2018 Ford F-150 Receives Improvements

PEKIN, Ill.,–– For the past 40 years, the Ford F-150 has been the best selling pickup truck in the United States. This year, the F-150 hopes to retain that title with improved engine power and transmission, as well as a higher fuel economy. This year, the 2018 Ford F-150 receives improvements, including upgraded trim levels and better towing. Discover the F-150's innovative improvements and find out how this powerful pickup is now stronger than ever before.

The new 2018 F-150 has been redesigned with customization in mind. With five engine choices, three cabin sizes, up to five trim levels, and two drive types, you'll be able to find an F-150 that matches your needs. Automatic start-stop engine technology is standard on every new F-150 model, a segment-first in its vehicle class. This heavy-duty pickup matches its new and improved features with a fresh makeover, too. The 2018 F-150 is equipped with a new front grille and headlights, 18-22 inch wheels, and a wide variety of different styles for every trim level.

Improving on previous models, the new Ford F-150 also receives significant upticks in performance, gas mileage, and horsepower. A 3.5-liter EcoBoost F-150 can achieve up to 13,200 lbs of towing capacity and up to 26 MPG highway. The new engine also produces 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, an increase of 8 horsepower and 12 lb-ft. of torque from last year's model. The F-150 achieves the best in-class towing, payload, class-exclusive Smart Towing, and a high-strength military-grade aluminum-alloy body, weighing up to 700 lbs less than last year's model with no loss to its impressive power.

The new 2018 Ford F-150 receives improvements on its performance, mileage, and customization options. Choose from a variety of customizable features to add a personal touch to your new F-150 and hit the road in style with this award-winning pickup's versatility. No matter your vehicle needs, the F-150's various model options allow you to find the perfect pickup for your lifestyle! If you want to get behind the wheel of one of these incredibly powerful pickups, schedule a test drive with us today! Take a look at our F-150 inventory to see what we currently have in stock. You can find reviews, pricing, features, and more on each vehicle's individual page.

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 to Treat Your Dad Right This Father's Day

PEKIN, Ill.,––Next Sunday, June 18th, is Father's Day! Just like Mother's Day, this holiday is all for celebrating Dad. Whether you have a Father, Husband, Grandpa, or Brother that you're honoring for being an awesome parent, there are plenty of ways to do so. If you're celebrating a certain father in your life, but aren't quite sure what to do, we can help. Check out these simple ideas on how to treat your Dad right this Father's Day.

1. Give Him a Homemade Gift

You can make him a neat gift yourself, or have the little ones craft something up. Personalized homemade gifts are some of the most valuable. Here are a few ideas:

-A decorated photo frame 

-A themed basket of small gifts

-A painted t-shirt

-A coin plate or memory box

-A keychain

-A card with a handwritten message

2. Make Him a Delicious Meal

Show your Dad you truly care and whip him up his favorite meal! Whether you make a dinner for a crowd, or a dessert for a few, we know he'll appreciate a tasty treat. Get some great ideas on our Pinterest page! 

3. Run Errands for Him

You can easily let your Dad relax on Father's Day, or any other day by dedicating your time and energy towards the things he might not really want to do, a.k.a. errands. Here are a few ideas:

-Get his oil changed (schedule an oil change appointment at Velde Ford online)
-Mow the lawn
-Wash the car
-Clean the house or do chores
-Fix something around the house

4. Do a Special Activity with Him

Depending on what your Dad likes to do, spending time together is one of the best gifts you can give because you can make memories together. Some ideas of activities you could do together:

-Grill dinner
-Go golfing
-Get some ice cream
-Go to a Peoria Chiefs game
-Take a walk along the Peoria riverfront
-Watch his favorite show or movie
-Reminisce on old photos
-Go for a drive (schedule a test drive with a Mustang at Velde Ford and surprise him!)



We hope all the Dad's in Pekin, Illinois have a wonderful Father's Day next Sunday with our tips on how to treat your Dad right! If your Dad is looking for a new Ford F-150 or Ford Mustang, we'd be happy to help. We're a family-owned dealership and we're happy to treat each and every one of our customers as family, too. Learn more about who we are and how we can provide you a great dealership experience!

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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Turn to the 2017 Raptor F-150 for Off-Road Excellence

PEKIN, Ill.,––Are you someone who craves adventure? Who wants to take themselves off the road and into the sandy dunes, muddy trails, or rocky hills? If so, you can turn to the 2017 Raptor F-150 for off-road excellence. The comeback kid, the Raptor, is here with a cutting-edge terrain management system thanks to the AWD/4WD transfer case. Let's take a look at what makes this pickup truck unique.

When Ford first announced a new Raptor, the new design and powerful engines were the big selling points; however, as many have discovered, the terrain management system and transfer case have become the focus. The goal of Ford's innovative team was to improve the daily driving experience, while cohesively offering the ultimate off-road experience.

The terrain management system is enabled by the dual-mode transfer case that uses both AWD and 4WD systems and electronic lockers that is able to more intelligently distribute power to the front and rear wheels in response to the terrain it's experiencing.

"With the clutch-based feature of the transfer case, drivers can travel on-road using the 4x4 auto setting, which delivers the benefit of four-wheel drive without the repercussions of component damage or driveline binding – something that can occur when drivers try to use mechanically locked systems on high-traction surfaces like pavement."

Ford specifically calibrated the automatic 4WD to specific road surface conditions, so the transfer case can alter the clutch torque to best fit the environment. With the terrain management system, drivers can select weather modes to finely tune their driving experience, or rely on the Raptor's default electronic shift-on-the-fly system.

If you're interested in a better 4x4 experience, you can turn to the 2017 Raptor F-150 for off-road excellence. If you simply need a great driving experience and strong towing capabilities, we recommend taking a look at the 2017 Ford F-150. We'd be happy to show you how an F-150 pickup can provide just what you need on the road and on the worksite at Velde Ford! Learn all about the F-150 on our website, and get in contact with us


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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F-150 Earns Dependability Award from J.D. Power

PEKIN, Ill., – The Ford F-Series has now been the top-selling truck in the United States for 40 years! Last week, the Ford F-150 Earned the Dependability Award from J.D. Power. This award was earned by the 2014 model year F-150, as the study is conducted when the vehicle is three years old.

Most truck shoppers listed the F-150's quality as a main reason for buying. This sets the F-150 apart from its competitors and is a definite attribute in earning the Dependability Award from J.D. Power.

Since 1977, Ford has sold more than 26 million F-Series trucks. It's safe to say that the large light duty pickup truck is well loved, and for good reason.

“All customers demand quality vehicles, and truck customers depend on toughness and reliability most of all,” Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president for quality said of this distinction. “That’s why Built Ford Tough is much more than a slogan. It’s how we develop the F-150 and how we deliver on our promise to customers to continuously improve America’s favorite pickup truck.”

At Velde Ford, we're not surprised to hear that the F-150 earned the Dependability Award from J.D. Power. These long-lasting, well-loved, pickup trucks are a favorite across the board! If you'd like to get behind the wheel of one for yourself, schedule a test drive at Velde Ford! We think you'll love it, so start browsing models in our online inventory! We look forward to working with you soon!

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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Downloadable 2017 Ford F-150 Brochure

PEKIN, Ill., – Get ready to learn all about the 2017 Ford F-150! Download the the electronic brochure from Velde Ford to see all the details of the safest F-150 ever!

Downloadable 2017 Ford F-150 Brochure

If you're interested in buying or leasing the latest F-150 from Velde Ford, you'll definitely want to take a look at the downloadable 2017 Ford F-150 brochure. You can read about its powerful towing capacities and safety features that earned it its 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. 

The 2017 Ford F-150 is available in many different trim levels and interior and exterior color packages. There's a reason that the Ford F-Series trucks have been the best selling trucks in America for 40 years! Find out why by reading the downloadable 2017 Ford F-150 brochure!

We want you make the right vehicle purchase for you needs and lifestyle! Be sure to stop by Velde Ford to schedule a test drive of a 2017 Ford F-150 or any of our other Ford models! 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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Be sure to check out all of our latest videos on YouTube, where you can learn about our visions and values and meet our staff!

Our Favorite Ford Displays from NAIAS

PEKIN, Ill., – As the North American International Auto Show in Detroit wrapped up yesterday, many car enthusiasts went home with visions of the Ford Mustang racing through their heads. For more than a century, Detroit, the home of Ford, has been the host of this prestigious event, bringing the latest in auto technology and concepts to the public eye. This year boasted many impressive new concept vehicles, technology improvements, and fun exhibits. Here are a few of our favorite Ford Displays from NAIAS:

Ford GT

Ford's aerodynamic supercar brought a large crowd. The same model, as seen below, brought victory to Ford Racing at the 2016 Le Mans race.

Ford Fiesta

The fun, small hatchback appeared at the auto show this year with its sporty, red brake calipers, proudly holding its place in the Ford Performance Family.

Ford F-150

The well known, and well loved Ford F-150 wowed auto show-goers. This heavy-duty crowd favorite has been part of the best selling family of trucks for 40 years! 

Ford Escape

Ford's Five-Star Safety rated SUV attracted show visitors with its sleek design and updated technology features.

Ford Mustang

The #1 sports car for 45 years, was not surprisingly, a crowd favorite at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. 

Ford Le Mans Race Car 

The real-life, Ford supercar that brought Ford Racing its latest win at the 24 hour Le Mans race in 2016 attracted an audience.

The NAIAS is always an exciting event for car lovers, and we're happy to share our favorite Ford displays from NAIAS! Be sure to check out our inventory of 2017 Ford vehicles and utilize our coupons page before your next service appointment! 

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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Be sure to check out all of our latest videos on YouTube, where you can learn about our visions and values and meet our staff!

Limited-Edition Dallas Cowboys F-150

PEKIN, Ill., – Ford Motor Company is excited to announce the release of 400 Limited-Edition Dallas Cowboys F-150s. Texas is the United State’s largest truck market, with Ford F-Series trucks being the best selling models. Features of the new pickup include:

• Cowboys edition star badging on front doors and tailgate
• Blue-white-blue rocker panel to represent Cowboy’s helmet stripe
• 20-inch chrome wheels with star center caps
• Cargo bed mat with Cowboys star logo
• Laser-etched chrome foot plates with Cowboys word mark on front doors
• Cowboys logo stitched floor mats
• “1 of 400” Cowboys edition interior badge, featuring Jerry Jones autograph

The release of the Limited Edition Dallas Cowboys F-150 accompanies the opening of the Ford Center at The Star. This state-of-the-art training facility provides a 12,000-seat indoor stadium and corporate headquarters for the Dallas Cowboys in Frisco, Texas. Athletes in the Frisco Independent School District will also utilize the stadium.

The arrival of the Limited-Edition Dallas Cowboys F-150 demonstrates a long relationship between Ford Motor Company and its commitment to bettering American athletic programs, including youth athletics. Ford has had ties with the Dallas team for more than 20 years, and is excited to offer fans the opportunity to purchase this top-of-the-line vehicle! To get behind the wheel of a Ford F-150, stop by Velde Ford Pekin to test drive one for yourself! If you're not convinced that every other truck is history, check out our F-150 info page!

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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Ohio Corn Maze Designed to Look Like the Latest Ford F-150

PEKIN, Ill. –– Illinois might be the king state of cornfields, but it could be hard for any of our famous fall corn mazes to compete with this Ohio corn maze designed to look like the latest Ford F-150.

The seven-acre corn maze, located at Leaders Farms in Napolean, Ohio, was cut in the image of the latest edition of the Ford F-150. It might not be as tough as the half-ton pickup’s aluminum alloy body, but navigating this maze definitely looks like a challenge––it usually takes at least one hour to complete.

“We are a multi-generation Ford-driving family,” said Kristin Leaders of Leaders Farms. “My husband Brad was reading a magazine last winter and saw the new F-150 design and loved it. We thought it would really stand out as the feature of this year’s corn maze.”

But that idea to create a corn maze designed to look like the latest Ford F-150 wasn’t a simple task. Running a corn maze, let alone a farm with 13 goats and 40 cows, is a year-round duty that requires planning, designing, and plenty of maintenance. When it came to creating the image, the Leaders had to use GPS technology to create a well-cut image of the F-150.

Another Ford-themed experience Leaders Farm offers is seeing Big Jack, a pumpkin cannon mounted to the chassis of a restored Ford F-450, launch massive gourds across the farm fields. If getting lost in a Ford-F-150-themed corn maze and seeing squash shells splatter in the distance sounds like a fun time, heading over to Leaders Farms in Ohio could be a worthwhile autumn road trip for the most fanatical Ford families

You can go get lost in the Ford F-150 corn maze, but there’s nothing like actually getting behind the wheel of a new Ford truck. And remember, there are plenty of Go great fall activities to participate in around our used car dealer near East Peoria, IL, too.

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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2016 Ford F-150 Limited Debuts this Winter

PEKIN, Illi.– Your idea of automotive luxury will change when the 2016 Ford F-150 Limited debuts this winter and Ford redefines what it means to drive an exclusive pickup truck.

The 2016 F-150 Limited is Ford’s most advanced pickup truck to date and is set apart from competitors by its enhanced features, ingenious technology and chic design elements. There is a growing consumer segment that desires more glamorous vehicles, such as the high-performance 2016 Ford Mustang, and Ford is happy to provide these consumers with a ritzy pickup.

The 2016 F-150 Limited will come in four colors: Shadow Black, Magnetic, Blue Jeans and a White Platinum Metallic tri-coat. These luxurious colors will be accentuated by a number of notable features when the 2016 Ford F-150 Limited debuts this winter, including:

• 22-inch polished aluminum wheels
• Raised lettering on the hood that says LIMITED
• An exclusive grille
• A satin-finished chrome bumper, door handles, exhaust tailpipe and tailgate badge

The 2016 F-150 Limited comes ready with SYNC 3, the latest version of Ford’s communications and entertainment system, as well as a Sony 10-speaker sound system with HD Radio, a subwoofer and CD player, and a 5-year subscription to SiriusXM and TravelLink. Other technologies available for the luxury pickup include:

• BLIS with cross-traffic alert
• A panoramic vista roof
• Power-deployable running boards
• Quad-beam LED headlamps
• Remote start and tailgate release
• An integrated brake controller
• A lane-keeping system, 360-degree camera system and dynamic trailer hitch assist (these make up an optional package)

The 2016 F-150 Limited’s interior can’t overlooked, with vogue design elements like:

• A laser-engraved VIN plate with a production number visible on the center console lid
• Unique floor mats
• A distinct instrument cluster face
• Fiddleback eucalyptus wood and aluminum trimming
• Special scuff plates with ice blue backlighting

You also get great performance with the 2016 F-150 Limited, which gets an EPA-estimated 20 miles per gallon after a combined 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. And don’t let the image of luxury fool you– the Limited can tow over 10,000 pounds with a powertrain that pumps 365 horsepower and 420 pounds per foot of torque, which no other pickup in the Limited’s class is capable of.

We understand a luxury pickup like the 2016 F-150 Limited isn’t for everyone, but if you’re like us then you know how exciting it is when New Ford Cars or New Ford Trucks are unveiled. Pass the days between now and when the new Limited is released this winter and check out the inventory at our Washington, IL, area Ford dealership.

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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Ford F-150 Proves its Towing Capabilities

PEKIN, Illi.– Repeatedly celebrated for its performance, style, and reliability, the Ford F-150 is the most consistently sought-after truck. And to bolster its position as the best truck around, Ford has equipped the F-150 with some of the most advanced towing capabilities found in a pickup.

First and foremost, the Ford F-150 proves its towing capabilities with its high strength steel frame. This durable foundation enables you to control your trailer with ease and stability. Switch on the F-150’s tow/haul mode and with the support of your truck’s high strength steel frame you can tow your trailer up and down the most daunting hills with ease!

The F-150’s brawn helps you get the job done, but the brains that keep you safe are in its towing technology. The Smart Trailer Tow Connector informs you of your trailer’s connection status, gives lighting and battery alerts, provides warnings, and offers stats like gain, pitch and steering angle. To further accommodate you, it also stores information on up to ten different trailers!

Another added safety feature, Trailer Sway Control, determines if your trailer is swaying and, if necessary, applies the breaks or reduces your engine power to prevent any dangerous wavering. On top of that, the Trailer Break Controller adjusts your truck breaks to the trailer breaks to guarantee you come to smooth, safe stop.

To give you the best experience possible, the Ford F-150 proves its towing capabilities by offering the ultimate convenience. Instead of asking someone to spot you as you maneuver in reverse, the rearview camera featuring Dynamic Hitch Assist saves you the strain of looking over your shoulder and helps you line up your hitch with the trailer simply by looking at a screen. This means you can hitch up and go without wasting time!

                                                    

The F-150’s towing capabilities are further evidence that Ford makes the best vehicles in the industry. That’s why we offer a vast inventory of New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks at our Tremont Area Ford Dealership!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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Aluminum Ford F-150's 700 Lb Weight Loss

PEKIN, Illi. – It's no secret Ford's F-150 was hard at work on its beach bod before it made its debut. By now you have probably heard that the new aluminum Ford F-150 dropped a whopping 700 lbs, much of which comes from the extensive use of aluminum throughout the truck. However, it also slimmed down in a few other areas and Ford just released the inside scoop on just how the F-150 lost so much weight!

Of the aluminum Ford F-150's total 700 pound weight loss, 450 pounds can be attributed to the aluminum body and frame, but the remaining 250 pounds came from all over, interior and exterior – every pound counted. Inside, Ford lightened up by getting rid of any unnecessary weight particularly in the front seat system, rear seat, and dashboard underpinnings. On the outside, additional weight was dropped in the front bumper structure, steering knuckles, magnesium four wheel drive exterior transfer case, mechanical parking break, and in the rear differential. Plus, in areas where the F-150 kept its steel make up, Ford utilized high-strength steel which means they were able to use less of it while maintaining safety, quality, and performance.

It goes without saying that the new aluminum 2015 Ford F-150 is a sight for sore eyes, but what's even better is how the drastic weight loss allows the truck to offer the fuel efficiency you crave. It's the hottest truck on the streets right now, so don't waste any time getting yours. Stop by our Peoria Area Ford Dealership to check out our New Ford Trucks!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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Training for 2015 F-150 Production Begins at Kansas City Assembly Plant

PEKIN, Illi. - The all-new F-150 certainly started off the first month of the new year with a bang! As the 2015 F-150 flew off of dealership lots in the matter of days, Ford Motor Company realized it was crucial that they hire more employees to meet the demand for this best-in-class, quality pickup. Without a moment of hesitation, Ford Motor Company announced at the start of February that they would be adding 1,550 new jobs to help support the production of the all-new 2015 F-150.

With no time to waste, training for the 2015 F-150 production has begun at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. Ford has developed a production training program to support the innovative method behind the all-new F-150's production. Since it's debut, the 2015 F-150 has been known as the smartest, toughest, most capable F-150 of its kind and in order to effectively produce it, employees must understand the latest in advanced materials and technologies. These skilled trades will spend more than 400 hours participating in in-class and hands-on courses that cover everything from the installation of new equipment to the truck's advanced electrical control system. 

As employees work to complete their training for the 2015 F-150 production, they will undergo a special element of the program known as the "train the trainer" model. Here workers will be expected to be subject matter experts on the all of the new F-150 equipment, allowing them to train the crew they work with on a daily basis. Production of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 will begin at the Kansas City Assembly Plant at the end of the first quarter of 2015. As soon as the newest Ford employees begin to get their stride, Kansas City Assembly Plant and the Dearborn Truck Plant will be able to produce at least 700,000 F-150s per year to be distributed throughout 90 markets globally. 

GREAT NEWS! The wait is finally over and you can get behind the wheel of your very own 2015 Ford F-150 with help from Velde Ford. At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram