Ford's Ambitious CEO Focused on the Future

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Near the end of May, Ford replaced then-CEO Mark Fields with Jim Hackett, a former CEO of Steelcase, a Michigan-based company with a design-centric background. This summer, he began a 100-day review of the company, and in a recent interview, promised that he has "some things that are going to be coming out in the fall". With Ford's ambitious CEO focused on the future, Ford vehicle owners stand to benefit from these dynamic changes as Ford continues to develop innovations for all of their vehicles and vehicle technology.

Hackett's biggest plans revolve around revolutionizing vehicle technology and benefits other than the popular internal-combustion engines Ford vehicles are known for. His goal is to produce modern and efficient electric and self-driving vehicles, while also offering micro-transit services like Chariot to customers looking to catch a quick and easy ride across the city. After his 100-day review of Ford's business operations, he mentioned that he wants to improve and speed up the decision-making process in the corporate end to provide Ford's customers with new and modern technology at a quicker rate.

His biggest addition to Ford, however, has been the introduction of his three precepts that helped him achieve success when he ran Steelcase. These innovation-oriented precepts are as follows:

"1. Change isn’t so much good as inevitable.

Hackett played football for famed Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler, and he’s fond of quoting Bo, who believed, “we would either get better at what we do, or we would get worse. We would not stay the same.”

2. Focus on users, and products will follow.

Ford sponsors Motivate’s bike-sharing service in San Francisco, and despite being in the car business, it has searched for insights, with design consultant IDEO, on self-propelled locomotion.

3. Be open-minded.

Hackett says Ford needs to think beyond cars.
For example, he’s studying urban congestion woes, including parking, for opportunities: “If you fix parking you might change the way people actually move themselves around.”" - Fortune

With Ford's ambitious CEO focused on the future, innovative and new products are set to hit the market in the near future. Make sure to check in on our new vehicle inventory to see our selection of new vehicles Ford has to offer this year. You can view features, technology, and more on our Model Overview page to find a vehicle perfect for your needs. Interested in purchasing a used vehicle? Consider the benefits of purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle as you browse our used vehicle inventory. You'll discover the process in which a vehicle becomes CPO-certified.

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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The Ease of Buying from Velde Ford

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Purchasing a new, Certified Pre-Owned, or used vehicle is a fun, but time-consuming process. Whether you're purchasing online or in-store, this step-by-step process can oftentimes be complicated and confusing. With the ease of buying from Velde Ford, you'll be able to get behind the wheel of any vehicle in our lot with our quick and easy service! Our online and offline resources can make all the difference when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, and we're more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Take a look at how easy it is to purchase a vehicle at Velde Ford!

Specify Your Search

Sometimes, the sheer number of vehicles available can be overwhelming. At Velde Ford, we have specific filters to help you search and find the exact make, model, and style of vehicle you're looking for! Our new and used vehicle inventories allow you to refine your search to help ease your shopping process. Plus, our vehicles on the lot are organized so you'll be able to navigate through categories, prices, and styles with ease!

Find Exactly What You're Looking For

On the other hand, if you know exactly what you're looking for, you can track down the exact make, model, and color of vehicle you need! You'll be able to find any out-of-production, specific color, or specific trim levels of vehicles you're looking for. Locate new, used, certified pre-owned, or Special Edition vehicles on our Find Me This Vehicle form. We'll contact you as soon as we can find what you're looking for. You won't have to worry about having to shop around!

Multiple Price Plans

At Velde Ford Pekin, you can save big on a new or used vehicle with Plan Pricing! Depending on your family background or employment, you or your family could be eligible for A, X, Z, or D pricing plans. These Ford-approved discounts, coupled with our financing options, can help you find and purchase a new vehicle at an affordable rate! Take a look at our plan pricing page to find out if you are eligible for any of these exclusive Ford discounts.

Receive a Great Interest Rate

If you're interested in receiving an auto loan, you can apply online today to get pre-approved before you even walk through the doors of our Pekin dealership! Our educated and helpful Finance Team will go above and beyond to ensure you receive the best possible interest rate we can provide you. After you fill out your pre-approval loan, factors like your credit rating, length of your loan, and your vehicle purchase will all be put into consideration before you receive your great interest rate. Bring it in your pre-approval afterwards to save yourself time at the dealership!

Experience the Ford Owner Advantage

The Ford Owner Advantage is an exclusive program available to Ford vehicle owners to thank them for their business! Every driver in a Ford owner's household, regardless of the make or model of their vehicle, is eligible to receive rewards based on their driving. They can receive discounts on oil changes, exclusive rebates, 5% credit on all parts on services that can be applied at a later date, and much more! To learn about the benefits of the Ford Owner Advantage program, visit our Ford Owner Advantage page to find out the in's and out's of this exclusive program!

Purchasing a new or used vehicle from Velde Ford is an easy, fun, and enjoyable process! Experience the ease of buying from Velde Ford if you're in the market to purchase a new vehicle. Stop by our dealership in Pekin to test drive any vehicle of your choice! Take a look at our vast vehicle inventory to find the perfect car, SUV, truck, or crossover for your needs. You can view specifications, reviews, vehicle details, and much more on our model overview page, which lays out each and every one of Ford's newest models available to you today!

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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Why You Should Consider Buying a CPO Ford

PEKIN, Ill., – If you are in the market for a new vehicle, there are several 'types' of vehicles you can choose from. You can purchase or lease a new vehicle, purchase a used vehicle, or purchase a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). Each have their own unique benefits, but today, we'll be talking about why you should consider buying a CPO Ford. If you're thinking about buying used, a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is a great option! Take a closer look at why by reading below.

CPO vehicles must meet initial quality marks, come with extensive warranty coverage, and offer the reliability you want in a new-to-you vehicle.

First, the vehicle must be within the previous 5 model years, have less than 80,000 miles, and have a clean title obtained through the vehicle history report process. If a vehicle doesn't meet these qualifications, it will not become a CPO!

Next, the vehicle must pass a rigorous 172-point inspection process in order to be classified as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. You'll be able to enjoy warranty coverage and roadside assistance at a much cheaper rate with a CPO! Make the most of these features and more today. 

Lastly, you'll be able to rest easy knowing that your CPO Ford is safe and secure with the unique warranty and roadside assistance program. Your Certified Pre-Owned Ford will come equipped with a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. These warranties, coupled with the reliable roadside assistance program, keep you and your vehicle insured and safe anywhere your road travels take you (in the U.S. and Canada)! 

We hope this brief overview of why you should consider buying a CPO Ford helps you better understand the benefits of buying used over buying new! Take a look at the our wide range of CPO vehicles available to you at Velde Ford, and make an appointment to take a test drive. If you're still mulling over your buying options, and aren't sure where to look, our staff would be more than happy to guide you. We're proud to serve the areas of Pekin, North Pekin, Peoria, Normal, Chatham, East Peoria, Bloomington, and beyond!

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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Go Back to School with 5 Creative Lunchbox Ideas

PEKIN, Ill., – It’s time to start thinking about getting the kids back to school! In the midst of all your school supply and clothing shopping, you may have forgotten about packing lunches! Go back to school with 5 creative lunchbox ideas, so you can nix the boring sandwiches!

1. Breakfast for Lunch 

Breakfast is the best meal of the day, so why not have it twice? This link has a breakfast lunch box idea with a list to follow, or you can create your own breakfast lunchbox. Try dry cereal, yogurt, berries or other fruit, leftover pancakes, English muffins, etc.

2. Make Your Own Lunchable 

Kids always love Lunchables, but they aren’t the healthiest or the most cost effective. Make your own with this list, or make it up! Try including crackers, fruit, cookies, cheese, lunchmeat, carrots, etc.

3. Snack Packs 

Who doesn’t love bite-sized food? Small food items are easier for kids to eat, and you can give them lots of variety. Try this list of items to include in their lunches or go with things you know they like. Try grapes, carrots, cheese cubes, lunchmeat, cucumbers, applesauce, or anything else you can think of!

4. Wraps 

Wraps are a great alternative to regular sandwiches. This list has a few good ideas, but we especially like the almond butter strawberry wrap. Sounds more like dessert than lunch! You can always use peanut butter if you have picky eater on your hands.

5. Bagel with Cream Cheese 

A bagel is also a good alternative to a sandwich. You can use peanut butter and jelly instead of cream cheese, and include some other small snacks like crackers and veggies.

Send your kids back to school with these 5 creative lunchbox ideas! They’ll be happy not to be having a boring sandwich every day, and you can feel good about knowing exactly what they’re eating! No matter what you pack your kids in their school lunches, they’re sure to get excited about back to school shopping! Do some back to school shopping for yourself and check out our selection of great Ford vehicles! You can start shopping online at Velde Ford today!

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 Finds an Unlikely Partner in Sustainability

PEKIN, Ill., – Ford Motor Company has been a long time proponent for the use of sustainable materials in the auto industry. They began researching such ideas back in 2000 and have since implemented eight sustainable materials in their vehicles and products. Now Ford has found an unlikely partner in sustainability with the tequila industry: Jose Cuervo.

Most people are unaware of agricultural by-products and the ways they can be recycled. The agriculture industry creates 5 billion metric tons of waste every year, lots of which could be put to use in other industries.

“At Ford, we aim to reduce our impact on the environment,” said Ford senior technical leader of the sustainability research department, Debbie Mielewski. “As a leader in the sustainability space, we are developing new technologies to efficiently employ discarded materials and fibers, while potentially reducing the use of petrochemicals and light-weighting our vehicles for desired fuel economy.”

Ford has decided to team up with Jose Cuervo, the tequila distributor, to begin using some of the by-products produced by the Agave plant during the tequila making process. The left over plant fibers are already used as a fertilizer on the Agave farms, and by local artisans, and could potentially be used as a bioplastic for the interior and exterior of Ford vehicles. The pseudo plastic being created would be much lighter than regular plastic, improving vehicle efficiency.

Velde Ford is proud to support such sustainable practices in the auto industry and is happy to announce that Ford has found an unlikely partner in sustainability. We would like to encourage everyone to recycle and reuse as much of your everyday waste as possible. To learn more about Ford’s partnership with Jose Cuervo click here.

If you’d like to support a company that supports the environment, head down to Velde Ford Pekin and test-drive a new vehicle today! We have tons of new and used vehicles available to lease or to purchase! Our sales team would be happy to help you find the best car for your needs!

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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6 Ideas for a More Festive Memorial Day

PEKIN, Ill. – For most people, Memorial Day means the beginning of summer and all that comes with it. Celebratory cookouts will take place; boats will enter the lake for the first time in months. There are sure to be fireworks and parades, but does your party need a little extra something this year? Try our 6 ideas for a more festive Memorial Day and you wont be sorry. Good food, fun crafts, and easy decorations, what more could you ask for?

Get your party started with some easy do-it-yourself decorations:

These fun mason jar centerpieces are sure to be a hit with your party guests:

Keep the cutlery in order with these festive DIY tin can containers:

Don’t forget about the kids. When they’re not playing outside they’ll need something to keep their little hands busy:

These fun cupcake liner fireworks are an easy craft that kids can do on their own:

These patriotic hats are a simple way to keep the kids busy:

Don’t forget about the most important part of the day! The food:

This Mexican-style grilled corn is a fun and delicious twist on an all-American classic:

Finish off the day with this pretty and delicious, red, white, and blue fruit pizza:

Enjoy a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend! We hope our 6 ideas for a more festive Memorial Day will inspire you during this patriotic holiday! Now that summer has officially arrived, do you have any family trips coming up? Make sure your vehicle is in great working condition before you head out on your adventures! Schedule an appointment with our service center online or call (888) 221-2804. Our ASE certified technicians will make sure everything is running smoothly. If you’re looking for a new ride this summer, you might want to consider the differences between buying vs. leasing. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of each on our new pages. You can also check out the How to Buy and How to Lease pages for more information about 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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