Ford Transit Connect Wagon Offers Versatility and Flexibility

PEKIN, Ill., – Have you ever wanted to pursue your goals or hobbies but felt you didn’t have the resources you need? The Ford Transit Connect Wagon offers versatility and flexibility; two things you need to fulfill your passions. Devin Stovall, the winner of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon giveaway, is proving this to be true.

The recent giveaway winner plans to use his Ford Transit Connect Wagon as a mobile bicycle and wheelchair repair shop! Stovall works full-time at a bicycle shop, but plans to use his free time to help BMX bikers, mountain bikers, and senior citizens repair their wheels.

Stovall is a great example of how important having the proper resources to pursue your passions can be. Many Americans are looking to supplement their income by starting side businesses, something that has been made ever more convenient by the popularity of the Internet world and social media platforms. But while technological advancements help to an extent, having the space and resources to create these business ventures is crucial. In the case of Stovall, his Transit Connect provides him with the mobile office space he needs. It also provides him with the ideal vehicle for his family in his everyday life. You can learn more about Devin and his endeavors by clicking here.

If you think it sounds like the Ford Transit Connect Wagon offers versatility and flexibility you need to start pursuing your dreams, you can test drive one for yourself at Velde Ford Pekin. We think the Ford Transit Connect Wagon provides the perfect opportunity to grow your side business, follow your dreams, or take your family wherever your heart desires!

Don’t forget to stay up to date on all of your vehicle maintenance needs this summer. Use our Summer Car Care pages at Velde Ford Pekin to help you with your car service needs. Learn all about your cooling and A/C systems, your fuel system, your exterior lights, how to prevent sun damage, and why it’s important to fix cosmetic damage to your vehicle.

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 SYNC Vehicle Technology with MyFord Touch

PEKIN, Ill., – We want to give you the best car experience possible at Velde Ford. That’s why we’ve created our new Ford SYNC Vehicle Technology with MyFord Touch informational page. We want to help you understand and utilize your vehicle’s technology capabilities. Visit the Ford SYNC Vehicle Technology with MyFord Touch page on www.VeldeFordPekin.com.
Page details include:

SYNC Hands-Free Calling
With SYNC Hands-Free Calling, you can make calls from your cell phone through your vehicles speakers, without ever taking your eyes off the road.

Ford SYNC 911 Assist
In the case of an accident, this feature allows your vehicle to call emergency services for you if you’re unable to make the call yourself.

Infotainment System Voice Recognition
This feature is activated by a button on your steering wheel and allows you to make a call, send a text, or control your music without taking your hands off the wheel.

SYNC AppLink with Voice Control
SYNC AppLink allows you to control your favorite apps on your smartphone while driving. You can listen to sports broadcasts or your favorite music and radio apps.

Ford SYNC 3 plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Control your smartphone through the speakers of you car and utilize navigation, make calls and listen to voicemails without becoming a distracted driver.

Siri Seamless Integration
Use Siri as you normally would on your iPhone with the Siri Eyes Free feature. You can use this feature to check traffic conditions and look for restaurants in your area.

Music Search and Control
Control your in-car music by connecting your devices through Bluetooth or with a USB cord. Then use your voice to pick your songs!

Climate Control Through Ford SYNC
Save your preferred climate settings and return to them later with a simple voice command.

Ford SYNC Connect
Available with SYNC 3, use the FordPass app to track your car’s location, start your car remotely, and lock and unlock your car from your smartphone.

We want you to have the latest and greatest technologies in your vehicle to make your driving experience the most convenient it can be. With our new Ford SYNC Vehicle Technology with MyFord Touch informational page, we hope you can get an idea of your vehicles capabilities!

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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5 Red, White, and Blue Recipes for 4th of July

PEKIN, Ill., – How are you planning to celebrate your 4th of July? Whether you’re having a huge cookout or a small gathering with friends and family, these 5 red, white, and blue recipes for 4th of July are guaranteed to spice up your celebration!

1. First, you’ll want a patriotic appetizer! What cookout would be complete without deviled eggs? Try this tutorial on how to make red, white and blue deviled eggs! It shows you how to dye the eggs and how to make the filling, as well as how to cook the perfect hard-boiled egg.

2. Next, you’ll want some side dishes. Start with this red, white, and blueberry caprese salad. This creative side dish is pretty to look at and delicious to eat!

3. As another side dish, try this red, white and blue pasta salad. It includes a recipe to follow, but once you learn how to dye the pasta you could easily alter it to your own favorite pasta salad recipe!

4. Time for the main course. We found these fun red, white, and bleu cheese sliders. It’s a pretty simple recipe perfect for grilling.

5. Last but not least, don’t forget about dessert! These red, white, and blue cupcake cones are cute, delicious, and very kid friendly.

No matter what you have planned for this summer’s 4th of July celebration, these 5 red, white, and blue recipes for 4th of July will help your holiday be a success! If you have any favorite patriotic recipes that we missed, be sure to share them with us! If your 4th of July plans include traveling, take a look at our Summer Car Care pages to help you keep up on your seasonal vehicle maintenance. We include tons of helpful info about your cooling and A/C systems, fuel system, exterior lights, cosmetic repairs, and sun protection!

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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Escape the Room – Ford Edition

PEKIN, Ill., – The popular interactive game experience Escape the Room has partnered with Ford to create the largest game concept of its type. Escape the Room – Ford Edition, or Escape NYC was compiled by a partnership trifecta: Ford, Escape the Room designer Victor Blake, and the I LOVE NEW YORK campaign.

Escape the Room is an interactive game experience that involves players and their ability to solve puzzles, clues, and find hidden objects in order to escape the room they are seemingly trapped in. This weekend, June 23-26, competitors will participate in the largest Escape the Room experience yet, complete with the first drivable experience of its type.

Housed in midtown Manhattan’s Moynihan Station, the game will take up 35,000 square feet. We think the coolest part, is the incorporation of the 2017 Ford Escape and all of its latest technology features. Although the game experience itself is kept top secret, we do know that Escape NYC uses SYNC AppLink, SYNC 3, and SYNC Connect features, as well as some safety features like the collision warning, park assist, and rearview camera.

As well as the integration of the 2017 Ford Escape and it’s awesome features, the I LOVE NEW YORK campaign aims to raise awareness and bring light to some lesser known destinations in New York.

So what do you think? Would you try to Escape the Room – Ford Edition? If you’d like to try out a 2017 Ford Escape without all the pressure of an interactive game experience, you can come down to Velde Ford in Pekin and test-drive one for yourself! Call us at (888) 221-2804. We would love to tell you all about the latest technologies and safety features offered on any of the Ford Vehicles.

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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10 Summer Bucket List Ideas

PEKIN, Ill., – Who says summer bucket lists are just for kids? Although our 10 summer bucket list ideas can definitely include children, they’re also perfect for any adult looking to be a little adventurous this summer. Don’t let the good weather pass you by! Take advantage of the upcoming summer months! Can you check everything off of our list before fall rolls around?

1. Take a road trip

Taking a road trip doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. It doesn’t call for much planning either! Grab a friend, pack some snacks, fill up your tank, and just drive! You might be surprised at the fun things you find on your little adventure! If you’re the type of person who needs to have a plan, head to Chicago with our 5 fun Chicago destinations. Chicago is less than 3 hours from Pekin! If that’s too far, Champaign is just a little over an hour drive!

2. Go camping in the backyard

Camping is great summer bucket list item because you can make it as big of a deal as you want! Setting up a tent in the backyard with the kids can be just as much fun as planning a camping trip over a long weekend. Not only are you within close range of running water, running inside is easy in the case of inclement weather! You can still do all the fun camping things like roasting marshmallows over the fire pit and sleeping on air mattresses in sleeping bags, all while being a few steps from indoor bathrooms!

3. Try something new

Summertime presents a great opportunity to try new things! What is something you’ve always wanted to do but never actually done before? Have you ever gone paddle boarding or kayaking? What about hiking or rock climbing? Make a commitment to yourself this summer to try something new and exciting! It could be something as small as trying a new food or recipe! Step out of your comfort zone!

4. Cook a meal from farmers market ingredients

This summer, the Pekin Farmers Market will be held every Thursday through September 3rd from 4-6pm. A great meal to prepare from farmers market ingredients would be a fresh omelet! You can find farm fresh eggs, veggies and cheese to cook a delicious breakfast, all while supporting your local farmers!

5. Attend an outdoor concert

Live music is always a great time, but take advantage of the good weather and go to an outdoor show! Whether it’s a big name artist or a small local band, you’re sure to have a great time listening to some music under the sun or the stars!

6. Read a new book

Make yourself a list of books you’ve been dying to read. Maybe they’re the classics you never got to or an author a friend recommended. Whatever the case, summer is a great time to catch up on the reading you’ve been falling behind on.

7. Plan a picnic

Whether it’s you and a friend, you and your kids, or you and your significant other, who doesn’t love a good a picnic? Pack up a lunch and blanket and take it to your favorite beach or other outdoor area! If the weather isn’t looking so great, you can always try an indoor picnic on the living room floor!

8. Tie Dye

Do you have some old dingy white clothes lying around? Run to the local craft store and pick up a tie dye kit! Turn your unwanted clothes into works of art. You could also try tie dying old white shoes or sheets! Tie dye is a great outdoor activity for kids and adults!

9. Start a garden

Have you always wanted to start a garden in your backyard? Summer is the perfect time! If you don’t have space in your yard for a garden, you could try this fun DIY window box garden! Plant fruits, veggies, herbs, or flowers! Watching something grow is always rewarding!

10. Watch fireworks

Summer is pretty much the only time to catch a fireworks show. Fourth of July will be here before you know it, so make sure you plan to head to a fireworks display. If you’re bringing the kids along, sparklers are always a fun activity! Just be sure to review safety with them and make sure sparklers are allowed if you’re in a public park.

Summer is the best time to check off some bucket list items! Can you complete all of our 10 summer bucket list ideas? Did we miss anything? Let us know! If you’re planning any road trips this summer be sure your vehicle is running smoothly! Check out our Summer Car Care pages to find tips and tricks on keeping your cooling and A/C system, fuel system, and exterior lights in working order. You can also look at our cosmetic repairs page for more info on fixing your dings and dents, and our sun protection page for tips on how to protect your car from the sun this summer!

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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5 Fun Chicago Destinations

PEKIN, Ill., – Summer has officially arrived in Illinois and we’d like to inspire you to take a road trip adventure! We picked 5 fun Chicago destinations to see this summer. Chicago is located about 170 miles northeast of Pekin, right on Lake Michigan. It will take you a little less than 3 hours to get there, the perfect distance for a road trip! We think you’ll like these fun places:

Oz Park 

Oz Park is The Wizard of Oz themed park located in the Lincoln Park community of Chicago. The park was originally an effort to enhance the community. Now it serves as a unique playground and park featuring fun statues of Oz characters.

Lincoln Park Zoo 

Lincoln Park Zoo is a completely free outdoor attraction located in Lincoln Park in Chicago. The zoo features tons of different wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Did we mention it’s free?

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool 

Originally built in 1889 as part of a Victorian garden, the lily pool was adopted by Alfred Caldwell in 1936. The Lincoln Park Conservancy picked it up in 1997 and brought it back to its former glory. They now maintain the beautiful 2.7 acre historical landmark.

Navy Pier 

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most well renowned attractions and landmarks. With so much food, the Ferris wheel, and its redeveloped atmosphere, there’s something at Navy Pier for everyone. Be sure to check their website for lists of events and activities.

The International Museum of Surgical Science 

If you need to get out of the heat or the rain this summer, and you want a different museum experience than the art, science, and field museums offer, check out the International Museum of Surgical Science. The IMSS is the only museum in North America dedicated to the history of surgery!

We hope these 5 fun Chicago destinations pique your interest and motivate you to hit the road! If you decide to go on any road trips this summer, be sure your car is up to date on all of its maintenance. Head over to our new Summer Car Care at Velde Ford Pekin pages to help you keep your car running smoothly. If you’d like to schedule a service appointment you can fill out our online form. Don’t forget to check our Service FAQ page for more information.

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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2017 Ford Fusion Earns A Top Safety Pick+ Award

PEKIN, Ill., – The 2017 Ford Fusion earns a Top Safety Pick+ Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) by earning good ratings in all five crashworthiness tests. Each test targets a different area of the vehicle and how it will hold up in the case of a crash.

These five tests include moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints, and front crash prevention. To earn a Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must receive good ratings in all categories, as well as have a front crash prevention system with an advanced or superior rating. The 2017 Ford Fusion received superior marks in the front crash prevention category.

The 2017 Fusion was designed with a new modified front-end structure, which helped it get a good rating in the overlap front test. As well as this addition, the new Fusion offers an optional active braking system to help drivers avoid collisions. This improvement helped it receive its superior rating in the front crash prevention category.

As well as the new safety features, the Ford Fusion’s other features include a pedestrian detection system, hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking capability, lane-keeping assist, and Blind Spot Information system with cross-traffic alert.

We’re happy to announce that the 2017 Ford Fusion earns a Top Safety Pick+ Award from the IIHS. If you’d like to test drive the 2016 Ford Fusion, come down to Velde Ford Pekin, or schedule an appointment online! If you need any help with your routine maintenance this summer, be sure to check our new Summer Car Care pages for tons of helpful information about your cooling and A/C system, exterior lights, fuel system, cosmetic repairs, and sun protection!

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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Summer Car Care at Velde Ford Pekin

PEKIN, Ill., – Summer has arrived in Illinois and we know what that means! Time to hit the road for those summer travel plans. With that in mind, we’ve put together our new Summer Car Care at Velde Ford Pekin pages. We know you might get lost in the excitement of summer vacation, but don’t forget to keep your vehicle up to date on its maintenance. In our new pages we’ve outlined some of the basic maintenance you should keep up with on your car during the summer season, including your cooling and A/C systems, cosmetic damage fixes, exterior lights, fuel system, and sun protection. If you’re planning any trips this summer, it’s crucial to keep your car ready to travel! We want to make sure you and your passengers reach your destination safely and comfortably. Check out the pages below:

Cooling and A/C Systems: Here we go over the importance of your cooling and A/C systems in your car. We outline some warning signs to look for that could mean your cooling or A/C systems aren’t working properly. The cooling system keeps your engine from overheating and the A/C system keeps you cool on the road. Don’t get stuck in the hot weather due to unchecked cooling or A/C systems.

Cosmetic Damage: On this page we talk about why it’s easiest to fix cosmetic damages during the summer. We run through some common cosmetic fixes that need to be made and why it’s important to the life of your vehicle to have them fixed. Many cosmetic damages can cause rust, which greatly decreases the value of your car. Save yourself precious time and money by fixing cosmetic damages as soon as you can.

Exterior Lights: Here we go over the different types of exterior lights that are found on your vehicle and why you need to keep them in good working condition. Light maintenance often gets overlooked when it comes to routine car care, but exterior lights play a huge role in keeping you safe on the road. We discuss different types of headlights and how you can change them yourself at home, as well as an easy way to make sure your exterior lights are working properly.

Fuel System: On this page we go over what your fuel system does for your car and the different components that make it up. We discuss some warning signs that may mean your fuel system is working inefficiently and why it’s important to maintain your fuel system in your vehicle. Gasoline is the main source of power in your vehicle. If the fuel system isn’t working properly you could be causing expensive damage to your vehicle. If you notice the warning signs we mention, don’t wait to have your fuel system serviced.

Sun Protection: On the Sun Protection page, we talk about some tips and tricks for protecting your car from the harmful UV rays of the sun. We go over the different types of damage that can be cause by the sun and how you can prevent them from occurring.

After you’ve read all the pages on Summer Car Care at Velde Ford Pekin, we hope you have a better understanding of the importance of maintaining your car in the summer. We’d love to help you with your cooling or A/C system, cosmetic damages, exterior lights, fuel system, or sun protection to get your vehicle ready for those summer adventures. Make sure to give us a call at (888) 221-2804 or make an appointment with our service center online. If you have any other service or maintenance questions, you can always check the FAQ section of our website.

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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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.

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