Forbes: 2015 Ford Edge Rivals Luxury Vehicles

We couldn't have said it better ourselves! See why Forbes is really excited about the 2015 Ford Edge. And they're not the only ones...

The 2015 Ford Edge Pushes Into Premium-Car Territory With Major Upgrades

Written by Matthew De Paula for Forbes, 6.30.14

Cars like the 2015 Ford Edge will make it harder for some to justify shelling out big bucks on luxury vehicles. A comprehensive makeover to this midsize crossover promises to bring refinement, comfort and technology normally only seen on cars costing thousands more.

Ford chose a good foundation on which to re-engineer the Edge: It is now based on the same platform as the current Ford Fusion sedan, which debuted in 2012 and has excellent handling dynamics. 

The new chassis uses more high-strength steel to make it stiffer, which, in turn, helps the redesigned suspension better absorb bumps and potholes. The end result should be a smoother ride and more agile handling.

The interior should be noticeably quieter, too. Ford better isolated the cabin from road, wind and engine noise by adding more insulation and a thicker, laminated windshield, among other improvements. Some upper trim levels also get thicker laminated front side windows and noise-cancellation technology to neutralize certain sounds associated with road or engine noise. Both features are found on many luxury cars.

Inside, the 2015 Ford Edge has better fitting panels with fewer seams and tighter gaps. That might not sound like a big deal, but in terms of perceived quality, it is. Leg-room is more generous than before, not only because the 2015 Edge is slightly longer than the previous model.

Optional features that you’d find on luxury vehicles include a heated steering wheel and cooled seats. There are even some things most luxury vehicles don’t have, such as inflatable safety belts for second-row occupants. These seat belts help reduce injuries from frontal crashes by distributing crash force energy over five times more surface area of the torso than a traditional seat belt.

Another feature normally found only on luxury vehicles is adaptive steering. It makes it easier to The new Edge is also the first Ford to come standard with a turbocharged EcoBoost engine, which was optional on the outgoing 2014 model.
steer at low speeds and keeps the car more stable at high speeds. The 2015 Edge is the first Ford to get adaptive steering, but the automaker plans to introduce the technology on other models.

A “significantly improved” 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine produces 245 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Though torque remains the same and horsepower only goes up by five, compared to the previous 2.0-liter EcoBoost, a redesigned turbocharger should make the engine feel more responsive.

The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is also lighter and more efficient, aided by a stop/start function that shuts the engine off during temporary stops. Ford has not released fuel economy estimates, but this new engine should do slightly better than the outgoing 2.0-liter EcoBoost, which got an estimated 24 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving.

A second new EcoBoost engine will be the most powerful engine offered on the 2015 Edge. This new 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 replaces last year’s 3.7-liter V6 on the Edge Sport. It produces 300 horsepower—5 horsepower less than the outgoing 3.7-liter V6—but Ford says it is designed to offer the power of a V8 engine in a smaller, lighter and more efficient package. The Edge Sport also gets a tighter suspension that offers 15 percent to 20 percent better road-holding capability.

A raft of advanced safety features mimic those found on luxury cars, including cameras and radar that give a 360-degree view and help the 2015 Edge warn drivers of impending collisions and even help avoid them by applying the brakes, if necessary.

As before, the Edge has seating for five and will not offer the option of a third row. Ford is aiming the Edge at young parents seeking something sportier and hipper than the larger Explorer and Flex, which offer third-row seating.

The 2015 Ford Edge goes on sale early next year. Ford has not announced pricing, but it should be close to that of the current model.

Ford F-150 Tops 2014 American-Made Index List

Just in time for National “Made in the USA Day," Cars.com just unveiled its annual American-Made Index, and guess which Built-Tough pickup truck from Detroit was named leader of the pack?

That’s right! Ford's F-150 topped Toyota Camry and every other vehicle this year in Cars.com's most "American-made" vehicles ranking. It doesn't hurt that Ford's F-150 and its heavy-duty variants are, together, the nation's top-selling vehicle of any sort.

The American-Made Index, in its ninth year, rates cars based on two key pieces of information that can be found on the window stickers of every new car: final assembly point and domestic-parts content.

The labels show the percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts. In addition to showing where the car was built, the label will tell you where its engine and transmission were made, as well.

The Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling AND “Most American” vehicle, with a vast majority of its parts and assembly hailing from Ford headquarters in Dearborn, MI, and the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, MO, which specializes in the F-150 Regular, Super & Crew Cab models.

And the F-150 isn't the only thing that makes Ford truly #AmericanMade. In fact, Ford is America's #1 selling brand! On top of industry-leading innovation, design and commitment to sustainability, the Ford Motor Company employs an estimated 60,000 people in the U.S. alone, most of whom work throughout the company's numerous U.S. plants.

To us, though, it's not surprising at all. Because on top of practically sparking the American industrial revolution, Henry Ford is credited with CREATING the American Middle Class when he decided in 1914 to increase Ford employee wages to $5 per day -- more than DOUBLE what other industrialists were paying their workers.

Although it astonished and angered his peers, Ford calculated that paying so much would allow his workers to buy their own Ford cars, reducing the industry-typical high turnover levels and ultimately inventing the concept of employees as "brand ambassadors." It would create a loyal workforce that would boost productivity, employee morale, satisfaction and profits to new heights.

The new wage rate set off seismic shifts in American society. A tidal influx of job candidates from the South and around the world flowed into Detroit. Factory jobs became prized, helping turn America into the world’s industrial colossus. Detroit and America were never the same.

Celebrate Made in the USA Day and every other day with Ford! In the greater-Charlotte, NC region? Stop by Hilbish Ford for test drive today! And if you need a tune-up, our service team welcomes all makes and models, and there are always great offers guaranteed to save you time and money!

Ford Tops Ranking of Best Global Green Brands

Ford Motor Company Tops Interbrand's 2014 list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands

Excerpts taken from Ford Motor Company official press release on Ford.com and official Best Global Green Brands List page on Intebrand.com.

Ford Motor Company was recognized for its commitment to sustainability, ranking No. 1 on Interbrand’s 2014 list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands. The automaker beat out last year’s winner – Toyota – along with corporate heavy-weights Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola and Microsoft.

Ford claimed the top spot for its forward-thinking approach to environmentally responsible and sustainable manufacturing, greater transparency about its business operations, and for disclosure of information, particularly in the area of manufacturing.

Ford’s focus on water, highlighted in the company’s recently released 15th annual Sustainability Report, as well as its waste-reduction and green building efforts, contributed to the company’s rise to the top.

• Ford scored high marks for transparency about its business operations and disclosure of performance information, particularly in the area of manufacturing

• 90% of Ford’s vehicles now offer EcoBoost® engines, which use turbocharging and direct injection to deliver up to 20% better fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

• More than 2 million EcoBoost® engines have been built to date.

• In 2013, Ford introduced a new plan to reduce waste sent to landfill by 40% per-vehicle between 2011-2016, globally. The company has already reduced global per-vehicle waste to landfill by 40% from 2007 to 2011. In 2012, Ford facilities sent approximately 50.6 metric tons of waste globally to landfill, a reduction of 17.4% from 2011.

LINKS

• Ford Motor Company's Sustainability Chief Talks Innovation, Progress and a Vision for the Future 
• How Ford Integrates Sustainability into the Company
• Ford Cuts Water Use Two Years Ahead of Schedule; 2013-2014 Sustainability Report Highlights Future Initiatives 
• Ford was recognized in 2014 as one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute
• Ford reduces water and oil use in plants globally
• Ford partnerships and collaboration

Henry Ford -- Words to Live By

Henry Ford's innovative spirit, creativity and dedication to his employees and customers built a brand that today remains America's best-selling brand. Here are a few of our favorite Henry Ford words to live by. 

Find more great quotes, fun trivia and tons of Ford fun on our Pinterest page. And be sure to stop by www.hilbishford.com to see the latest and hottest vehicles in the Ford lineup!

5 Tips to Get Your Vehicle Summer-Ready

Maybe you live in a place where the seasons don’t really change. But for the rest of us, this is a really invigorating time. And we're day-dreaming about the experiences the coming weeks will bring.

But with better weather come different responsibilities and opportunities. The dormancy of winter gives way to the excitement and possibility of summer. Maybe you’re ready to tackle that backyard project. Or you're planning that big road trip. Is your Ford vehicle ready for everything you throw at it this summer?

Thanks to Ford Social, we've got five must-have tips for getting your Ford Summer-ready.

5 tips to get your car ready for summer:

• Shake Off the Salt – Just about everything that helps melt ice and snow on roadways is bad for your vehicle. Give your Ford a thorough wash, especially the undercarriage, to make sure the salts, sands and anything else that made traction on ice-covered streets possible is off of your car for good.

• Check and Recheck – Pop the hood and take some time to perform a thorough inspection. How are the hoses? Are your fluid levels good? Look for signs of loose nuts and bolts. The harsh winter and potholes may have taken a toll on your vehicle and all of those bangs and scrapes can jog stuff loose and require a trip to your local Ford service department.

• Air Time – Take this opportunity to clear the air; your air filter, that is. Do some spring cleaning in the engine bay and replace your air filter after the harsh winter. Tiny particulates could be choking off the air supply to your motor. Speaking of air, make sure your tires are properly inflated too.

• Ready for Road Trips – If you’re going to be spending time driving to and from those places you love, make sure to give your vehicle a thorough cleaning before you leave. Vacuum out all of the excess salt and debris, replace your air fresheners and wipe down the interior trim and glass. Spending hours in your vehicle during that upcoming family vacation won’t be so bad if your ride is looking and smelling fresh.

• Time to Tow – Whether you’re bringing supplies to the cottage or getting your boat into the water, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top towing condition. A spring safety walk around your vehicle and trailer is a great idea this time of the year. Before you load up your trailer, check the lights, connections and trailer tires to make sure everything is working properly. If you’re hauling something big and have a plus-sized trailer, make sure your side mirrors extend out far enough to see everything. If you’re heading across state lines, make sure your trailer and towing system are in compliance with the laws of the state you’re visiting. You don’t want to start off your weekend at the lake with a traffic citation. Also be sure to check out our handy hauling 101 guide!

It doesn’t take much time or effort to make sure your Ford vehicle is ready for a summer of fun. Do you have any vehicle preparation tips that you’d like to share? Tell us how you get your vehicle ready for warmer weather by leaving a comment below or submitting a story of your own. If you submit a story on Ford Social, please be sure to share with us on Facebook (or below) and use our hashtags! #hilbishford #FordSummer

Realizing you have a bit of maintenance to do before June 21?? Come by today -- no matter the make or model, our service team offers FREE brake & tire inspections year-round! Plus, there's always a great special happening -- Visit us at www.hilbishford.com to view our current offers.

Celebrities Love Fords!

Teenage hearts around the world melt when they see Liam Hemsworth - especially when he takes a spin in his 1969 Ford Mustang.

There's no denying Amber Heard has impeccable taste - she is after all engaged to Johnny Depp. So naturally, she loves to drive around in her vintage Ford Mustang.

Colin Farrell holds onto the things he loves. His Ford Bronco is practically the only thing he drives, and he certainly puts it to good use!

Though often seen walking around cities with Angie and the kids, Brad Pitt is a known Ford-lover - here he is getting into his Ford Explorer.

Kellan Lutz has captured the hearts of teenage girls around the globe, but it's this stunning vintage Ford Mustang that has his heart.

Jerry Bruckheimer has a lot to be proud of. After all,CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is one of the most watched shows in the entire world. But it's his Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Eleanor - 1967 that truly makes him smile.

...and finally...it doesn't get any cooler than Frank Sinatra. So when the time came for the king of cool to buy a car, he went for the timeless, perfect 1955 Ford Thunderbird.


See more celebrities who love Ford on our Pinterest Board. Then come by and see our unbeatable pre-owned Fords and brand new styles at Hilbish Ford today!

2014 Ford Fusion Game On Giveaway

Who wouldn't love a beautiful, brand new 2014 Ford Fusion?? Well, thanks to Ford's Game On Giveaway, you could WIN one! It's simple -- Follow the link below to the Hilbish Ford contest page on Facebook and enter to win. No purchase necessary at all!

Join the fun TODAY -- CLICK HERE to enter to win a new 2014 Ford Fusion.

Learn more about the Ford Fusion and why everyone's talking about it. Like did you know the Ford Fusion Hybrid gets better combined MPG than the Toyota hybrid competitor??

Jiggy with the Piggy

Get JIGGY with it! The Hilbish team is proud to sponsor the City of Kannapolis' annual Jiggy with the Piggy BBQ Challenge and Jiggy Jam Festival May 9-10 in downtown Kannapolis! 

It's going to be an amazing time with live music, vendors and of course some of the best BBQ around. Hilbish Ford is always excited to support community events that bring residents and visitors alike together, and is proud to have served the greater Cabarrus County region for the past 60 years!
  
We hope to see everyone out in downtown Kannapolis the weekend of May 9 for tons of free, family-friendly fun. 

www.cityofkannapolis.com/jiggy-with-the-piggy 
www.hilbishford.com 

600 Miles In a Ford C-max, Is That Possible?

We came across this great post from a driver on Ford Social. Do you have a Ford story? Please share with us! Tell us why you love your Ford in the comments below, on our Facebook page, join us on Twitter... and be sure to come see us at Hilbish soon. There's always something exciting happening -- no obligation, just fun! 

YES! More than 600 miles!

I am a 1st time hybrid owner and I bought the Ford C-Max for the great drivers view/position, the utility of the 60/40 fold flat seats with the lift gate, the great technology in the My Ford Touch and navigation with the awesome, awesome Sony sound, and the perfect combination of POWER and MPGs in a single car: the C-Max SEL Hybrid.

I have owned my SEL since the first week of December 2012 and as of end of April, I have clocked 13,000 miles on it. Taking the time and distance to learn the fuel efficient driving takes time and it does not necessarily mean you have to go slow as I can still get 40 to 60 instant MPG driving > 65 mph (called ICE High MPG). However, driving FE will reward the owner with far more than the 47 MPG, but you also have the option of driving the car like a gas guzzler if you so wanted to...

As such, my work travel takes me across the northern Los Angeles and Ventura counties, I have been able to achieve SEVEN 600+ mile tanks in my daily work. I clock about 60 to 120 miles a day in this awesome car and that includes climbing steep canyon roads.

To me, Ford has more than delivered on the 47/47/47 in real world driving conditions – not some test bed like the EPA.

Thank you Ford and Ford Social for getting out my experience with this awesome car!!!

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Want to experience going FURTHER with Ford? Come see us at Hilbish Ford and test drive a hybrid or fuel-efficient ride TODAY! No obligation - just fun! 

Are You a Mustang Woman?

The 50th birthday of the Ford Mustang is next month. As we and countless others celebrate the car that changed the world in April 1964, join us as we look back, and celebrate those who brought the new 2015 Ford Mustang to fruition, notably the women, from design to engineering to customers!

Inspired by Ford Social, we want to know: 

Are you a Mustang Woman? 

Why are you a Mustang enthusiast? 

What is your first Mustang memory? 

Why do you love the Mustang so much? Tell us!

Take a peek at some of the buzz happening on Ford Social: 

Anne P. said she “knew women had to be involved somewhere to make it good looking.” 

Paul M. added, “Women with great taste.”

Rosemary M. noted she is “so glad to see all these successful women working for Ford and taking care of the Mustang. I loved my Ford Mustang with an overhead cam that I gave to my daughter when she graduated from college in 1982. It was a 1979, bronze color.”

Pam L. said, “I am glad to see the women who make a difference in the industry! I own a red 2007 Mustang and work in in the manufacturing industry myself.” 

Carol G. wrote, “Great job ladies, I have a 2014 and I love it! I will always stick to the Mustang as long as I can drive.” 

And Alan B., “I love my ‘13 convertible! Not surprised some truly savvy women are involved in the Mustang line at key positions.”

But it may be Jennifer H. who summed it up best when she wrote, “Lucky ladies. #DreamJob.”

Please join us at Hilbish Ford in celebrating not only the birthday of the Mustang, but the women (and men) who have had a part in its evolution. 

Share your thoughts here in the comments section, and please join us on Facebook and Twitter to keep the conversation going: Use the hashtags #MustangBday and #MustangWomen

Into the Wild with Ford

Hilbish Ford loves the stories shared on Ford Social. And this one was so cool, we HAD to share it with you. Read about the journey of two Ford-lovers and their trip into the wild...

After 47 years of marriage, four children and five grandsons, Rich and Linda Kaufmann were ready for the next big adventure. They weren't interested in a cruise... They were going to DRIVE; five months, hauling an 8,000-pound, 33-foot trailer into the Alaskan wilderness.

The trip would take them from their home in Racine, Wisconsin, to legendary Dawson City, the Yukon and even the North Pole. Their vehicle had to be fierce yet comfortable, safe, able to tackle the treacherous highways and remote roads on top of the world.

The choice was simple: a 2008 Ford Expedition Limited.

In May 2009, they packed up and went west. Rich was mostly in the driver’s seat, Linda on the passenger side and their Chihuahua, Cricket, sleeping comfortably on the wide console. For Linda, it was all about the roominess of the SUV, particularly the six-way adjustable seats. For Rich, the Expedition offered perfect handling and a smooth ride.

Having done extensive reading...they were prepared for the extreme conditions: frost heaves caused by freezing and thawing soil that lift up the ground, washboard roads and longitudinal cracks and all the dumps, dips, ruts... you could imagine. “Sometimes [it] was like riding a roller coaster in slow motion,” Linda said.

Dog-Expedition

The Expedition got through it all, allowing them to experience real Alaska – remote, beautiful and wild. Linda says the highlight of Alaska was seeing Mt. McKinley in all its glory.  “It is only fully visible about 20 percent of the time. The first day we went into the park it was raining, but the second time we went in, it was completely visible,” she added.

After completing 15,015 miles on this trip, the Expedition pulled into their Wisconsin garage. They held on to it until 2013 when their life changed again. Family was priority and they needed to be closer to home.

They traded in for a 2013 Ford C-MAX hybrid.

#NearlyDouble with Ford Fusion!

NEARLY DOUBLE!

That's right - with an EPA estimated rating of 47 combined mpg, the 2014 Ford Fusion + Hybrid nearly DOUBLES the fuel economy rating of the average vehicle. 

Visit www.hilbishford.com, find out if you could #nearlydouble your fuel economy, and then stop by for a test drive TODAY!

2015 Ford Mustang Shines at Detroit Auto Show

It may be cold outside, but it's been top-down weather inside the 2014 International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2015 Ford Mustang has everyone talking, and for good reason...It was just named the BEST production car of the year!

Perfect timing, too. This year marks the Mustang's 50th anniversary, and you won't believe the incredible features it offers. And though the Ford Mustang has always been known for its good looks, there's no denying this one is truly impressive.

This video from the Detroit Auto Show gives a close-up look into the 2015 Ford Mustang:



At Hilbish Ford, we're keeping the conversation going. Let us know - What do you think has been the best year for the Mustang? Be sure to share your Ford Mustang photos with us on Facebook too!

Ford Remote Access is Here!

Ford Social always has fun updates to share, and this one is both fun and something we've been eagerly awaiting. Enjoy! 

Imagine talking to your Ford about your needs, and it could, to a certain extent, take care of them for you. Say, it’s snowing and you want to get into a vehicle that’s toasty warm. Or you need help finding where you parked. Those and many other perks are now a reality.

Ford has launched Ford Remote Access, giving you the ability to access some key vehicle functions from your iPhone or Android smartphone. This includes being able to control certain functions of your Ford vehicle, asking it to remotely lock, unlock or start from anywhere there is Wi-Fi or cellular service. And we mean from across the street or even from across the country.

“Having a vehicle that’s capable of a two-way conversation can give drivers peace of mind,” said Mouhanad Dahabra, Ford Global Electrical Commodity Manager...Think of it as having a virtual keyfob. And the app can even provide email or text security alerts if your Ford is being accessed when you are out of town or away from it.

Mouhanad and Jeff Daugherty developed the Remote Access app as a convenience feature that “lets you check in with your vehicle anytime, from almost anywhere,” Mouhanad explained. The Genuine Ford Accessories hardware is available through, and must be installed by, an authorized Ford dealer, but it won’t require cutting any wiring. And it’s available for these models: 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Flex, as well as the 2011-2014 Ford Edge, Explorer, F-150 and Super Duty.

And that’s something to talk about. Especially with your Ford.

Visit www.hilbishford.com and see more high tech innovation found in each and every vehicle in the Ford lineup! What are you waiting for? Come, feel the Ford difference for yourself.

Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award - January 2014

Congratulations to Anna Cutler Austin, 1st Grade Teacher at Forest Park Elementary School for being named Kannapolis City Schools' Teach of the Month!

The parent that nominated Anna said Ms. Austin loves her students as if they were her own children. She also said that Ms. Austin does much more than teach. She sends home food with students over weekends and holidays and coordinates help for her students’ families at Christmas.

Ms. Austin makes sure they have presents, decorations, and necessities. Because of her outstanding teaching ability and her show of love, her students show improvement.  Ms. Austin also researches and submits educational projects to be funded by donors to provide the best educational experience for her students.  She is a one-of-a-kind gem!

We are extremely proud that Anna Austin is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are delighted that Tim Vaughn, General Manager at Hilbish Ford, is here to present her with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award.  Congratulations!

See more ways Hilbish Ford supports the community at www.hilbishford.com, then stop by the dealership and let us know how we can help!