The Ford Story » Ford Cars

Exciting Updates Celebrating 20 Years of Ford SVT Products

cole — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:53:58 +0000

The Chicago Auto Show 2012 will open this week, and here is one event you won’t want to miss: Celebrating 20 years of SVT and hear the latest SVT updates! We’ll roll an exclusive video here on Ford Social, and give you the chance to chat with Jamal Hameedi, SVT Chief Engineer, and Jim Owens, Shelby Marketing Manager.

Set your calendar reminder for 11:00 p.m. CST on February 9, 2012, to come back and be part of the excitement!
Live Chat With SVT Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi & Shelby Marketing Manager Jim Owens

Jamal is responsible for all programs under the SVT nameplate – including the 2010 Raptor and the new Shelby GT500 – Hameedi has an extremely diverse role. He must ensure every new SVT vehicle meets its engineering, manufacturing, business and timing objectives. It’s enough to keep the 19-year Ford veteran frenetically busy – and supremely satisfied with his job. Jamal was raised and educated in St. Louis, but he believes Detroit is the best place for a true car enthusiast to work. He spent eight years working on a Ford-sponsored SCORE trophy truck team, helping to develop the powertrain that won three Baja 1000 titles.

Jim is responsible for promoting Shelby through events and enthusiast marketing. He brings over 20 years of automotive experience spanning from the technician hotline at Shelby, owner relations management, brand and communications management and most recently the Ford Racing, Mustang and SVT. He has spent the last eight years working with Ford Performance brands including Ford Racing, SVT and Mustang.

The One Has Appeared

Sean — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:53:34 +0000

Last Saturday, 01/28/2012, I went to test drive some Mustangs. I have been a long time fan. I did find the one that fit my requirements. Nice color – Kona Blue = Check, V6 with the automatic = Check, 3.31 rear axle = Check, good price = Check. I drive her home that Monday. She has been a dream to drive since then. I am glad I waited for her to appear. She has met all of my expectations to this point. I can not wait for a good, long road trip to “stretch” her legs. My wife loves how she drives, rides, and handles = BIG CHECK!

And On And On…

Sean — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:53:07 +0000

I purchased my 1998 Ford Escort LX with 141,000 miles on it. According to the old Title, it had been purchased one town away from the used car dealership that I bought it from, at a dealership when the vehicle was new. It was traded in with 100,xxx miles on it and purchased by another woman (both were women) in the same town as the original Ford dealership. It has PS, PB, AM-FM Stereo, Rear Defroster, 5 Speed Manual. The car now has 233,xxx on it, and all it has cost me is (1)Alternator, (1)set of tires, (1)set of brake job, (1)exhaust system-front to rear, and the normal regular maintenance items like oil changes. It is still giving me 30-40mpg in fuel economy! I paid $1900.00 for this car 5 years ago! It’s my commuter buddy! Oh, and one of the best parts is: Most of the car’s exterior and interior look new.

Safety

Sean — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:51:03 +0000

Today, I was on my lunch break and the Ford Explorer infront of me stop suddenly and didn’t have any tailights. I couldnt stop in time and i rear ended them. My 2004 Ford Taurus did everything it was supposed to it locked the seatbeats and protected me from being harmed. I walked away from the crash without any injuries. My parents are so Thankful that i was unharmed in the accident. I want to send a special thanks to the engineers at Ford for designing a safe and realiable car. My Taurus had 233,000 miles and is still going strong. I plan on having her fixed. If she cannot be fixed I also have an Explorer or i plan on buying an Ford Edge.

Thanks again,
Austin W.

My Buddy

Sean — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:22:13 +0000

April 3, 1967. I took delivery of my first new Ford. I drove it for a year as my daily driver. This would change as I couldn’t do this to it, drive it in the salt covered roads. I was 20 years old. The Fairlane was then made into a drag car and was very successful. This only lasted a couple of years. Having a other Fords to drive and collecter cars the Fairlane was put away. 1979 brought a whole new outlook, no more Convertibles. Out came the Fairlane, the car was subjected to a freshening up. No the car was not restored, just made to be reliable. Driving an almost new 14 year old car is was great. Normal maintanance has been the norm the past 30 years. I was able to enjoy the 100th celebration of Ford, taking the Fairlane with me. I had a Green Bay Packer offer to buy the car on the grounds during show. Now after 45 years she has only has 28,000 miles on it. This makes it just a joy to drive. Talk about reliable, just get in start her up and goooo>

2011 Salute to Dealers

Tori — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:05:08 +0000

At first, you might be inclined to think something called Salute to Dealers is about dealerships with the best coffee and bagels in the customer waiting area. It’s not. It’s an initiative from Ford, and now in its 12th year, designed to honor Ford and Lincoln dealer principals who improve the lives of those in need while also providing outstanding products and services. Each year, as a group, they support and participate in hundreds of programs for a multitude of worthy causes.

What is your dealership up to? We want to know, because during this time of year, stories of goodwill and cheer are especially meaningful to hear. Also, if you work at a dealership, don’t forget to snag a Ford Social Dealer Badge here! Not a dealer? Grab a badge (or more than one!) that does suit you here, be it your love of Mustangs, racing, music, The Great Outdoors or choose from the many others, including one that represents the Ford you drive!

And now, here’s a look at the 2011 Salute to Dealers award-winners and their causes:

Ronnie Watkins, Ronnie Watkins Ford, Gadsden, Alabama
“I’ve supported Gadsden’s ESTEEM program from its beginning. ESTEEM rewards disadvantaged kids when they get good grades. We’re sponsoring trips to museums and amusement parks, we’re helping with their nutrition and health care, and we’re encouraging them to believe that they can achieve great things if they work hard.”

Keith Kocourek, Kocourek Ford, Wausau, Wisconsin
“My daughter accompanies me on Angel Flights. We once picked up three kids from Chicago’s inner city and flew them to a camp in Minnesota for kids who are critically ill, to give them a week of fun. We’ve flown breast milk from Minnesota to Ohio for premature babies. I have the flexibility and the resources, so I volunteer when I can.”

Paul Miller, Paul Miller Ford, Lexington, Kentucky
“We have a great city that provides countless opportunities for giving, and we’ve participated in everything from fundraising efforts for saving horses to saving lives at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. More than 40 charities in 58 years. As a Ford Dealer, we feel it’s important to be part of the fabric of our community.”

Don and Cheryl Brenengen, Brenengen Ford, Sparta, Wisconsin
“We were able to help get a Boys and Girls Club started by leading a fundraising effort and remodeling a vacated clinic building. Attendance has been about 80 youths a day and membership is over 500.”

Every Lasting Car!

Sean — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:18:14 +0000

This is the first time that I owned a ford I really was not sure if I wanted the car but it was what I could afford at time. My car is now paid for and it just keeps going to date it has over 200,000 mileages on it. I kept up with my oil changes, and today I have had little to no problems with the car. Normal wear and tear. My motor in my window did go up and had to have it replaced, the local ford garage offer me one of there cars to drive while getting fixed. When asked how main miles I had, and I told them they said no really how main miles they could not believe my car was still going and in such good shape.

When can I place the order for my focus st?

Nicole — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:17:46 +0000

My Focus Saved My Life

Sean — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:34:05 +0000

1 year ago I was driving to work after a blizzard. The roads were slushy. I was traveling on a main freeway in a heavily populated city. I felt the car start to spin. I turned into the spin and stopped facing the wrong way on the freeway. When I looked up a semi truck was in front of me. The semi hit me going 40mph. He pushed me 400ft before we stopped. I was wearing my seat belt. The airbag went off. I walked away with a minor burn on my wrist from the airbag. Thank you Ford.

Black Beauty

Sean — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:33:18 +0000

My Ford Fusion is called Black Beauty, because that exactly what it is, sparkling paint shines and erupts when the sun shines on it. Great gas mileage, Ford products are super.
I am leaning toward a purchase of the Ford Edge, super sharp too. I deal with Apple Valley Ford and the Folks in there are great to work with. I highly rate Apple Valley Ford in of course Apple Valley Minnesota.

Have a great day all!