Thursday, May 22, 2014

Ford Fusion Energi plugs in and has a gas engine

Gresham Ford is excited to offer the Fusion Energi because is the first plug-in hybrid midsize sedan for Ford and is available through Ford Certified EV Dealers.  Gresham Ford is a Certified Electric Vehicle Ford Dealership serving Gresham, Sandy, Troutdale, Fairview and Portland.  The Fusion has plug-in capability, which means the lithium-ion battery can be fully charged easily overnight in approximately 7 hours using the standard 120-volt convenience charging cord or  for faster charging in about 2.5 hours an available 240-volt charging station.  Many electric vehicle owners don't have any special charging station installed in their home.  If you are going to be home for at least 8 hours to sleep that is also enough time to charge your vehicle.  The Fusion Energi delivers maximum efficiency by combining a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and electric motor with a gasoline engine.  There is no range anxiety because if you need you have the gas engine.  The Ford Fusion Energi offers the best of both worlds, providing the capability to be driven as an electric vehicle for short trips and as a hybrid for longer trips.  Bess Wills, General Manager has only filled up twice in over 1000+ miles.  Our Service Manager, Cher Marlowe also drives an Energi (but hers is a C-Max) has had very similar experience.
Ford Fusion Energi  Plug In Electric & Gas Powered  For Sale Gresham Ford 

When you aren't ready to commit to an exclusively Electric vehicle because you like traveling to Seattle or the beach with minimal pit stops - the family of Ford Energi vehicles  - is a great solution.  Fusion Energi shares many of the same advanced powertrain system features with Fusion Hybrid, combining the best features of a gasoline engine and an electric motor to deliver excellent driving performance and efficiency.  This electric car is really the best of both both worlds.  The Ford Electric Car can be charged by connecting the vehicle’s external charge port to either a standard 120-volt outlet or an available 240-volt charging station.  There are a growing number of blink stations across Gresham and Portland that offer charging options while you shop.  For members of Blink it is $1 per hour and for non-blink members it is $2 per hour.
The plug-in capability offers drivers greater range and capability in full EV mode (all-electric only) than Fusion Hybrid, helping to further reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.  And after all isn't that what this is all about.  Many states have tax credits for these bi-fuel vehicles that have no range anxiety.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Gresham Ford wants to help Fleets manage their costs better

Fuel costs often claim the lion's share of a fleet's operating costs, so careful management of that spending can help improve the bottom line.  Companies that specialize in managing fuel costs can help fleets keep a lid on fuel costs and they say that their services can generate a significant return on the investment.  Gresham Ford suggests getting the most fuel efficient vehicle in the beginning to help reduce your cost of ownership in the first place.  Gresham Ford Fleet offers the full line of Ford's commercial vehicles that are more heavy duty than their mainstream counterparts.
Ford Super Duty Work Trucks now available at Gresham Ford

Super Duty customers depend on their trucks for their livelihood — if their truck doesn't work, they don’t work.  Now in every Ford Super Duty truck there are Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-built 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine that is extremely quiet and has been durability tested for 250,000 miles of real-world use.  THe F-Series Super Duty Pickups must pass rigorous durability tests based on how customers really use their trucks.  The Ford Work Trucks have been set to high standards for refinement and quietness.

Just for example the  Low NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels have been significantly reduced in the new generation of Super Duty trucks.  The quiet diesel engine operation is the result of fine-tuning to reduce diesel combustion noise and to ensure quiet, smooth operation at high and low speeds.  The Quiet Steel®(1) dash panel — composite-laminated steel sheet works with extra sound padding in the dash and
floor to provide a foundation for the quiet cabin.  Ford even included sound-damping back panel improves occupants’ ability to carry on a conversation.  The Ford engineers also built in expandable “gull wings,” inside the fenders just in front of the doors, work with the Quiet Steel dash panel to further reduce unwanted road and wind noise.  The side glass is also thicker to assist in minimizing wind noise.  The climate control system design reduces number and size of openings in the bulkhead, also improving interior quietness for the Ford work truck.  The Ford engineers also worked to improve the  instrument panel that seals in order to help reduce powertrain noise.  Gresham Ford's knowledgeable staff would be happy to fire one up so that you can hear the difference yourself.  

Gresham Ford is excited about the bi-fuel Fusion Energi

Gresham Ford is excited that the Fusion Energi is the first plug-in hybrid midsize sedan for Ford and is available through Ford Certified EV Dealers, like Gresham Ford.  The Ford Fusion Energi features a total EPA-estimated driving range in gasoline and electric operation of up to 620 miles and a driving range in EV mode (all-electric) of up to 21 miles.  Most of those in the Portland metro area work and live within a 21 mile radius meaning that we would almost always use the electric power exclusively.  Because the Fusion Energi also has a gasoline fuel engine it allows the long road trips to the coast or Bend without range anxiety.  This new Ford technology is a great stepping stone to becoming an even greener NW.
Ford Fusion Energi now available at Gresham Ford

The plug-in capability means the lithium-ion battery can be fully charged easily overnight in approximately
7 hours using the standard 120-volt convenience charging cord or — for faster charging in about 2.5 hours.  Then you would drive to work almost exclusively on electric power.

The Fusion Energi also delivers maximum efficiency by combining a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and electric motor with a gasoline engine.  The bi-fuel technology truly answers the range anxiety some have voiced with the exclusively electric vehicles like Ford Focus Electric.  The Fusion Energi offers the best of both worlds, providing the capability to be driven as an electric vehicle for short trips and as a hybrid for longer trips.

For more information or to schedule your personalized test drive call 503-665-0101 or stop by 1999 East Powell Blvd in Gresham; drive safe and green!


Monday, May 13, 2013

The 2014 Ford Focus is new and better than ever and has two engine options


The new 2014 Ford Focus offers an updated model lineup that includes S, SE and Titanium sedan and SE and Titanium hatchback options.  Ford is also offering a 2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 engine with direct-injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and flex-fuel (E85) capability that offers an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency.  Pairing with the PowerShift 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability will also improve fuel efficiency and driving satisfaction.  The European-inspired suspension has been tuned for agility and precision, rewarding the driver with a connected-tothe-
road feel.  The “Kinetic” exterior design is toned and athletic, conveying a sense of motion even when still and it's super fun to drive.  The 2014 Ford Focus has an impressive array of smart technologies provides drivers with a totally connected driving experience that drivers throughout the NW will appreciate.


The first engine option for the 2014 Ford Focus is the 2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 that produces 160 horsepower @ 6500 rpm while providing 146 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4450 rpm.  The aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off (ADFSO) helps to provide even better fuel efficiency and is complimented by the twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT).  Ford has also included a smart charging alternator, direct-injection with flex-fuel capability allows operation on E85 fuel, regular unleaded fuel or any combination of the two in the same fuel
tank.  We only have a few E85 stations in the Portland area but if you do run across one take advantage because E85 is usually almost $1 cheaper per gallon.    Focus equipped with the 2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 engine offers flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) capability. This allows the engine to operate on E85 fuel — a blend of 85% ethanol fuel and 15% unleaded gasoline. The engine can run on E85 fuel, regular unleaded gasoline or any combination of the two. It’s important to note that when operating on E85, Focus will achieve measurably less fuel economy. This is normal; since E85 has less energy as a fuel, it takes more E85 to make the same power as unleaded gasoline. The primary benefits of E85 fuel are for the environment because it’s a fuel made from renewable resources and that it lowers the emission of greenhouse gases.The dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) is made of lightweight aluminum cylinder head with 4 valves per cylinder helps deliver a balance of horsepower and fuel efficiency.  Ford worked very hard to keep this vehicle light in order to help boost its fuel efficiency.  The aluminum engine block and cylinder head help to reduce overall vehicle weight to aid fuel efficiency.  Ford has also chosen a timing chain, instead of a belt, helps improve durability.  The piston-cooling jets and deep sump oil pan help the enhanced spray pattern and piston dome design for maximum fuel economy.  With the special low-friction coating on piston skirt with the oil pump and drive ratio sized for reduced friction also help to get the most possible out of every gallon of fuel.  The oil change interval is also up to 10,000 miles, although we at Gresham Ford still recommend every 3,000 miles due to the quality of our fuel in the NW.

The second engine option when considering the 2014 Ford Focus is the 2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) with 159 horsepower @ 6500 rpm and 146 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4450 rpm.  This engine choice includes all of the same engine technology of the 2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 while being mated to a 5-speed manual or PowerShift 6-speed automatic transmission.  The automatic engine is available as a limited option for orders submitted by dealers in the cross-border states of AZ, DC, DE, ID, NH, NV, OH, VA and WV.  Those of us in Oregon and Washington will have no difficulty having a wide selection available   
The 2014 Ford Focus meets zero fuel-based emissions standards by demonstrating zero fuel-based evaporative emissions while Ford covers the emissions performance of its California-emissions-certified PZEVs registered in CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NJ, NY, RI and VT with a 15-year or 150,000-mile (whichever occurs first) limited warranty on emissions components (OR, PA and WA do not require the extended PZEV warranty).  The 2014 Ford Focus, available at Gresham Ford, scores a 9 (10 is the highest score) on the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide (epa.gov/greenvehicles) while only a zero emissions vehicle (battery electric or fuel cell) receives a higher score.  



 


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Ford Focus Electric brings a spark to Portland


The 2013 Ford Focus Electric has arrived in Portland Oregon and is available at all Electric Ford Certified Dealerships.  The Focus Electric Battery is a 23-kWh advanced liquid-heated and -cooled lithium-ion (Li-ion).  Even though it is an electric car it still has 4-wheel disc brakes.  You can also identify the Electric Focus from other Ford Focus vehicles by the chart port light ring (120- or 240-volt capable) with a SAEJ1772 connector.  The Ford Focus Electric comes standard with a 6.6-kW electric on board charger with a charging cord that has a 120-volt-capability.  The sole source of power for driving the Focus Electric is the electric engine which means you have truly zero emissions.  The braking system is used as a generator to recover energy during deceleration or braking to recharge the lithium-ion battery.  The combination of the electric motor and single-speed transmission propels Focus Electric and delivers real driving enjoyment.  And remember electric vehicles offers 100% of the available torque right off the line.

The drive train of the electric Focus is front-wheel drive and has been paired with a 107-kW electric motor.  The regenerative braking system helps to capture energy that would normally be lost through heat in normal braking systems.  The Focus Electric has electric power-assisted with pull-drift compensation and active nibble control to keep you on the road feeling secure.  


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Gresham Ford explains Fords efforts to develop plant based plastics

Ford has aligned their research and development with other consumer companies to better utilize plant based plastics.  Ford is already using a soy based bio-foam that has taken the place of nearly 5 million pounds of petroleum annually in the production of new Ford vehicles.  The all new redesigned 2013 Ford Escape contains at least 20 recycled water bottles that have been repurposed into the carpet of the vehicle.  Those in the Northwest appreciate efforts to make our community and environment a healthy better place.  The lightweight plastics are durable and have allowed Ford to further increase the fuel efficiency of the cars and trucks offered by Gresham Ford.


Thursday, August 30, 2012

Ford has built a fleet of alternative fuel vehicles that fit Oregon

Ford has been developing eco-friendly vehicles with green technology for decades.  We now see the attention to green detail in many of the Ford products like the new generation Police Interceptors that have soy based sustainable foam in the seats.  This green foam holds up better to the abuse and heavy wear of daily police duty as well as helping to protect our environment.  Oregon has always been on the cutting edge of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices and Ford's alternative fuel vehicles compliment that endeavor.  Drivers don't have to sacrifice performance for efficiency because Ford provides both!  The Ford Global Electrification strategy includes plans to launch five new full electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid vehicles in the compact midsize and even light commercial segments by the end of this year.  Gresham Ford will be receiving our first Electric Focus by the end of next month and are excited to share this advanced technology vehicle with Oregon.  Visit your Oregon Ford dealer, like Gresham Ford to also check out the all new 2013 Ford C-Max gas hybrid and plug-in hybrid coming later this year.

Exciting things are in the works and now it is easier and cost effective to own an electric car and reduce our foriegn dependence on oil.