Q&A with Doug Scott, Ford Truck Marketing Manager

By John Fossen

DEARBORN--The new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty is off to a fast start. About 3,700 new Super Duties were sold in April--more than double the number anticipated. Through April, F-Series' sales were up 30 percent, far outpacing the overall full-size pickup segment. Ford Truck Marketing Manager Doug Scott recently fielded questions about Ford trucks during a live chat on TheFordStory.com. Below are excerpts from those exchanges.

Q: Truck quality and performance are always major considerations. How is Ford continuing to stay ahead of the pack in this area, especially in the larger truck class?
A: Our watchword is continuous improvement in all aspects. We spend an incredible amount of time and effort analyzing customer survey feedback and conducting focus group discussions and face-to-face meetings, looking for opportunities to give our customers a better product. Additionally, at the manufacturing level, better design, CAD, CAE and a dedication to being the best have helped us achieve our current position of having the best quality in the industry. Obviously, you don't get to be the best-selling truck in America for 33 consecutive years if you aren't delivering a durable, reliable, high-quality product.

Q: I read the new Ford F-250 with the diesel engine was (averaging) 28 mgp. Is that possible?
A: The fuel economy on all models of the 2011 Super Duty is 18% better than the previous model. Some versions, such as the F-450, boast up to 40% improvement. Every day, we are hearing that customers are getting in the 20's. When we did our media drive in Arizona a few months ago, we had an 80 mile fuel economy challenge, and one journalist actually got over 34 mpg.

Q: When will we see a diesel engine in the F-150?
A: EcoBoost is going to deliver one of the main benefits offered by diesel--much improved fuel economy. In our other vehicle lines where EcoBoost is presently available, it is producing up to 20% better fuel economy.

Q: How do you feel about the new Chevy truck coming out?
A: Since they are upgrading the front suspension and the Duramax diesel, I expect that it will be a more formidable competitor than the 2010 Silverado HD. We're anxious to get our hands on one and really see what it can deliver.

Q: What are your thoughts about Chevy waiting until after Ford announced its (key performance and capability numbers) to announce theirs, trying to one-up you?
A: We are always looking to improve our F-Series products to better address the needs of our loyal customers. As we like to say around here--The Best Never Rest!

Q: I thought Dodge was bold to switch to coil springs for their 1500. What are your thoughts on that?
A: Bold, but not meeting the needs of the capability-oriented buyer who comprises the majority of today's full-size pickup customer. It shows up in their declining market share performance.

Q: Are there any plans to bring back the Lightning?
A: We're always evaluating market opportunities. Right now we're focused on maximizing our presence in 0ff-road performance with the F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2L V-8.

Q: The Raptor is a really nice looking truck. Are there any plans to make a four-door version?
A: Yes. We will offer an F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew for the 2011 model year.

Q: What does the future hold for the Ranger? Is a midsize truck possible?
A: No new news here. We will continue to offer the Ranger through the end of 2011.

FORD vs. TOYOTA

• Ford has quality Toyota can't beat!
• Ford has earned more NHTSA five-star ratings than Toyota
• Ford offers features such as SYNC, MyKey and EasyFuel capless filler, features Toyota doesn't offer
• Ford Fusion automatic beats Toyota Camry fuel economy by two mpg highway.
• 2010 Ford Fusion is projected to holds its value better than the 2010 Toyota Camry

FORD vs. HONDA

• Ford has quality Honda can't beat!
• Ford has earned more NHTSA five-star ratings than Honda
• Ford offers features such as SYNC, MyKey and EasyFuel capless filler, features Honda doesn't offer
• Ford Fusion has better quality than Honda Accord and beats Accord fuel economy by three mpg highway

FORD vs. NISSAN

• Ford has earned more NHTSA five-star ratings than Nissan
• Ford offers features such as SYNC, MyKey and EasyFuel capless filler, features Nissan doesn't offer
• Ford Fusion beats Nissan Altima fuel economy by two mpg highway

Ford Announces---Receive $1000 Extra for Your Import Trade-In

Customers that currently own or lease a 1995 or newer Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Scion or Acura car, truck or SUV who trade-in or have a lease expiring by June 30, 2010 will receive $1,000 toward the pruchase or lease of an eligible new 2010 Ford car, truck or SUV. Call Louisburg Ford today for complete details, toll-free 1-877-901-4311.

Are You Protected?

Do you have health insurance? What about homeowners or renter's insurance? If you answered yes to either of these questions you need to read on. People protect their body and they protect their home, but have YOU protected your second largest financial investment...your car? Sure, you have car insurance, but it only covers structural damage to your vehicle, like bumpers, moldings, sheet metal and the like. You need to be sure you protect your investment in your vehicle for mechanical issues, technology issues and other key components.

Did you know there is more technology in your vehicle today than what was sent to the moon in Apollo 11? As vehicles become more complex, the number of components and cost of repairs will continue to rise.

Whether you bought or leased (or are considering doing so) your quality Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, you want your ownership experience to be satisfying, pleasurable and as worry-free as possible. Ford offers four extended service plan options, that will give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Ford offers Extended Service Plans (ESP) to suit every driving, vehicle and budgetary need. Whether it is the Ford Powertrain, BaseCare, ExtraCare or PremiumCare, you can choose the range of coverage that's right for you based on your individual needs. There are a lot of extended service contracts to choose from, but there's only one Ford ESP! Ford ESP is a service contract that complements your factory limited warranty. It takes the worry out of your ownership experience, worrying about an unexpected repair bill, that is!

Don't spend another day without the comfort, security and peace of mind you deserve. Call Louisburg Ford toll-free 1-877-901-4311 to speak with a finance manager to find out which plan is right for you.

Why a Ford Extended Service Plan is Right for YOU?

• Protection after the new vehicle limited warranty period expires
• It is the only Extended Service Plan backed by Ford Motor Company
• Combined with the manufacturer's limited warranty, it provides continuous, uninterrupted coverage
• Limits the cost of covers repairs to the applicable deductible
• Is transferable and can help increase resale value of your vehicle
• Provides clear and comprehensive coverage options in multiple time and mileage combinations, allowing you to tailor a plan to meet YOUR needs
• ONE Ford ESP-covered repair could end up offsetting the initial plan price, making it a smart investment
• PEACE OF MIND!

A genuine Ford ESP allows you the ability to take your vehicle to any Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealership in the USA...nationwide! Any dealer can access your coverage through the VIN of your vehicle. You will know that your vehicle will be worked on by only certified, factory trained Ford technicians using only Ford genuine parts.

Call now, you can't afford to wait! A Louisburg Ford finance manager will provide details and pricing, call toll-free 1-877-901-4311.

FORD FUSION NAMED 2010 MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov 17, 2009--The Ford Fusion-America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan-today was named MOTOR TREND's 2010 Car of the Year. The award comes hot on the heels of Fusion setting record-breaking sales for 2009.

"Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers," said Angus MacKenzie, MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief. "The Fusion range has matured into a competitive roster of midsize sedans, able to compete with sales juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is no surprise the Fusion now ranks in the top 10 best-selling cars in America."

The prestigious award from MOTOR TREND comes at a time when Fusion sales are already at an all-time high, further positioning the vehicle as a formidable contender in the competitive midsize sedan market.

"The MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award is another testament of our commitment to delivering a world-class car lineup, " said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development, who accepted the golden calipers on behalf of the Ford team. "Whether it is the best-in-class fuel economy or quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are clear evidence that Ford is serious about our car lineup."

To win the coveted Car of the Year award, Fusion out performed the competition--including the BMW 7 series and Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan--in six new categories: design achievement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value.

"The Fusion brought a vast assortment of choice that has the potential to appeal to every type of driver, from the eco-conscious to the sport-minded," said MacKenzie. "The Fusion's combination of comfort, fuel efficiency, assortment and technology made it a clear winner among our panel of judges."

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power; class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Ford SYNC; and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

The Fusion lineup expanded in the 2010 model year to include all-new Hybrid and Sport models and a new selection of gas-powered engines--all paired with six-speed tranmissions--that deliver mroe horsepower and better fuel economy.
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Visit Louisburg Ford today to test drive a new Fusion, The MOTOR TREND Car of the Year! Louisburg Ford is Kansas City's only Ford dealer selling vehicles at the hassle-free $50 over factory invoice pricing! Call toll-free 1-877-901-4311 to schedule an appointment today!

Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter?

Did you know wintertime is the most unfriendly time of the year to a vehicle. Temperatures drop making it harder for an engine to work properly. Salt can cause rust and gravel can pit paint. Potholes can damage wheels and tires.

In this time of duress there are services that can be done to "winterize" your vehicle.

• Change the engine oil
• Check the tire pressure
• Inspect the belts and hoses
• Inspect the wiper blades and wiper fluid
• Check the battery
• Check the antifreeze mixture
• If equipped, make sure your vehicle's four-wheel drive system is working properly
• Carry an emergency kit inside your vehicle

Call the award winning Louisburg Ford service department today toll-free 1-877-901-4311 to schedule an appointment! As the saying goes...an ounce of prevention is woth a pound of cure!

Louisburg Ford is the only Kansas City area dealer that sells vehicles at $50 over factory invoice price...don't spend hours negotiating a deal at other dealers...visit Louisburg Ford and get the lowest price right up front, NO HASSLE.

What's New at Louisburg Ford

Louisburg Ford is among an elite group of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships to be recognized with The 2008 President's Award by Ford Motor Company. The prestigious award honors dealerships that have excelled in automotive retailing by providing exceptional customer service and satisfaction as reported by the customers themselves.


The prestige of award is that only 408 of more than 4,000 dealerships nationwide receive this significant honor. Louisburg Ford has been a recipient seven times since 1979 and the last four consecutive years.

If you are new to the Louisburg Ford family we look forward to a long relationship. If you have not come in ot visit please take the time to stop by and say "Hi." We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to our family of satisfied customers and make a new friend.

Click here to read what our customers are saying about us.

Louisburg Ford is the home of $50 over factory invoice pricing! Louisburg Ford is the only dealer in the Kansas City Metro selling vehicles at the no hassle, no haggle $50 over factory invoice price AND we pass along all the applicable rebates.

Don't spend hours negotiating a deal at another dealership, come to Louisburg Ford and experience the difference.