Ford Gives You Smart Steering

Gresham Ford is proud to offer a new technology that helps drivers lock into a lane by altering them to unwanted swerves.  Just imagine, its after midnight and you're on the last leg of a cross-county trip.  Eventually your coffee supply is going to run dry and that's where the Ford Lane Keeping System kicks in.

Gresham Ford Demonstrates Safety Technology Like the Lane Keeping System

Making its debut as an available option in the 2013 Fusion, the latest Ford technology tool is designed to keep drivers from drifting out side the lines of their lanes.  At speeds above 40 mph, the system uses a windshield mounted camera to watch for unwanted swaying in either direction.  If a swerve is detected, the system will deliver - depending on severity - one of three wake up calls: a vibration in the steering wheel, a gentle correction from power assisted steering or a combination of the two.  

With each new ignition cycle, the driver must turn the Lane Keeping System On by pressing the button (location will vary from vehicle to vehicle). The system is defaulted to the Off setting. The feature will turn itself On automatically when MyKey is detected.  Your Gresham Ford Sales Specialist can help demonstrate how the system functions and answer you specific questions. 

Driver Alert is designed to help prevent driver inattention. Like the Lane-Keeping System, Driver Alert uses the forward facing camera to detect lane markings on the road ahead. When the system detects that the driver’s alertness level has decreased below a threshold, the driver will receive a series of warnings —

both visual and audible — to help keep them alert. Warnings First — the driver will receive a visual warning in the instrument cluster (coffee cup) and a chime to alert them.  Second — if erratic driving continues, another warning will appear and remain displayed for a longer time.  Reset — all information is reset as soon as the driver stops and opens the door or turns off the engine.  Drivers do not necessarily have to be tired to lose concentration when driving; even simple tasks like changing a radio station can be distracting and the

consequences severe. This system will help them stay alert and attentive while driving.

Ford Commercial Trucks Dominate the NW Region

Ford F Series vs Dodge Ram

For the entire 2012 calendar year the Ford Commercial Truck lineup continues to be the undeniable leader in the Commercial Truck Market.  Based on industry figures through September of 2012 Ford captured 46.4 percent of industry sales.  Nowhere is this more evident that in the situation where Dodge Ram tries to take on the Ford F-Series Super Duty line of work trucks.  It is obvious that Ram has tried to develop a product that mirrors many of the key attributes of the Super Duty, but today's sophisticated truck customer also wants and needs a complete package of support services to keep vehicles "on-the-road" and generating revenue.  Ford has tackled this obstacle by offering plug ins for your laptop and space for a printer so that your truck can truly be mobile office.  Gresham Ford appreciates the need to stay on the road where you are generating income and can help facilitate your transition to a mobile office.

 Roadside assistance on every new Super Duty work truck is complimentary for 5 years or 60,000 miles.  This roadside assistance covers lock out service, running out of gas, changing a flat tire, all that fun stuff so now there is no need for AAA.  With over 600 Business Preferred Network Dealerships, Ford can offer customers a large and experienced dealer network.  With trained technicians and almost instant parts availability, Ford dealers can get vehicles back in service with minimal customer downtime.  Ford dealers understand the truck business and what it takes to support the commercial customer.  Ram fails to bring this hard-earned experience to the table.

Roadside Assistance is Complimentary for 5 years or 60,000 miles

For commercial customers, buying a Super Duty Pickup F-250/F-350/ F-450 is a big investment. The Ford Motor Company New Vehicle Limited Warranty and optional Ford Motor Company Extended Service Plans will help protect the value of their investment and reinforce their purchase decision.  Commercial customers choosing an F-Series Super Duty Pickup have access to qualified service technicians available beyond the standard 9-to-5 business day.

Gresham Ford Fleet is a Business Preferred Network Oregon Dealership

Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company Business Preferred Network (BPN) certification is only provided to dealerships that satisfy a number of skills, knowledge and dedication.  Participating BPN dealerships are supported by a dedicated training curriculum for sales, parts and service and finance roles
These programs supporting BPN include Quality Fleet Care, Commercial Service Plus, National Fleet Parts Pricing, Ford Extended Service and Maintenance Plans for fleets and more.  FordParts.com for example, provides parts support 24/7 while featuring  national “Rapid Referral” and FedEx shipping.  Gresham Ford recognizes that you can't make money if your work truck in is the shop, so Gresham Ford Service gets you back on the road faster, where you belong.

Northwest Companies Explore Emissions Control Systems that Could Replace Liquid Urea Solution

Researchers are developing emissions control systems that could someday replace the selective catalytic reduction setups now found on diesel-powered medium duty trucks.  Their work has been driven in part by concerns that diesel exhaust fluid presents problems that alternative technologies could overcome.

The Ford Super Duty offers a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel offers 300 horsepower @ 2800 rpm and 660 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm while being the cleanest Power Stroke diesel ever.  The Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-built engine is also bio-diesel capability up to B20.  Because bio-diesel is not regulated Service & Maintenance experts suggest being diligent with your maintenance schedule if you do decide to use B20 fuel.  The engine is designed to handle a mixture of up to 20% bio-diesel by volume and 80% petroleum diesel fuel without any performance change.  The compacted graphite iron (CGI) deep-skirt engine block and aluminum cylinder heads help reduce weight while maintaining maximum strength for the horsepower and torque capacity of the Power Stroke V8 Diesel Engine.  This is the kind of technology that Gresham Ford Fleet is so proud to offer.  This is the first North American use of CGI in a Super Duty-class vehicle.  CGI is stronger than traditional cast iron and provides the dependability you only get from Ford work trucks.  The aluminum cylinder heads help to reduce weight and increase your fuel economy.

The Ford diesel work truck also offers dual water jackets for enhanced cooling and increased strength.  While the six-head bolt design helps improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity to keep you on the road where you belong.  The unique inboard exhaust design is an automotive industry first for a modern production diesel engine and Ford will continue to be on the leading edge of alternative fuels and new technologies.  The new technology helps to reduce exhaust system volume and heat transfer to the engine compartment and helps improve throttle response.  Ford has also worked hard to improve NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics so when you are in your work truck you can hear.

The Ford work truck has a single-stage turbocharger that is a compact and efficient variable-geometry design helps deliver maximum power quickly, so there is never turbo lag.  The turbo charger provides up to 30 psi of boost that you can feel immediately.  It also features a center-mounted pedestal design at the rear of the engine to help improve NVH characteristics and access for service.  The high-pressure common-rail fuel injection utilizes piezo injector technology to deliver fuel at 30,000 psi and delivers up to 5 fuel injections per combustion cycle for excellent throttle response, fuel efficiency and NVH characteristics.

The 6.7L Powerstroke Diesel Ford Work Truck delivers quiet operation throughout the entire rpm range (similar to gasoline engine noise levels) and helps the Power Stroke V8 meet the latest diesel emissions standards with the urea liquid solution.  The work truck had instant-start glow plugs help provide quick engine starts, even in extremely cold conditions.  The structural oil pan bolts to the engine block and transmission to help improve powertrain stiffness while the Organic Acid Technology (OAT) engine coolant

and Intelligent Oil-Life Monitorwork together to ensure that you are reminded to maintain your work truck to ensure a long life.

So what is a Turbocharger?
A turbocharger (or turbo for short) uses the engine‘s exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn drives a compressor to force more air into the engine. Increasing the airflow allows more power to be generated. A turbo consumes very little power under light loads or easy engine use and allows smaller engines to generate the power of a larger displacement. When extra power is needed, the turbo spins into action.

What is Turbo Lag?
This is the time it takes for the turbocharger to spin after the driver steps on the accelerator. This delay can be caused by the turbo having to wait for the exhaust gas to spin the turbine and drive the compressor. Another factor in lag is the size of the turbo. Bigger turbos make more power but take longer to respond. In the past, the typical solution was to use two smaller turbos for faster response. However, this approach added the cost and complexity of two turbos and generated twice the heat.

The Innovative Power Stroke Approach
The 6.7L Power Stroke includes a single-stage turbocharger design. The turbocharger incorporates a variable-geometry design to help deliver maximum power.

The Power Stroke Benefit
The turbocharger is mounted between the cylinder head exhaust manifolds. The reduced distance between the exhaust ports and the turbocharger minimizes turbo lag.

The CMax has great MPG and lots of room

The Ford CMax Hybrid is offered at Gresham Ford

The all-new 2013 C-MAX is different looking Ford's other sedans and SUVs - that's because the CMAX is a Multi-Activity Vehicle.  This is  the first dedicated hybrid line of vehicles from Ford in North America — and the first of the multi-activity vehicles. After visiting the Portland Auto Show it appears that MAV's are making a big impact here in the northwest and may be here to say.  So what is a MAV?  There is no universal definition however there are some things that everyone agrees upon.  A MAV is a vehicle that combines the best features of a smaller vehicle with the versatility and flexibility of a sedan. For instance the Ford CMax has many small-car attributes like a sporty, responsive handling and feel as well as fantastic maneuverability which is important when you are trying to parallel park in the Pearl District of Portland.  The best aspect from my viewpoint is the fuel efficiency of the Ford CMax Hybrid - 47mpg combined highway and city.  Ford has worked hard to make these MAVs lighter and better the technology in order to achieve these surprising MPG numbers.

The Ford CMax has more horsepower

The Ford CMax is far from gutless, it provides more horsepower than may other comparably sized competitors and offers may sedan like attributes as well.  When you drive the Ford CMax (at Gresham Ford of course) you will experience a smooth ride while enjoying comfortable seating for 5 passengers and while appreciating the cargo-carrying capability.  Ford has worked hard to acheive a well rounded impressive vehicle.

You won't feel the CMax shift

The CMax combines power from the engine and electric motor to drive the wheels and get that fantastic MPG.  Ford has designed the Ford CMax with a Electronically Controlled Continously Variable Transmission that effectively eliminates the noticeable upshifts and downshifts of conventional transmissions, providing smoother operation.  It makes sense if you remove the gears you would also create a smooth ride accompanied by impressive fuel economy.  The ECVT signals the VSC (Vehicle System Controller) to shut down the gasoline engine at low speeds and idle so the electric traction motor alone drives the vehicle and all of this happens without you doing anything.  The CMax is possibly the smartest vehicle in the marketplace.  It uses one planetary gearset for all the ratio changes, unlike other CVTs that use a steel link belt to provide continuous ratio changes this means less maintenance concerns for you in the long run as well.

The Ford CMax has lots of room for you and your things

The 2013 Ford CMax also touts grade assist which provides additional grade braking with a combination of engine motoring and high-voltage lithium-ion battery charging to help maintain vehicle speed when descending a grade.  As the CMax determines the amount of engine motoring and high-voltage lithium-ion battery charging, the driver may notice engine speed increasing and decreasing to help maintain vehicle speed when descending a grade.  If you live in Oregon City you will appreciate this feature all the more.  The CMax grade assist is activated by the driver via a switch located on the shift knob while in Drive (D) or Low (L) then  the grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster is illuminated.  When you want to return to normal Drive (D), the driver presses the transmission control switch again - that's it, mission accomplished.

Ford has even spent considerable time work to reduce noise in the cabin and has done a fantastic job by providing the thick hood blanket that helps reduce powertrain NVH (noise, vibration & harshness) levels.  The side door glass is thick and provides further improvement to the quiet interior environment.  The rear cargo isolation in carpet and trim helps lower interior noise as well and combined they do a fantastic job to keeping the inside of your vehicle quiet.

The Ford CMax has better technology and better MPG

The CMax is the "in between" vehicle you have been wanting

CMax just handles better

Business Owners Get Discounts

Own a business? Take Advantage of Gresham Ford "Fleet Pricing"!

• E-Series Vans
• F-Series Trucks
• Chassis Cabs
• Custom Upfits
• Delivery Anywhere in the Northwest Region
• Single & Multiple Vehicle Discounts Available
• Concierge Service & Maintenance Service 7am to midnight weekdays.  

Gresham Ford Fleet keeps you on the road  - where you should be.  

Gresham Ford Fleet is a certified Business Preferred Network Oregon Ford Dealership offering the full line-up of Ford Work Trucks and Work Vans located minutes from Portland or Vancouver.  Visit Gresham Ford and discover the NW Preferred Fleet Dealer.  

Pick-Up Trucks Work Vans Flat Bed's and Dump Trucks and the fuel efficient Transit Connect are all available for sale or lease.  

Don't have commercial credit - we can help.  Call today and have a no obligation discussion about what options are best for you and your business.  

Call 503-665-0101 or E-mail or visit us today at 242nd & Powell Blvd in Gresham.

Gresham Ford is also a State of Oregon certified MBE.  For more information contact Fleet Director, Annette Wetzel-Ramirez at 503-489-1605.

The Transit Connect is the Ford Work Van of the Northwest

Gresham Ford Fleet is excited that with Leading Fuel Economy the all new Ford Transit Changes
Game in Full-Size Commercial Vans.  The 2014 Transit Connect Van will not be available until early 2014 but will have a warm welcome when it does.  The all-new Transit joins the nation’s best-selling lineup of commercial vehicles, giving Ford customers best-in-class fuel economy with the segment’s lowest cost of ownership.  Gresham Ford is excited about the increased capability and Built Ford Tough durability that keeps customers loyal to the Ford work van.

Gresham Ford proudly offers the 2014 Transit Connect Work Van

The Ford Transit work van offers the broadest lineup of configurations for full-size van customers who have loved the Econoline van for decades.  The Ford Work van is available in more variations than the competition combined – three body lengths, two wheelbases, three roof heights and in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway variations.  The Ford Business Preferred Network Commercial Account Managers are specialists that will help you configure your van perfectly for your business.  The Ford Transit will achieve an average of 25 percent better fuel economy and haul at least 300 pounds more than today’s E-Series.

The Ford Work Van is bigger and better

GRESHAM, Oregon, Dec. 14, 2012 – The familiar white work van that delivers packages or shuttles you to
the Portland airport is about to change in a revolutionary way. Ford’s all-new full-size 2014 Transit van
will provide professional tradesmen and commercial fleet customers with unmatched fuel economy, innovative new configurations and leading versatility in the expanding commercial vehicle market.  The Ford Transit will now be a direct competitor with the Dodge Sprinter with better fuel economy and lower cost of ownership.

Ford Transit Connect Work Van available at Gresham Ford

The Transit Connect Van has proven to be a reliable fuel efficient work van for many NW small business owners as well as delivery vehicles.  The Ford Transit work van was born from a combined total of nearly a century of hard-earned experience delivering two distinct full-size vans to customers in North America, Europe and other global markets.  The Transit Connect Work Van has been serving Europe for ages.


Gresham Ford embraced the new Work Van called the Transit Connect and is excited about the upgraded 2014 Ford Transit Connect, which pioneered the small van market in the U.S. starting three years ago and has been a hit with cost-conscious commercial fleets and small business proprietors.  "Having a small work van to offer our commercial clients is important," General Manager Bess Wills.  "The Superior cargo hauling and people moving capabilities combined with best-in-class fuel economy are design imperatives for the all-new Transit range and Gresham Ford is proud to offer the full line of Ford commercial work vehicles."


Transit will be offered in three body lengths; two wheelbases; three roof heights; van, wagon,
chassis cab and cutaway bodystyles; and in XL and XLT trim levels.  The Power of choice
“The Transit is the new standard in full-size vans and customer choice,” said Director of Ford
Commercial Vehicle Operations Len Deluca. “We’re going from an exclusively gasoline engine
lineup of two V8s and a V10 in the E-Series to offering customers a standard 3.7-liter V6, the
same 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine proven in Ford F-150 and an all-new 3.2-liter Power Stroke®
Diesel option.”  But it's not all work, the Transit Connect offers lots of room.  Just check out how an entire IKEA living room fits in the all new bigger Transit Connect van.

The high-roof Transit features 81.5 inches of interior cargo height, enough headroom for a
person six feet, five inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area. The medium-roof can
accommodate up to 72.0 inches of cargo height and the low-roof has almost 56.0 inches of
cargo height to provide an ideal combination of payload management, up-fit readiness and
garageability.  The Cargo volume ranges from about 250 to almost 500 cubic feet as a jumbo configuration – nearly 80 percent more space than the largest E-Series – and over twice the volume of today’s
standard E-Series. Essentially, one jumbo van can haul the volume of two current models in a
fuel-efficient manner.  Gresham Ford chooses to stock Transit’s that showcase rear cargo doors can open up to 270 degrees for easy loading and unloading.

Visit Gresham Ford for your opportunity to drive the Transit Connect Wagon

Gresham Ford is a certified BPN (Business Preferred Network) Oregon Ford Dealership that offers the complete line of Ford Commercial Work Vans and Work Trucks.
About Gresham Ford
Gresham Ford, a Northwest Automotive industry leader based in Multnomah County serving Oregon Washington and even Idaho. With about 60 employees and a new location,
the company is a full service Oregon Ford Dealership including a Quick Lane that offers maintenance and repair until midnight during the week.  Gresham Ford  provides financial services
through Ford Motor Credit Company and 100+ lenders from around the Northwest including Credit Unions. For more information regarding Gresham Ford visit http://www.greshamford.com/

Contacts: Bess Wills
503-665-0102
Bess@GreshamFord.com

Attention Small Businesses...

2013 Ford Super Duty Trucks

Act now for year-end tax savings and hurry in because the offer ends December 31st.  Thank to IRS Section 179 of the IRS Tax code, many businesses that invest in new equipment will be able to write off up to 100% of these purchases on their 2012 IRS tax returns.  Normally, businesses spread these deductions over several years.  But now, the tax benefits provided under IRS Section 179 allow many businesses to write off qualifying new equipment in the first year it is placed into service.  Please see your tax professional for more information and in order to establish if taking advantage of Section 179 will compliment your tax strategy.

The qualifying vehicle must be purchased and placed into service between January 1st 2012 and December 31st 2012.  It must be used at least 50% for business, based on mileage, in the first year it is placed into service.  So if you choose to use it for both personal and business use, the cost eligible for deduction would be the percentage used for business.  Again, please see your tax professional for details.  We are car professionals not tax professionals and can not give tax advice.

Keep in mind that for 2013, all indications are that the Section 179 deduction limitation will be reduced to only $25,000 and any bonus depreciation deduction will be eliminated.  So the December 31st, 2012 deadline is approaching quickly.

The analysis above applies only to vehicles placed into service in the United States after December 31st 2011 and before January 1st 2013.  Please see your tax professional for details.  Gresham Ford Fleet is here to help you find the work truck that you need when you need it.  Call us today for a no obligation quote 503-665-0101.