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2015 Ford F-150: The Mean Machine

Ford manufacturers have not held back one bit on their newest 2015 model of the traditional F-150. Although actually 700 pounds lighter than the previous year’s model, the 2015 model is in fact more powerful than ever before! With an outstanding 2,250 max payload and a riveting 8,500 maximum tow capacity, this model can conquer almost anything you desire it to! What is under the hood that gives it all this power? This is all made possible by a 2.7 liter Eco Boost V6 engine.

Many new features have been made readily available for the up and coming model to ensure the maximum amount of power, sensibility, and quality for the consumer! The new dynamic hitch assist makes it simpler than ever to hook up your towing needs and drag it away! The remote tailgate release lowers the tailgate at the push of a button. When your hands are full, it is much easier to push a button rather than having to set everything down to fumble with the tailgate. Lastly, stowable loading ramp make it so simple and easy to wheel up your heaviest of item without having to set up disconnected, unreliable ramps. 

Also, an 8 inch productivity screen located in the cab makes it so simple to navigate all of the necessary and nifty features inside the car. This is definitely a model year for the Ford F-150 you will not want to miss out on!

Come on in for a test drive at Hixson Ford of Alexandria 2506 MacArthur Drive Alexandria, LA or give us a call at 318-448-0871 today!

Shelby GT350 Mustang

Shelby GT350 Mustang: The Legend Returns - The original Shelby GT350 introduced in 1965 established Mustang’s performance credentials. The all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang, featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever (read more) http://qoo.ly/4bfat

New Ford Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection Technology May Help Drivers Avoid Some Frontal Crashes

•     Available new technology from Ford – Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection – is designed to reduce the severity of and, in some cases, even eliminate frontal collisions involving pedestrians
•     Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection – debuting on the 2015 Ford Mondeo in Europe – provides a collision warning to the driver and, if the driver does not respond in time, can automatically apply the vehicle brakes
•     Other available Ford driver-assist technologies include lane-keeping system with lane-keeping aid, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, and active park assist

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 23 - Ford Motor Company is rolling out a new driver-assist system that can reduce the severity of or even eliminate some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians.

Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses radar and camera technology to scan the roadway ahead and, if a collision risk with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, provides a warning to the driver. If the driver does not respond in time, the system can automatically apply up to full braking force to help reduce the severity of or even eliminate some frontal collisions. Pre-Collision Assist may help drivers avoid rear end collisions with other vehicles at all speeds, while Pedestrian Detection can help the driver avoid pedestrians at lower speeds – both may reduce the severity of forward collisions or even prevent certain forward collisions.

“This technology adds to the already impressive list of driver-assist technologies Ford customers benefit from today,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection will debut as available technology on the 2015 Ford Mondeo on sale in Europe this year. It will then roll out to other Ford and Lincoln products around the world.

While the new system may be especially helpful in unexpected situations, it does not replace the driver and has limitations including nighttime, low and harsh lighting conditions, vehicles moving in a different direction and certain weather conditions.
Detecting Pedestrians

In daylight and clear weather conditions, the new technology may detect people in or near the road ahead, or pedestrians crossing the vehicle’s path. If a pedestrian is detected in front of the car and a collision is imminent, the driver first receives an audible and visual warning. Should the driver not respond, the system improves brake responsiveness by reducing the gap between brake pads and discs. If there is still no response from the driver, the brakes are applied automatically and vehicle speed is reduced.

The system processes information collected from a windshield-mounted camera and radar located near the bumper; it then checks the information against a database of pedestrian shapes to help distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects.

Ford engineers tested the system on closed test tracks using rigs fitted with manikins to replicate pedestrians. They then spent months refining the technology on roads around the world to test system reliability.

“This real-world testing was an important part of the development, because pedestrians in an urban setting can present a wide range of potential situations,” said Scott Lindstrom, Ford manager, Driver Assist Technologies. “We covered more than 300,000 miles on three continents that included a wide range of settings and situations.”

Other driver-assist technologies available from Ford include lane-keeping system with lane-keeping aid, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, and active park assist. For more information on these technologies, go to www.ford.com.

2015 Ford Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition

The Ford Mustang and its symbol is one of the most recognizable in the automobile marketplace.  This year marks a special installment as it marks the 50 year anniversary of the Mustang.  The original Mustang was introduced in April of 1964 as a mid-year introduction, but 1965 was the first full model year.  This marks a very big celebration for Ford.  This years’ installment is also going to be the first one marketed all over the world.

Ford plans to celebrate this momentous occasion by making 1,964 of the special 50 Year Mustangs.  The final one will be auctioned in September and all proceeds from that auction will go to the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute.  This just shows how Ford is committed to giving back to the community and charities alike.  This will be done in Las Vegas at the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction September 25th through the 27th.  They are estimating a potential of over $250,000 in proceeds.  The winner will also get airfare, hotel accommodations and VIP passes to the Ford Eco Boost 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup in Miami on November 16th.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford Motor Company.”

For more information on the entire 2015 lineup, come by today at Hixson Ford of Alexandria at 2506 MacArthur Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana or give them a call at 318-448-0871 today!

Ford races to rebuild truck plant for aluminum F-150

Alisa Priddle , Detroit Free Press 3:29 p.m. EDT August 25, 2014
Source: USA Today

Carefully choreographed chaos is under way in and around Ford's historic Dearborn Truck Plant as the automaker races to get it ready to build a very different F-series truck.

On Saturday morning the last steel-bodied 2014 Ford F-150 rolled off the line and workers were ripping up equipment behind it.

Ford has just eight weeks to remove all the equipment and tooling and replace it with new machinery to make the all-new 2015 F-150 with an aluminum body.

"We are doing things we have never done before," said Bruce Hettle, head of North American manufacturing for Ford, who must oversee a critical launch with speed and precision.

Because Ford sells at least 60,000 F-150s a month now, returning to full production as quickly as possible is crucial to maintaining Ford's bottom line.

"It is an enormous undertaking," said analyst Joe Phillippi of Auto Trends Consulting in Short Hills, N.J. "The auto world is going to be watching and the investment world will be watching."

The upheaval has been carefully orchestrated. The plant is now closed until Sept. 22, which puts about 3,000 workers on temporary layoff at about 74% pay starting Monday.

Another 1,500 skilled trades workers and contractors from Ford and its suppliers are working around the clock to build a new body shop that takes a "quantum leap in manufacturing technology," Hettle said. That's because the processes for welding and handling aluminum and steel are quite different.

Ford's aluminum truck will have improved fuel economy because it is more than 700 pounds lighter than its predecessor. General Motors has signaled that it will switch to aluminum for its next generation of pickups as well, but Chrysler is sticking with steel when it updates the Ram lineup in 2017.

This week, more than 1,100 tractor-trailers with new robots, conveyor systems and other equipment from across the country are headed to Dearborn. They will carry equally huge pieces of machinery away. By Wednesday traffic will be thick on the highways and roads leading to the plant.

Ford has worked with the Michigan Department of Transportation to try to avoid gridlock on Interstate 94 and other roads leading to the plant. They have carefully sequencing the semis' schedules to avoid closing any roads and to minimize the impact on traffi.

"It is very detailed and organized," Hettle said. "We have a truck-by-truck, minute-by-minute, plan. I have never seen such a detailed plan in 28 years."
Ford is investing $359 million in Dearborn and a comparable amount at its second pickup assembly plant in Kansas City, Mo. Hettle said the cost is not out of line for a major and complicated launch.

Dearborn is the lead plant and thus the guinea pig. Workers on three crews built F-150s flat out until the last one rolled off the line Saturday about 1:30 a.m. and Kansas City will continue to build the 2014 model through the end of the year, so dealers should not run out of the 2014 model any time soon. The new truck goes on sale later this year.

Dearborn Truck plans to resume production Sept. 22 when two crews of workers return. A third crew will be recalled Oct. 20 when the construction is to be fully completed. They will start with pre-production trucks. The plant is scheduled to be building production models at full line speed by the end of the year.

The Kansas City plant will shut down in early 2015 for its changeover, which should take less time because Ford already will have validated many of the processes in Dearborn, Hettle said.

For speed, the body shop will be rebuilt in sections. One area will be stripped and new equipment installed. Then workers will move onto the next. It will be a domino effect until the whole shop has been transformed.

"There will be a lot of new equipment never seen before in plants," Hettle said.

Much of the equipment being removed is still in good shape. Robots can be redeployed and other equipment used in other plants. Some equipment has exceeded its life expectancy and will be scrapped after years of almost nonstop production.

The big changes to the paint shop and final trim line have already been installed. They will just need some last-minute items and tweaks specific to new technology.

Ford has built about 250 pre-production F-150s that the executive team is driving and evaluating.

The changeover must be completed in four weeks and Hettle is confident it will be.

"There is nothing we see on the horizon to preclude us from launching on time," he said. "We have to knock it out of the park."

Hixson Alexandria and Keeping Kids Safe

Hixson Autoplex of Alexandria is proud to announce their partnership with the Keeping Kids Safe Project and are housing an event from September 12th and 13th.

Parents and children of all ages are invited to this event.  This is one of the top child safety programs in the country.  Many children are reported missing in the USA each year.  Some are found within a few minutes or hours.  Police officials say that time is critical in the recovery of a missing child.  A major source of wasted time is in the gathering of resources, fingerprints, statistical information, and photographs.  This can be avoided by providing a pre-made file to the authorities.

The event will be run by S.I.P. Kids and they will be taking FBI quality digital fingerprints and photographs of your children.  Their inkless digital scanner captures high quality fingerprint images that are printed on a record and then provided to the parents for safe-keeping.  The only record taken is sent directly home, they do not database any information.  In the case of an emergency, parents are able to turn this file over to the authorities anywhere in the world to instantly aid in the investigation, saving crucial time and resources.  For more information about Keeping Kids Safe visit http://www.KeepingKidsSafe.us 

For more information contact the professionals at Hixson Autoplex of Alexandria at 318-448-0871 and we look forward to seeing everyone at the event to help keep children safe at 2506 MacArthur Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana on September 12th and 13th!

2014 Ford Explorer keeps a lock on the midsize SUV market

More than two decades ago, the original Ford Explorer defined the modern sport-utility vehicle and ignited Americans’ appetite for SUVs. The 2014 Explorer continues to lead the midsize crossover segment in sales, ahead of rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Pathfinder.

BY Christian Wardlaw
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Monday, July 28, 2014, 2:13 PM

They’re known as Generation Z, the gaggle of post-Millennials whose eldest members are just now legal in the pubs and bars of America. They’ve never known a world that did not include the Ford Explorer, and hundreds of thousands of them were shuttled in Explorers owned by mommies and daddies who had absolutely no intention of going anywhere off-road, but wanted something big, roomy, and equipped with 4-wheel drive.

Among midsize crossover SUVs, the Explorer still leads the pack in terms of overall sales – at last count, Ford sells 50 percent more Explorers than Toyota does the second-place Highlander.

Of course, it helps that the Explorer has become the vehicle of choice for many law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Now that the outdated Crown Victoria sedan is officially dead, the CHP (and police departments across the country) has adopted the Explorer as its favorite black-and-white patrol vehicle.

Not only does the Explorer meet the CHP’s acceleration, braking, and handling demands, it easily handles payload requirements for officers and all their gear.

Based on my week test-driving a 2014 Ford Explorer Limited, it’s easy to understand why this roomy SUV is so popular, both with everyday consumers and with police departments. It offers plenty of practicality combined with impressive performance for a reasonable price. But the Explorer is not quite perfect.

 Civilian versions are equipped with three rows of seats designed to carry up to seven passengers. The good news is that the Explorer’s third-row seat is big enough for adults, and the cushion sits high enough off the floor to provide adequate thigh support and a good view out.

Unfortunately, this means that the second-row seat is relatively cramped in terms of legroom. Plus, the middle seating location is useful only for children. It sure would be nice if the Explorer’s second-row seat could be moved back to provide extra leg space when the third-row seat is folded down.

Up front, the Explorer’s seats are comfortable, but they’re on the small side and mounted toward the center of the vehicle. Additionally, the doors are unusually far away and this, combined with the undersized seat cushions, thick roof pillars and horizontal interior design themes, makes the driver and front passenger feel like they’ve just become extras in “Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves.” (C’mon Gen Z’ers, you must remember that direct-to-video cinematic gem!)


 Aside from the second-row seat legroom issue, and the fact that getting into or out of the back seat can be tricky, there are few reasons to complain about a Ford Explorer Limited. The MyFord Touch touch-screen infotainment system remains occasionally befuddling, but you get used to the touch-sensitive radio and climate controls. Eventually.

Ford also needs to improve the Explorer’s “Marginal” small overlap frontal-impact crash-test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In all other respects, however, this is one heckuva safe SUV, especially when loaded up with the impressive list of safety-related options.

Carrying cargo is easy. Like a minivan, the Explorer has a storage well behind its third-row seat, allowing this SUV to accommodate more stuff than competitors when also used to carry the maximum number of passengers. Fold the third-row seat and the Explorer provides a big 43.8 cu.-ft. cargo space. Maximum capacity tops out at 80.7 cu.-ft.

The Explorer also has a style all its own, a genuine trick to pull off in a segment where every model is basically a couple of boxes perched on wheels. From the distinctive grille treatments and tastefully swollen fender flares, to the subdued lower body cladding and blacked-out pillars that create a floating roof effect, the Explorer looks different and it looks relatively tough (for a family-toting SUV).


 Ford offers three different engines for the 2014 Explorer. Two of them are members of Ford’s turbocharged “EcoBoost” family of motors, but the 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 is presently the most popular choice in the lineup. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard with this engine, delivering power to the SUV’s front wheels. Depending on the chosen specs, a properly equipped Explorer can tow 5,000 pounds. All-wheel drive is optional.

Dynamically, the Explorer impresses, but with one caveat. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is just strong enough to motivate the Explorer’s hefty curb-weight, which is more than 4,500 pounds before you start adding people and cargo. As a result, the engine works hard, and my test vehicle averaged only 18 mpg, which is less than the EPA’s estimate of 19 mpg in combined driving. To be fair, that’s not really out of line with many of the Explorer’s direct competitors.

Otherwise, the only problem with driving the Explorer is related to outward visibility. As mentioned previously, this SUV’s roof pillars are thick, and the side mirrors are small and suffer significant reflection from the outboard dash vents on sunny days. Because the driver sits so low behind the massive dashboard and bulging hood, it’s hard to place this SUV’s front corners when parking.

 As far as the ride and handling are concerned, however, Ford makes this sizable SUV feel remarkably athletic. The Limited model’s standard 20-inch wheels and tires helped, but the Explorer also tackled Southern California’s Mulholland Highway with remarkable grace.

No matter where you’re driving it, the Explorer’s electric steering and brake pedal are perfectly calibrated, making it easy to drive this SUV very smoothly. In the past, I’ve taken an Explorer on a long family trip, and can attest to its solid and secure feeling on the open road.

And yes, the Explorer is capable of light off-roading. As you might expect, the ultimate lack of ground clearance and wheel articulation limits how far you can actually explore once the pavement ends.

A better rating in the IIHS’ off-set crash test, along with a rethinking of the middle row seating arrangement, would be welcome improvements. As it stands, the 2014 Ford Explorer delivers a compelling blend of style, safety, practicality, and technology in a package that is genuinely pleasing to drive. That’s why the Explorer remains so popular with families more than two decades after it ignited America’s passion for SUVs.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/latest-reviews/2014-ford-explorer-rightfully-remains-popular-midsize-suv-article-1.1882679#ixzz38rdjppIx

Ford Motor Company Shows Off the Refreshed 2015 Focus

By John Rosevear and Rex Moore
April 29, 2014

The 2015 Ford Focus will sport a new nose, new taillights, and some changes to the interior and suspension. Ford unveiled the overhauled Focus sedan in New York. Photo credit: Ford Motor Company

The New York International Auto Show is a major stop on the world's auto show circuit. Like so much else in New York, it's big, it's loud, and it's one of the industry's highest-profile stages.

The Motley Fool's Rex Moore and John Rosevear were in New York last week for the two days devoted to events for the world's automotive and financial media -- and they've captured the highlights to share with you through the magic of video.

Ford  (NYSE: F  ) may not have had any big debuts, but they had a very big presence at the show. In an elaborate presentation on the first day, Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields unveiled a 50th anniversary edition of the all-new 2015 Mustang, with a little help from Executive Chairman (and leading Mustang fan) Bill Ford.

We've covered that special Mustang elsewhere -- in fact, Mark Fields told us more about it in an interview after the presentation. But during the same presentation, Fields also showed off a refreshed version of the compact Focus sedan. For 2015, the four-door Focus gets a new nose, some changes to the interior, and some suspension changes that Ford says will improve its handling.

This isn't an all-new Focus, it's just a refreshed one. But it's timely: The current Focus has been a strong product for Ford, but sales here in the U.S. have been slipping a bit in recent months. Part of the problem is simply that buyer preferences are shifting -- more consumers are choosing small SUVs over compact cars. But part of the problem for the Focus is a competitive one: Toyota  (NYSE: TM  ) released an all-new Corolla last fall, and that made the Focus look a little bit like old news.

The Focus and the Corolla were the world's two best-selling vehicles last year, and Ford would very much like to keep its compact at the top of the global sales charts. Hence this refresh, while Ford works on an all-new Focus that will be released a couple of years from now.

In this video, John and Rex took a closer look at the refreshed Focus, and they offer their take on whether Ford's update is likely to help its appealing compact keep pace with rivals.

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John Rosevear owns shares of Ford. Rex Moore has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Ford. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Beat the Heat at Hixson

Summertime is travel time, we just can’t resist the lure of sunny skies and the open road.  However, before you hit the road this summer you can take several precautions to keep your family safe and save money at the pump.

Extreme heat and long drives can be tough on cars.  Cracked hoses, leaky radiators, underinflated tires and dirty filters significantly lower your fuel efficiency or in the worst case, lead to a total breakdown.  That is why the professionals at Hixson are here to help you get your vehicle ready for the summer heat!

Come by today and ask for your FREE charging and starting system check that includes a free battery check.  There’s no reason to not be prepared for the hot days to come and there’s no purchase necessary to get your vehicles charging and starting and battery check.

For more information and to get yourself ready for summer visit Hixson Ford of Alexandria at 2506 MacArthur Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana or call 318-448-0871 today!