Ford's MyKey on-board car control system targets distracted driving, allowing parents to set speed, music and mobile phone limits for their newly licensed teenagers.
MyKey lets parents limit top speeds, audio volumes, and block inbound calls and texts while the vehicle is running. The service also deactivates the audio system unless all front passengers are buckled up and blocks adult content radio stations, besides warning drivers when the tank is running dry.
Tech-savvy teens can still get around the call and text-blocking feature by deactivating their Bluetooth devices, but MyKey offers parents a strong level of control, even when not with their teens.
"MyKey can give parents peace of mind when they hand the keys over to their kids, and the new Do Not Disturb feature helps parents control another risk factor when their child gets behind the wheel," said Peter Patzelt, system architect for the MyKey system.
Ford's MyKey is the first program of its kind targeted toward teens. Teenage drivers are the most dangerous demographic on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accounting for one-third of all fatal crashes as they are more likely to speed than to wear seatbelts.
Teens are especially prone to texting behind the wheel, according to a study by Nielsen, which determined they text each other an average of once every ten minutes.
Texting while driving slows reaction time by half, which is dangerous for everyone, but particularly for text-happy teenage drivers with little road experience.
Parents' reluctance to give their children smartphones before they become teenagers may actually complicate the situation. Consequently, those who get car keys and smartphones both on their 16th birthdays are understandably tempted to use both new toys at once.
To combat this lethal combination, Ford and other automakers are equipping their vehicles with systems like MyKey and Sync, another of Ford's inventions that reads incoming texts out loud to drivers.
Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T are also joining the campaign against distracted driving with various apps designed to block calls and texts in moving vehicles.
The U.S. government is debating regulations and fines for those caught surfing the web and navigating traffic, even contemplating outright cell phone bans for select groups like truckers. Tools and apps by phone and car makers may be attempts to head off further government intervention.
Distracted driving continues to plague roadways in the U.S. and around the world. Ford's onboard MyKey system may curb crashes, but they need purchase cars to get the services. MyKey's "Do Not Disturb" call-blocking feature is available in the U.S. on 2012 Ford Explorers and 2011 models with SYNC and MyFord Touch.
Article from Mobiledia by Kendra Srivastava
About Parker Ford Lincoln, Inc. Parker Ford Lincoln Inc., is a
multi-President Award-winning dealership in Murray, Kentucky offering
new Ford and Lincoln Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers. Visit us online
at http://www.parkerford.com.
Parker Ford Lincoln - Mercury Murray Kentucky Ford Lincoln Dealership: prices, sales and specials on new cars, trucks, SUVs and Crossovers. Pre-owned used cars and trucks. Parts and service. 701 Main Street, Murray, KY 42071 Call Us Now: (270) 753-5273
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
615K Miles!!!!!
Look at this 2003 Ford F250 Lariat Diesel with YES 615, 939 miles on it. Still going strong. Built Ford Tough!!
For more Ford Autos visit www.parkerford.com or come on by and see us.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
THANK YOU!!
For the past 9 years Parker Ford Lincoln, Inc. has been selected as Calloway County and Murray's
Favorite Auto Dealer. We want to give a big THANK YOU to all of our friends and invite them to always stop by and see us. Also check us out at www.parkerford.com!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Ford F-150 Head to Head Pickup Comparison Tool
We know one size does not fit all – if you’ve ever bought socks with that claim, but the heel portion ended up on your calves, you know. Same goes with vehicles. That is why Ford has created the Head to Head Pickup Comparison tool for those of you shopping for an F-150.
Head over to www.ford.com/f150/experiencef150, where you’ll find tons of data and interactive graphics so that you can pick a powertrain that meets your needs in fuel economy, horsepower, torque and capability. And here’s the bonus: it lets you see how your pick compares to the competition – the Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra and Chevy Silverado.
To use the tool, you’ll first have to choose whether your truck is for work or play, then you’ll utilize a sliding scale of 0 to 3,060 pounds for determining how much weight you expect to haul. The graphics will drop stuff into the bed based on the number and usage, such as hay, a dirt bike, boulders or grills. It will also ask you about towing, ranging from 0 to 11,300 pounds, in which you might just find a race car trailer or boat now attached to your virtual pickup.
Once you’ve helped the configurator determine the numbers, it will recommend the most efficient engine, as well as offer a detailed comparo of the competition. The site also has a video detailing the four available Ford engines: the 3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6, the 5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8, the 6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8 and the 3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost®. Torture Test videos are also there for your entertainment, where an F-150 equipped with the EcoBoost goes through just that: torture testing. (Spoiler alert: No problem!)
The tool reveals potential fuel savings based on how you suggested your F-150 would be used, and you can include annual mileage, the current price of fuel and how many years the truck will be driven. A productivity screen will help you understand the capability differences over time by calculating how much weight each truck can tow and how much fuel will be consumed. Choosing how many days the truck will be used will update the results.
On the site you’ll have access to links to stories and reviews about the F-150 and a photo gallery as well. You can also print the info learned from the comparison tool, keep on building and then price an F-150, and even share the tool findings on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: The Ford Story
About Parker Ford Lincoln, Inc. Parker Ford Lincoln Inc., is a multi-President Award-winning dealership in Murray, Kentucky offering new Ford and Lincoln Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers. Visit us online at http://www.parkerford.com.
Head over to www.ford.com/f150/experiencef150, where you’ll find tons of data and interactive graphics so that you can pick a powertrain that meets your needs in fuel economy, horsepower, torque and capability. And here’s the bonus: it lets you see how your pick compares to the competition – the Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra and Chevy Silverado.
To use the tool, you’ll first have to choose whether your truck is for work or play, then you’ll utilize a sliding scale of 0 to 3,060 pounds for determining how much weight you expect to haul. The graphics will drop stuff into the bed based on the number and usage, such as hay, a dirt bike, boulders or grills. It will also ask you about towing, ranging from 0 to 11,300 pounds, in which you might just find a race car trailer or boat now attached to your virtual pickup.
Once you’ve helped the configurator determine the numbers, it will recommend the most efficient engine, as well as offer a detailed comparo of the competition. The site also has a video detailing the four available Ford engines: the 3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6, the 5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8, the 6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8 and the 3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost®. Torture Test videos are also there for your entertainment, where an F-150 equipped with the EcoBoost goes through just that: torture testing. (Spoiler alert: No problem!)
The tool reveals potential fuel savings based on how you suggested your F-150 would be used, and you can include annual mileage, the current price of fuel and how many years the truck will be driven. A productivity screen will help you understand the capability differences over time by calculating how much weight each truck can tow and how much fuel will be consumed. Choosing how many days the truck will be used will update the results.
On the site you’ll have access to links to stories and reviews about the F-150 and a photo gallery as well. You can also print the info learned from the comparison tool, keep on building and then price an F-150, and even share the tool findings on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: The Ford Story
About Parker Ford Lincoln, Inc. Parker Ford Lincoln Inc., is a multi-President Award-winning dealership in Murray, Kentucky offering new Ford and Lincoln Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers. Visit us online at http://www.parkerford.com.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Ford Evos Concept: What Future Ford Vehicles Might Look Like
You’ve heard us use the term “global design” before on TheFordStory.com; it basically refers to the foundation of new Ford products that can be used worldwide. To simplify that even further, it’s like automotive DNA. And, it’s also part of the One Ford product plan. The Ford Evos Concept, which will officially debut at the 64th Frankfurt International Motor Show, held September 15-25, 2011, might give you the biggest hint of all regarding the DNA of the next generation of Ford cars and crossovers.
“The Ford Evos Concept is a strong statement of intent from the global design team, and highlights the compelling vision we have for our future products. We believe that the new generation of buyers around the world has higher expectations for a more premium design language in all products,” explained J Mays, Group Vice President, Design and Chief Creative Officer.
Take special note of the interior and exterior of the four-seater. There’s a fastback roof profile, which screams aerodynamic efficiency. There’s a sporty appearance. Its architecture is muscular. And about the face: The familiar Ford inverted trapezoid grille has been moved upward, which you might have already noticed on the new Focus Electric and Focus ST.
But it’s not only the design that’s important here. “The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President of Global Product Development.
Take special note of the interior and exterior of the four-seater. There’s a fastback roof profile, which screams aerodynamic efficiency. There’s a sporty appearance. Its architecture is muscular. And about the face: The familiar Ford inverted trapezoid grille has been moved upward, which you might have already noticed on the new Focus Electric and Focus ST.
But it’s not only the design that’s important here. “The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President of Global Product Development.
Driver interaction and awareness are key features. You’ve heard references to “the cloud”? It’s alive and well here. The technology on the Ford Evos Concept reflects a new generation of driver interaction and awareness currently under development in the Ford Research and Innovation laboratories. Seamless connectivity between the vehicle and the driver’s “personal cloud” of information is at the heart of its capabilities. Ford researchers are focusing efforts on delivering four key customer benefits: personalization, enhancement of the driving experience, looking after the driver’s well-being and smart electrified powertrain optimization.
Using information from the cloud, the vehicle can provide the same connected lifestyle the driver experiences at home or office. The car knows the driver and automatically adapts handling, steering and engine controls to deliver a dynamic driving experience. For example, imagine if it could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before you got in, without input from you, since it would predict your departure time based on your calendar. Wirelessly communicating with devices in the home, it could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away.
Learning driver habits and capabilities, the technology can overlay map and weather data sourced from the cloud to adjust powertrain, steering, suspension and braking systems for comfort and safety.
And Ford researchers have already developed technologies focused on driver wellness, such as the heart-rate monitoring seat and certified allergy-free interiors. With a seamless connection to the cloud, the Ford Evos Concept monitors the physical state and workload of the driver and adjusts the driving experience accordingly. The concept is also equipped with advanced air quality sensors and filtration systems to help allergy sufferers. Location-aware, it can access air-quality data from the cloud and proactively suggest a healthier route to the destination.
In dynamic driving situations, the vehicle may simplify the appearance of the instrument panel to display only necessary gauge information and switch the driver’s connected smartphone to Do Not Disturb mode to help keep the focus on the road.
Using information from the cloud, the vehicle can provide the same connected lifestyle the driver experiences at home or office. The car knows the driver and automatically adapts handling, steering and engine controls to deliver a dynamic driving experience. For example, imagine if it could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before you got in, without input from you, since it would predict your departure time based on your calendar. Wirelessly communicating with devices in the home, it could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away.
Learning driver habits and capabilities, the technology can overlay map and weather data sourced from the cloud to adjust powertrain, steering, suspension and braking systems for comfort and safety.
And Ford researchers have already developed technologies focused on driver wellness, such as the heart-rate monitoring seat and certified allergy-free interiors. With a seamless connection to the cloud, the Ford Evos Concept monitors the physical state and workload of the driver and adjusts the driving experience accordingly. The concept is also equipped with advanced air quality sensors and filtration systems to help allergy sufferers. Location-aware, it can access air-quality data from the cloud and proactively suggest a healthier route to the destination.
In dynamic driving situations, the vehicle may simplify the appearance of the instrument panel to display only necessary gauge information and switch the driver’s connected smartphone to Do Not Disturb mode to help keep the focus on the road.
What about performance? The Ford Evos Concept is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, providing the same next-generation performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi scheduled for introduction in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013. Cloud connectivity would provide further opportunities to enhance performance and efficiency by selecting the optimum combination of powertrain modes for any given journey. Ford researchers are working to increase understanding of driver behavior, develop accurate protocols to predict it and enhance the trip by providing the smartest use of fuel or battery for the situation. The cloud-optimized powertrain would automatically “know” when to save energy and switch modes, using information about the vehicle’s predicted travel route, any emission zone restrictions during the journey and current weather conditions.
“We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading – shaping vehicles that are fun to drive, have a premium appeal but, above all, are stunningly beautiful,” said J. “The first fruit of this vision will be ready sooner than you might think – you’ll see it in around four months rather than four years. We can’t wait to introduce the first production car to include this new Ford design to our global customers.”
About Parker Ford Lincoln, Inc. Parker Ford Lincoln Inc., is a multi-President Award-winning dealership in Murray, Kentucky offering new Ford and Lincoln Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers. Visit us online at http://www.parkerford.com.
“We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading – shaping vehicles that are fun to drive, have a premium appeal but, above all, are stunningly beautiful,” said J. “The first fruit of this vision will be ready sooner than you might think – you’ll see it in around four months rather than four years. We can’t wait to introduce the first production car to include this new Ford design to our global customers.”
Source: The Ford Story
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Latest F-150 News
Check out the latest F-150 news from the Texas State Fair:
About Parker Ford Lincoln, Inc. Parker Ford Lincoln Inc., is a multi-President Award-winning dealership in Murray, Kentucky offering new Ford and Lincoln Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers. Visit us online at http://www.parkerford.com.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
What Does Your Vehicle’s Color Say About You?
October 2, 2011
A friend once mentioned it was important that he liked what he drove, since he averaged three hours in his car every work day because of the commute. We assumed he was referring to comfort and amenities, but he clarified that spending all that time staring at his hood in bumper-to-bumper traffic meant he had to love the color of the car. And believe us, that look-at-me bright yellow paint matched his personality, too.
Ford understands that color can make a statement about you, not to mention it’s one of the first things people notice about your vehicle. Bold colors with fun names remain a hot trend, and that’s not lost on Ford, which started its own wave of trendsetting bright colors with the Mustang in Grabber Blue and the F-150 SVT Raptor’s Molten Orange, as well as the Fiesta’s Bright Magenta and Lime Squeeze. “Color matters. One of the first things people ask when you buy a new car is, ‘What color?’” said Susan Swek, Ford Color Specialist. “Ford is taking bold steps in terms of the look and the appearance, doing some new things. The Lime Squeeze on Fiesta did amazingly well, exceeding expectations. It’s been almost two years and it’s still doing well. Men, women, all ethnic groups, all ages, people really like it.”
“Color lets people add a personal touch to their lives, something that speaks to them and expresses a little bit of their personality,” Susan continued. “Colors like Ruby Red, Race Red, Blue Candy and Ginger Ale are bright, vibrant additions to the palette. Of course, some people gravitate to the classics, the core colors, so we strive within Ford to achieve the best blacks, silvers, whites and grays, putting a fresh, modern spin on them.”
Did you know colors have even been tied to the state of the economy on some level? “Are brighter colors a hopeful sign? I think so,” Susan said. “The color, the type of the material, that all becomes more important to people as they become more aware of the impact of their purchase.” You could say people form an emotional connection with color, which is why Ford paint colors are deep, bold and, yes, even mysterious. Ford has talked to dealers who have said customers have bought a car off the lot based on its color.
“We did a massive color overhaul a number of years ago, stepping back from the palette in terms of design leadership for mass volume. We really raised the bar in our paint quality and the appearance, so we’re staying solid and consistent. But each vehicle gets one or two new colors every year,” Susan explained.
“Consumers can look forward to tinted metallic and neutrals, more depth and range in color options and complex tri-coats, which provide more shine and highlights,” she revealed. “The color trends coming out of Ford are going to be very diverse. We’re pushing the limits of technology to move color forward.”
And eye-catching color isn’t lost on the woman specializing in eye-catching color: “When I saw a Blue Candy Tinted Clearcoat Focus driving down the street for the first time, it actually stopped me in my tracks,” Susan said.
A friend once mentioned it was important that he liked what he drove, since he averaged three hours in his car every work day because of the commute. We assumed he was referring to comfort and amenities, but he clarified that spending all that time staring at his hood in bumper-to-bumper traffic meant he had to love the color of the car. And believe us, that look-at-me bright yellow paint matched his personality, too.
Ford understands that color can make a statement about you, not to mention it’s one of the first things people notice about your vehicle. Bold colors with fun names remain a hot trend, and that’s not lost on Ford, which started its own wave of trendsetting bright colors with the Mustang in Grabber Blue and the F-150 SVT Raptor’s Molten Orange, as well as the Fiesta’s Bright Magenta and Lime Squeeze. “Color matters. One of the first things people ask when you buy a new car is, ‘What color?’” said Susan Swek, Ford Color Specialist. “Ford is taking bold steps in terms of the look and the appearance, doing some new things. The Lime Squeeze on Fiesta did amazingly well, exceeding expectations. It’s been almost two years and it’s still doing well. Men, women, all ethnic groups, all ages, people really like it.”
“Color lets people add a personal touch to their lives, something that speaks to them and expresses a little bit of their personality,” Susan continued. “Colors like Ruby Red, Race Red, Blue Candy and Ginger Ale are bright, vibrant additions to the palette. Of course, some people gravitate to the classics, the core colors, so we strive within Ford to achieve the best blacks, silvers, whites and grays, putting a fresh, modern spin on them.”
Did you know colors have even been tied to the state of the economy on some level? “Are brighter colors a hopeful sign? I think so,” Susan said. “The color, the type of the material, that all becomes more important to people as they become more aware of the impact of their purchase.” You could say people form an emotional connection with color, which is why Ford paint colors are deep, bold and, yes, even mysterious. Ford has talked to dealers who have said customers have bought a car off the lot based on its color.
“We did a massive color overhaul a number of years ago, stepping back from the palette in terms of design leadership for mass volume. We really raised the bar in our paint quality and the appearance, so we’re staying solid and consistent. But each vehicle gets one or two new colors every year,” Susan explained.
“Consumers can look forward to tinted metallic and neutrals, more depth and range in color options and complex tri-coats, which provide more shine and highlights,” she revealed. “The color trends coming out of Ford are going to be very diverse. We’re pushing the limits of technology to move color forward.”
And eye-catching color isn’t lost on the woman specializing in eye-catching color: “When I saw a Blue Candy Tinted Clearcoat Focus driving down the street for the first time, it actually stopped me in my tracks,” Susan said.
About Parker Ford Lincoln, Inc. Parker Ford Lincoln Inc., is a multi-President Award-winning dealership in Murray, Kentucky offering new Ford and Lincoln Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers. Visit us online at http://www.parkerford.com.
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