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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Ford SmartLink Technology - Upgrade Your Ford

PEKIN, Ill., – If you have purchased a new Ford vehicle in the past 6-7 years, and you're feeling a little out of the loop as far as technology goes, you're in luck! You will soon be able to upgrade your Ford with Ford SmartLink technology! If you own a 2010-2016 model-year Ford that is not equipped with the latest Ford technology features, you can upgrade your vehicle! We know technology is always changing, and it can be frustrating trying to keep up. This is Ford's solution!

If your Ford vehicle is not equipped with a modem access, Ford SmartLink technology will enable connectivity features using a device that plugs into the OBD II port below your steering wheel. This will allow Ford owners access to a number of features, including:

• Smartphone-based remote start, lock, and unlock.
• 4G Wi-Fi hotspot.
• Vehicle health and security alerts.
• Vehicle location assistance.

Starting this summer, Ford SmartLink will be easily attainable at Ford dealerships. This technology upgrade is made available with help from Ford engineers who worked with Delphi Automotive and Verizon Telematics for more than two years. Through extensive testing and research, Ford is excited to offer this new convenient option to its loyal customers! 

At Velde Ford, we think this technology update is so exciting! Upgrade your ford with Ford SmartLink technology! This opportunity will allow countless Ford owners to continue loving their Ford and all it has to offer! Don't forget to stop by the dealership anytime to take care of your car's Winter Car Care needs, like tire maintenance, battery replacement, and much more! 

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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B&O PLAY Customizable Sound System

PEKIN, Ill., – Ford Motor Company is excited to announce their newest partnership; one that will bring a high quality sound experience to customers beginning in 2017. Ford and HARMAN will be collaborating to bring users the B&O PLAY customizable sound system.

Ford knows that car buyers are becoming increasingly influenced by audio brands. Drivers don’t just want a good car with a reliable engine, they want an entertainment experience as well. For Americans who spend a large portion of their lives commuting to work, a comfortable in-car experience is an important factor when considering a new vehicle. One-third of new car buyers say that the audio brand provided by their next vehicle would have an impact on their purchase, according to an Ipsos study in 2016.

In addition to providing a state of the art driving experience, Ford places an emphasis on the types of emotional connections people often feel with music and songs. Through these connections, Ford and Harmon feel their partnership demonstrates their shared commitments to quality, freedom, and innovative design.



The B&O PLAY system in new Ford vehicles will offer a customized audio system for users with personalized speaker placement and calibration. This means that high quality sound will be maintained in any driving condition!

Velde Ford Pekin knows that entertainment, including music and sound quality, is becoming increasingly important to buyers. The introduction of the B&O PLAY customizable sound system next year will provide continuing improvement to Ford’s line of technologies. To see what your Ford is capable of right now, check out our Ford SYNC Technology pages!

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’s New Robotic Technology

PEKIN, Ill., – It’s 2016 and robots are no longer a futuristic possibility, but a reality in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries, and now the automotive industry. Ford’s new robotic technology known as collaborative robots, or co-bots, has been implemented to help assist factory workers on the assembly line.

Co-bot Technology…

Eases difficulty of tasks
Co-bots don’t have human strength restrictions, meaning they are able to assist in completing tasks that would be arduous to factory workers.

Improves safety of workers
Co-bots are capable of sensing the smallest object in their path, including arms and fingers, to improve worker safety conditions.

Enhances speed of tasks
Co-bot technology complements the already skilled workers. Instead of manually lifting and positioning parts, the robots can swiftly lift and place heavy objects, increasing speed on the assembly line.

As well as assisting workers in their day-to-day tasks, collaborative robots are also a huge testament to the leaps and bounds Ford is making to progress automotive industry technology. The trial introduction of the co-bots at Ford’s Cologne, Germany assembly plant is being used as research to pinpoint operations that would be best completed by the new robotic technology. With the implementation of this exciting new technology, Ford hopes to continue the progressive movement and enhance productivity and safety in all of its plants around the world.

Ford’s new robotic technology is changing the way cars are produced. What do you think about robots working in factories? We think this forward momentum is just what the auto industry needs! The Ford SYNC technology in your Ford vehicle isn’t quite as advanced as the co-bot technology, but it can still do some pretty awesome stuff. If you want to learn more about Ford SYNC and all of your vehicle’s capabilities, be sure to check out our Ford SYNC Technology page at Velde Ford Pekin!

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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Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool

PEKIN, Ill., – We know that summer can get hot in Pekin. Have you considered what this means for your four-legged friends? We’ve taken the time to give you some tips for keeping your dog cool this summer. It’s important to take care of yourself in the heat, but it’s just as important to make sure your pets are safe and comfortable too!

Fun Ways to Stay Cool

• Give your pup a fun place to cool off by providing him with a kiddie pool to splash in! They’re relatively small and inexpensive and can give your dog a place to cool off from the sun.
• You can make your own pupsicles by freezing a hard biscuit in an ice cube tray, or find a doggie ice cream recipe like these ones to make a cool treat for your pup.
• If your dog likes to swim, find a dog friendly beach nearby and take them for a dip! Swimming will allow them to exercise without getting overheated.

Doggie Dos For Summer Heat

• Always have a cool place available for your pet to rest. If you’re outside this could just be a shady spot for them to lie. In the house it could be as simple as a tile floor. If there aren’t any particularly cool places inside, you can provide them with a chilled towel to rest on.
• Always have water available wherever you are! Keep your dog’s water dish full and fresh at all times and be sure to bring water on walks and car trips. Remember to have a place for them to get a drink outside too.

Doggie Don’ts for Summer Heat

• Don’t shave your dog! It may seem like all that fur is causing them to overheat, but really it provides insulation to regulate body temperature. If you shave them too short, they could overheat more quickly, or even get sunburned.
• Don’t walk or exercise your dog during the hot afternoon hours. Go for walks in the morning or the evening when it’s cooler. If it’s too hot, skip the walk for that day.

We hope these tips for keeping your dog cool this summer will help you keep your pets more comfortable in the heat! One last reminder from Velde Ford Pekin, never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle! Even with the windows down it can be way too hot inside your car for your dog! Leave your pet at home where it’s cool!

Do you know about the cool features your Ford vehicle has with Ford SYNC technology? Check out our Ford Technology page to read about the capabilities your car has! From safety to connectivity, stay up to date and learn what your car can do 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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10 Clever Camping Tips

PEKIN, Ill., – Are you planning a camping trip this summer? The nice weather presents a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the season! Make your camping time more convenient with our list of 10 clever camping tips.

1. Toothpaste Dots

Rather than packing the entire tube of toothpaste, make small toothpaste dots by squeezing the toothpaste onto wax paper or tinfoil. Allow them to dry a few days before you leave and pack them in a smaller container.

2. DIY Fire Starters

Don’t throw away the dryer lint! Put it inside of empty toilet paper tubes and use it to start your campfires.

3. Store Plastic Cutlery and Napkins

Use a recycled drink holder to store your napkins and plastic silverware. This will keep you more organized!

4. Store Matches in a Mason Jar

Before heading into the wilderness, transfer matches from their original cardboard box, into a mason jar. Buy strike anywhere matches and glue a piece of sandpaper to the lid for easy lighting. This will keep your matches safe and dry.

5. Gallon Jug Lamp

Use a gallon jug filled with water and a headlamp to create a lamp for your tent or table area. The water reflects the headlamp to create more ambient light.

6. Pre-whisk Eggs

Save yourself some trouble at mealtime by whisking your scrambled eggs at home. Transport them in a plastic container for convenience. This also saves you from broken eggs in the cooler.

7. Store Snacks in Plastic Containers

Rather than bringing the whole bag or box of snacks, store snacks in plastic containers. This keeps food fresh and dry, and combats crunching!

8. Collapsible Trash Can

A collapsible mesh laundry basket makes a great trash can. Line the basket with a trash bag and to keep your trash receptacle accessible and contained.

9. 2-Liter Toilet Paper Holder

To keep your toilet paper dry, transform a 2-liter plastic bottle into a toilet paper holder. Just cut off the bottom, insert the roll, and pop the bottom back on!

10. Prepare Salad in To-Go Cups

For a quick campsite lunch, prepare chopped salad at home before you leave and store the salads in plastic to-go cups. This will keep your salad fresh and the straw hole makes a nice fork holder!

We think our list of 10 clever camping tips will help your camping trip be the most convenient one yet! If we missed any important tips, be sure to let us know! If you want to stay connected during your travels, be sure to utilize Ford SYNC! Check out our newest Ford SYNC Technology page to better understand the technologies your Ford vehicle is capable of.

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 Makes Carbon Fiber Wheels with Space Shuttle Technology

PEKIN, Illi.– We’ve sent men to the moon, calculated Earth’s orbit, and even taken pictures of Pluto, but who ever thought all of that science could be applied to a car?

Now that Ford makes carbon fiber wheels with Space Shuttle technology for its Shelby® GT350R Mustang, you’ll soon learn how useful this knowledge can be on the road. Many auto parts companies already produce aftermarket carbon fiber wheels, but Ford will be the first automaker to mass-produce a wheel of this caliber.

Ford took special care to design a carbon fiber wheel able to endure harsh elements and even the occasional curb or pothole. The wheel is made a pre-made structure of carbon fiber strands woven together, and after an RFID chip tracked by Ford’s quality assurance system is inserted into the wheel, it’s infused with resin and cured at high heat.

The Space Shuttle technology plays in when Ford coats the wheels with a ceramic plasma arc spray originally intended for the Space Shuttle. The coating gives Ford’s carbon fiber wheels a layer of thermal protection that keeps brake heat from doing any damage.

Ford makes carbon fiber wheels with Space Shuttle technology, but its own development and testing has a large part in the functionality of the wheels. It isn’t news that Ford puts all of its wheels through vigorous tests that cover curb strikes, UV and chemical exposure, and high temperatures, and the GT350R’s carbon fiber wheels get the same brutal treatment before they’re approved.

The difference between Ford’s carbon fiber wheels and typical aluminum wheels is the level of durability and support. Its carbon fiber wheels are stiffer, lighter and more resilient, and give the GT350R better suspension response times, chassis performance, weight reduction and overall handling.

As much as we wish Ford’s carbon fiber wheels could be used on any vehicle, they’re intended for a high-performance track-ready vehicle like the Shelby GT350R Mustang, the most intense pony car manufactured today that is obviously in need of some above-average wheels that can take the heat.

Perhaps one day you’ll see Ford mass-producing carbon fiber wheels with Space Shuttle technology for more typical everyday vehicles, but for now– unless you intend to purchase a Shelby GT350R Mustang– you might have to settle with one of the New Ford Trucks or New Ford Cars for sale at our Ford Dealer serving Washington, IL. And don’t worry, these vehicles might not have the bite that a GT350R has, but they’re definitely just as dependable, even without carbon fiber wheels.

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 SYNC® 3 Enhances How Customers Stay Connected on the Road

PEKIN, Illi. - Last week, Ford Motor Company introduced SYNC® 3 to the world - a faster, more intuitive, and easier to use communication and entertainment system. Ford SYNC® 3 Enhances How Customers Stay Connected on the Road by providing drivers with more conversational voice recognition technology, a smartphone-like touch screen, and easy-to-read graphics.

Ford took a customer-centric approach when developing the SYNC 3 system. After sifting through 22,000 customer comments and suggestions, insights from research clinics, market surveys, and tech industry benchmarking, Ford Motor Company was able to rebuild a system that improves connectivity and gives customers what they want most.

While SYNC 3 is intended for hands-free use, the all-new touch screen provides customers with a similar experience to that of a smartphone or tablet. The screen now has a quicker response to touch, voice commands, and smartphone-like gestures like pinch-to-zoom and swipe. SYNC 3 has reduced on-screen complexity and itemized the control options that drivers use the most - Navigation, Audio, and Phone. Not only does reducing the amount of things on the screen make control easier, it also reduces the number of times a driver will need to glance at the screen.

The next-generation system has also mitigated the voice command process for users. When using SYNC 3, users can simply say something as vague as "play <song, artist, or album>" and the system automatically prompts to play that song, artist, or album. SYNC 3 is also equipped to better understand how consumers refer to businesses and points of interest. Drivers do not have to know the exact name; they can simply search "Detroit Airport" rather than using the official name "Detroit Metropolitan Airport".

Ford SYNC® 3 Enhances How Customers Stay Connected on the Road by improving the way customers connect their smartphones to their vehicle. AppLink is now faster and more responsive than ever before, making it easier for drivers to access their apps. All in all, SYNC 3's enhancements will make for a top-notch, user-friendly experience for Ford customers.

SYNC 3 will begin to arrive on new vehicles next year! If you can barely wait to take advantage of all that Ford SYNC has to offer, stop by Velde Ford and check out the 2015 Ford Fiesta or 2015 Ford Taurus. 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 located 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 Ups 2015 F-150 Convenience & Safety with 10 Awesome Driver-Assist Features

PEKIN, Illi. - We are months away from the day that the most capable and technologically advanced pickup hits the showroom. Along with Ford's all-new 2015 F-150 being exceptionally efficient and significantly lighter than competing pickups, it also happens to be VERY driver-friendly. Ford has upped the 2015 F-150's convenience and safety with 10 awesome driver-assist features.  

While some of these awesome driver-assist features may look familiar, we can assure you that Ford truck customers have never seen the F-150 quite like this. Ford has equipped the 2015 F-150 with all of their top-of-the-line technology, including one CLASS-EXCLUSIVE feature that will make parallel parking this full-size pickup a piece of cake!

1. Active Park Assist: This class-exclusive system uses ultrasonic sensors and electric power-assisted steering to help you parallel park. The sensors measure the gap between two vehicles and if there is enough room for the F-150, it will automatically steer into the space. 

2. Adaptive Cruise Control & Collision Warning with Brake Support: Using a front radar system, the F-150 can determine the distance and speed of vehicles ahead. This system will automatically slow to keep a consistent following distance and will set off visual and audio alerts if it detects that the distance between the vehicles is diminishing too quickly. It will also pre-charge the brakes just in case the driver needs to stop quickly.

3. Smart Trailer Tow Module: This module will show the driver if any lights on their connected trailer are not working without the driver, or passenger, ever having to get out of the vehicle.

4. Curve Control: This innovative technology helps drivers maintain control of their F-150 if they take on a curve too quickly. Curve Control will automatically reduce torque and apply four-wheel braking, reducing speed up to 10 mph in one second.

5. Multi-Contour Seats: Long day on the job? The F-150's multi-contour massaging seats can help you with that.

6. Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert: Sensors in the taillamps will monitor areas that are not visible to the driver. If the driver is attempting to switch lanes, a warning light in the sideview mirror will indicate if another vehicle is in their blind spot.

7. Lane-Keeping System: This system detects left or right-hand road lane markings and will vibrate the steering wheel to prevent the driver from drifting outside of their lane. 

8. 360-Degree Camera with Split-View Display: Four exterior cameras give the driver a complete view of up to seven feet surrounding the F-150. 

9. Hill Descent Control: With the press of a button, anti-lock brakes are triggered to give the driver control while descending on a hill. 

10. Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Air pressure amounts for each tire are displayed and the driver will be altered when an individual tire is too low. 

We are only MONTHS away from seeing how Ford has upped the 2015 F-150's convenience and safety with 10 awesome driver-assist features with our own eyes. The all-new 2015 F-150 is the pickup truck of the future, offering customers greater convenience and smarter solutions than ever before.

You can get an incredible deal on a brand new F-150 when you visit us at Velde Ford! At Velde Autos, 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 located 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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