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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Family-Friendly Fall Activities

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Fall is finally here! Now's the time to enjoy bonfires, warm cider, changing colors, apple-picking, and more fall fun. While the fall season is known for hayrides and cider mills, there's plenty of fun to be had all around Pekin! Try our list of family-friendly fall activities for unforgettable memories this season. From caramel apples to the farmer's market, the Pekin area is full of fun for everyone this autumn.

Grab a treat at Maurie's

Every fall, Maurie's in Pekin makes homemade caramel apples for everyone to enjoy. For the past 75 years, these amazing apples have been a must for Pekin residents in the fall season. Make sure you call ahead or stop in early because these tasty treats go fast and are only available from August-November. If you're in the mood for other fall necessities, you can get your hands on candy, caramel popcorn, hot chocolate, cider, and other goodies! 

Enjoy a Day at Rader Farms

Rader Family Farms, located in Normal, Illinois, is full of adventure and activities for anyone of any age! Challenge your friends to an apple shooting competition with Apple Blasters, make your way through a corn maze, explore over six acres of U-Pick pumpkins, and much more! Hungry? Rader Farms has five food and drink locations. Grab a bite to eat at Pumpkin Blossom Cafe or sip on a cup of coffee at the Harvest Brew Coffee Shop. You'll want to have a full stomach when you're ready to take on the 10-acre corn maze!

Explore the Spoon River Scenic Drive

The first two weekends of October are full of color at the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive! Make your way through this beautiful route and discover this breathtaking corner of Fulton County. Enjoy the vibrant fall colors, explore the 50th Annual Fall Festival, and find the perfect place to camp or stay for the night! There are countless sights to see and places to go on the Spoon River Scenic Drive. Don't miss out on the annual fall festival this October!

Enjoy Fall Fun at Tanners Orchard

Tanners Orchard, located in Speer, Illinois, is celebrating over 70 years of service this fall. Get lost in the corn maze, pick your own apples in the orchard, or play a game of Tug O' War! Feeling hungry? Snack on a doughnut, grab a glass of warm apple cider and hitch a ride on a hayride as the sun sets. For an unforgettable orchard experience, look no further than Tanners Orchard!

Stop by the Heritage Farmer's Market

From September to July, the Heritage Farmer's Market provides the Pekin area with locally sourced ingredients and foods that help local families year round! Get to know the people who grow the food for your family, enjoy arts and crafts with your kids, and learn new recipes every Saturday from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Check in with the farmer's market schedule to find out about special events and fun for the whole family!

This fall, support your local businesses and enjoy some family-friendly fall activities! You can make great memories, help the community around you, and appreciate the fall season. Did you know that owners of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles receive 24/7 roadside assistance? Owning a Ford CPO vehicle comes with a lot of unique perks that can benefit drivers, including extended warranties, a clean vehicle title, and much more. If you're interested in purchasing a CPO vehicle, take a look at our CPO inventory to browse our wide selection of vehicles and get a great deal. A CPO Ford would be the perfect vehicle to take on all your fall adventures!

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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Knowing the Difference Between CPO and Used Cars

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Certified pre-owned and used vehicles have many things in common. Both types of vehicles have been previously owned, are available in a variety of makes and models, and usually have affordable down payments. However, CPO and used vehicles are also very different. Knowing the difference between CPO and used cars can help you make a more informed purchase decision when it's time to buy a new vehicle. Get to know what makes a vehicle Certified or Used, and learn the benefits of purchasing one today!

What Makes a CPO Vehicle Certified?

Certified Pre-Owned vehicles must pass a 172-point inspection before they're considered Ford Certified. Each CPO vehicle must belong to one of the current or preceding 5 model years and must have no more than 80,000 miles on its odometer. CPO vehicles also receive comprehensive limited warranties, covering over 1,000 components for 10,000 miles/1 year and a limited powertrain warranty for 100,000 miles/7 years. In order to receive their certification, CPO vehicles must also have a clean title and history report, without a history of accidents or costly repairs. Find out how vehicles become CPO certified to learn more about this process and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle features.

What Makes a Used Vehicle Different From a CPO?

While Certified Pre-Owned vehicles have a rigid set of rules and regulations, used vehicles carry much less restrictions on their vehicles. You can purchase a used version of just about any make and model on our lot, no matter how old or new. Plus, if you purchase a used vehicle from us at Velde Ford, any warranties still valid on your used vehicle will carry over to you so you won't have to worry about purchasing new warranties! With more options and affordability in mind, purchasing a used vehicle provides drivers with plenty of opportunity in finding a vehicle that's up to their standards. Take a look at our used vehicle inventory to find something today!

The Pros of Owning a CPO Vehicle

Owning a CPO vehicle comes with a lot of great perks that can benefit drivers! Take a look at our CPO program overview for more information on what this exclusive program entails. Some of the biggest pros to owning a CPO can include:

• Ownership of a newer vehicle
• Comprehensive limited warranties
• Limited powertrain warranty for 7 years
• Ford-certified service
• 172-point inspection
• Clean vehicle title and history report
• 24-hour roadside assistance

The Pros of Owning a Used Vehicle

However, owning a used vehicle comes with a lot of benefits as well! At Velde Ford, you can find used vehicles of just about every make and model available. Take a look at our used vehicle inventory to find out for yourself. These are the biggest benefits to owning a used vehicle:

• Wider range of vehicle options
• Much more affordable compared to CPO
• Avoid new vehicle fees
• Negotiable prices
• Affordable insurance rates
• Transferrable warranties
• Less paperwork and time at the dealership

While CPO and used vehicles can often be confused with one another, knowing the difference between CPO and used cars can help you make your purchasing decision based off your budget and needs. Whether you're looking for a specific make and model or prefer the security of a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, we at Velde Ford have something for everyone! Shop around our used vehicle and CPO inventory to see what we have in stock, and let us know if we can help you find anything! If you're still on the fence about CPO vehicles, consider why you should buy a CPO with our handy guide.

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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How Vehicles Become CPO Certified

PEKIN, Ill.,–– In order for a vehicle to be considered Certified Pre-Owned, it must pass a series of rigorous inspections to receive this exclusive title. Many vehicles undergo these certification inspections, but few become CPO vehicles. If you're in the market to buy a used vehicle, learning how vehicles become CPO certified may help you in your decision making process. You can purchase a used vehicle of a newer make and model at a much more affordable rate with great warranties on a CPO title. These vehicles must pass all of these requirements in order to receive a Ford certification:

172-Point Inspection

From the engine to the wheels, every component of the vehicle is inspected with extreme attention to detail to ensure the vehicle is safe on the road. If any components aren't up to the standard of the Ford-certified mechanic, they'll be replaced or repaired to bring them up to speed. A CPO vehicle is inspected from head to toe so that future buyers have nothing to worry about when they make their purchase. This inspection also comes with a complimentary Carfax history report to inform owners on their CPO's maintenance history and other services performed.

Comprehensive Limited Warranty Coverage

All CPO vehicles come with comprehensive limited warranties, covering over 1,000 components for 10,000 miles/12 months. Your engine, transmission, front wheel and rear wheel drive, and more are completely covered during your first year of CPO ownership. Owners also receive a comprehensive powertrain warranty for 100,000 miles/7 years. It provides extended service plans and is transferrable to future owners, too. The comprehensive powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and more key components of the vehicle.

 Technical Requirements

CPO vehicles must belong to one of the current or 5 preceding model years in order to qualify for a certification. They must also have no more than 80,000 miles on the odometer and must have a clean vehicle title. Any vehicles that have caused or been involved in accidents will not receive the CPO title, so you'll be able to drive a vehicle that feels brand new, looks brand new, and drives like it's brand new!

Want to see a CPO in person? Schedule a test drive with us to get behind the wheel of a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle that you can take off the lot today! View our CPO inventory to see what we have in stock, and take a look at their Carfax reports, reviews, and vehicle history on each of their model pages. Now that you know how vehicles become CPO certified, take a look at why you should buy a CPO Ford to find out the other benefits that come with owning a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle!

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're in the market to buy a used vehicle but would prefer a well-tested newer model, a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle may be what you're looking for. CPO vehicles undergo rigorous multi-point inspections and must fit a series of specific requirements to receive the certified pre-owned label. Read on to learn why you should consider buying a CPO Ford and see the benefits of owning a CPO Ford vehicle, including roadside assistance, extensive warranty coverage, and more. If you want a firsthand look at CPO models, take a look at our certified pre-owned inventory to see what models we have available to purchase today!

Ford CPO Requirements

Certified pre-owned Ford vehicles must pass a series of inspections and requirements to receive a CPO title. This extensive care allows CPO owners to rest easy knowing that their vehicle has been thoroughly inspected to ensure that there are no malfunctions or errors with it. In order to  be considered a certified pre-owned vehicle, these vehicles must:

• Have a clean vehicle title and history report
• Pass a thorough 172-point inspection
• Have no more than 80,000 miles on the odometer
• Belong to one of the current or last 5 model years

Benefits of Owning a CPO Ford

CPO owners receive a wide variety of perks for their purchase. All CPO Ford vehicles receive unique benefits to their individual makes and models, but every vehicle is equipped with a 12-month/12,000 mile comprehensive limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. CPO owners also receive 24-hour roadside assistance, a tank of fresh oil, a full tank of fuel, and brand new wiper blades, free of charge! CPO Ford buyers can also opt-in to Ford Credit, offering buyers low APR and finance options for anyone of any income. Owners receive the benefit of knowing that all of their vehicle's components have been fully inspected and approved, with extensive warranties to protect their components.

Each certified pre-owned vehicle comes with different benefits and perks with their warranties to go along with the standard benefits mentioned above. You can learn about the benefits each vehicle has to offer by checking out our Ford CPO page or viewing our CPO inventory for a closer look at our models. Whether you're on the hunt for a new vehicle or are planning for the future, learning why you should consider buying a CPO Ford will help you stay informed the next time you're in the market to purchase a vehicle.

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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