5 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day Without Buying Gifts

PEKIN, Ill., – Father's Day is almost here! Is your dad a techie? Does he buy himself everything before you get the chance to get him a gift? Maybe he just isn’t the gift type of guy. Whatever the case, Father’s Day is a time to celebrate your dad. Normally this means buying a gift that will probably sit around un-used. But gifts aren’t the only way to show Dad some appreciation this year. We’ve put together a list of stuff to do on Father’s Day for the dad who already has it all. Here are 5 ways to celebrate Father’s Day without buying gifts.

Cook him dinner. Or breakfast, everyone loves breakfast! Who doesn’t love to eat? But cooking can be hard work. So let dad take a load off this Father’s Day and we guarantee it won’t matter what you make, not having to prepare it first will make your meal for dad the best gift ever.

Do something together. Does your dad play golf? Perhaps he likes to ride his bike. Whatever his hobbies are, do something you dad likes to do. Spending time together is always a great gift for parents.

Watch his favorite show or sports with him on TV. Dads love to watch TV. For Father’s Day, try to give up the remote and let your dad choose the channel. Maybe you’ll learn that your dad really enjoys daytime TV or maybe you’ll just get a few laughs in on the couch.

Do a project together. If there’s some house or yard work your dad has been putting off, help him get to it. Make sure he knows you’re available to help. Time is a precious thing.

Go see a baseball game. Or any other sporting event. Dads love sports. Maybe you’re not the biggest sports fan in the world but it’s sure to make a great gift if you grab a few tickets for a local game.

However you decide to celebrate your dad this year, make sure to spend some time together. We hope we gave you some good ideas with these 5 ways to celebrate Father’s Day without buying gifts.

Have you or your dad been thinking of buying a car, but you’re not sure if leasing might be the better option? Check out our Buying vs. Leasing page to see the pros and cons of each option. Once you’ve made a choice, head to the How to Buy or How to Lease pages to get more information on the process that’s right for you.

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 Leaders Recognized as Some of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women

PEKIN, Ill., – Crain’s Detroit Business list of the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan has been released and it includes some of Ford’s own! The award’s purpose is to acknowledge outstanding leaders influencing key decisions across industries, companies, academia, and in civic and policy organizations in Ford's home state of Michigan. Below are the Ford leaders recognized as some of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women:

Birgit Behrendt

Vice president, global programs and purchasing operations

"I was never afraid to ask questions — it is not a sign of weakness. In fact, asking the right questions can be very powerful."

Originally from Germany, Behrendt is supervisor to 2,800 people worldwide at Ford. She is responsible for using Ford’s global scale to increase operational efficiency. She is also involved in Ford’s Diversity Council and diversity efforts to support women, minorities, and veterans.

Donna Inch

Chairman and CEO, Ford Land

"Success doesn't come from just showing up," she said. "I always liked that quote by Henry Ford: 'Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.' If you think you can do it, you can. You just have to plot out how you get there."

Graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Inch has held many finance titles at Ford. She was once manager of worldwide revenue and manger of North American truck pricing. She has been CEO since 2010. Inch leads Ford Land, as well as Ford’s 10- year plan to modernize its research and engineering practices in Dearborn, Michigan.

Marcy Klevorn

Vice President and CIO

"You can think about technology and assets, but if you can't find something special in the people that work here, you're not going to get the job done."

Graduate of the University of Michigan, Klevorn was once a consulting program manager on Ford’s purchasing system, as well as IT director for Ford Europe. Before gaining the title of Ford’s first female CIO in 2015, she was the director of the CIO office. She is now responsible for 11,000 employees.

Crain’s Detroit Business has honored Detroit women in the past, but this is the first time that women from across the entire state of Michigan are being considered for the honor. We are proud to report these Ford leaders recognized as some of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women.

If you’re interested in buying a vehicle this summer, be sure to head over to our How to Buy page to read about the buying process. If you’ve been wondering about how leasing works, check out the similar page on How to Lease. If you can’t decide between the two, our Buying vs. Leasing page will break down the pros and cons of each so you can feel comfortable with whichever decision you make!

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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Introducing the 2016 Ford Fusion

PEKIN, Ill., – If you’re looking for a car with a bold design and the latest technology features, then the Consumers Digest Best Buy Award Winner is what you need! Introducing the 2016 Ford Fusion, with available MyFord or MyFord Touch SYNC technologies and numerous other entertainment and safety features. Cruise around in style while feeling the safety and functionality of the new 2016 Ford Fusion.

Ford Fusion Hybrid
If you’ve ever been curious about the hybrid car craze, the Ford Fusion Energi offers the best of both worlds. Efficiency is the main focus of this plug-in hybrid sedan. With an estimated mileage rating of 40 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the Ford Fusion Hybrid gives you the freedom to go further.

SYNC Technologies
The 2016 Ford Fusion is available with two SYNC options. With Ford SYNC you have the ability to use your voice to make calls hands-free, control apps and music, and more! If you choose to upgrade to MyFord Touch, you’ll get to enjoy a color-coded LCD touch screen, navigation and voice controlled climate control.

Other Technologies
The 2016 Ford Fusion offers tons of technologies designed with you in mind. Rear view cameras come standard, while many features are optional. Optional features include:

• Class-Exclusive Active Park Assist
• Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive System
• Auto Start-Stop
• Heated and Cooled Seats
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Lane-Keeping System and Driver Alert System
• Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert

Come experience the 2016 Ford Fusion for yourself! Schedule a test drive at Velde Ford Pekin. We’re happy to be introducing the 2016 Ford Fusion and we’d love it if you would come see what all the excitement is about for yourself! With three available trim levels and three available engines, we’re sure we can put you in the perfect car for your needs! Not sure whether to buy or lease the new Ford Fusion? Our Buying vs. Leasing page can help you with that! Visit our website to learn more about the 2016 Ford Fusion and everything it has to offer! Feel free to contact us at (989) 288-2657 with any questions!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing outstanding customer 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 Fusion Energi Will Take You Further Than Any Other Plug-In Hybrid

PEKIN, Ill., – Have you ever found yourself worried how far your tank of gas will get you? Worry no more! The newest 2017 Ford Fusion Energi will take you further than any other plug-in hybrid model. Its combined range of 610 miles on a full tank of gas and a full battery charge is the highest on the hybrid market in the United States.

Ford is currently the number one seller of plug-in hybrids, and has been since 2015. This statistic appears to be on an upward trend, as Fusion Energi sales are up 58% through April. With more and more people deciding to buy hybrid, it’s important that these vehicles are competitive when it comes to range.

“Plug-in hybrids are electric vehicles until you run down the battery,” Wade Jackson, marketing manager for Ford Fusion said, “then they work exactly like a conventional hybrid. Fusion Energi – with a full battery and a full tank of gas – can go from San Diego, through Los Angeles and all the way up to San Francisco, and still have up to 110 miles of range remaining.”

The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi has an EPA-estimated rating of 43 city/41 hwy, a 14 gallon tank and 21 miles all-electric range.

That sounds great, but what does that mean for consumers? Well the way we see it, this means the Ford Fusion Energi will take you further than any other plug in hybrid. It means extending the life of your road trips and vacations, and saving you money in the long run. Hybrids bring together the efficiency of electric vehicles, while allowing you to maintain the convenience and familiarity of gas run cars. Come down to the dealership to find out about all the excitement surrounding hybrid cars. You can even test-drive a 2016 Ford Fusion Energi for yourself!

If you’re looking for a new ride this summer, we want to help you decide between buying and leasing. Our new Buying vs. Leasing page breaks down the pros and cons of each option. Be sure to check out our How to buy and How to Lease pages for more information on how each process works.

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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National Tire Safety Week

PEKIN, Ill.––This week is National Tire Safety Week! With the unofficial kick-off of summer that Memorial Day represents, vacation time and road trips might be on the mind. Take some time this week to make sure your vehicle’s tires are up for anything this summer. Don’t get stranded or left in a less than desirable situation due to unchecked tires! While some tire tragedies are simply caused by an accident, many can be prevented by following these simple maintenance tips, most of which can be done at home.

Check your tire pressure

You should know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle and check it at least once a month. The correct pounds/square inch (psi) can be found on a sticker somewhere along inside of your driver side door. Generally, most vehicles should be kept around 30 psi. You can purchase an inexpensive tire pressure gauge at a local hardware or car care store and keep it in your car. Under inflated tires can cause uneven wear and become a safety hazard if left unchecked.

Check your tire tread

Many people rely on the “penny check” to tell them if their tires are beginning to wear out. If you stick a penny in between the tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing down, and you can see all of Lincoln’s head above the tread then it’s definitely time for new tires. Driving on tires that are too worn can be extremely dangerous, putting you at higher risk of sliding on the road in wet conditions. Worn tires are also more likely to become flat in the case of potholes or sharp objects.

Have your tires balanced, rotated and aligned

You can’t balance, rotate, or align your tires without the proper equipment, so it’s important to bring your vehicle in for these routine maintenance checks. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to avoid uneven wear. You may notice that your steering wheel pulls to one side or vibrates while you’re driving. If this is the case, your tires probably need to be aligned or balanced. If tires are not aligned and balanced correctly, uneven wear can also occur. If you are allowing your tires to wear unevenly, you will find that you need to replace them more often, causing you to spend more money more often.

Always keep a spare tire and tools in your car

Accidents happen even when you do everything you can to avoid them. It’s important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Keep a properly inflated spare tire in your vehicle at all times, as well as the equipment needed to change a tire. You should also always have your insurance card and phone number to a roadside assistance service in the case that you cannot fix the problem yourself.

We hope that you take some time out of this National Tire Safety Week to make sure your tires are in good condition! If you’re having any trouble or think you need an alignment check, come down to the Velde Ford Pekin today or schedule an appointment online. Our ASE Certified technicians would be happy to make sure your vehicle is running smoothly this summer.

If you’re looking for a new ride this summer, we want to help you decide between buying and leasing. Our new Buying vs. Leasing page breaks down the pros and cons of each option. Be sure to check out our How to buy and How to Lease pages for more information on how each process works.

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.

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

Ford Motor Company Brings Innovative Job Training to South Africa

 PEKIN, Ill. – The Ford Motor Company fund has announced that they will be growing their philanthropic branch. With the creation of a new entrepreneurial development center, Ford Motor Company brings innovative job training to South Africa. This development will help around 200 people annually. 

 

Modeled after the original Ford Resource and Engagement Center in Southwest Detroit, the Pretoria, South Africa location aims to create a blend of training packages to prepare students to find jobs after graduating from the Ford Resource and Engagement Center. Career guidance and presentation skill tips will be offered. Courses will be available in financial literacy, business and entrepreneurial skills, vocational, and technical training. This development center marks the first global expansion of Ford’s philanthropic branch.

“Our Ford Better World philosophy is more than just a series of projects – it permeates everything we do as a company,” said Jeff Nemeth, Ford president and CEO, Sub Saharan Africa region. “Social, environmental and economic sustainability are all interlinked and cannot be taken in isolation from one another. We are proud of this investment in our community and, ultimately, our people. Education plays a significant role in our lives and these projects will allow the community to benefit from our contributions to the economy.”

As well as the Ford Resource and Engagement Center in Pretoria, Ford has also made a number of investments and been involved in philanthropic activities across Africa. These include:

·      The Blue Village initiative in Port Elizabeth. Every year employees from the Silverton Ford Assembly Plant help to create new homes in the village of Vastrap. The Blue Village initiative supports education and development.

·      Ford College Community Challenge Program. Student-led community projects in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa benefitted from a $100,000 investment to support the Ford College Community Challenge program. Each project addresses local needs and supports sustainable living and working conditions.

·      Riders for Health delivers medical professionals and supplies across rural areas of Africa. A $75,000 grant allowed extended vehicle management and training to mechanics in order to maintain the vehicles used to deliver medical necessities.

·      Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy in Morocco. A $200,000 investment will allow the academy to extend to Saudi Arabia.

·      Ford Volunteer Corps is made up of Ford South Africa employees who have spent over 6,700 hours on community service projects in South Africa.

·      Driving Skills for Life is a program that provides hands-on experience for more than 400 newly licensed students in Saudi Arabia.

Ford is dedicated to its philanthropic efforts both national and globally. Ford Motor Company brings innovative job training to South Africa with the announcement of the new Resource and Engagement center. This news continues the reach of the Ford philanthropic branch, and we’re proud to report such globally relevant topics to our customers on behalf of Ford Motor Company.

If you're also looking to make a difference this summer then stop in to Velde Ford in Pekin, IL! We can get you behind the wheel of a new Ford Fiesta. When it comes to financing we want to help you decide between buying and leasing. Our new Buying vs. Leasing page breaks down the pros and cons of each option. Be sure to check out or How to Buy and How to Lease pages for more information on how each process works. If you're looking to keep your current car or truck running smoothly, be sure to make an appointment online or call (888) 221-2804.

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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