Thursday, July 31, 2014

How does the 2015 Fusion Hybrid Compares to the Camry Hybrid

2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid at Gresham Ford
The Ford Fusion Hybrid exudes an upscale in design and seating 5 comfortably, the 2015 Fusion Hybrid is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice style and performance to enjoy hybrid fuel efficiency. Portlanders value the environment - that's why we choose to live here, right?  With a long list of standard and available features, Fusion Hybrid makes a statement about what a hybrid vehicle can be.  With an EPA-estimated 44 city/41 highway/42 combined mpg with the 188-net horsepower – gas engine and electric traction motor combined this Ford Fusion Hybrid can travel up to 85 mph on electric power alone.  Many Portland area residents have found that the Ford Fusion Hybrid exceeds their expectations with new technology like the Active Grille Shutters that help to facilitate the incredible MPG.  

If you are comparing the Ford Fusion Hybrid to the Camry there are a few questions that you may have and we will try to address them below.  First simply stated the Camry Hybrid may have more net horsepower, but with 188 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 47 mpg across the board, Fusion Hybrid delivers the balanced power and efficiency that is so important for hybrid vehicles.  Gresham Ford would encourage you to personally test drive the 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid to personally see if it is "zippy" enough for you.  

Another large difference in technology is evident when considering the approach to combat interior noise.  The Camry Hybrid uses passive sound-controlling materials to reduce NVH, but it has nothing like Fusion Hybrid, which uses the same technology as noise-canceling headphones to help control noise actively.  

When inspecting the interior of each vehicle you may also notice that unlike Camry Hybrid’s small displays, the largeSmartGauge screens in Fusion Hybrid give the hybrid performance displays the prominence they deserve. Plus, the large screens make it easier to see how efficiently you’re driving.  SmartGauge® with EcoGuide has two large 4.2-inch LCD screens on either side of the
speedometer and includes a wide selection of display options to meet each driver’s needs.

Gresham Ford Logo

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Make a July Fourth splash in Gresham’s new Children’s Fountain

Gresham opens East Multnomah County’s first free splash fountain for kids – just in time for the holiday

GRESHAM, Ore. – The City of Gresham is giving a July Fourth treat to children of all ages: a
new Children’s Fountain in the city’s historic downtown.  The Children’s Fountain will splash to life Friday, July 4 at 7 a.m. and stay open all day long until 10 p.m. Kids can cavort in two fountains – one designed for toddlers, one for bigger kids – that are powered by 43 jets of cool, clean, chlorinated water. The fountain is built to surprise. Water is controlled by a computer program that makes the jets disappear – then leap to life – at random intervals for maximum fun. For daytime, the Children’s Fountain includes two shade structures. At night, the fountain is lit by a subtly shifting display of 20 multi-colored LED lights.  The Children’s Fountain is located at the Arts Plaza in historic downtown at 401 N.E. Second St. in Gresham.

This new parks amenity is free to users – the only no-cost splash pad in East Multnomah County
– and was developed entirely with $1.5 million in federal funds awarded to the City of Gresham for community development. “I am very excited to see Gresham add a great new place for our children and families, with the Children’s Fountain opening just in time for some relief from these hot days,” Mayor Shane Bemis said. “This strategic use of federal grant dollars will not only provide our kids a safe and healthy place to play, but it will help encourage economic activity in an important area of the city, and enhance one of our newest and most important public spaces.”

On Wednesday, July 16 at 6 p.m., the public is invited to the Arts Plaza to celebrate the launch of
the Children’s Fountain. The launch will showcase the interactive fountain and promote Rise Advance Dream (RAD) Gresham, a City initiative aimed at partnering with residents to dream big. Mayor Bemis and the Council are asking the public to brainstorm transformative ideas for Gresham’s future – ideas like a free, colorful fountain for kids. Since September 2013, the City has received dozens of ideas, ranging from a community center to an OMSI East campus, through the RAD online forum at GreshamOregon.gov/RAD. At the July 16 fountain launch, Mayor Bemis and the City Council will celebrate RAD along with business and community leaders, and residents can submit their ideas to improve life in Gresham. There will be games, giveaways and free sno-cones.

After its holiday debut, the Children’s Fountain will be open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Because the fountain does not hold water, no lifeguard will be on duty. However, all children
must be supervised. Children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers, and swim clothing is required. For a list of fountain rules and etiquette, please visit GreshamOregon.gov/ChildrensFountain/ The Children’s Fountain is a project of the Gresham City Council, which made design and construction a 2013 priority as a way to boost the Arts Plaza and drive business activity and private investment in the City’s downtown. The Department of Environmental Services managed construction of the fountain, and Parks and Facilities Division staff will operate it. For more information, call Parks and Facilities at 503-618-2300.