Five Reasons to Finance Your Vehicle with Beechmont Ford

1.  Keep your savings intact in the event of unforeseen expenses

2.  Use cash to payoff other higher interest debt

3.  Invest the cash, earn more interest income vs. interest paid

4.  Establish installment credit vs. revolving credit

5.  Beechmont Ford has many different financing options available, including:

-Manufacturer Reduced Rates   -Red Carpet Leasing (RCL)        -RCL Advance Payment Plan

-Ford Credit Bonus Cash           -Flex Buy (where available)

Related articles by Zemanta

• Important Considerations In Debt Management (personal-debt-management.suite101.com)
• Ford Stock Up: Automaker Posts $2.1 Billion Q1 Income (ridelust.com)
• Inside Wall Street: Ford Deserves More Respect on Wall Street (dailyfinance.com)
• GM, Ford Top Imports in Latest J.D. Power Quality Survey (dailyfinance.com)

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

SYNC Question: How is SYNC different in the new MyFord Touch system?

Question: How is SYNC different in the new MyFord Touch system?

Answer: The original SYNC system provided voice access to the phone and media player by recognizing around 100 simple commands for making calls and playing music.  With MyFord Touch, SYNC offers these improvements.

Improved voice recognition will recognize over 10,000 voice commands, making it easier to simply press the Voice button and ask for what you want at any time.

More voice control over virtually everything in the system, including all media sources as well as climate functions.

Come back to the Beechmont Ford blog in upcoming weeks and months for even more details on SYNC improvements in MyFord Touch.

Related articles provided by Zemanta

• SYNC upgraded with GPS location tracking for 911 Assist (autoblog.com)
• Ford’s SYNC AppLink Brings Android and BlackBerry Apps to Your Car (mashable.com)

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

New Technology for 2011 F-Series Super Duty Chassis Cab

In addition to important and class-exclusive technology-features such as SYNC, Ford Work Solutions and standard upfitter switches, here’s a look at new technologies for 2011:

• Flex Fuel capability on 6.2L
• B20 biodiesel capability on 6.7L
• Heavy Duty TorqShift 6-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission includes Manual mode, Progressive Range Select and Tow/Haul mode
• Tow/Haul mode on diesel engine-equipped trucks includes an integrated exhaust brake in the turbocharger
• The transmission on diesel-equipped models can be ordered with the optional Live-Drive Power Takeoff (PTO) Provision
• SRW models get Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist (same as pickups)
• MyKey is optional
• An all-new Productivity Screen with 4.2-inch LCD display is standard on Lariat models
• Crew Cab models (XLT and Lariat) get a 60/40 flip-up/fold-down rear seat with locking underseat storage and auxiliary power point

Related articles by Zemanta

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid Explained Simply (beechmontfordblog.com)
• Greater Productivity of the 2011 Super Duty (beechmontfordblog.com)

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

Class Exclusive Technologies in 2010 Ford Taurus

Image via Wikipedia

The 2010 Taurus is packed with innovation and style. Here’s a look at 10 class-exclusive features:

1. BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert
2. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support
3. MyKey
4. SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad
5. Voice-activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link
6. SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information
7. Multi-Contour front seats with Active Motion
8. Easy Fuel capless fuel filler
9. 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gasoline twin turbo direct injection engine
10. Sony sound system

Related articles by Zemanta

• Road Test: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO (nationalpost.com)

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

3 Blink Lane-Change Signal

We are all familiar with how a turn signal operates. Move the lever up (right) or down (left) to activate the fully automatic signaling system. Most vehicles also incorporate a lane-change feature as well. This lets drivers, using the turn signal lever; indicate their intent to move left or right without fully engaging the signaling system.

The new “3 Blink” Lane-Change Signal feature will change this process slightly and works like this:

Press and hold the turn signal lever up or down for just a moment

The turn signals will blink until a turn is completed and then shut off

On existing vehicles, the turn signal lever would be held in the left or right position until the turn was completed. On the new signaling system, the lever will not click into a position. It will simply return to the middle position once the lever has been pressed and held to indicate a turn. To cancel a full turn signal, simply press the lever (left or right) again.

Lane-Change Signal Feature

Tap the turn signal lever up (right) or down (left)

The turn signals will blink three times and then automatically shut off

To indicate more than three blinks, the driver can simply press the lever again or hold the lever for a longer period.

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

Greater Productivity of the 2011 Super Duty

Super Duty offers the most efficient mobile office with features to help the customer stay connected and simply get more done.

The new LCD Productivity Screen has features such as a Gauge Mode - Configurable compass, real-time engine and transmission (gasoline engine) oil temperatures and turbo-boost gauge (diesel engine). Trip A/B - Trip time and mileage information; can track two trips. Fuel Economy - Fuel comsumption history and selectable displays for miles to empty, average and instantaneous.  Settings - Turn features on or off, change lamp, compass and maintenance schedule settings, and monitor oil life percentage. Truck Applications - Off-road and training info including: Off-road screen with lateral, vertical and turning radius info, Electronic Locking Differential, Hill Descent Control, 4×4 system nad traction control status, Track and store info for up to 10 trailers, includind mileage and Trailer Brake Controller settings, Trailer connection checklist for increased safety and Information- MyKey, System Check and key system warnings for Trailer Sway Control, Hill Descent Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and diesel engine-specific messages.

Related articles

• First Drive: 2011 Ford Super Duty (nationalpost.com)

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

2010 Ford Transit Connect Wrapped for Your Business

The Transit Connect proves once again it is the right size for multiple companies.

If the wrong set of wheels is holding back your business, you are ready for the one-of-a-kind Transit Connect.  This all-new, right-sized business vehicle combines the room and versatility of a van with the efficient of a large car.  So it can swallow cargo, sip gas and park in a tight space, all while standing out in a crowd.

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect gets you in and out of tight spaces with agile maneuverability.  Its low vehicle heights let you slide into parking structures that keep taller trucks out on the street.  Plus, its economical size means that Transit Connect Van’s curb weight is just 3470 lbs.–almost 1500 lbs. less than a full-size van.  That’s one big reason why it gets 22 mpg city / 25 mpg highway (according to EPA-estimated small van class).

The 2-seat Transit Connect Cargo Van provides a huge cargo box with all-around access, and near-vertical sidewalls let you make the best use of all that space.  Sliding doors on both sides of the van let you load and unload the front half of the cargo area, or help position long items being loaded from the rear.  Any way you look at it, Transit Connect is wide open for business.

UHR Rents recognized these great facts about the 2010 Ford Transit Connect and recently purchased four units from us.  Below are some photos of one of the Transit Connects.

Contact Carl Ziegaus today at Beechmont Ford in Cincinnati, OH, to purchase and wrap your very own 2010 Transit Connect(s).  Carl can be reached at (888) 261-8619 or at cziegaus@lormargroup.com.

The all-new Transit Connect is engineered and tested to thrive in conditions that are harder, faster and tougher than most of its drivers will see.  Its Built Ford Tough on a rugged, commercial vehicle platform, with over 600,000 sold worldwide since 2003.

Related articles

• Ford to debut all-electric Transit Connect van (reviews.cnet.com)
• Chicago Preview: Ford rolls out production Transit Connect Electric and Taxi variants (autoblog.com)

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

CarsDiva Interview

Beechmont Ford constantly strives to improve the negative impressions of the automotive industry. We feel we are one of the leaders in reversing these stereotypes. We have been in business over 15 years, 8 time winner of the Ford President’s Award for excellence in sales and customer service and supporter of numerous community events such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the upcoming Drive One 4 Your School event with Glen Este High School.  As a result, Brittany Iredale, online sales consultant at Beechmont Ford, recently discussed how automotive dealerships can improve working with women with Demetra Markopoulos, founder of Carsdiva.com, an online community created by, for and about women in the car business.

Brittany Iredale (BI): What is your background? Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got into the automotive industry?

Demetra Markopoulos (DM): I went to Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and I double-majored in International Studies & Spanish.

Upon graduating college, I didn’t know exactly what career path I wanted to pursue, but I did know that I wanted to apply my skills, talents, and education in an avenue where I wasn’t limited as to where I could go. I experimented in a few different industries, before I concluded that I wanted to run my own show. Perhaps I’m a bit stubborn, but I like to call it determination. My parents are entrepreneurs, so I guess it runs in the family!

I started working for a start-up company that did remarketing for commercial (and later rental) fleets. Initially I was doing more customer service and work on the technical side of the business, but one thing led to another, and after a few months I started working on the front end with one of the Founders of the company, doing sales and business development. I found my calling! I had never realized there were so many different facets to the industry, (and characters for that matter)…. and there’s never a dull moment.

BI: Tell me about CarsDiva.com. What were your intentions for starting the site?

DM: CarsDiva.com is a social network, created by, for, and about women and the car business. It started off as a blog, by which I could give my comments and my perspective on the world of automotive retailing. What I’ve seen and experienced first-hand working in the auto industry, which really stands out in my mind, is the “old boy” network of the business. It’s exists among car dealers, manufacturers, vendors, and so forth… Don’t misunderstand– it’s a very gracious “old boy” network that has extended a courteous and helpful hand to the once- new-kid-on-the-block insider like me many times when I needed it. I couldn’t have met a nicer group of people in any industry… HOWEVER, on that same token, this is also one of the most exclusive of groups, closed to outsiders, both male and female. And, because there are so few female insiders in the car business, (from manufacturers, to dealer retailers, etc.), it’s exceptionally closed off to women.

So the reason I started the blog, and then proceeded to expand into an entire network, stems from the above.

The purpose is to comment, observe and “demystify” this whole business- from buying to selling, servicing and vending, to exploring careers in the car business, all coming from an insider woman’s point of view. And then to go further, the goal is to help other women do the same by providing advice, connecting those in the industry with female consumers, and in essence, helping to make the whole car buying experience more transparent.

In my experiences thus far, I think there may be place for an independent, slightly (or maybe not so slightly) irreverent car industry woman to comment, observe, and answer questions on the automotive industry. Not only in general terms, but even more specifically on car retailing, in an effort to move the needle forward– to educate a bit, provide exposure to, and bring to light a new perspective from the usual “company speak” or “legal department reviewed” thoughts on this always regulated but rarely “revealed” car business. My goal is not only to tackle certain issues, but to help.

BI: What is your favorite Ford vehicle and why is this your favorite vehicle?

DM: My favorite Ford vehicle would have to be the Mustang— and even more specifically, the Shelby GT500. To put it plainly, I like sports cars. Not only are the design, style, and performance top-rate, but also the impressive in-car communications and entertainment system not offered in other sports car- i.e. the Ford SYNC system. I also had the opportunity to meet Carroll Shelby and was inspired by his talent and success, and found that I have a newfound affinity to the track.

BI: Please give me some helpful suggestions on what dealerships should be doing in order to effectively employ women in the industry and how to effectively serve a female customer?

DM: First and foremost, they have to take into consideration that men and women are different, and once they come to terms with this reality, they’ll have successfully taken the first step. Men and women operate differently, so when it comes to employing a female, just as other industries recognize this simple fact, dealerships must do the same.

Women tend to gravitate toward female sales consultants because they often feel more comfortable, in that they can better relate to them- i.e. another female understands their needs and wants, particularly when it comes to a high-ticket item like an automobile. They want to be taken seriously, and they don’t want to be pressured into something too quickly, especially if they aren’t sure or ready at the moment. They like to take their time and look at the details. When shopping for vehicles, they have different needs and wants than men do, and sales consultants need to keep this in mind.

BI: Do you feel automotive dealerships are making progress in employing more women?

DM: Yes- slowly, but it’s still a male-dominated industry. In all honesty, when visiting dealerships, although I am starting to see more female employees, the vast majority- particularly the sales consultants, are male. By neglecting women, they are ignoring over half of the population. That being said, they still have long way to go…

BI: What has been your greatest challenge with implementing change to what is a male dominant industry and how did you or how are you planning to overcome it?

DM: I find that the greatest challenge in the auto industry is that too many individuals are stuck in their ways, and are reluctant to welcome change (referring back to the “old boy” network.) The auto industry overall faces a great challenge with the current economic climate—those who ride the wave and accept the fact that change is necessary to move the needle forward, will succeed. Those who do not will be left behind. It is a known fact that women purchase over 50% and influence the purchase of over 80% of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. The key to overcoming the challenges facing the auto industry today is to recognize that change is necessary—not only in regards to females, but overall, and to take the first steps forward rather than simply standing still. Those who ignore the facts and hope that the problems will solve themselves will not survive.

To speak on yet a broader level, determination is the key to success- everyone falls (some more than others) but those who succeed are the ones who can get back up and keep going full-speed ahead - to paraphrase an old Japanese proverb, success defined as getting knocked down ten times and getting up eleven…

_________________________________________________________

Advice to Females Navigating the Auto Industry from the CarsDiva:

Do your research and be confident. The Internet is a powerful tool that virtually places information at our fingertips—so use it to your advantage. It’s important to remember that you are in control of the situation- whether you’re purchasing a new car or getting your vehicle serviced.

BI: What advice would you provide to women who want to get involved in the auto industry?

DM: Go for it! The industry needs more savvy and intelligent females. It’s important to remember that confidence, intelligence, and at times a thick skin, are essential to be successful.

BI: Name one piece of work—novel, painting, movie, etc.—that really influenced/motivated you. Explain how/why.

DM: My mom- she is a real piece of work! I’ve learned to appreciate my talents and my differences, and she’s taught me that hard work and perseverance are the keys to success, in all aspects of life. She’s shown me that to really be content you have to follow your intuition, regardless of what everyone around you has to say. And in the end, respect yourself and your decisions, and others will do the same. She’s the toughest cookie I know!

BI: What is the biggest challenge/obstacle you have encountered thus far?

DM: Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry (and working to change that reality). But hey, I love a good challenge—you just have to learn how to make it work for you, rather than against you, to change what will be the future. …And so far it’s been an interesting and worthwhile experience!

BI: What is your biggest regret?

DM: Divas have no regrets… I try to make the most/best out of any situation. As the Duce, Henry Ford II said, “Never Complain, Never Explain” (he was actually quoting Benjamin Disraeli who said it first, but as Disraeli wasn’t a “car guy” I thought I’d quote “el Duce”)

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

(Beechmont) Ford in the News

Ford stock is about to intensify after shares topped $14 on Wednesday, setting another five year high.  One day after an analyst upgraded the company’s price target to $15 a share.  Moody’s upgraded Ford’s credit ratings and said the firm may again upgrade in the future.  CNBC commentator Jim Cramer is now predicting a run to $17.

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it