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Ford and Automatic Bring Siri To Cars | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 15, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

As in-car technology advances, not only can we control vehicle functions from our home, but we can now control our home components from our car. The Ford Motor Company is excited to announce the collaboration with Automatic Labs, manufacturer of the smart phone mobile driving assistant app. The acquisition will introduce Siri and an app called IFTTT, to affiliated vehicles both old and new.

Automatic Labs, a San Francisco based company, prides itself in creating an app and accessory that allocates automobile technology of the future to older cars. The accessory connects to a car’s data port, and makes available vital information that gives the driver feedback and score, to help them become more consistent in braking, accelerating and cruising. It also records driver history, MPG, and keeps track of gas prices. The app has a crash alert feature that alerts loved ones and emergency services in the event of an accident and it has a do not disturb feature which silences the user’s phone in route. The app also retrieves check engine codes and presents a list of nearby mechanics. It is used to help drivers remember where they parked and even assists in road trip mapping, visualization and expense tracking.

With Automatic Labs newly formed relationship with Ford, however, the technology is taking user experience to a whole new level. Siri integration allows Lincoln and Ford drivers to access all the familiar personal assistant commands through a push-to-talk button located on the steering wheel. This enhances safety and driver experience by allowing one to surf the web, send a text message, launch music playlists, respond to email or make calls, all while keeping both hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.

Connectivity with IFTTT, an app which name is short for If This Than That, allows users to create conditional commands between services and devices. Users can program IFTTT to pull information from different sources and create what the app calls a “recipe.” Each recipe contains a trigger and then an action. For example, a user can program their vehicle with the trigger of pulling into driveway and then the action of alerting friends and family that they have arrived to their destination safely. Another example is to signal the vehicle that you are driving home and your thermostat in your house will automatically adjust itself to preferred climate.

According to sources, the app will be introduced at $99.95, and it will roll-out as an iOS 8 only app, grandfathering Ford and Lincoln models 2011 and newer. The app will reportedly be available online in October or November of 2014.

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Lamarque Ford is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in New Orleans, LA. Located in Kenner, LA, Lamarque Ford is committed to providing you the best customer service and vehicle service for the life of your vehicle. Whether you’re on the market to purchase, finance, or service a new or used Ford vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.

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2015 Ford Fusion Energi | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 11, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Riding on the success of its gasoline-only sibling, the 2015 Fusion Hybrid Energi is a serious choice for buyers considering plug-in vehicles. Ford is adding new technology and interior features for 2015, as the Fusion remains atop as the most comfortable an technologically advanced mid-size sedans. Here’s what the 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid Energi has to offer.

Unique Hybrid Technology

The Fusion Energi pairs a powerful four-cylinder 2.0 gasoline engine with an electric motor, and can be driven as electric only, gas only or a combination of both. While most hybrids perform this way, the Fusion Energi can be charged by plugging it in to a home station and get extended range. On electric power alone, the 2015 Energi can travel up to 19 miles and reach speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.

Fusion’s Tech and Standard Features

For 2015, Ford has upgraded Fusion’s available standard features and now include a rear-view camera, SirusXM satellite radio, SYNC with MyFord Touch, LED tail lamps, and SmartGauge, amongst others. SmartGauge is Ford’ innovative way to provide real-time information about your driving and efficiency, and it features a dual LCD screen right on your dashboard for instant feedback. Ford has also developed a smartphone app to stay in touch with your car at all times, as it allows a user to schedule charging, start Fusion Energi remotely and more.

Ford Safety

As part of the Fusion’s standard features, Ford is including the latest safety technology. The Fusion includes front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and knee airbags, paired with Ford SYNC’s notification system that alerts 911 when a crash is detected. Other features like anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control are also standard equipment. Additionally, Ford’s optional safety features include BLIS blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and inflatable rear seatbelts. The 2015 Ford Energi Plug-In has earned five stars for crash and side crash protection from the NHTSA.

2015 Fusion Energi Design

After its 2012 redesign the Ford Fusion stays virtually the same. 2015 offers some new improvements like LED taillamps, which glow brighter than conventional lights and have a longer lifetime, and projector laser-cut headlamps, which complement the contemporary design and have a bolder look.

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Ford’s Zero Waste-to-Landfill Facility | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 8, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford’s Oakville Assembly plant in Canada is achieving a manufacturing milestone: zero waste-to-landfill status. Back in 2011, the Ford Motor Company set a goal to reduce global waste-to-landfill in their manufacturing facilities by 40 percent through 2016. As laid out in their sustainability and electric car strategies, Ford has come a long way and their efforts to build global-leading manufacturing operations are paying off. But what does it mean to achieve zero waste-to-landfill status and how is this accomplished? Let’s find out.

The Oakville Assembly plant sends zero operational waste to landfills, which means everything used in manufacturing gets either turned into a product or reused and recycled. This is no easy feat. Oakville manufactures the Lincoln MKX, Ford Flex, and Ford Edge, and is also Ford of Canada’s biggest manufacturing facility.

So Where Do We Start?

The first step, says Plant Manager Will Cowell, was to reduce the amount of materials used every day at the Ford facility. This includes less water consumption, less shipping packaging, less energy usage, etc. In other words, by finding a smarter way to use resources, the plant produces less waste, which is easier to manage.

Reusing and Recycling

In addition, the Ford facility reuses thousands of plastic bins and containers every day and recycle cardboard, wooden pallets and paper. Last year alone Oakville recycled almost 2,000 tons of materials, saving more than 8 million gallons of water. Also, the Ford plant filters the water used at the facility and sends the sludge collected to a power generating company.

The Future of Sustainability

As mentioned before, Ford has committed time and resources to ensure its facilities operate at a higher standard than others. Can you imagine if all manufacturing plants were zero waste-to-landfill? One single factory is already having a great beneficial impact on resources conservation and energy saving. Ford’s way to move forward is to plan ahead and work with communities to make this possible.

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2015 Ford Focus Electric | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 2, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

The 2015 Focus Electric is Ford’s zero emissions vehicle that builds on the most popular nameplate in the world. Ford Focus Electric was first introduced in 2012 and was Ford’s first fully electric vehicle. Focus has evolved into a real option for daily commuters looking to drive a comfortable and powerful green car. The 2015 Focus Electric takes on competitors like Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf with its updated features and always impressive range. Let’s look at the specs and upgrades that make the new Focus such a compelling option.

2015 Focus Electric New Features

While most of the design features stay the same, 2015 Focus Electric offers customers some exciting updates to last year’s model. MyFord and MyKey are now standard, as these help drivers have a more enjoyable driving experience. MyKey is a great tool for parents to encourage safe driving on teens, as it can be programmed to restrict speeds, radio volume and encourage seatbelt use. As part of the standard technology package, Focus Electric includes a rear-view camera, hill start assist and HD radio. The interior also gets an upgraded leather-wrapped parking brake and an all-new center console with two USB charging ports and easy access climate controls.

The new Electric Focus almost completely shares its exterior with its gasoline sibling. A few cosmetic changes to the grille, rear lamps and tailgate differentiate the electric model from the rest of the line-up.

A Great Platform

With an all-electric powertrain and a single speed automatic transmission, the 2015 Ford Focus Electric is a great option for most drivers. Based on the fuel-powered 2015 Focus, the electric model gets a tried and tested frame that customers around the world already trust. As part of this great platform, Ford Focus Electric inherits the best safety features, like seven standard airbags, electronic traction and stability control, and integrated hands free.

Remote Control? Check

As long as you have access to your Ford app and an internet connection, you can be in touch with your Focus Electric. The app allows owners to communicate with the vehicle in different ways, such as locating it by GPS or by remotely locking or unlocking the doors. It also allows for the app to receive vehicle information like charge level and alerts, even to pre-condition the car so owners can step in to their desired temperature.

Range Extended, Charge Time Reduced

The 2015 Ford Focus Electric gets an impressive 76 mile range on a single charge, allowing most city commuters to take daily trips to and from work with ease. Additionally, with the available 240-volt charging station, a full charge takes only 3.5 hours.

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Plug-In Vehicles To Communicate In The Cloud | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

August 28, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

In wake of demand for electric plug-in vehicles, car companies and utilities are looking forward to solve the coming challenges in the electric grid. Ford, along with seven other car manufacturers and fifteen U.S. utilities are looking at software solutions to address grid overload, and have laid out a realistic plan that will keep a balance in the electric infrastructure. So how exactly is Ford tackling this problem? The answer is in the cloud.

Computers today manage power consumption and regulate the way our electric grid works, and can sense when an overload is imminent. Ford’s software solution consists of a gird monitoring system that detects power consumption of a household, and shares its data with the utility company’s central computer. When a plug-in vehicle is connected to a grid nearing overload, a signal is sent from the electric company’s main computer to the car manufacturer’s one to request “stop charging.” Once Ford’s central computer allows a “stop charge” request, a message is sent back to the electric company to allow for the car to stop charging until the grid is back to normal capacity.

Although it sounds technically complicated, the system uses existing technologies and its backed by the Electric Power Research Institute.

The system will start off as an opt-in pilot, and participating customers will receive financial incentives as a way of rewarding them for helping manage the electric grid. Also, the system allows for customers to ignore the “stop charge” request, giving them flexibility to manage their own vehicle’s charging. The main purpose of the new system is to allow customers to be part of the solution and to avoid unwanted service interruptions when grids overload.

Officially, the collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute began in 2012 and is part of their integrated grid initiative. The integrated grid looks to reduce grid stress and to create a smart system that knows about which devices its powering and when they need more power.

As part of Ford’s Green Strategy, the company is committed to participate in collective efforts that better the environment and reward electric vehicle owners.

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2015 F-150 Real-Life Testing | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

August 25, 2014 By Matthew Hritz

A few weeks ago we discussed the rigorous testing the 2105 F-150 has to endure at Ford facilities during the production phase. Today, the finished product is tested in real-life conditions by real people. After Ford asked customers to send in applications that outlined their jobs and how the F-150 would be tested, four extreme truck owners were selected as part of Ford’s real-life testing experience. The model tested is a 2015 Ford F-150 Lariat 3.5-liter EcoBoost 4×4 and customers were selected from all across the U.S.

The first test is in the unforgiving Arizona desert, where summer temperatures reach 115º and the terrain is rough and unpredictable. Defense contractor Brian Schober’s job is to destroy trucks, so to speak, as he pushes military trucks to their limits in an Arizona facility that closely resembles the battlefield. During the test, the F-150’s new aluminum body and suspension face a combination of hills, dips, holes, washboards, gravel, rocks, and turns, and they hold up just fine. Remember this course is designed to beat up military trucks, and the 2015 F-150 is doing great.

Vehicle Engineer Manager Peter Frantzeskakis explains the new F-150’s suspension has been designed to “eat up” the rough, off-road type of surface and how the high-strength steel fully-boxed frame helps with the stiffness and rigidity. The full test consists of 36 straight hours of heat and high stress to the truck’s vital parts, as a driver stops only to refuel when needed. The outcome? No broken parts and no failure at any given point, in a terrain Brian says has claimed the lives of 13 vehicles over the past year and a half.

The other three testers have similar if not worse conditions for the 2015 F-150. A cattle rancher in Montana loads to maximum towing capacity, then drives hundreds of miles day in and day out, 6% grade slopes included. An Oregon driver who hauls and loads thousands of pounds worth of rocks and needs a dependable workhorse. A truck owner who drives over the Dempster Highway, a 900-mile gravel road that crosses into the arctic circle.

As you can see, Ford has a capable winner in the all-new 2015 F-150, and wants customers to know these aren´t just numbers on paper, but actual meaningful improvements to real life applications. In addition, the new F-150 brings improved engines, like the 2.7 EcoBoost, which brings V8 power to a fuel efficient V6.

Stay tuned and visit Lamarque Ford’s Facebook page for the upcoming test videos and check out our current truck inventory.

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F-450: Best In Class Towing | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

August 22, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

The new 2015 Ford F-450 has the highest towing rating of any truck in the U.S.: at 31,200 pounds, its capability is 2,200 pounds greater than the closest 4X4 crew cab competitor. It should be no surprise then that Ford is calling the F-450 the “ultimate towing machine,” as it revamped the pick-up truck to provide the best tools for heavy-duty customers. But what makes the 2015 F-450 such a capable machine? Let’s find out.

First off, the new F-450 gains the more versatile frame of the F-350, and packs an upgraded suspension, towing gear, and 19.5 in. wheels. The new enhanced underbody addresses the extreme towing requirements that F series truck owners expect. Also, the new pick-up truck is exclusively available as a 4X4 crew cab, which gives drivers a more comfortable riding experience.

The engine of the new Ford F-450 also gets an upgrade, and it is arguably the biggest factor for enhanced towing. For 2015, the manufacturer opted for a second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine, which is fine tuned for maximum power, torque, and unmatched efficiency. The new engine uses a bigger turbo-charger, which allows it to generate more power on-demand without sacrificing mpgs.

In addition to an upgraded suspension and engine, Ford prides itself in being the only heavy-duty truck manufacturer that designs and produces both its diesel engines and transmissions in-house. This production capability allows designers and engineers to ensure both components work flawlessly as part of a calibrated powertrain, and to further tune all the components from conception to execution.

Lastly, to allow customers to better compare towing capabilities, Ford is migrating its towing testing to the Society of Automotive Engineers standard J2807. Still, Ford’s internal testing match the practical specifications of the F-450, and remains the most capable towing truck out there.

Stop by Lamarque Ford to check out our current selection of heavy-duty pick-up trucks.

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2015 Ford F-150 Aerodynamics | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

August 20, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Behind each Ford vehicle there are thousands of research and testing hours. No detail goes unnoticed and no design element is an afterthought. The body of the 2015 F-150 is shaped to cut through the air and designed to improve on an already effective design. This is how Ford engineers made the F-150 the most aerodynamic F series truck yet while keeping the brand’s design elements front and center.

The Right Design. Thoroughly Tested

To ensure the engineering team got the re-design right, countless wind tunnel tests had to be conducted. The body of the F-150 got its edges sharpened, allowing for better airflow without compromising the bold look of the classic workhorse. The rear lines that follow the bed are strategically designed to drive air away form that part of the body, thus minimizing turbulence and air drag, which are well-known fuel efficiency enemies. The overall goal of the new F-150 redesign is to achieve better efficiency and better stability.

To better direct airflow down the sides, Ford design team altered the grille in an innovative way: while preserving the vertical lines that make the F-150 look aggressive, they recessed the outer sides back, giving it a smoother line shape leading to the headlamps. The grille changes coupled with the new beveled hood, considerably reduce air drag and benefit the overall design.

Here’s a list of the changes that improve the 2015 Ford F-150 aerodynamics:

Flush-mounted windshield. Since air can now flow easier, there is no need for unnecessary moulding.
Tailgate top. It acts as a spoiler as it redirects air that comes from the roof. Great for improved stability.
Cargo box. The cargo box is slightly slimmer than the body, which enhances airflow.
Sharper rear corners. Help improve stability and reduce turbulence.
Headlamp air duct.

Every Detail Reimagined

The new F-150 follows the Built Tough Ford DNA, which draws inspiration from heavy duty equipment such as bulldozers and cranes. According to the design team, testing in the wind tunnel helped the general direction of new improvements, as it allowed them to strike the right balance between a bold design and a practical one. From the headlamps to the hood, windshield and tailgate, the new “dropped beltline” styling can be seen across the F-150.

To find out more about the new F-150, visit Lamarque Ford in Kenner or check out our current F-150 inventory.

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Ford’s Crew Chief Fleet Management | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

August 18, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

If you manage a vehicle fleet of any size you know how complicated it is to keep up with each driver. Ford has a solution, Crew Chief, which puts you in command of your operations without missing any details.

How Does Crew Chief Work?

Crew Chief is an interplay of hardware and software, and it can be pre-installed at your Ford dealership. It works by using a GPS receiver, or “black-box,” that is connected to the sensor systems of your fleet vehicle. The data is collected in real time then stored and processed using a web application, which you can access from any computer with an internet connection. The data is presented to you in a user friendly screen, with customizable dashboards and tools that let you run reports and look at all the analytics.

Metrics and Features

Crew Chief offers metrics for a wide variety of attributes, from engine oil to breaking and acceleration patterns. Monitoring your vehicle’s metrics can help save thousands of dollars, by either detecting problems early on or by spotting inconsistent driving patterns. More specifically, Crew Chief can monitor the following systems:

Oil life. Monitors the percentage remaining.
Tire pressure. Sends you notifications when the low pressure light is on.
Driver insurance. Notifies you when insurance is about to expire or has expired.
Diagnostic trouble code. Also known as the “check engine light,” notifies you when it comes on.
Engine coolant temperature.
Excessive RPM. To avoid permanent engine damage or undesired driver behavior.
Safety belt. The system alerts you when drivers are using the seatbelt.
Airbag. Crew Chief notifies you when an airbag has been deployed or is faulty.
Battery. Get instant alerts for a draining battery, so your drivers are never stranded.
Excessive idling. Idling leads to poor fuel economy, which can cost you thousands.
VIN. Records other vehicle information like engine size, model, make, etc. Great for recovering stolen vehicles.
Driver license (expiration). It allows for storage of your team’s driver license numbers and expiry dates.
Hard breaking/acceleration. Helps you keep safety a top priority.

While all these metrics are a great help when managing your fleet, the greatest feature of Crew Chief what you can do with this information. Get real time alerts and map overlays of your choosing. Crew Chief includes the latest commercially available satellite imagery and when coupled with turn-by-turn directions, become a great for assisting your drivers on the road.

Got a new job request? Not a problem, you can now find the closest available driver with just a few clicks. Since your fleet vehicles are always connected, Crew Chief can show you driven routes and alert you when drivers are speeding. In the end, Ford’s system allows you to become more efficient at using your available resources in real-time.

Productivity

Once you’re used to the metrics and data, it only gets better. Crew Chief is integrated with a powerful reporting tool that lets you compare daily gas usage, miles, and many other parameters.

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Introducing 2015 Ford Transit | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Metairie

August 15, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

The 2015 Ford Transit is THE commercial van to own. With a myriad of customizable features and three different sizes and roof heights, the Transit is here to stay. Unlike its smaller sibling, the Transit Connect, the full-size 2015 Transit takes care of serious cargo loading and towing for any application. Check out its features below.

Engineering

The 2015 Ford Transit redefines the commercial vehicle line by introducing a broad selection of engines, wheelbases and body lengths. Not only is the Ford Transit the best choice for a cargo van out there, but is also the best passenger hauler. With models for up to 15 passengers or up to 172 in. of loading floor, Ford Transit has options for every business.

Transit Van

The Transit Van is the cargo version of the 2015 Transit, and it comes standard with closed-off body panels instead of windows. It is offered in three different wheelbase sizes: 130 in., 148 in., and 172 in. Additionally, to address the needs of different businesses, the van comes in three different roof heights as it can make room for more cargo.

Transit Wagon

The passenger model, or Transit Wagon, is offered in the same three wheelbase configurations as the cargo van. The regular model (130 in.) offers seating for 8 to 10 passengers with low or medium roof configurations. For other applications such as hotel transportation and commuting, the medium size model (148 in.) accommodates 12 to 15 passengers, and it adds the high roof configuration (109.4 in.). The 2015 Transit Wagon also lets buyers choose and extended 15 passenger model, which adds more room for cargo space and comfort.

Power

The all-new Ford Transit comes standard with a powerful 3.7 V6 which delivers 270 horsepower and 250 lb. of torque. The V6 is coupled with an advanced twin independent variable cam timing valve system that allows for extremely efficient fuel burning. The second gasoline engine option is a V6 EcoBoost, which delivers 310 horsepower and an impressive 400 lb. of torque. In addition to increased power, the EcoBoost model offers incredible fuel efficiency thanks to its direct injection and turbo-charged systems.

We wouldn’t call the new Transit a true workhorse without a diesel option, so f0r 2105 Ford is rolling out a 3.2 Power Stroke I-5 Turbo Diesel engine. The new engine is aimed for long hours of operation and it’s backed by Ford’s dependability and ruggedness.

For drivers wishing to reduce fuel costs, the 3.7 V6 engine offers two additional configurations, a CNG Natural Gas and a LPG Liquid Petroleum. The Gaseous Engine Prep Package also includes hardened exhaust valves and valve seats for improved fuel consumption.

Productivity

The 2015 Ford Transit is highly customizable as it can be used for any business or industry. Buyers can pick from door configurations, including sliding or cargo doors for both sides as well as high visibility reflective strips. When it comes to windows, Ford offers everything from all-around windows to no cargo windows at all.

Lastly, the 2015 Transit has an available Ford SYNC system, which helps drivers with tasks such as placing calls and getting directions hands free.

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