliding over bumps and through corners confidently. For even sharper handling, a sport-tuned suspension is included in the Sport Appearance Package.

2012 Chevrolet Impala

For more than 50 years, Impala has delivered proven excellence in a sedan millions have come to rely on. But we don't rest on that reputation year after year — we continue to earn it. Impala brings a new blend of full–size car comfort and midsize car efficiency, offering up to 30 MPG highway. The new 3.6L V6 engine and 6–speed automatic transmission combine for luxurious smoothness in all conditions, along with more power, making passing and merging effortless. Put simply, Impala is the right choice. Dual rear exhaust tips add to the aggressive rear fascia. And beneath the flowing backlight, Impala hides a full 18.6 cu.–ft. of trunk space.

2012 Buick Enclave

The 2012 Enclave was crafted to never blend in—to stand far apart and catch attention. Curves sweep from one end to the other. Up front, wraparound high-intensity discharge xenon headlamps provide a brighter light than halogen to help you see road signs better. From there, the signature waterfall grille, chrome portholes, and sculpted lines flow undisturbed into three-dimensional, multi lens taillamps.  The 2012 Enclave is proof that bigger SUV doesn’t have to spell trouble at the pump. In fact, this finely-tuned machine uses an intricate powertrain system to achieve better highway fuel economy than most other eight-passenger crossovers — an EPA-estimated 24 MPG hwy for the FWD model.

Suzuki Kizashi

The highly acclaimed Kizashi has been hailed by the press as a "hidden gem" that delivers exhilaration behind the wheel while causing onlookers to do a double take, helping it earn a Consumers Digest Best Buy. Meanwhile, its powerful engine, elegant cabin, handsome styling and autobahn-proven handling have consumers raving as well. They rated the Kizashi "Highest Ranked Vehicle Appeal among Midsize Cars" in J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 APEAL Studysm, and it received top honors by its owners as the most satisfying midsize sedan to own, for two years in a row, in AutoPacific's 2010 and 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.   TIME magazine ranked us one of the 10 most exciting cars for 2010.

Barrett-Jackson Wounded Warrior

Col. John Folsom and Barrett Jackson team up to raise miles of money for Wounded Warriors Family Support.

-In 2003, Col. John Folsom was recalled-again-to active duty. Col. Folsom had spent several years on active duty as a helicopter pilot and 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. But immediately after the attacks on 9/11, he was recalled to active duty and assigned to Marine Forces, Pacific, for some 11 months, until August, 2002. Later that same year, his country called again, this time assigning him as the Marine liaison officer to U.S. European Command.

“When the ground campaign kicked off in March of 2003, I was monitoring Marine casualties,” Col. Folsom said. “The first stop for casualties from Afghanistan and Iraq was the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, which was not too far from the European headquarters in Germany. Although the hospital was doing a great job in medical care, it needed help in terms of providing morale and comfort needs” Col. Folsom “passed the hat” and used the money he collected to buy televisions and DVD players and for clothing so that wounded warriors wouldn’t have to wear hospital gowns all of the time. Later, Col. Folsom would service in Iraq, from February 2005 through February, 2006 and from July, 2008 to February, 2009, first as a liaison officer for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and then as “Air Boss” at the Forward Operating Base Camp Korean Village near Ar Rutbah, where he was in charge of all Marine attack and Army Medevac helicopter operations in the area. Finally he served as camp commandant at Camp al Taqaddum.

While in Iraq, Col. Folsom continued to raise money to help support the wounded. But he also learned how many families back in the United States were having trouble adjusting to having family members away and in combat, how children were having difficulty dealing with life with a parent gone-too often, gone forever-or even to making the adjustments needed when a parent  returned home, especially being wounded. Finally, retired from active and reserve status, the colonel returned to his home in Nebraska and founded Wounded Warriors Family Support with the goal of helping families mend relationships.

Wounded Warriors Family Support provides places for families to stay while on vacation visits to the various attractions at Orlando, Fla., to the Gulf of Mexico shores at Galveston, Texas, or to Shenandoah or Yellowstone National Parks. It works with Take Flight Farms to help children deal with anger, grief, confusion and anxiety. It also works with other support groups, such as the Fisher House Foundation and the National Military Family Association.

One family told the colonel that they merely wanted to be able to take a road trip, to pile into the car and see “our great country”. That got him to thinking and led to the High Five Tour and an ambitious fundraising effort that culminates at the Barrett-Jackson auction several weeks from now at Palm Beach, Fla. Col. Folsom bought a car and set off to visit all of the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia, to raise both money and awareness. But he didn’t select just any vehicle for what he called “street level engagement” with the American public. He bought a 2011 Shelby GT500 Ford Mustang.

“The Ford Mustang is a great American car, an icon, and so symbolic-the Mustang wild and free, a symbol of the American spirit”, Col Folsom explained. “That’s why I chose the Mustang, and it was suggested to me that the Shelby really represented American Muscle. It’s an unapologetic Muscle car.”

Col. Folsom said the High Five Tour-so named to thank the American people for their support-was a way to get the word out and to enlist support, “to let folks know what we’re doing and to thank them for their support, to let folks know what we’re doing and to thank them for their support of military families.” “One thing all of us need to realize in the non-profit world is that with all the great ideas we have, nothing happens unless the American people step up and support it.” The Mustang was wrapped in patriotic red/white and blue vinyl so it could be autographed by those the colonel met along the way. Thousands signed, including people who had lost family members to combat. Col. Folsom’s drive is chronicled on the www.highfivetour.com website. Wounded Warriors Family Support also has a website, wwfs.org. “It’s a real honor for Barrett-Jackson to help and support in any way our military and the families,” said Barrett-Jackson President Steve Davis, who first became aware of the High Five Tour when the colonel and the Mustang came to Phoenix, stopping at Sanderson Ford last July. The patriotically colored and well signed Mustang will be displayed at West World during the Scottsdale auction, and then will cross the block at Palm Beach. “We not only raise money on the auction block,” Davis said, “but want to create awareness for people who may not be able to write a big check but who can still make a $5 or $10 contribution.”

The car will be sold with around 16,000 miles on its odometer, and Col. Folsom has many memories of his long drive throughout the country. One of the most poignant of them came at Montpelier, Vt., where the car was signed by Stephen Gray, whose son, Staff Sergeant Jamie Gray, was among the first from that community to be killed in Iraq. “Kids signed it. Older people signed it. People expressed their heartfelt sentiments. They’d lost sons and nephews,” Col. Folsom said. “Their signing the car made the car more than just a 2011 GT500.” Another and perhaps less heartwarming but certainly heart-racing moment for Col. Folsom came right here in Arizona, as the colonel and his car were traveling on an empty and arrow-straight highway in the northern part of the state. It was a road, Col. Folsom said, “where you could finally unwind the Shelby.”

Quick Lane located at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln and Apple Ford Shakopee: How are we different?

Life doesn't stop when your vehicle needs service.  At Quick Lane located at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln and Apple Ford Shakopee, this fact drives everything we do. 

Our mission at Quick Lane is to provide convenience with confidence throught express auto service that's backed by Ford and fits around our customers' lives. 

How are we different than our competition?

At Quick Lane located at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln and Apple Ford Shakopee, we offer a synthetic blend oil which provides longer mileage range between oil change intervals.  Also, we provide the expertise of Certified Technicians that fix all makes and models. Also, we provide service while you wait, comfortable stress-free waiting areas, vehicle check-up reports detailing current and future service needs, fast and convenient oil changes with no appointment necessary, and personnel that is friendly, honest, and professional. 

Life is better at the Quick Lane located at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln and Apple Ford Shakopee!!!

Quick Lane FAQs

How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?

There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Most vehicles should get their oil change every 5 months or 5000 miles which ever comes first.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?

Synthetic motor oil can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every oil change, or every 5000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.  You should also have your alignment checked every 12 months or 12,000 miles.  This will help you get the most mileage out of your tires.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

I have a belt making a very loud squeal on my car. Should have it changed?

Inspect & replace belts regularly. The belt system in your car helps such things as your alternator and air conditioning compressor to operate correctly. When a belt breaks, they can cause costly damage. To avoid this, inspect them regularly for wear. If they are showing signs, go ahead and replace them before they become a problem.

What does it mean if my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on?

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the "check engine" light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?

This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to your local dealership so a trained professional can look at your concern.

Why is engine oil milky brown?

Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (or other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately.

How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?

Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?

To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car's fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.  This helps ensure that your fuel pump isn't geting over worked, and helps keep your fuel injectors clean.

When should I change my spark plugs?

For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles.  The newer engines uses a platnium plug that last longer then a conventional plug.  Driving style can also effect this mileage interval, but for most applications 60,000 miles is average time to have the plugs replaced.

Apple Auto Group Vehicle Exchange Program

Apple Auto Group invites consumers to participate in our Vehicle Exchange program.  The Apple Auto Group Vehicle Exchange Program promotes consumers to inquire about trading their current vehicle for a newer model with the opportunity to keep a similar payment or even less.  Rather than paying professional buyers fees to buy vehicles at auctions, we would prefer to purchase locally owned and maintained vehicles from our local customers, their friends and neighbors. 

Some benefits to you could include above market value for your vehicle, low monthly payments, better financing terms, longer and more comprehensive warranties, lower fuel costs, lower maintenance and repair costs, lower cost of driving, increased saftety and security, Key Care, Dent Care, and Personal Assistant. 

New 2013 Ford Fusion

New 2013 Ford Fusion Brings More Technology, Expected Triple Crown of Best-in-Class Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Efficiency

2013 Ford Fusion
Login to download images.

• New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy, underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice

• With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch^®, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value

• Customers can choose from Fusion’s widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains including EcoBoost^™, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology

• Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets

Soundbites: All-New Ford Fusion

 

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 – Ford’s all-new Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

 

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars – developed to satisfy customers everywhere who want leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

 

“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what One Ford stands for,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. “We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with groundbreaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result.”

 

Fusion is revealed in North America in S, SE and range-topping Titanium series and points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets.

 

For more information on the importance of the midsize car market, please follow this link: http://youtu.be/7C2ipp5A7gQ.

 

Triple-crown fuel efficiency

The new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers’ choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, following through with the commitment by Ford to be the fuel-efficiency leader – or among the leaders – with each new model brought to market.

 

Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost^™ four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

 

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic^™ transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear – is the Fusion performance option.

 

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Login to download images.

The Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – continues to innovate and evolve with all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph.

 

Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.

 

Fusion Hybrid fuel economy stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively.

 

2013 Ford Fusion Energi
Login to download images.

Topping the fuel-efficiency ladder is the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. Arriving this fall, Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.

 

The next-generation Fusion 1.6-liter is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5 percent.

 

Fusion looks out for you

The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

 

Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

 

• Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position

• Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected

• Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

The power of voice

The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC^® communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.

 

Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch^®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

 

Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

 

Different, by design

“The previous Fusion was an easy purchase for a customer to rationalize,” said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer for the next-generation model. “Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice.”

 

These five elements provided direction for the design team behind the all-new Fusion:

 

• Silhouette innovation: Fusion’s sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk “three-box” designs synonymous with midsize sedans

• Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet

• Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter

• Technical graphics: Fusion’s functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability

• New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.

 

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin’s airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support the comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.

 

Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel

Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

 

Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.

 

“The holistic goal of our craftsmanship process is to see that Fusion not only delivers a superior visual experience but also feels like quality to the customer,” said Adrian Whittle, Fusion chief engineer.

 

Key contributors to how the Fusion feelsare the ride and handling components that maximize vehicle dynamics.

 

“This really is a driver’s car,” said John Jraiche, program manager. “Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations.”

 

Careful tuning by Ford’s vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers.

 

Fusion interior quiet reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride.

 

Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi models also are equipped with active noise control. This feature uses the audio system to mitigate extraneous road noise while enhancing powertrain sounds.

 

Strength and safety

Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage.

 

The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.

 

The most prominent example is Fusion’s front-end architecture, as the same car must face simultaneous – and seemingly conflictive – standards across regions. The car’s front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian protection – thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash tests.

 

Fusion will be produced at Ford’s Hermosillo, Mexico, manufacturing facility, soon adding production at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later this year. Mondeo will be introduced next year in Asia and Europe.

 

The story behind the new Fusion

For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring plenty of unique content including articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from your smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or blogs.

 

 

 

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 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com

What is the Motor Trend Certified Advantage Program?

Apple Auto Group has been awareded one of the first Motor Trend Certified Advantage Dealerships in the United States!

MOTOR TREND^® Certified Advantage Program:  A Better Way to Buy A Better Car!^SM
With the MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage program, two of the nation’s biggest automotive brands, MOTOR TREND and EasyCare, guarantee that you will drive away from the dealership confident - and stay confident- in your pre-owned vehicle. Apple Auto Group has been awarded one of the first Motor Trend Certified Advantage Dealerships in the United States! 

Before You Buy

Each Apple Auto Group MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage vehicle has been Inspected, Repaired and Guaranteed: Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous, industry-leading inspection covering hundreds of critical components, conducted by a trained, certified mechanic to make sure that Apple Auto Group MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage vehicles are in like-new condition.

While You Buy
Shopping for a car can and should be fun! The MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage 7-Point Performance Pledge was built based on consumer feedback, and helps create the fair, friendly and fun buying experience that you deserve to expect from a Motor Trend Certified Advantage dealer. You will be treated with respect, and will be given the time, space, and information you need to make the right vehicle decision for you and your family. Take a look at what other Motor Trend Certified Advantage customers are saying!

After You Buy   

The MOTOR TREND Recommended Best Buy EasyCare® benefits included in the MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage Program make your Pre-owned Apple Auto Group vehicle a pleasure to own and drive.

Mechanical Repair coverage is included, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected repair bills

EasyCare Dent Repair Paintless Dent Removal Coverage1

EasyCare KeyCare Key and Key Fob Replacement Coverage

EasyCare Personal Assistant 24/7 Concierge Service

72 Hour Exchange Policy – Maximum of 300 miles

 

EasyCare® Dent Repair

EasyCare Dent Repair removes those unsightly shopping cart dents and car door dings (as well as other types of dents and dings) on vertical panels. It uses a paintless dent repair process, an innovative way to virtually erase small dings and dents from painted sheet metal surfaces without harming the vehicle's factory finish.

EasyCare® KeyCare

EasyCare KeyCare provides 24/7 emergency assistance protecting you and your family from being locked out of your car or home. With KeyCare, you receive the following benefits:

-24 Hour Lock Out Assistance – Simply call the 24 Hour EasyCare KeyCare Assistance toll-free number (800) 230-2434 and someone will come out to unlock your car or home.

-Replacement Coverage – EasyCare picks up the cost of replacing lost or stolen keys/fobs, including home or other keys that were lost.

-Recovery and Identity Protection – Keys are recovered without putting your identity or location at risk. With KeyCare, you’ll receive a key tag with your EasyCare member number and postage-paid return address. Anyone who finds the keys can drop them in a mailbox for return to the secure KeyCare Return Center. You’ll be contacted immediately, and the finder will never know your name or address.

             -Taxi, Loaner, Towing and Driver’s Valet Assistance – If replacement keys can’t made at the lock-out location, KeyCare will provide you with a taxi or rental car, and even towing coverage.

EasyCare® Personal Assistant

EasyCare Personal Assistant is your own Anything, Anytime, Anywhere™ personal concierge service. Simply call a

toll-free number from your mobile phone, and you’ll speak with a LIVE person, your EasyCare Personal Assistant who is ready to provide you with real-time information. EasyCare Personal Assistant can provide you with:

-Driving Directions

-Price Comparisons

              -Phone Numbers and Addresses

MOTOR TREND® Magazine is a registered trademark of SOURCE INTERLINK MAGAZINES, LLC ©2010. All Rights Reserved.