Thursday, May 31, 2012

Gresham Ford Fleet now offers an expanded offering of eco-friendly materials

The 2012 Ford Explorer features soy foam in seat cushions and seat backs.  The bio-based polyurethane foam will be one of the new eco-friendly features in the Ford Explorer available at Gresham Ford.

Gresham Ford Fleet has been serving the fleet needs of the northwest since 1932.  "The new Ford Explorer delivers fuel economy 25 percent better than the 2010 model as well as sustainable materials like soy foam seat cushions and other eco-friendly features we will detail soon,"  said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager for Ford cars and cross over vehicles.  "Customers will be pleasantly surprised they can get all these new features without having to sacrifice the capability, utility or safety they want for their families and adventures."

The Portland area is known for being environmentally conscience and Gresham Ford is proud to be one of the Oregon Ford Dealers offering new Ford vehicles with green technology.  The addition of soy foam in the Explorer expands Ford Motor Company's commitment to using more sustainable materials in all of its vehicles.  By year's end, nearly 100 percent of Ford's line up will feature eco-friendly materials.

Soy foam has helped Ford reduce its annual petroleum oil usage by mo9re than 3 million pounds, and is up to 24 percent more renewable than petroleum based foam.  The use of soy foam also has helped Ford reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 11 million pounds as the bio-material provides a 67 percent reduction in volatile organic compound emissions.

Gresham Ford is environmentally aware and was the first Gresham Oregon auto dealer to be awarded green certification through the City of Gresham's GREAT business program that helps identify and transform any business into a green one!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

2012 Focus Electric for Oregon & SW Washington

Go Just About Anywhere Gas-Free

Zero gas. Zero oil.  Zero CO2 emissions. 100% FUN!  You won't have to give up the fun of driving with an all-new 2012 Focus Electric.  This five-passenger vehicle drives much like a gas-powered Focus - but gives you a best-in-class citing rating of 110 MPGe* and a best-in-class driving range of 76 miles.** What you will have to give up are stops at the gas station, CO2 emissions, oil, power steering fluid, tailpipes and well you get the picture.  *EPA estimated 110 city/ 99hwy/ 105 combined MPGe.  MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure oil gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.  Class is small electric cars.  **EPA estimated.  Actual mileage will vary.  Class is small Electric Cars.  Gresham Ford Fleet is excited to offer this product on the National Joint Powers Alliance Alternative Fuel Vehicle Contract that offers FREE membership to municipalities and public agencies throughout the nation.

Maximize your range from your pocket.  The unique MyFord Mobile application lets you monitor and schedule your Focus Electric charging, find charging stations and estimate the amount of CO2 emissions saved based on your driving style.  You can even use it to precondition your vehicle to be at a comfortable temperature when you start.  MyFord Mobile subscription is complimentary for 5 years.  Subscription fees apply after 5 years.

Eco-conscious meets style-conscious.  In Focus Electric, the styling is just as important as the materials used in the designs.  Because while it feels good to own this car, it can feel even better to sit in and drive it.  The cloth fabric for example is made with REPREVE fiber, produced from 100% recycled materials.  Additionally, the cushions are made of bio-based foam derived from plant seed oils.  Inside and out, Focus Electric makes a big impression while trying to leave a small carbon footprint.

Connecting your world is just a starting point.  A new EV-specific SYNC with MyFord Touch system fives you a brilliant interface to keep you in top of battery charge, distance to your next charging point and more.  You can also monitor the power collected from regenerative braking - it can capture more than 90 percent of the braking energy normally lost through friction brakes, then recycles it to help recharge the battery.  Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control.  Regenerative braking is just one of the technologies that make the Electric Focus a true leap in automotive technologies.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Natural Gas Alternative Fuel Systems for Ford E-Series Vans

Ford Motor Company has partnered with Leggett & Platt to offer Natural Gas conversions for vans and work trucks.  These alternative fuel conversions save on fuel costs when compared to traditional gasoline or diesel.  Whereas bio-diesel leaves residue and can clog your mechanical inner workings natural gas burns clean and actually reduces you maintenance costs as well.  Natural Gas, also known as CNG trucks and Vans also reduce C02 emissions and well as our collective dependence on foreign oil.  Because Ford Motor Company has invented into the Alternative Fuel Vehicle sector they have also taken the time to certify companies like Leggett & Platt as Quality Vehicle Modifiers or QVM's.  This certification process ensures greater confidence and customer service.  Landirenzo USA provide3s a 3 year and 50,000 mile warranty and supports service and maintenance through Ford dealerships nationwide.   These Natural Gas Conversions are FMVSS 303 and 304 compliant as well as being EPA and CARB certified.  Call Gresham Ford Fleet at 503-665-0101 for more information about the certifications necessary in your neck of the woods.  These CNG vans and CNG trucks have the longest range GGE capability with standard under body tank system.  


Compressed natural gas (CNG) can fuel everything than gasoline and diesel can.  School buses, airport shuttles and many electricians and HVAC companies have already converted to a Ford Natural Gas work truck or van. Fleets of all sizes are saving money on fuel and reducing emission levels. Since CNG is a cleaner fuel than diesel or gasoline, engine wear and maintenance is also reduced, allowing a vehicle to last longer.

With the same power as gasoline or diesel fuel, CNG can also be used in transit buses, semitrucks, school buses, waste disposal trucks and delivery vehicles without compromising power or performance. Currently, one of every five new transit buses in America is fueled by natural gas, and a natural gas-powered school bus can displace 1,400 gallons of diesel fuel per year. Currently, there are more than 2,500 CNG buses in school districts across the country.  At more than $2 cheaper than gasoline many fleets are turning heads to learn more about this Alternative Fuel Conversion trend.  
Commercial vehicles travel a significantly greater number of miles per year than private vehicles that travel an average of 12,000 to 15,000 per year.  Municipalities can experience sometime 100,000 miles a year on police cars and other high mileage positions.  Compressed Natural Gas's popularity and presence in the media recently has done wonders to increase the number of fleet converting.  Ford Motor Company has separated themselves from the other major manufacturers by offering a superior level of customer service and support throughout the life of every alternative fuel vehicle.  Gresham Ford Fleet has continued these standards as the Northwest Preferred Fleet Ford Dealership.  

Gresham Ford Fleet currently holds the National Joint Powers Alliance contract for Alternative Fuel Cars, SUVs, and CUVs.  The NJPA offers FREE membership to non-profit agencies and municipalities - contact Gresham Ford Fleet for more information.