Ford Helps The Salvation Army with Disaster Relief

PEKIN, Ill. – Ford Motor Company has been giving back to its Michigan communities for years now, and now Ford is helping The Salvation Army with disaster relief.

A 2016 Ford Transit 350 cargo van has been designed to help respond to emergency situations in Southeast Michigan. The cargo van will be used by a disaster services volunteer team that responds to requests from local authorities. The volunteer team provides food, drinks, clothing, communication support, blankets, temporary shelter, and cleanup kits to victims of an extreme disaster, as well as the first responders like police and firefighters.

Janet Lawson, the director of the Ford Motor Company fund and the philanthropic arm of Ford, is thrilled to be part of this project saying, “Assisting with disaster relief is an important part of our mission to serve the communities where we live and work. The flexibility of the Ford Transit van makes it a great fit for The Salvation Army’s emergency response fleet.”

The sleek design of the Ford Transit 350 gives it an advantage to maneuver in small places where an emergency might occur. Inside the cargo van, the ceiling is 6ft 9in so most people can stand comfortably. To prepare for any situation there is LED strobe lighting in the roof and grille, along with sirens and external speakers. So everyone on the disaster team can stay connected at all times, there’s also a ham radio antenna and generator. On the inside of the cargo van is a stove, microwave, coffeemaker, freezer, sink, electric hot water heater, and a refrigerator.

Fords help with The Salvation Army will serve up to 250 victims is a disaster. Another Transit is being donated to Kansas City as well. We’re proud to be part of such a great company that’s always willing to help their community. If you need any help with your vehicle needs, come to Velde Ford. We’re happy to take care of you and your vehicle. Take a look at our Spring Car Care section to see what kind of maintenance your vehicle needs this season. Schedule your service appointment with us online.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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5 Delicious & Flavorful Camping Recipes

PEKIN, Ill. – The weather is getting warmer, and summer vacation is right around the corner! Summer is full of fun adventures like road trips, day trips, and of course, camping. Camping is all about living the easy life, and enjoying the outdoors in beautiful Illinois with friends and family. Upgrade your camping style this year and try these 5 delicious & flavorful camping recipes.

Camping Mac N’ Cheese

Campfire Chili Cheese Fries

Camping Quesadillas

 

French Bread Pizza

Veggie & Sausage Shish Kabobs

 

Keep in mind that these 5 delicious & flavorful camping recipes will need to be prepared ahead of time and then packed with the rest of your food for your next camping adventure. Looking for a new SUV that will fit the whole family and all of your camping supplies? Velde Ford can help you with that. Take a look at the 2016 Ford Expedition EL. Parents will love the safety and technology features with this vehicle and the kids will love all the room they have during road trips. Come in for a test drive today if you’re interested.

Already have the perfect vehicle for your camping trips? Head on over to our Spring Car Care section on our website to learn about the maintenance your wipers, tires, and car fluids need this season. Make sure your vehicle is ready for your camping trip and schedule your spring service appointment at our Service Center online.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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Ford Mustang is the Most Popular Car Around the World

PEKIN, Ill. – A global takeover by one of the most iconic cars around has happened. If you’re a pony fan, you’ll be happy to know that the Ford Mustang is the most popular car around the world by ranking as the best selling sports coupe globally.

Globally, Ford has sold 110,000 Mustang Coupes according to IHS Automotive. On top of that, 30,000 Mustang Convertibles were sold. In total, the belling selling sports car topped off at 141,868 units sold.

Erich Merkle, a Ford sales analyst was thrilled to report about the Mustang’s sales saying, “U.S. consumers have enjoyed interesting foreign sports cars for decades, so it was time for the Americans to return the favor with the worldwide launch of the new Mustang. Global markets have responded in a huge way. Ford Mustang was the only sports coupe in the world with more than 100,000 units registered last year.”

In the upcoming year, Ford projects that the sales are only going to increase since last year. The Mustangs are available in 140 markets, including Australia. While a lot of American millennials are looking forward to the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, the markets overseas are all about the V8.

Here are some numbers for the Ford Mustang around the world:

• Since the Mustang has was put on sale in Europe, which was last summer, over 16,600 vehicles have been ordered.
• In the United Kingdom a total of 3,500 Mustangs have been sold.
• 339 Mustangs have been sold in France.
• In March, the Mustang was the number one selling sports coupe in Germany.
• The Mustang was also the top selling sports coupe in China throughout the fourth-quarter of 2015.
• The Mustang was so popular in Australia that is was the number one selling sports coupe for the first three months is went on sale, and initially sold out through 2017.
• Bringing it all the way back, In the US there were 12,563 Mustangs sold.

With the Ford Mustang being the most popular car around the world, plants aren’t even able to keep up with the demand, but if you're in our area, you're in luck! If you’re interested in getting your own Mustang, take a look at our inventory online and make a visit to Velde Ford.

We’ll be happy to schedule a test drive for you and get you into one of the most popular cars in the world! If you’re happy with the Ford you’re already driving, take a look at our Spring Car Care section online. Learn about the routine maintenance your vehicle needs this season, and schedule an appointment with us today,

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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10 Tips to Make the Planet Greener for Earth Day

PEKIN, Ill. – Earth Day 2016 is here, and it’s time to actively take steps towards a more green and healthy planet. We celebrate Earth Day every year to show appreciation to our planet and inspire others to do the same. While some will volunteer around their community, or others towards a specific cause, you can make a difference in your everyday life with these 10 tips to make the planet greener for Earth Day.

10 Tips to Make the Planet Greener for Earth Day

1. Invest in a bike. Biking may not be as fast as driving, but it’s much better for the planet and you. Biking is still a great form of transportation if you only need to go a few miles, and you get a great workout.
2. Open your curtains. Let the sunshine in on sunny days and you’ll have no need to turn on your lights. You can open up your window, too for fresh air instead of turning on your air conditioner.
3. Plant a garden. Having a garden not only provides you with fresh and healthy food, but it’s great for the soil as well.
4. Turn off and unplug electronics. If you’re not using an electronic make sure you unplug it. By keeping it plugged in, even if it’s not turned on, can waste electricity.
5. Start using reusable bags. A lot of paper and plastic bags are used at the grocery store, but you can start making a difference and use less with reusable bags.
6. Buy a water bottle. Instead of wasting plastic by using disposable plastic water bottles, invest in a reusable option. If you’re worried about clean water, you can buy a water filter too. It’ll save you money in the long run, and the cut down on plastic thrown away. If you do use the disposable bottles, make sure to recycle them! 
7. Pay your bills online. Not only will this cut down on paper, but it’s also super convenient for you. If you’re worried about forgetting about them, look into auto pay.
8. Switch your shower head. If you have an old shower head, changing it to a newer, more efficient option will save thousands of gallons a year.
9. Plant some trees in your yard. One tree can absorb up to a ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Bonus: you’re adding nice landscaping to your yard.
10. Run a full dishwasher. It’s better to run a dishwasher than hand wash dishes, but when you run it make sure it’s completely full so you’re not wasting water and you don’t have to do more loads than needed.

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the planet a cleaner and better place. If you’re thinking about investing in a new car soon, look into one of fuel-efficient Fords available at Velde Ford. Newer and more fuel-efficient vehicles are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time! If you’re happy with the vehicle you already have, check out our Spring Car Care section on our website. Keeping your vehicle up to date with the routine maintenance it needs every season will keep your vehicle performing its best.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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Downloadable 2016 Ford Taurus Brochure

PEKIN, Ill. – If you’re looking for top-of-the-line performance and sophisticated style, then the 2016 Ford Taurus is perfect for you. This full-size sedan offers generous space for you, your passengers, and in the trunk, plus the latest in Ford SYNC technologies to keep you connected at all times on the road. To see all the information on this full-size sedan, download the 2016 Ford Taurus brochure below.

Downloadable 2016 Ford Taurus Brochure

Ford SYNC keeps the driver connected and safe on the road. Hands-free calling, automatic phone book download, voice-activated music commands, Sync AppLink, and 911 Assist will help you keep your eyes will on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. With the SYNC AppLink you can connect your phone and manage your favorite phone apps like Pandora with just the sound of your voice.

The 2016 Ford Taurus comes in four different trim levels. Choose between SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO. In the SHO trim level drivers will enjoy the twin-turbo and direct-injection 3.5L EcoBoost engine. If you’re looking for extra performance drivers can opt in for the SHO Performance Package with an enhanced sport-tuned suspension, sport-calibrated steering, performance summer tires, and performance friction brake pads. See all the options and trim levels in the downloadable 2016 Ford Taurus brochure.

Come into Velde Ford and test drive the 2016 Ford Taurus today. At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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Ford F-150 Earned A 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick

PEKIN, Ill. – We’re very happy to announce that the Ford F-150 earned a 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick for the SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations, making it the only large pickup to earn this recognition.

The Ford F-150 earned the 2016 IIHS Safety Pick with its all-new military-grade, aluminum alloy body high-strength steel frame, and smart engineering. Thanks to the new build, the F-150 is 700lbs lighter, which helped it score top ratings in payload, towing, and EPA-estimated gas fuel economy.

Very proud of the achievement, Raj Nair, the Ford executive vice president, said, “From the moment our team set out to design and build the new F-150, we knew it had to be best-in-class. From the moment our team set out to design and build the new F-150, we knew it had to be best-in-class.”

Ford engineers worked diligently to make the F-150 the best and safest truck on the road. With 31 safety-related innovations, the F-150 was sure to be one of the safest on the road. The F-150 was also put through rigorous testing with supercomputer simulations and advance laboratories.

We’re also proud to say that the 2016 F-150 earned a 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick and is the only full-size pickup that has earned a five-star rating for the driver and passenger in all crash test modes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you’d like to learn more about the 2016 Ford F-150 head on over to VeldeFordPekin.com! Our F-150 page outlines safety features, technology features, upgradable packages, engine options, and competing model comparisons. Learn why every other truck is history by going online today. Interested in taking one for a test drive? Check out our inventory to find one that you like and come into our dealership. Our sale representatives at Velde Ford are happy to take care of you and get you in the truck of your dreams.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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5 Travel Snacks Perfect for any Road Trip

PEKIN, Ill. – With summer approaching quickly, it’s time to get your road trips planned and organized. First, you need to start with picking your perfect destination. Want to explore a city? Try Chicago! Looking for more of a family vacation spot? Check out the Wisconsin Dells! Once you figure out your destination, it’s time to start thinking about what you need to pack. That’s one list we can help you with though! You’re in charge of packing your shoes and clothes, but we’ve got you covered with the food. Check out these 5 travel snacks perfect for any road trip! From healthy to not so much, and from salty to sweet, your trip will be awesome with these treats in the passenger seat.

5 Travel Snacks That Are Perfect for any Road Trip

Homemade Crunch Apple Chips

Peanut Butter Bliss Bars

S’mores Snack Mix

Parmesan Ranch OysterCrackers

Homemade Fruit Rollups

Don’t forget to check out our spring car care section on our website. Make sure your vehicle gets the routine maintenance it needs this season so it’s road trip ready for the summer. Schedule your spring service appointment with our experts at Velde Ford. We’re happy to take care of anything you need in the Pekin area. If you’re looking for a new Ford for your summer road trips check out the 2016 Ford Expedition EL. With plenty of space, safety features, and technology features the whole family will love this SUV.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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Downloadable 2016 Ford Expedition EL Brochure

PEKIN, Ill. – The 2016 Ford Expedition EL will take you and your family on any adventure you choose. With unstoppable power, capability, and lots of space the whole family will love the Expedition EL. Feel confident that you and your family are always safe in the Expedition EL with the government’s highest safety rating – a 2015 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score. Learn more about the 2016 Ford Expedition EL by downloading your free brochure below.

Downloadable 2016 Ford Expedition EL Brochure

The whole family will be comfortable in the Expedition EL with a total of 130.8 cubic ft. of cargo space. With the Powerfold 3rd-row seat, switching from space for more passengers to space for more cargo is simple and seamless. Plus, if you have a lot of passengers there’s always room for their luggage as well with 42.6 cubic ft. of space in the trunk. Drivers will enjoy an adjustable Cargo Management System as well to keep all the backseat cargo neat and organized.

Under the hood of the 2016 Ford Expedition EL there a 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged direct-injection engine that kicks pout 365 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired up with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, drivers will get an EPA-estimated rating of 22 MPG on the highway. To learn more about the performance and features of the 2016 Ford Expedition EL, download your free brochure.

If you decide that the 2016 Ford Expedition EL is the perfect addition to your family, stop by Velde Ford. At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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Downloadable 2016 Ford Edge Brochure

PEKIN, Ill. – The 2016 Ford Edge will take you on any adventure in style. With its bold stance and fluid lines, the Edge will always turn heads. New for the 2016 model, SYNC 3 brings the latest technology to the Edge keeping you connected no matter where you venture to. Find out more about the 2016 Ford Edge by downloading the brochure below.

Downloadable 2016 Ford Edge Brochure

Ford SYNC keeps you connected and safe on the road. With features like hands-free calling, automatic phone book download, voice-activated music commands, Sync AppLink, and 911 Assist your eyes will remain on the road and your hands will stay on the steering wheel. Plus, with the SYNC AppLink, you can control your favorite phone apps with just the sound of your voice.

There are 5 trim levels to choose from with the 2016 Ford Edge. Choose from the SE, SEL, Titanium, and Sport. All 5 trim levels offer a smooth and quiet ride that you and your passengers can enjoy. In the Edge Sport you’ll get the ultimate driving experience with a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 2.7L EcoBoost engine. Plus, with an EPA-estimated rating of 24 MPG on the highway, the Edge ranks best-in-class with gas, V6hp, and torque. Download the 2016 Ford Edge brochure to learn more about the trims options and features.

If you want to start riding in style, take the 2016 Ford Edge for a test drive today 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. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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The 2017 Ford Mustang is Going to Make Your Summer Hot!

PEKIN, Ill. – If you’re looking for a rockin’ summer ride, we’ve got something for you! Ford Motor Company just made a huge announcement that the 2017 Ford Mustang is going to make your summer hot with three new colors and upgraded standard features.

The 2017 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang will be going on sale this June, and Ford Performance ensured that this would be the best Mustang on the market. Mustang fans have expressed to Ford what they look for in their next sports car. Ford's global director Dave Pericak says, "At the end of last year we started offering a back seat option for Shelby GT350R due to customer demand. Now, we have adjusted the packages available to continue to provide more of what customers want on the Shelby GT350 Mustang.”

The 2017 Ford Mustang will make your summer hot in three new colors: Ruby Red Metallic, Lightning Blue, and Grabber Blue. For those of your who were crazy about the Track Page from previous Mustangs you’ll be happy to hear it’s coming standard on the 2017 model with features that include:

• Aluminum tower-to-tower brace
• MagneRide damping system
• High-downforce decklid spoiler
• Engine oil, transmission, and differential coolers

Ford Performance is also offering two other packages you can add onto you new Mustang including an Electronics Package and Convenience Package. The Electronics Package includes SYNC 3, a nine-speaker audio system, and voice activated navigation. The Convenience Package offers the same as the Electronics Package, but also includes leather-trimmed power sport seats.

You can look forward to test-driving the 2017 Mustang at Velde Ford this June! While you’re waiting until then, get your current Ford ready for spring. Check out our spring car care page on our website and see what maintenance your vehicle may need this season. From tires to wiper blades, our team of experts can help you with all of your vehicle service needs. Schedule a service appointment with us today at Velde Ford online.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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FordPass Has Partnered with Spotify

PEKIN, Ill. – This year Ford has been making huge strides forward in their Ford Smart Mobility plan. The plan is centralized around bettering the mobility possibilities for Ford customers, and overall giving Ford customers more in mobility assistance. FordPass has been a huge part of this push giving Ford drivers a mobile app they can interact with. FordPass has been working to including features users want including it's most recent partner, Spotify. FordPass customers have four different elements they can use:

Marketplace: Ford is partnering with a few companies that will makes finding and reserving a parking spot easy, not matter what city you’re in. In this element you can also take advantage of car sharing and borrowing when you’re traveling in a different city. The best feature is you can schedule a service appointment with just a touch of a button.

FordGuides: FordGuides are here for your convenience! If you need help with anything FordPass, these are the people you’re going to want to call. For example, if you need to reserve a parking space but you’re unsure how to go about that, call a FordGuide and they’ll walk you through the steps and get you on your way in no time!

Appreciation: With FordPass, Ford wants to show their appreciation to you as a customer. Get bonus merchandise and invited to exclusive events with FordPass partners – like Spotify. Also, you can look forward to getting awesome prizes just be interacting on your FordPass app.

FordHubs: FordHubs will be actual stations that you can stop at in certain cities. FordGuides will be on site for any questions or mobility help. In the future, Ford also Ford plans on hosting special events at the hubs like car reveals and more!

You can find more general information on the FordPass app and its elements in one of our past blogs.

Recently, Ford has partnered with Spotify along with many other companies including McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, and BP. Ford measured that people spent 900 hours yearly on their mobile device, and 25 of those hours listening to music. Spotify is going to being FordPass customers the ultimate music experience on and off the road. Ford partnering with Spotify will bring customers perks through the Appreciation element of the mobile app. They’ll be able to have access to unique experience and merchandise.

FordPass will be launching this April! Want to take advantage of all these awesome benefits you get with FordPass? Come to Velde Ford and we’ll hook you up with a brand new 2016 Ford Taurus! If you’re not in the market for a new Ford, then check out our new spring car care section on our website. Learn about the routine maintenance your tires, wipers, and fluids need this season. Schedule a service appointment with our experts today!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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