April 20, 2012

63 Years Serving Hampton Roads!

For the past 63 years we have been proud to be your local family owned Ford dealership. Because of you, our loyal customers we are one of the top Ford dealers in the nation. We invite you to stop by on Saturday, April 21, 2012 to celebrate 63 years in Hampton Roads with us!

Dig In 5K

We are proud to be a part of the first Dig In Earth Day 5K! This is a special event for the Newport News Green Foundation we are super excited for this race! We have teamed up with the Newport News Green Foundation to help bring cup free racing to this event. As the Hyrda Pouch Sponsor we are giving the first 150 racers free Hyrda Pouches! We also are the Official Pace Car of this race and to help keep this event green we will be pacing in the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Bowditch Ford is taking this partnership to new levels by looking for ways that we can be green at the dealership too. We are working to reduce the amount of paper that we use and looking at ways we can reduce, reuse, and recycle in all aspects of the dealership. Sign up today or stop by the event to meet some of our Bowditch Team and take a look at some of the best that Ford has to offer in EPA Estimated Fuel Economy!

Bowditch's Employee of the Week

John Lawrence III is a certified Ford Technician and Licensed State Inspector who had been with us for almost four years. John is a hard worker and is dedicated to making sure your vehicle is fixed right the first time. John has a five year old daughter that he loves to spend time with when not making sure that your vehicle is running at its best. In his spare time John enjoys fishing and being a part of the pit crew at Langley Raceway. 

April 13, 2012

We are Turning 63!

Check out the blog next week to see how we are going to celebrate with you!

GETTING TO KNOW OUR SERVICE TEAM

Al Cusano – Assistant Service Manager

Al was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Hampton Roads while serving in the Air Force. Al retired from the Air Force in 1995 and has been a pivotal member of our Bowditch Team ever since. Al has 37 years of automotive experience and holds a degree in Vehicle Maintenance Management. Al’s near 20 years of experience with Ford vehicles makes him one of the top Service Advisors in the region for product knowledge and mechanical knowledge. Al’s favorite part of his job is making sure that his customers are always completely satisfied and continue to want to be members of the Ford family.  When Al is not working he enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach.  Give Al a call at 757-591-3644.

Perry Phillips – Service Advisor

Perry is a native of Abilene, TX who moved to Hampton Roads in 1979. Perry had been with Bowditch Ford for almost four years. Perry has over 21 years of automotive experience doing everything from changing oil to writing service. Perry is knowledgeable and understanding of his customers vehicle concerns and is the Service Advisor to talk to of you are experiencing any drivability, engine, or electrical concerns. In his spare time Perry is an avid remote control plane enthusiast who has won numerous awards for his planes and flying. Call Perry at 757-591-3666 to schedule a Service appointment today.

Tori Urbas – Service Assistant

Tori is a Hampton native who comes to us from the well known local eatery Mike’s Place. Tori grew up on the national motocross circuit and has 12 years of automotive experience. Tori is here to greet you and assist you in your service needs whenever you come in to Service or call 757-595-2211. 

Edmond's calls this Mustang 

"The Top Dog in Muscle Cars"

2012 Shelby GT500 

New 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 Puts Customers in Control with Race-Inspired Recaro Seats and Selectable Steering

• The Ford Shelby GT500 offers an interior upgrade for 2012 with optional SVT-designed Recaro® front seats that combine road racing inspiration with purposeful, high-performance Mustang design
• Selectable steering makes its debut for Mustang on Shelby GT500, with three settings specifically tuned for the car, including a sport mode designed so the driver can be more in tune with how the car reacts to the road
• The new 2012 Shelby GT500 also provides customers the latest SYNC® technology with the availability of AppLink, the free software program that gives SYNC users voice control of apps stored on their smartphone

Following on the heels of the reengineered 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) is going further for the 2012 model, delivering the ultimate race-caliber seating experience along with selectable steering for even more driver control.

The optional leather-trimmed sport bucket front seats were designed by SVT in cooperation with Recaro® to enhance the high-performance driving experience. Lateral bolsters in the cushion and seat back are used to ensure drivers have the support needed on the track during hard cornering and to deliver a comfortable ride.

“These seats are designed to deliver optimum driver control and comfort,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “I have been sitting in them for months now and have never wanted more support or more comfort when driving, even on long road trips or at the racetrack.”

The seats sport an embroidered “cobra” logo and stripes that are color-matched to the exterior stripes. They also come complete with integrated head restraints with ample room for drivers and passengers wearing helmets on the track. Openings on the seat back also are included for customers looking to create performance setups for their car on track days.

The Recaro seats are the result of a global team effort led by SVT along with the Mustang engineering group in North America, Team RS in Europe and Recaro. These seats are also available in the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

Putting the choice in the driver’s hands
The 2012 Shelby GT500 now gives customers a selectable steering option that tailors the driving experience to fit their needs. With a choice of three settings, the feature allows the customer to select the steering effort depending on his or her style of driving.

The selectable steering option is available across the entire Mustang lineup for 2012, though on the Shelby GT500 the settings were specifically tuned on both the base car and Performance Package configurations. The assist levels are less than other Mustang models, since the Shelby GT500 customer typically demands more road feel.

“It’s one more feature we’ve developed to tailor the vehicle to fit customers’ likings,” explained Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “Our engineers have tuned and developed three separate modes so customers can select the one appropriate for almost any situation.”

SVT engineers were able to develop the multiple steering assist levels within selectable steering because of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), first introduced on the 2011 Shelby GT500. It uses electronic instead of hydraulic components. Engineers also took advantage of EPAS by providing lower efforts for parking and low-speed agility without sacrificing on-road feel.

Sport mode provides the most road force felt through the steering wheel and requires the highest level of steering effort, allowing the driver to be more in tune with how the vehicle reacts to the road. Comfort mode provides the least amount of road force felt through the steering wheel and requires the least amount of steering effort, which is ideal for long, relaxing drives.

Standard mode also is available and is a balance between the comfort and sport settings.

Additionally, when the customer selects sport or off mode within AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system, the vehicle automatically switches the steering to the sport mode for improved road feel and higher, more progressive efforts. Also in that mode, active nibble control and drift pull compensation are shut off to give the customer maximum road feel in aggressive driving maneuvers.

The steering settings are accessed and programmed through the message center.

Also new for 2012 are illuminated dual visor vanity mirrors, a universal garage door opener and multipurpose sun visor storage.

Top-of-the-line technology
The 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 also takes connectivity to the next level with SYNC® AppLink. AppLink is the free software program that gives SYNC users voice control of apps stored on their smartphone.

The Shelby GT500 will be the first vehicle in the Mustang lineup to offer AppLink with the standard SYNC interface, as well as being integrated into the optional voice-activated Navigation System and providing the additional convenience of an 8-inch touch screen for control.

Co-developed with Ford, the Clarion Navigation System available on Shelby GT500 is loaded with a number of features and functions designed to provide customers a superior level of connectivity and information, including an extensive set of navigation tools as well as up-to-the-minute news about weather, traffic, fuel prices, movie listings and more through SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link™.

Infotainment features are also abundant with the Ford Navigation System, including HD Radio™ technology, a digital jukebox hard drive that can store up to 2,400 songs and easy access and useful screen displays for SiriusXM Radio. And since the Navigation System is factory-installed, it also works seamlessly with SYNC.

The navigation screen menu for SYNC apps first lists available factory-installed system apps such as 911 Assist™, Vehicle Health Report and SYNC Services through Traffic, Directions and Information.

Quality
Additional lightweight soundproofing measures help filter unpleasant, high-frequency noises, while a tuned intake and dual exhaust add the sounds Mustang buyers relish. Occupants also benefit from new door seals and a rear wheel arch liner that reduce road noise for a quieter, more enjoyable drive.

A one-piece instrument panel is designed to help further reduce interior noise.

The convertible model also features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model.

Production location
The 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich

SOURCE: Ford Media

Bowditch's Employee of the Week

Brittany Porter is our Head Cashier. Brittany works hard to make sure your calls are routed to the right extension, you are back on the road and understand your paperwork as fast as possible after a Service visit, and that you always have fresh coffee while waiting in our lounge. Brittany does all this and more while assisting the sales department and making sure that all of the paperwork that gets created from parts, service, and sales gets filed in the right place, and somehow she does it all with a smile on her face. Brittany is a native of Hampton Roads and in her spare time loves spending time with her Yorkshire Terrier, Princess. 

April 6, 2012

From our family to yours this week we want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter! We hope that you enjoy some time with family and friends.

The BIG Tire Event is Back!

Looking for some new tires? Bowditch Ford can meet all of your tire needs and now through May 31, 2012 the BIG Tire Event is on! Not only will Bowditch Ford will meet or beat any competitors' advertised price on name brand tires that we sell, and right now Ford will give you $100 rebate when you buy four new Goodyear, Continental Tire, Pirelli, Hankook, Dunlop or Yokohama tires. Stop by our Service Department and get all information on our great tire deals or give us a call at 757-595-2211.

April Aftermarket Special

SUMMER IS COMING AND VACATION TIME IS ALMOST HERE!

KEEP YOUR FAMILY ENTERTAINED ON THOSE LONG CAR RIDES AND

NEVER HEAR “ARE WE THERE YET?” AGAIN!

Family in Their SUV --- Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

SAVE 15% ON ANY INSTALLED OVERHEAD OR HEADREST DVD SYSTEM!

STOP IN AND SEE PAIGE FOR DETAILS OR GIVE HER A CALL AT

 757-595-2211 EXTENSION 327

Not only is it a Best Value, it is Motor Trend's Truck of the Year! Now is the time to learn more about the 2012 F150.

2012 Ford F-150 Adds New FX Appearance Package, More Capabilities and Technologies to Fuel-Efficient Powertrains

• 2012 Ford F-150 delivers even more of what customers are looking for with a new FX appearance package, and several new technologies and driveline upgrades. They include the addition of Hill Start Assist, a new automatic 4x4 system for Lariat trim level and above, and greatly expanded availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter engines
• Debuting stealthy, flat-black accents, the FX appearance package offers a unique 20-inch flat-black wheel, a stylized bodyside graphic and black badges with red lettering. Customized interior touches include black leather seating surfaces with red trim, brushed-metal accents and a red-stitched steering wheel
• All of the upgrades complement the fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain offerings that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy, with each engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission

Ford F-150 – the most fuel-efficient and capable full-size pickup on the market – is getting fine-tuned for 2012, with a new FX appearance package and several driveline updates and new technologies to further improve and refine the driving experience.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager. “It expands our range of specialty vehicles with custom elements that customers previously could find only in the aftermarket.”

The new FX appearance package is available on both FX4 and FX2 trucks and delivers a unique look with stealthy, flat-black accents. The look is set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering, which is carried into the interior with a red-stitched steering wheel.

The FX’s interior also features black leather seating surfaces with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all FX colors.

Also new for 2012, the FX luxury package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

New 20-inch six-spoke wheels with a flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique bodyside decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.

Enhanced capability Upgrades on the 2012 F-150’s drivetrain include replacing last year’s electronic shift-on-the-fly with a two-speed automatic 4x4 system for Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. The system still offers four high and four low modes, but now also offers a 4x4 auto mode. If the truck senses a loss of traction, it immediately transfers torque to the front wheels, making the system more seamless for the customer.

Fuel-efficient and powerful offerings
All of the changes for 2012 complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy. Each new engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions as standard.

A new feature, Hill Start Assist, helps keep the truck from rolling backward at a stop, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill, especially when towing. With the brake pedal pressed, if sensors detect the vehicle is on a slope, the system is automatically activated. Brake pressure is held in the braking system, and the truck remains stationary on the slope for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal.

The addition of neutral tow capability on all 4x4 trucks means customers can now flat-tow their F-150, making the truck even more usable. An available electronic locking rear axle replaces most of the limited-slip offerings on the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® and 5.0-liter engines. It is now available in a range of axle ratios, and is even offered on 4x2 models, delivering a new level of traction capability across most of the F-150 lineup.

“These changes are centered around making F-150 an even more useful tool for our customers,” said Jackie DiMarco, F-150 chief engineer. “We’re continuously raising the bar when it comes to capability, and these upgrades and new technologies push us even further.”

Additional updates include:

• Light-duty SuperCab 163-inch-wheelbase option on XL and XLT
• Heavy-duty payload CrewCab 157-inch-wheelbase option on XL, XLT and Lariat
• Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4x4 now standard on XL to FX4 trim levels

Here are the highlights of the engines:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

• Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
• Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
• Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2)
• Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

• Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
• Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
• 21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2)
• Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

• Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
• Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
• 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4x2)
• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost

• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
• Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
• Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors 

• 
  

Source: FORD MEDIA

Bowditch Ford Employee of the Week

This week we are pleased to introduce you to Henry Klein, a member of our Sales Team. Henry was born in Germany and immigrated to the United Sates when he was three years old. Henry has been married for 42 years, has two daughters, and two granddaughters. Henry spent nine years in the Army before joining the Hampton Police Department. Henry recently retired after 26 years of service as a Detective. Henry’s favorite thing about his job is being able to help people realize their dreams of new or newer car ownership. Henry also believes that nothing is better than the expression on a clients face when they drive off the lot in a car that they love. When Henry is not busy working to find you the perfect vehicle or spending time with his family, he can be found on the open road riding his Harley. Stop on in and say hello to Henry and let him help find you a vehicle that you will love.  

Dig In Earth Day 5k Updates

The Official Hyrda Pouch Sponsor

We are so excited to team up with the Newport News Green Foundation and want to share with you the coolest GREEN item in racing today, the Hyrda Pouch. This pouch eliminates all the waste caused by cups at racing events and is refillable, reusable, and free to the first 150 racers! 

We are proud to be the official Hyrda Pouch Sponsor of the Dig In Earth Day 5k! Don’t forget to head over to www.digin5k.com and sign up for the race today! We look forward to seeing you there!