5 Fourth of July Desserts to Make

PEKIN, Illi.– Independence Day– more commonly referred to as the Fourth of July– is just around the bend. Saturday will be a day full of family and friends, grilling, fireworks and, wait something is missing. Oh, that’s right– patriotic desserts! Here are 5 Fourth of July Desserts to make, because you know how important sugar can be when you’re celebrating something like independence!

Burger Cupcakes

Too lazy to grill patties this year? That's no problem–

these burger cupcakes are essentially the same thing.

Patriotic Pretzel Bites

Pretzels, plus frosting, plus M&M's equals: 'MERICA!

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

 The perfect poppable food item! 

Make a bunch of these– they go quick.

Summer Dessert Tacos

 How great is it that you live in a country where

even the fruit is patriotic?

Chocolate Dipped Banana Split

You'll start singing the U.S. National Anthem

when you try one of these. 

This year, make the most of your Independence Day celebration. Try out one or more of these 5 Fourth of July desserts to make and remind your loved ones that they should feel proud to live in a country that makes room for creativity like this. An even better example of that creative freedom is Ford Motor Company, whose New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks can be found at our Morton Area Ford Dealer! Stop by on your way to get dessert supplies and get an extra dose of American pride when you look at our inventory.

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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Ford Split-View Camera Technology Will Make You a Safer Driver

PEKIN, Illi.– We’ve all done it: You pull up to a stop sign, check both ways, but a bush on the corner obstructs your view– you proceed regardless. Thankfully, as you nose out into the intersection, you check again  and realize an oncoming car was this close to smashing into the side of your vehicle.

Anxiety and sighs of relief ensue after frightening incidents like this, along with the question, “Why haven’t any automakers developed solutions for drivers to see around hazardous objects?” At ease: Ford split-view camera technology will make you a safer driver from here on out.

Ford debuted the camera on the 2015 Edge and 2016 Explorer in the U.S. and China because it understands the importance of driver awareness. That’s why Ford wants all of its North American light passenger vehicles to have standard rear-view cameras by 2018, and the majority of its vehicles globally to have front cameras by 2020. 

Ford split-view camera technology will make you a safer driver because it uses real-time video feeds from 1-megapixel wide-angle lens camera located in your vehicle’s grille and tailgate. The cameras feed to a tri-panel display on your vehicle’s 8-inch screen that allows you to see around obstructions blocking your vision on either side or from straight on. Activate split-view, which turns off at 6.2 mph, to get a 180-degree view of the area in front of or behind your vehicle and notice any oncoming traffic or obstacles you would otherwise be unaware of.

Right now the 2016 F-150 has the most cameras– five– of any Ford vehicle, but the next Super Duty will contain the most advanced camera technology yet with seven camera, improving lane-keeping assistance and helping customers see better around their truck and trailer. Ford's camera technology is just one of the reasons we feel comfortable selling New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks at our Ford Dealership Serving Morton, IL!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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2015 Ford Transit Connect and F-350 Super Duty Win Edmunds.com Awards

PEKIN, Illi.– Losing is never much of an option for Ford, which explains why the 2015 Ford Transit Connect and F-350 Super Duty win Edmunds.com awards like Best Retained Value.

The 2015 Transit Connect van and the F-350 Super Duty recently won 2015 Best Retained Value Small Commercial Van and 2015 Best Retained Value Heavy Duty Truck, respectively, when Edmunds.com determined the vehicles have the highest projected residual values after 5 years after taking into account their average True Market Value price when sold as new.

The awards are important because residual value holds the most influence in deciding a vehicle’s total cost of ownership, and they help spread the word on Ford’s commitment to quality manufacturing.

The 2015 Ford Transit Connect and F-350 Super Duty win Edmunds.com awards after Edmunds.com analyzed model year 2015 vehicles that came out at the end of 2014 and had unit sales in February 2015 that were at least 25 percent of the average unit sales for a specific market segment. According to Edmunds.com, the average retained value for the Transit Connect after five years is 47 percent, and for the F-350 Super Duty it’s 58.5 percent.

On top of the Edmunds.com award, the Transit Connect was also named ALG’s Best Resale Value for midsize commercial vans, and in April the Transit Connect XLT short-wheelbase midsize van won the Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America award in the Mini Passenger Commercial Van Category.

Awards like these demonstrate how Ford approaches manufacturing quality vehicles, but if these accolades don’t speak volumes to you feel free to drop in at our Ford Dealership serving Morton, IL, and take a look at the New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks on our lot. We promise you won’t be disappointed!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

5 Manly Father's Day Gifts

PEKIN, Ill. –– Is your dad what you would call a “man’s man"? If so, there’s no way you can show up this Father’s Day without a macho gift for him. Take a look at these 5 manly Father’s Day gifts and make your dad feel like Superman.

Straight Razor Shaving Kit

Everyone knows the manliest men use a straight razor to keep a clean look. If your dad doesn’t already utilize a single, sharp blade to exhibit his paring and pruning prowess, help him upgrade to the next level of manhood and give him a straight razor shaving kit.

Man Can

From bacon to sawdust, and gunpowder to fresh cut grass, Man Can has taken every manly scent known to, well, man, and infused that virility into candles. Now your dad can be indoors and still enjoy the wild-man aromas he loves.

Barbecue Sauce

It sounds like a cliché gift, but we’re not recommending you get your dad just any barbecue sauce. Manly dads like a challenge, and this sauce showdown is definitely an imposing one. This Father’s Day, fire up a slab of ribs on the grill for your dad and put his taste buds to the test with the hottest barbecue sauce you can find.

Monogrammed Steak Brand

Speaking of grilling, what manly dad wouldn’t want his name on every savory medium-rare sirloin he throws on the rack? Give your dad his very own monogrammed steak brand so he can start getting the credit he deserves. 

Leather Tablet or Phone Case

So your dad is a manly guy, but maybe he’s a sophisticated tech junky, too. The only problem is every time he whips out his smartphone he can’t help but complain of its daintiness as the sheer force of his calloused palm's vice grip nearly obliterates the device. In that case, give him a leather phone case that protects his technology and preserves his manhood.

Regardless of how masculine your dad believes he is (is the keyword here believes?), these 5 manly Father’s Day gifts will definitely make him more so. But gifts like these can only take a guy so far up the ladder of manhood. If your dad really wants to show how macho he is, tell him to check out our inventory of New Ford Cars or New Ford Trucks at our Morton Area Ford Dealer, because there’s nothing manlier than driving a Ford.

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Ford Will Fund Innovative Technology Startups

PEKIN, Illi.– To say Ford dips its toe in the pool of technology at times would be an understatement. The truth is that Ford is the premier technology-driven automotive manufacturer, and it can’t help itself when it sees an opportunity to expand its influence.

Now, Ford will fund innovative technology startups through Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit– an organization that funds entrepreneurs who focus on future mobility and transportation solutions to mitigate global dilemmas like traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and emissions.

Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit, launched in 2014 as a competitive funding program in search of entrepreneurs worthy of investment. It recently announced 10 startup winners selected from hundreds of entrants who represent 42 countries and six continents. The winners will receive office space in downtown Detroit, $120,000 in funding, three months of guidance in business development, customer acquisition and recruitment, and coaching from elite business mentors, advisors and mobility investors. It’s an entrepreneur’s dream package.

Through Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit, Ford will fund innovative technology startups ready to make a difference in the world through creativity and logical solutions. The 2015 class of entrepreneurs who were chosen for the program include:

• Ansik
• CDL Warrior
• Classics & Exotics
• Cosmos
• Browser
• Elegus Technologies
• Gear Brake
• Motoroso
• My Dealer Service
• SPLT
• WISE Systems

Ford is huge player in the technology game. Just this past year, Ford announced Ford Smart Mobility, one facet of its agenda to pioneer the highest tier of connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and big data.

Along with backing Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit, Ford is executing more than 25 mobility experiments globally to test transportation ideas that could manifest in improved customer service, more flexible user-ship models and social collaboration. We’re betting Ford continues to back Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit, into the future as more classes of startup companies are selected.

Ford has worked its way into an influential position for furthering technology, in hopes that it can help guide our world into a peaceful and prosperous future. Ford’s good intentions are plain to see in the number of innovative New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks at our Morton Area Ford Dealership!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Velde Makes Scheduling Your Car Service Simple

PEKIN, Illi.– One of the biggest hassles of getting work done on your vehicle is struggling to find time for it. We want to make things as fluid as possible for our customers, so Velde makes scheduling your car service simple with our online scheduling system!

Spend just a few minutes on five online steps to send all of your vehicle information over to us and schedule your service appointment at your convenience. No matter what level of maintenance your vehicle needs, Velde makes scheduling your car service simple and gives you more time to relax!

Visit our service department to learn about the specialized service we provide to make sure your vehicle stays maintained to the highest standards. Then, when you’re ready, schedule your next service appointment with Velde! Be sure to check out our New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks at our Morton Area Ford Dealership while you're at it!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Millennials Prefer American-Made Vehicles

PEKIN, Illi.– According to a recent survey from Ford, the majority of Millennials prefer American-made vehicles. In particular, members of Generation Y– ages 23 to 24– and Generation Z– ages 16 to 22– believe American-made vehicles connote quality, which they value over attractiveness. Not surprising, they also see Ford as one of the top three car brands to manufacture quality vehicles.

Millennials lean in the opposite direction of their parents when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. 72 percent say they don’t feel obligated to purchase the same brand vehicles as their parents, and 91 percent trust that American-made vehicles are equal to or better than their foreign competitors.

While the majority of Millennials may disagree with their parents on brand preference, that doesn’t mean they altogether reject their parents’ opinions. When assessing a vehicle, 40 percent of Millennials will still consider their parents’ input. However, the Internet’s influence definitely doesn’t lag far behind. 38 percent value online reviews and 27 percent look to third-party quality rankings.

Overall, Millennials want to see evidence for the quality of a vehicle, not just hear about it, before they make a purchase. More than anything, including their parents’ opinions, Millennials consider factors such as cost, gas mileage, driving quality and safety features before making a vehicle purchase.

This data shows a shift in thinking. For a long time, the look of a vehicle has taken precedence, but Millennials prefer American-made vehicles because they know companies like Ford consider quality to be paramount. It’s no surprise they rank Ford as one of the top three brands to purchase from! If you’re a Millennial, come see for yourself the quality built into the New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks and our Morton Area Ford Dealership!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta Introduce SYNC 3

PEKIN, Illi.– As the world’s most innovative auto manufacturer, there is no slowing down for Ford Motor Company. The automaker will prove itself once again when the 2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta introduce SYNC 3 to North America this summer.

SYNC 3, Ford’s newest version of its communications and entertainment system, will showcase a broad range of new features, including:

• Faster performance
• Conversational voice recognition
• A perceptive touchscreen
• A simpler graphical interface
• AppLink to incorporate smartphone apps
• Siri Eyes-Free capability for Apple iPhone
• Software updates via Wi-Fi
• Enhanced 911 Assist

The decision for the 2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta to introduce SYNC 3 is a strategic one. The Escape is one of Ford’s most popular vehicles, and the Fiesta is its most affordable. These vehicles will become technologically savvy and safer thanks to SYNC 3. With SYNC 3, drivers can safely connect their smartphones and use them with their vehicles without taking their focus away from the road.

Ford is already on top of the auto tech mountain, and SYNC 3 cements their position even more. It’s safe to say SYNC 3 isn’t the first time Ford has made driving more convenient than ever. All you have to do is look at the New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks at our Morton Area Ford Dealership to know that!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Ford Electrified Vehicle Patents Opened to Competitors

PEKIN, Illi.– The word is out! Ford electrified vehicle patents are open to competitors! It was a surprising move by the automaker, which, like its competitors, is generally protective of its technology. But what may seem like an unusual move in such a competitive industry is actually one of the best things Ford could do!

With a total of 650 electrified vehicle patents and 1,000 pending, it’s no secret that Ford is a driver in automotive technology. In an effort to show its seriousness about the future, Ford applied for over 400 electrified vehicle patents in 2014, and this year the automaker plans on hiring 200 engineers to work in Ford Engineering Laboratories – where the electrified vehicle technology magic happens. Other automakers have made advancements of their own, but no one brings innovation to the table like Ford.

Progress like this has given Ford room to determine its own goals while also influencing the future of the automotive world at large. In the end, Ford electrified vehicle patents were opened to competitors in order to share invaluable insight that could ultimately benefit the industry and society much more so than keeping secrets.

While sharing its patents is definitely an act of generosity on Ford’s part, competitors can’t expect to piggyback off all of Ford’s hard work! For a fee, competitors can get their hands on Ford’s electrified vehicle patents and published patent applications by getting in touch with their technology commercialization and licensing office, or via the automaker collaborative innovation and licensing marketplace known as AutoHarvest.

It’s safe to say that no other automaker gets technology like Ford does but we’re expecting to see industry technology advance at a rapid pace in the name of collaboration. One thing is for sure: We’ll always be able to trace this technology back to vehicles like the New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks that we carry at our Morton Area Ford Dealership!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram