Is your Municipal Fleet Plugged In?

Ford has been advancing electrified vehicle technology for more than
a decade. Today we’re creating the future of electrified vehicles with
the development of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all electric vehicles. Gresham Ford Fleet also believes in the Power of Choice.  Ford has been providing reliable, efficient hybrid electric vehicles on the road for over 10 years.  Many Government Fleet Buyer have enjoyed the low operating costs of vehicles like the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Ford Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Municipal Fleets

Instead of developing only one type of electrified vehicle and expecting everyone to adapt their lifestyle to the car, Ford offers the power of choice – a plan that allows us to come to market with three different types of electrified power trains that meet the broadest range of customer needs. That way, more people have the option to choose an energy-saving low-emissions vehicle. And the more people who make that choice, the more the planet will benefit.  Government Fleet Managers know that vehicles in their fleet must adapt to the people utilizing them.  Providing choice and options to the Municipal Marketplace is Gresham Ford Fleet's mission.  "Providing a truly fabulous value to the taxpayer benefits us all" says Bess Wills, Gresham Ford General Manager.  Portlanders are very conscience about their environmental impact and the three different power train options for alternative fuel vehicles help to make the endeavor possible and easy.   Instead of developing only one type of electrified vehicle and expecting everyone to adapt their lifestyle to the car, Ford offers the power of choice – a plan that allows us to come to market with three different types of electrified power trains that meet the broadest range of customer needs. That way, more people have the option to choose an
energy-saving low-emissions vehicle. And the more people who make that choice, the more the planet will benefit.  Gresham Ford Fleet supports environmental awareness and was the first automotive dealership to become certified as a GREAT (Gresham Resource Efficiency Assistance To) Business.  Recycling and reducing waste are just two of the approaches that helped to also reduce utility bills and waste.  

2011 Salute to Dealers Nominee,  Presidents Award Dealership, 2011 Readers Choice Award Winner - Gresham Ford 

Gresham Ford Fleet has been a strong supporter of alternative fuel vehicles and offering cost effective solutions that exemplify the value added advantage to the taxpayer.  The State of Oregon has always been at the forefront of the Alternative Vehicle movement and is happy to offer Hyrbid Vehicles as well as plug-in vehicles on State of Oregon Contrract #0434 for ALL Ford Vehicles with Gresham Ford Fleet.   




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For more information about Alternative Fuel Vehicles or Gresham Ford Fleet, please contact Annette Wetzel-Ramirez, Fleet Director.

Introducing the next generation Police Interceptor from Gresham Ford Fleet

The all-new Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility are projected to improve gas mileage as much as 20% from the Crown Victoria.  This isn't the only technological upgrade either.  There are three V6 engines available with 6-speed automatic transmission to achieve an optimum balance of horsepower  torque and fuel efficiency achieved through advanced technology.  Most importantly, these engines provide the pursuit rated performance law enforcement and first responders require to get the job done.

The Police Interceptor Sedan comes standard with a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 250lb ft of torque.  If you want more power upgrade to the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 that delivers 365 horsepower and 350 lb ft of torque.  It also features direct injection with twin turbochargers, there is no lag here.


To experience the all new Police Interceptor Line Up visit www.FordPoliceInterceptorTour.com .  The NW region will be gathering in Auburn Washington for this Ride & Drive opportunity open to the First Responder Community.  This is a fantastic opportunity to drive the vehicles and "kick the tires" with Factory Ford Motor Company experts at your finger tips.

You will be impressed by the Twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) which allows the camshafts to operate the intake valves and exhaust values at different times in the combustion cycle, based on speed and load.  The result is outstanding efficiency under low load conditions and remarkable power when accelerating.  The Direct Injection of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine features direct injection, where each fuel injector is positioned to deliver a precise fuel spray directly into the combustion chamber during the intake strokes.

The twin turbochargers on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine use energy from the engine's exhaust to "boost" the air going into the engine to generate power and torque.  And turbo lag is virtually eliminated.  When you drive you experience immediate response when stepping on the accelerator.  Each engine is built to rigorous standards, witht he goal of delivering exceptional performance.  Test engines spend hours upon hours running at peak power, testing overall strength and ensuring maximum performance in the wide range of driving conditions police face every day.  The NW First Responder Community is forced to deal with wet pavement, icy roads and lots of wind, the Police Interceptor makes all of that a little more tolerable.

Why use cooperative purchasing contract

State of Oregon experiences budget cutbacks

America has experienced cutbacks and budget reductions to many programs. Municipalities are being asked to do more with less and finding cooperative purchasing contracts an easy solution.  Nationally organizations like the National Joint Powers Alliance have recognized the value in providing price and value negotiated pricing that is leveraged by a multitude of municipalities in various states.  Because everyone from the Hawaii School District to the Department of Forestry qualifies as a government entity they too can capitalize on the wide array of available competitively awarded contracts. 

Instead of writing and administering a RFP and everything that goes along with it they can utilize a cooperative competitively awarded contract like the State of Oregon contract #0434 for ALL Ford vehicles.  This contract includes cooperative language that includes municipalities and non-profits throughout the Western region with the Oregon Cooperative Procurement Program.  The reciprocal preference law includes State of Washington government and municipalities including fire, police and WDOT entities in the possible users.    The Oregon Department of Administrative Services has worked very hard to provide contracts that are easy to utilize, while providing a good value for the taxpayers.  For more information about ORCPP contact Nancy with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services at 503.378.2497 and ask about membership.  For a listing of the available 2011 vehicles see the equipment listing for the Oregon Cooperative Procurement Program.  Remember only Gresham Ford Fleet has been awarded State of Oregon Contract #0434 for ALL Ford Vehicles. 

When a buyer is able to utilize an pre-negotiated contract that has been competitively awarded it allows them to act with more efficiency and speed.  Working together and leveraging the buying power of large groups of municipalities help to negotiate even better values for the taxpayer.  Many buyers are looking to cooperative purchasing contract like the ones provided by the State of Oregon in order to achieve their goals and accomplish more tasks in less time. m



State of Oregon Cooperative Procurement Program



2013 Ford Police Interceptor Sedan & Utility Test Drive Tour of America

     The all new and redesigned Police Interceptor will soon begin plant production.  The first responder community has warmly received this all new all wheel drive option.  Many fleet managers are also favoring the large percentage of interchangable parts between the sedan and utility models; and the parts are just the first of many aspects that Ford has considering in efforts to reduce the overall expense of maintaining a first responder fleet of vehicles.  Gresham Ford is the proud holder of the State of Oregon Contract #0434 for all Ford vehicles.  This contract contains cooperative purchasing language that has been utilized by ORCPP (Oregon Cooperative Procurment Program).  To see if you are on the ORCPP memberlist click here.  Thanks to the Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA), Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, can also utilize this contract. 
  
     Our new Police Interceptors will be going into production shortly and will be shipping from the plant early next year.  I am aware that our competition has been very present with the law enforcement agencies by providing demos and drive experiences. Sinceour new model cycle plan was based around the freshening of the 2013MY Taurus, we will soon have production units available for dealer demos and a number of first quarter drive events. 

     Attached is the RSVP link to the Police Interceptor Drive Tour website.  www.fordpoliceinterceptortour.com.  If you click on the link you will be directed to register forthe event as a government agency or dealer.  We want to be certain that we maximize these drive opportunities by filling all the seats at the upcoming drive events. In your conversations with agencies, please forward and share so that we can have 100% attendance.   For more information contact Gresham Ford Fleet at 503.489.1605

Why Choose A Hybrid from Gresham Ford Fleet

The Ford hybrid is a gasoline powered vehicles that uses an electric motor and high-voltage battery pack to improve fuel economy over conventional vehicles.  The gas engine is the primary source of power and the electric power is supplemental. 

How it works:

The Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid use available electric power during acceleration to drive the wheels at low speeds, but seamlessly switches to gasoline engine power at speeds up to 47 mph in Electric Vehicle Mode.  The gas engine and regenerative braking system actually charge the high-voltage battery pack while you're on the go.  There's no need to plug in: it drives and feels pretty much like other car.

Gresham Ford Fleet offers both the Fusion Hybrid and the Escape Hybrid at fantastic prices for municipal and government buyers through contract #0434 with the State of Oregon purchasing.  This purchasing cooperative provides all of the checks and balances needed.  For more information about the Oregon Cooperative Purchasing Program call Nancy Ahlbin (Program Coordinator) at 503.378.2497.  Gresham Ford Fleet utilizes a transparent pricing policy to provide the same value to commercial clients. 

How it Saves: 

Depending on driving conditions and habits, hybrids can deliver a significant improvement in mpg when compared to the gasoline-only version.  For example, the 2012 Ford Fusion-Hybrid earned an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city, making it the most fuel efficient mid size hybrid sedan in America. 

A hybrid is the ideal choice for people who do a lot of city driving, drive at low speeds or have short daily commutes, because its under these conditions that the car benefits from supplemental electric power.  Taking a longer trip?  No problem - the electric power will kick in when it can to help extend fuel efficiency.  The estimated range for the Ford Fusion Hybrid is over 700 miles on a single tank of gas. 

Gresham Ford Fleet serves the NW Commercial Vehicle needs at a great value. 

More Vehicle Choices, More Businness Tax Deductions Opportunities for 2011

Here's how it works.......Business Owners can write off up to 100% of the purchase cost on their next new Ford.  And just so we are all clear, Gresham Ford is providing this information as a customer service.  Anything written in this article or spoken by Gresham Ford Sales staff should not be construed or provided as tax advice or as a promise of potential tax savings or reduced tax liability, we do cars not taxes.  Your individual tax situation will vary so see federal rules and tax guidelines.  For more information also check the IRS website www.irs.gov or speak to your tax advisor soon. 

Many businesses that incest in new equipment will be able to write off up to 100% of these purchases on their 2011 returns.  Normally, business spread these deductions over several years.  But now, due to the tax benefits provided under IRC Section 168 (k), qualifying businesses can write then off in the first year they are placed into service. 

Section 168 of the tax law allows a company to take a bonus depreciation deduction of up to 100% of the cost of qualified property, which include several Ford vehicles.  Unfortunately for the Oregon small business owner these vehicles do not include Mustang Convertibles.  Passenger automobiles under 6000 lbs. GVWR like the Ford fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Taurus, or even the Escape and Explorer may qualify for up to $11,060 in tax deductions.  However to recieve the 100% write off you need to purchase a Truck, Van or SUV over 6,000lbs GVWR like a F-150 or Econoline Van.  There is no set dollar limit to the amount of property that can be deducted as long as it is purchased and placed into service between September 9th 2010 and December 31, 2011.  Many times there is a need for one or more qualifying vehicles.  The vehicle must also be new, not pre-owned and must be used at least 50% for business.  As of January 1st, 2012 abd beyond the bonus depreciation deduction under section 168(k) is scheduled to be reduced from 100% to 50% of the cost of the new equipment.  So December 31st, 2011 could be the deadline for their best opportunity.

Gresham Ford is a founding member of the East County Try Local First Campiagn, helping to drive business to small businesses in Easy County and surrounding.  If you are a small business that needs to purchase a new vehicle before the end of the year, contact Gresham Ford Fleet today at 503.665.0101.

Section 179 creates economic stimulus in the NW

NW business owners and fleet managers are putting more thought and effort into what and when they purchase vehicles.  The Economic Stimulus Act has created the right time and the right incentives for thousands of business owners and fleet managers.  Oregon Ford Fleet Dealerships are spreading the word about how businesses can benefit from the bonus depreciation tax deduction provided under IRS section 168(k) and the tax deduction allowed under IRS section 179 when a company purchases a eligible vehicle.  Purchases must be made by December 31st 2011.  Both of these tax provisions currently offer businesses a tax deduction equal to 100% of the cost of most new equipment.  In the case of vehicles, the new equipment must have a gross vehicle weight rating over 6,000lbs.  This includes the purchase of qualifying F150 and Super Duty Trucks and or E Series Vans.  Remember the only catch is that you need to make your purchase and put the vehicle into use before December 31st 2011. 

     In addition to the tax deductions and bonus depreciation benefits Ford Motor Company is offering fantastic rebates and special private offers to some businesses.  Contact Gresham Ford Fleet directly to find out if you have a private rebate offer waiting for you.  For instance during the Commercial Truck Month at Ford you may also be eligible for up to $2500 in upfit incentives in addition to other customer cash and financing incentives.  Also consider Ford Commercial Credit especially if you are a small business building your commercial credit.  Everyone in business knows that timing is critical to success and that now is the time to benefit from the Economic Stimulus package.  See Gresham Ford Fleet for complete details and qualifications of rebates.  Gresham Ford is not a tax professional and does suggest that you consult your tax professional before purchase. 

     The benefit of bonus depreciation as referenced above and detailed in IRS section 168 (k) allows a company, like yours, to take a 100% tax deduction for purchases of qualified property purchased and placed into serve after September 8th 2010 and before December 31st 2011.  There is no set dollar limit to the amount of property that can be deducted as long as it is purchased and placed in service during the required time period.  NW business owners have weathered the economic storm and residual downturn but many have put off major purchases of equipment especially vehicles.  These small business owners can now take advantage of Commercial Truck Month incentives and the offer from the IRS thru the Economic Stimulus act. 

     Section 179 of the IRS tax code provides provisions for businesses to take a 100% deduction for the purchase of qualified property that is placed into service.  For tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2011, the deduction is limited to $500,000 or purchased equipment.  This limitation is decreased by one dollar for every dollar the company spends over $2,000,000 on new equipment.