Introducing New Ford Wind Tunnel Complex

PEKIN, Ill., – In an attempt to improve increased fuel efficiency in their vehicles and meet the demands of many consumers, Ford is happy to introduce their new wind tunnel complex to test new production and racing vehicles. The new facility will take up 13 acres of land next to Ford's current Driveability Test Facility in Allen Park, Michigan. Construction of the facility, which will will provide state-of-the-art testing simulations, will begin in 2017.

A five-belt conveyor system will be able to recreate drag and road conditions without the need to leave the facility! In order to improve fuel efficiency, each vehicle wheel will receive its own conveyor belt, simulating up to 155 mph airflow. The belts will allow the wheels to move at up to 200 mph!

 In addition to fuel efficiency, the wind tunnel complex will also be able to test for aerodynamic shielding, high-speed performance, and can reach temperatures between -40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions will allow for extreme testing to take place without having to travel to extreme climates.

"This new wind tunnel facility will not only allow us to test our performance and racing vehicle line-up but will also enable us to share innovations across all our global Ford products,” Ford Performance global director, Dave Pericak said of the new facility.

We can't wait for the new Ford wind tunnel complex to begin construction, and we're excited to see what new advancements will come from this awesome test arena. If you want to read more details, check out the Ford MediaCenter press release! While we anxiously await this new arrival, you may want to schedule a test drive of your favorite Ford at Velde! Call to make an appointment so we can have it warmed up when you get here!

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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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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Ford’s Most Fuel-Efficient Cars at Velde Ford

PEKIN, Ill. – When you’re shopping around for a car, there are many different features to consider. There's safety features, technology features, spaciousness, and performance. With gas prices always changing, there’s one performance feature that can make or break your decision on a car: gas mileage. At Velde Ford, we’re here to help you! We’ve done the research for you so you’re ready to go when you come into our dealership. Here is a list of Ford’s most fuel-efficient cars at Velde Ford:

Ford’s Most Fuel-Efficient Cars at Velde Ford

2016 Ford Fiesta

EPA Estimated MPG: 28 City/ 36 Highway

2016 Ford Focus

EPA Estimated MPG: 26 City/ 36 Highway

2016 Ford Fusion

EPA Estimated MPG: 22 City/ 34 Highway

These three cars will always impress you with their awesome performance, handling, and even better fuel-efficiency. In each vehicle you’ll find the latest and great Ford technology including Ford SYNC, which allows you stay focused on the road while staying connected at the same time. SYNC offers features like hands-free calling, navigation, and music control with just the sound of your voice. All of these features are offered in Ford vehicles equipped with incredible safety features for an all-around great ride. Keep in mind, these fuel-efficiency options do not include Ford’s hybrids or electric vehicles. Stay on the lookout for a blog on those later.

If you’re in the market for a new Ford, come to Velde Ford to take a test drive in any one of these cars! If you’re satisfied with the vehicle you have right now keep in mind that spring is right around the corner. Take a look at our service FAQ page to learn about the routine maintenance your vehicle needs every season. Schedule an appointment with our Service Center 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

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Why Ford is the No. 1 Brand that Generation Z Considers

PEKIN, Illi. - MartizCX, a customer experience software and research company based in Salt Lake City, recently released reports about the automotive market and which vehicle brand tends to draw in young people when they start car shopping. After surveying almost 1,100 people between the ages of 16-21, results showed that Ford is the number 1 brand that "Generation Z" considers when looking for a new vehicle.  

When Generation Z sets out to purchase a new vehicle, three "must have" elements sit at the top of their list: fuel economy, vehicle design, and vehicle value. At the end of the day, Gen Z wants a vehicle that looks good and that can take them far on one take of gas. Once this study was released, it was very understandable why young drivers gravitate towards Ford vehicles, especially since the brand has recently started to build more and more vehicles prioritized around these attributes. 

Another contributor to Ford being the number 1 brand that Generation Z considers is the automaker's exceptional lineup of small and midsize vehicles. The MartizCX study showed that a majority of Gen Z buyers preferred compact cars like the Ford Focus, midsize sedans like the Fusion, and subcompact cars like the Fiesta, over utility vehicles and trucks. With Generation Z having more financial limitations than older buyers, the car segment offers several more cost effective options than the utility or truck segments. 

Are you a Gen Z buyer in search of a great deal on a new Ford vehicle? Look no further than 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.

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