Maritime Ford Blog

Ford Receives Honors in Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards

Ford Receives Honors in Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards

Maritime Ford is a premier Ford dealership in Manitowoc, WI. For the second year in a row, Ford Motor Company was given top honors at the annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards. The automaker was a repeat winner in the following categories: Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer; Overall Loyalty to Make; African-American Market Loyalty to Make; and Mid/Full-Size Pickup for its F-Series truck lineup, which has been honored in that category 14 out of the last 16 years.

The Ford Escape was recognized in the compact SUV category for its first time. Polk’s Automotive Loyalty Awards are presented to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that demonstrate the ability to maintain relationships and loyalty with car owners over repeat buying cycles.

“The awards represent an OEM’s success in bringing consumers back into their showrooms when they return to market for a new vehicle,” said Brad Smith, director of Polk’s Loyalty Management Practice. “OEMs are more focused than ever before on customer loyalty programs, and those that place high priority on these initiatives are reaping the rewards.”

Polk monitors owner loyalty throughout the year and works regularly with customers to supervise owner loyalty. Through in-depth analysis of automotive shopping behaviors, related market influencers and development of retention strategies, Polk is able to determine loyalty leaders. According to Polk, loyalty is determined when a household that owns a new vehicle returns to market and purchases or leases another new vehicle of the same model or make.

“We are honored that our customers continue to choose our products. Each day, Ford endeavors to gain their loyalty and advocacy by providing choices, fuel economy, smart technology and safety,” said Ken Czubay, vice president of sales and service for Ford.

Maritime Ford offers several new and used Ford vehicles in Manitowoc, WI. The dealership’s full inventory is available online and on-site.

Read More ›

Ford Employees Test New MyFord Touch Upgrade to Ensure Customer Satisfaction

Ford Employees Test New MyFord Touch Upgrade to Ensure Customer Satisfaction

Maritime Ford is a premier Ford dealership in Manitowoc, WI. Ford plans to launch its major upgrade to MyFord Touch on 2013 models per customer requests, delivering a faster, simpler and easier experience. Approximately 1,000 of the automaker’s employees were randomly chosen from the Ford management lease vehicle population in Southeast Michigan to beta-test the new software for a month.

Ford customers will reap the benefits of the newly designed and tested MyFord Touch software. Planned to launch for 2013 models, the software upgrade will be a part of a new, innovative approach to ensure a high-quality launch of the improved system, according to a Ford Motor Company press release. The new Ford Escape, Taurus and Flex will be equipped with the upgraded system, and updates will be made to existing systems in the Ford Explorer, Edge and Focus.

Infotainment, Ford Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering Chief Engineer, John Schneider said, “Employees are a great source for quick feedback, and the best part is that they are eager to help.” Schneider continued, “Employees who have been MyFord Touch users since it was first launched will test the new upgrade on employee lease vehicles so they can provide us real-world feedback, helping us polish the final product before it goes to our customers.”

The automaker values its customers’ opinions, suggestions and feedback, which was the initial driving force in upgrading the current MyFord Touch system. Ford designers and engineers want to guarantee that the upgrades will satisfy customers before sending the software into production.

“Ford has been listening and learning from our customers about their ownership experience in order to continuously improve it,” saud Schneider. “The new upgrade exemplifies the importance of customer feedback and showcases the flexibility and speed we now have by leveraging software to evolve Ford technology.”

Maritime Ford offers several new and used Ford vehicles in Manitowoc, WI. Check the dealership’s full inventory online or on-site today.

Read More ›

All-New Ford Explorer Redesigned for Optimum Performance

All-New Ford Explorer Redesigned for Optimum Performance

Maritime Ford is a premium Ford dealership in Manitowoc, WI. The automaker has completely redesigned the 2012 edition of Explorer for the 2011 model year. The Explorer is the first Ford to offer the new 4-cylinder Eco-Boost engine.

The Explorer capitalizes on V6-like engine power in an eco-friendly, fuel-efficient smaller engine. The vehicle’s EcoBoost technology adds a new dimension to the Explorer’s advancement.

Last year the Explorer’s redesign elevated the vehicle from being a heavy truck utility vehicle to a new lighter, more rigid Explorer. Still a full-sized utility vehicle, the Explorer is equipped with supple fully independent suspension, an improved all-wheel-drive system option and standard seating for up to seven occupants.

A 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine is the base power unit and provides 20 percent better fuel economy than the previous generation V6. Power output is an impressive 290 horsepower and 255 lbs.-ft of torque and it’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Compact, fuel-efficient and powerful, the new EcoBoost is the first in a new series of high-efficiency gasoline engines outfitted with direct fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger. It can deliver 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lbs.-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.

The Explorer also runs on regular gasoline, an its turbocharger harnesses energy normally wasted in the engine’s exhaust and uses it to pressure air going in to the engine. The engine’s power output is significantly increased, and direct injection as well as electronic engine management eliminates the disadvantages of boosting. The freshly styled, higher performance vehicle, the Explorer is also a safer ride prepared to hit the highways in style.

Maritime Ford offers several new and used Ford vehicles in Manitowoc, WI. Review the dealership’s full inventory online or on-site today.

Read More ›

Ford Shifting Production from Mexico to Ohio

Ford Shifting Production from Mexico to Ohio

Maritime Ford is a premier Ford dealership in Manitowoc, WI. Ford Motor Co. has recently decided to shift its production headquarters from Mexico to a northeast Ohio plant. The automaker invested $128 million in the new plant, protecting nearly 2,000 jobs.

According to Jim Tetreault, Ford’s vice president of North American manufacturing, Ford will renovate the Ohio Assembly Plant after ending production of Ecoline vans in 2013. Truck production will be moved from a joint venture with Navistar International Corp. in General Escobedo, Mexico, near Monterrey.

Workers are reportedly guaranteed to earn a steady paycheck with Ford making an impressive investment in the Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, after the state approved an incentive package valued at $15 million. Ford will get a $1 million tax break for the next 15 years.

The United Auto Workers approved the new contract giving up annual pay raises for most workers but replacing them with profit sharing and signing bonuses, allowing for the imminent production shift.

Gov. John Kasich said the money would be recouped within a year with higher tax collections. At an appearance at the plant, Gov. Kasich said, “When people ask for the moon, the stars and the sky it doesn’t benefit the people of the state we don’t do it. But this is a really good agreement that we reached and frankly I’m really pleased about it.”

Nearly 2,000 jobs will be created as a result of Ford’s move to Ohio. “We were in a seep, deep ditch in this state. We lost 400,000 jobs in the last four years. We lost more jobs in the last 10 years than any other state in America except Michigan and California. But I really think the sun is starting to shine in Ohio,” said Gov. Kisich.

Maritime Ford offers several new and used Ford vehicles in Manitowoc, WI. Review the dealership’s full inventory available online or on-site.

Read More ›

Ford Helping Lincoln Get Its Glamour Back

Ford Helping Lincoln Get Its Glamour Back

Maritime Ford is a premier Ford and Lincoln dealership in Manitowoc, WI. Ford is in the process of designing new Lincoln vehicles that combine high-tech features and elegant designs.

Max Wolff, the mastermind behind the new vehicles, said, “Our goal is to make Lincoln look like nothing else that’s out there.”

With the freedom to refresh the Lincoln brand, Wolff will reveal the new version of Lincoln’s midsize MKZ sedan at the Detroit auto show in January. The car is expected to have a sleek, tapered silhouette, a retractable glass roof and a center console that rises like a ramp off the floor directly into the instrument panel.

The New York Times reported “Detroit’s comeback so far has been built on shifting from big trucks and SUV’s to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. But to cement the turnaround, the American automakers need the profit margins and prestige that higher-priced luxury models can generate.”

Known for chrome-clad exteriors and roomy interiors, Lincoln has discontinued the Town Cars and Continentals popular among an older, more traditional demographic. It is time for Lincoln to step it up and appeal to a fresher, more vibrant consumer base.

“He is pushing them in a totally different direction,” said Rebecca Lindland, an analyst with the research firm HIS Automotive, who got a sneak preview. “I almost fell over when I saw it.” Lindland continued, “They have a long way to go from a perception standpoint. Ford needs Lincoln so that the Ford buyer has a luxury alternative when they want to move up.”

Lincoln plans to introduce seven new or upgraded Lincoln models over the next four years. Wolff’s design team has trimmed down past models and refreshed the Lincoln’s appearance. Although there is a great deal of work ahead for Wolff and the automaker, Ford and Lincoln will soon have a fresh look to match its revamped attitude.

Maritime Ford offers several new and used Lincoln vehicles in Manitowoc, WI. Check the dealership’s full inventory available online or on-site.

Read More ›