F-150 Earns Dependability Award from J.D. Power

PEKIN, Ill., – The Ford F-Series has now been the top-selling truck in the United States for 40 years! Last week, the Ford F-150 Earned the Dependability Award from J.D. Power. This award was earned by the 2014 model year F-150, as the study is conducted when the vehicle is three years old.

Most truck shoppers listed the F-150's quality as a main reason for buying. This sets the F-150 apart from its competitors and is a definite attribute in earning the Dependability Award from J.D. Power.

Since 1977, Ford has sold more than 26 million F-Series trucks. It's safe to say that the large light duty pickup truck is well loved, and for good reason.

“All customers demand quality vehicles, and truck customers depend on toughness and reliability most of all,” Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president for quality said of this distinction. “That’s why Built Ford Tough is much more than a slogan. It’s how we develop the F-150 and how we deliver on our promise to customers to continuously improve America’s favorite pickup truck.”

At Velde Ford, we're not surprised to hear that the F-150 earned the Dependability Award from J.D. Power. These long-lasting, well-loved, pickup trucks are a favorite across the board! If you'd like to get behind the wheel of one for yourself, schedule a test drive at Velde Ford! We think you'll love it, so start browsing models in our online inventory! We look forward to working with you soon!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Downloadable 2017 Ford Flex Brochure

PEKIN, Ill., – Take a look at the 2017 Ford Flex downloadable brochure to learn all about Ford's flexible crossover! The Ford Flex is here to take your breath away!

Downloadable 2017 Ford Flex Brochure

If you're interested in driving a Ford crossover vehicle, take a look at the downloadable 2017 Ford Flex brochure to see if your next vehicle purchase or lease will lead you to drivers seat of a Flex! You can read all about the wide variety of trim levels an features offered in the 2017 Ford Flex!

Download the 2017 Ford Flex brochure to see photos, vehicle specifications, color options, and more! Wherever life takes you, the Ford Flex is ready for your adventures! Learn more by reading the downloadable 2017 Ford Flex brochure! 

We want you make the right vehicle purchase for you needs and lifestyle! Be sure to stop by Velde Ford to schedule a test drive of a 2017 Ford Flex or any of our other Ford models! Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Be sure to check out all of our latest videos on YouTube, where you can learn about our visions and values and meet our staff!

Refreshing Salad Recipes

PEKIN, Ill., – Since it feels like spring has sprung, we decided to gather some of our favorite refreshing salad recipes for you to try! As well as being refreshing for these strangely balmy days, salads are good for you and can help boost your immune system this time of year. Using fresh fruits and veggies with lots of antioxidants will help keep you out of the doctor's office.

Kale Caesar Salad

Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing

Mexican Corn Quinoa Salad

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Cucumber Caprese Salad

Crunchy Asian Rice Salad

Whether you're looking for a side dish to go with dinner, or a light meal for these unseasonably warm days, we hope you enjoy our favorite refreshing salad recipes! We made sure to share recipes that don't require any seasonal fruits or veggies so you should easily be able to find all of the necessary ingredients at the grocery store! For more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our Pinterest page where we regularly share our favorite meals, desserts, and more!

Even though it may not feel like winter, you should still be aware of your vehicles maintenance needs! With the temperatures so high, it's the perfect time to get a car wash to avoid corrosion from salt on the roads! Take a look at our helpful maintenance pages to give you an idea of what warning signs to look out for signs of wear!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Will Your Car Soon Become Your Personal Assistant?

PEKIN, Ill., – We already know that today's new vehicles are equipped with technologically advanced features like hands-free phone calls and voice-controlled GPS. These features make our lives more convenient and keep us safe while distracted driving is on the rise. With technology always improving around us we find ourselves asking will your car soon become your personal assistant? 

In collaboration with RWTH Aachen University, Ford is researching the use of microphones to improve speech processing in vehicles. This type of research has the potential to allow your vehicle to learn all about your preferences. In-car cameras could also be used to read facial expressions and create the "empathetic car," one that knows how you're feeling when you sit down.

As early as this summer, Ford vehicles will begin allowing drivers to access Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa through Ford SYNC 3. Alexa understands 23 different languages and is expected to bring drivers more convenient ways to navigate while operating their vehicle.

But with all of these technology advancements at our fingertips, and the idea that our cars may soon become more like personal assistants, we may find ourselves wondering if we've taken things a bit too far. Do cars really need to do more than take us from point a to point b? Do we need to be able to ask our vehicle's a question? What do you think of all of these proposed new features?

You can read more about Ford's latest research project with RWTH Aachen University and see what features and improvements will soon become available in the Ford MediaCenter.

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Downloadable 2017 Ford Mustang Brochure

PEKIN, Ill., – Are you ready to read all about the 2017 Ford Mustang? Download the electronic PDF brochure from Velde Ford to learn about all the details of Ford's famous pony car.

Downloadable 2017 Ford Mustang Brochure

Sports car fans will definitely want to take a look at the 2017 Ford Mustang brochure to learn all about the powerful design, improved performance features, and customizable add-ons. If you're interested in buying or leasing the latest Mustang from Velde Ford, this electronic brochure is a great place to start your research!

The 2017 Ford Mustang comes in multiple trim levels and a variety of interior and exterior color options. See which options are best for you when you read the downloadable 2017 Ford Mustang brochure from Velde Ford!

We want you make the right vehicle purchase for you needs and lifestyle! Be sure to stop by Velde Ford to schedule a test drive of a 2017 Ford Mustang or any of our other Ford models! Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Be sure to check out all of our latest videos on YouTube, where you can learn about our visions and values and meet our staff!

Downloadable 2017 Ford F-150 Brochure

PEKIN, Ill., – Get ready to learn all about the 2017 Ford F-150! Download the the electronic brochure from Velde Ford to see all the details of the safest F-150 ever!

Downloadable 2017 Ford F-150 Brochure

If you're interested in buying or leasing the latest F-150 from Velde Ford, you'll definitely want to take a look at the downloadable 2017 Ford F-150 brochure. You can read about its powerful towing capacities and safety features that earned it its 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. 

The 2017 Ford F-150 is available in many different trim levels and interior and exterior color packages. There's a reason that the Ford F-Series trucks have been the best selling trucks in America for 40 years! Find out why by reading the downloadable 2017 Ford F-150 brochure!

We want you make the right vehicle purchase for you needs and lifestyle! Be sure to stop by Velde Ford to schedule a test drive of a 2017 Ford F-150 or any of our other Ford models! Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Be sure to check out all of our latest videos on YouTube, where you can learn about our visions and values and meet our staff!

Introducing New Ford Wind Tunnel Complex

PEKIN, Ill., – In an attempt to improve increased fuel efficiency in their vehicles and meet the demands of many consumers, Ford is happy to introduce their new wind tunnel complex to test new production and racing vehicles. The new facility will take up 13 acres of land next to Ford's current Driveability Test Facility in Allen Park, Michigan. Construction of the facility, which will will provide state-of-the-art testing simulations, will begin in 2017.

A five-belt conveyor system will be able to recreate drag and road conditions without the need to leave the facility! In order to improve fuel efficiency, each vehicle wheel will receive its own conveyor belt, simulating up to 155 mph airflow. The belts will allow the wheels to move at up to 200 mph!

 In addition to fuel efficiency, the wind tunnel complex will also be able to test for aerodynamic shielding, high-speed performance, and can reach temperatures between -40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions will allow for extreme testing to take place without having to travel to extreme climates.

"This new wind tunnel facility will not only allow us to test our performance and racing vehicle line-up but will also enable us to share innovations across all our global Ford products,” Ford Performance global director, Dave Pericak said of the new facility.

We can't wait for the new Ford wind tunnel complex to begin construction, and we're excited to see what new advancements will come from this awesome test arena. If you want to read more details, check out the Ford MediaCenter press release! While we anxiously await this new arrival, you may want to schedule a test drive of your favorite Ford at Velde! Call to make an appointment so we can have it warmed up when you get here!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Happy Valentine's Day - What We Love

PEKIN, Ill., – It's Valentine's Day! People all across the country are celebrating with chocolate and heart shaped cards. At the risk of sounding cliché, we just wanted to say Happy Valentine's Day and share what we love with all of you! Even if Valentine's Day isn't really your thing, we think it's a nice opportunity talk about the things that make us happy!

1. Cars

This one is probably pretty obvious. We love cool cars and we love our Fords! We like selling cars, but most importantly, we love quality vehicles and getting our guests into something they love, too.

2. Our Employees

We think it's important to treat everyone like family! That's what we are, one big Velde Family. It's the reason we love coming to work everyday.

3. Our Guests

Just like we consider our employees family, we consider our guests to be family, too. No matter your reason for visiting, it's always our intention to make your dealership experience fantastic.

4. Our Support Systems

Whoever it may be, a spouse, friend, or other family member, we all love the people who support us on a daily basis. We couldn't be where we are without them backing us all the way.

5. Our Community

The community of Pekin and the surrounding areas are one of the biggest reasons we're able to continue doing what we do. We love showing our support for community events and we love all of the support we receive in return!

Thanks for reading about the things we love! We hope everyone has a happy Valentine's Day and get's to share what you love with people you care about! If you're feeling like your vehicle needs a little TLC, be sure to schedule a service appointment at Velde Ford!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Ford Fusion and Fiesta Take Home New Awards

PEKIN, Ill., –  This week, the Ford Fusion and Fiesta took home new awards from Kelley Blue Book and MotorWeek. The 2017 Ford Fusion was named Best Family Sedan in the 2017 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards, while the 2017 Ford Fiesta won the award for Lowest Projected Five-Year Ownership Costs from Kelley Blue Book. Check out the reasons these cars are turning heads!

2017 Ford Fusion

This Ford sedan is the first Ford vehicle in North America to provide adaptive cruise control to its drivers. The stop-and-go functionality means a safer driving experience. It also has available Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. The Fusion Sport comes with 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine and All-Wheel-Drive, earning its place as the Best Family Sedan.

2017 Ford Fiesta

Kelley Blue Book gave the Ford Fiesta a Fair Purchase Price rating, referencing its low maintenance costs, earning its place as best 5-Year Cost to Own Award for sporty compact cars. The Ford Fiesta gets an impressive 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The ST model comes with a six-speed manual transmission and a 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine.

Velde Ford is proud to present the Ford Fusion and Fiesta as they take home new awards this week! If you're interested in learning more about these great Ford vehicles, you can take a look at our Ford Car Comparison page! Check out our online inventory of Ford Fusions or Ford Fiestas and then schedule a test drive at the dealership! You can always give us a call with any questions!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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DIY Valentines for the Kids or Kids at Heart

PEKIN, Ill., – Valentine's Day is always a fun way to show the people in your life that you care about them. Valentine's Day parties at school are an exciting opportunity for kids to share treats and cards with classmates! So whether you're looking for some creative ways to share the love at work, or your kids need to hand out cards to their friends at school, these DIY Valentines are perfect for the kids or kids at heart! 

Valentine's Day Mice

Hershey's Kisses make perfect little mice when combined with a few crafting supplies! Your kids or coworkers will appreciate these cute treats.

Starburst Candy Valentines

These printable Valentines can be paired with Starburst candy for a nice message and tasty morsel!

Dino Cards

We think no matter your age, your friends will love these awesome dinosaur cards, complete with equally as awesome dinosaur puns.

Owl Craft

The puns are pretty awesome with this little guy too. Any heart shaped candy will make for perfect Valentine's Day owl eyes!

Star Wars Pixie Stix Lightsabers 

These are awesome for your Star Wars loving kid (or co-workers). You can easily print the cards and add the pixie stix as lightsabers! 

Goldfish Fishbowl 

Let everyone know you're happy to be in the same "school" with these cute Goldfish bowls.

Bouncy Ball Solar System

These are a super fun and creative way to use a bouncy ball in your valentines! No candy, but still a fun alternative to regular cards.

Cereal Valentines

We love these cereal box valentines! They're so unique and clever!

If you have a Valentine's Day party to attend this year, use these DIY Valentines for the kids or kids at heart to inspire you! Many of the projects above include free printables for your convenience. Don't forget to treat your vehicle to a little Valentine's Day love this year with our coupons page to save you money!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Super Bowl Recipes to Kick Up Your Party

PEKIN, Ill., – This weekend the New England Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI! If you're like the majority of Americans, you're probably hosting or attending a viewing of this annual sporting event! Even if you're not, everyone loves a good snack! Check out these Super Bowl recipes to kick up your party! 

1. Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Potatoes, cheese, and bacon, all on a handy skewer. What could be better? Convenient and delicious, a snack your friends will love!

2. French Onion Beef Sliders

Give your guests a hearty sandwich to satisfy their hunger during the game. These sliders are easy to prepare in large quantities, making them the perfect party food.

3. Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups

Jalapeno poppers in perfect finger-food fashion. These spicy appetizers will definitely disappear quickly! 

4. Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Football Cups

You can't have a football party without a treat that looks like a football, right? These bite-sized desserts are great for game day!

5. Soft Pretzel Bites

Pretzels are a staple at any gathering with snacks. Step it up a notch by making your own soft pretzel bites with a delicious cheese dip.

6. Cowboy Corn Dip

This stuff is addicting! The best part is how easy it is to make. Just throw all the ingredients in a bowl, stir, and watch it vanish before your eyes!

7. Mozzarella Bites

Warm cheese, do we need to say anything else? The spicy mayo dip to accompany these morsels is to die for!

Whether you're planning a spread or looking for a dish to pass, these Super Bowl recipes to kick up your party will definitely have your friends feeling full! While you're getting geared up to watch the football game, don't forget to check out our new webpages! If you're looking for a new Ford Sedan, you'll want to take a look at our Ford Car Comparison page to help you decide on a model!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Ford Car Comparison from Velde Ford

PEKIN, Ill., – We know that choosing a new vehicle can seem like a ton of work. That's why we've created our Ford car comparison page from Velde Ford! We take the guesswork and research out of the new car buying process, so you can focus on making the right decision! Take a look at the latest Ford car comparison page before you buy your next new vehicle!

If you've already decided on a Ford Sedan, then you're well on your way to choosing a new car. On the new Velde Ford car comparison page, you can see vehicle specs, size comparisons, fuel capacities, photos, and more of the 2017 Ford Focus, 2017 Ford Fusion, and the 2016 Ford Taurus. If you're still up in the air about what type of car you'd like to purchase, you may want to consider taking a look at our Ford crossover comparison page as well!

For any details you may need to make your vehicle purchasing decision, be sure to take a look at the Ford car comparison from Velde Ford! You may also want to check out the Winter Car Care pages to keep your existing vehicle in good condition for as long as possible.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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