Ford Debuts Hybrid Police Car Model

April 27, 2017 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford’s latest invention could end up saving lives and the environment. One of newest re-imagined vehicles from the automobile company includes a hybrid gas-electric police car. Under this latest model, the Ford vehicle promises to be both fuel efficient and street ready for any situation.

Ford is the biggest provider of police vehicles in the United States, and its new reveal continues to enhance the daily commute of police officers throughout the country. At recent press conferences in both New York and Los Angeles, Ford officially unveiled the latest model of the green vehicle already decorated for the Los Angeles streets. Following the reveal, the company released a statement reading “The all-new Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan will help cities decrease emissions and cut down on fuel costs by reducing engine idle times versus traditional police cars.” As the conference continued, more details were revealed about the new model.

According to the company, the vehicle’s gas mileage is expected to be about 38 mpg which is twice the mileage of an everyday Ford Police Interceptor. While the new model is not as fast the regular police car, Ford expects the new vehicle to earn a pursuit rating following testing regarding acceleration, handling, braking, top speed and ergonomics by the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department later this year. This factors would make the police vehicle the first hybrid vehicle to earn the rating. Also, Ford promises that the car will also be durable for various speeds and obstacles necessary for police pursuits such as curbs or intersections thanks to its combined gas and battery power. While it is still too early to confirm these promises on the field, Ford’s guarantee at the notion implies that the model is not too far off from reality.

By estimate, the hybrid vehicle is expected to help officers save about $3877 per year over fill-ups and downtime. This advantage alone benefits the environment from constant reliance on gasoline and small-town police stations struggling under a budget. Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police President Thomas Korabik remarked positively on the idea for his 10-officer station, though is also interested in seeing “how it would hold up” with other demands. As Ford continues to keep ahead of upcoming trends, the company could very well be up to that challenge.

As of now, the price of the hybrid is set to be available in the summer of 2018 with no definite release date in sight. However, if testing for the pursuit rating goes well, this probably won’t be the last we hear of the hybrid police vehicle.

While Lamarque Ford cannot sell you a Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan, Lamarque has a wide selection of the civilian models available!

How To Extend Your Car’s Life | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Kenner, Metairie

May 9, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard stories of people driving cars with over 250,000 miles on them. What’s the secret? We’ve put together a list of tips that will help your car run longer. Regular maintenance and common sense play an important role, as well as the way you drive.

Change Your Fluids Regularly

This is the single most important thing you can do to keep your car in great shape. Although this applies to all fluids (transmission, breaks, coolant, etc), pay special attention to the engine oil. If you drive a new car, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended changing intervals (some people recommend doing it sooner). If your car is older or has over 100,000 miles, it might be a good time to think about high mileage or synthetic oil, which better lubricates your engine. Changing fluids regularly will flush out any build up found in hoses and moving parts, keeping your engine in excellent condition.

Keep Your Car Waxed and Clean

Wax protects your car’s clear coat from the elements, making the paint last longer. It also allows you to wash your car’s exterior less often. Remember that paint not only makes your car look nice, but it also prevents the metal from rusting.

Drive At Highway Speeds

Cars are meant to be driven, and your engine operates at its peak performance when it drives at low rpms for long periods of time. That’s one of the reasons why your vehicle gets better gas mileage on the highway. Your engine also works better when it has reached optimal temperature, so driving short trips at city speeds is less than ideal.

Buy Gas From Reputable Sources

Go out of your way and ask the right questions. Some gas stations lack the filtration system required to keep gasoline clean at all times. Ask the associate if the filters are replaced regularly and if they mix the gasoline with anything else. You want to make sure you’re buying clean gas!

Look For Signs of Trouble

Whether your car is old or new, you should always be on the lookout for signs of trouble like leaks, odd smells, weird noises or any driving changes you might notice. It is always cheaper to repair a small problem; remember replacing a transmission or engine can cost thousands of dollars.

Having a trusted mechanic is helpful as well. Your local dealership has certified and trained experts and have the support from a national brand. Always shop around and make sure you and your car are treated with respect.

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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.

The Future Is Transportation | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner

May 7, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Two days ago, Nokia announced a $100 million investment in “connected and intelligent vehicles”. Nokia, which was once the world’s largest phone manufacturer, already has a big footprint on in-car technology with HERE, its map service. The phone maker’s plan consists of a fund that will “identify and invest” in companies that relate to intelligent vehicles. The announcement comes as a surprise while the company is still struggling to come out of its own financial troubles. However, Nokia’s move paints a different picture for the future of automobiles.

Self driving cars

Why are tech companies investing in auto technology?

While we don’t have a definite answer, there are several reasons that come to mind. First, let’s remember that car production and innovation have been handled only by a few companies during the last hundred years. These are the incumbents, and they’ve done a great job at setting up the current models of production, which have in turn allowed for more affordable, better quality cars for mostly everyone. The incumbents have model refresh timelines (seven years?) and technology advancements build on existing ones, which serve their current customers. Although this model has its benefits (established production network, low cost labor, highly automatized), it is not perfect and discourages disrupting innovation*.

Tech companies however, small ones in particular, operate differently. They’re used to faster changes and are more agile at implementing new technologies. Today, the ball seems to be moving towards the future of transportation, and there’s an overall sense that a big change is coming. Tech companies don’t want to be left out when manufacturers move towards autonomous cars.

Also, 2007 brought in new entrants to the phone business (Apple, then Samsung with Android), allowing the creation of new value incumbents never imagined. Many tech giants saw their fortunes evaporate because they failed to see beyond their business and customers, which has made them more concerned about the future. Now these very companies are betting their futures on automobile technology.

This is all great news for the future of transportation, as there seems to be a new wave of interest in vehicle autonomy and other new technologies. Don’t be surprised to see more tech companies investing in automobile technology, or car companies partnering or buying tech startups.

*The word innovation is tricky and often misused. Disrupting innovation is one that creates new and additional value by creating new markets while draining resources from incumbents (e.g. The Ford production model disrupted the car industry by shifting to a streamlined one that no one foresaw, yet everyone copied. Ford created new value as it could produce affordable cars faster, and it ended up stealing the incumbents’ customers).

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Engine Fuel Economy Improvements | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner

May 5, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ten years ago, the top selling trucks in the U.S. had an average combined EPA fuel economy of only 14 mpg. Today, that number is closer to 20. What has happened? Have we sacrificed performance for fuel efficiency? Not at all. Although car manufacturers have shrunk the engines significantly, new technologies allow for better performance AND better gas mileage. Let’s take a look at some of the improvements in truck engines.

Fuel efficiency depends on factors other than the engine, like aerodynamics, weight and rolling resistance. However, it is increasingly harder for pick-up trucks to improve in other aspects of fuel efficiency while at the same time adding new technological improvements. Remember, the job a truck is hired to do is not to consume as little fuel as possible, but to tow, carry and drag.

Turbochargers
This technology has been around for a while and has been used in high performance cars for decades. Manufacturers started implementing turbochargers in trucks as it allows for a smaller engine without losing torque. Ford’s Ecoboost engines are use turbocharging to compensate for their small size (3.5 V6 to power a 6000 lb vehicle).

Variable Displacement
Variable displacement is also known as cylinder deactivation. The system works by allowing some of the cylinders to stop moving while the throttle is closed or running at steady speeds, like highway speeds, without affecting its power. Before its modern implementation, variable displacement technology failed to reach mass market because of unsolved engineering challenges dating back to the early 80s. Today, this technology is widely used by Honda, GM and Mercedes-Benz.

Direct Fuel Injection
Direct Fuel injection allows for a better control of the amount of fuel that goes into the cylinders as it is delivered directly, thus reducing waste. Ecoboost engines by Ford rely heavily on this technology coupled with turbocharging.

Lighter Materials
New manufacturing techniques have made materials such as aluminum a viable option for many parts of a vehicle, engines included. This reduces the weight of engines by about half, compared to iron block engines. However, there were some problems with early aluminum engines as they couldn’t handle the high temperatures. That’s all in the past as most of today’s standard small engines are aluminum.

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How To Drive More Efficiently | Lamarque Ford | Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans

April 30, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

While the primary focus of today’s automobile industry is their fuel consumption and efficiency, there are factors that go beyond the car itself that can reduce fuel consumption. Yes, having a new car with high mpg rating is a great way to reduce green house gases and save you money on the long run, but there are several steps drivers can take that can have a similar or greater impact when done properly. Let’s take a look at the ways in which modifying your driving habits can help both your pocket and the environment.

Reduce Your Speed
Most vehicles operate at their maximum efficiency peak at around 50 mph. This means the faster you drive over such speed, the worse your mpg average will get. Since all engines vary slightly, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the optimal fuel saving speed.

Drive Carefully
Sudden acceleration and breaking can negatively affect your gas mileage. Remember to accelerate slowly and smoothly after a full stop. Most rapid increases on speed are unnecessary and will cost you.

Avoid Excess Weight
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, weight affects mainly small vehicles and excess of as little as 100 lb can have a 2% decrease in your mpgs. Avoid hoarding in your vehicle as it will take only a few items to bring your fuel efficiency down.

The Right Tires
Tires are a significant factor in fuel economy, as they provide support and interact with your vehicle at all times. Everything from the type of tire, alignment and inflation are directly related to your fuel tank, as it can affect up to 30% of your fuel efficiency. Consult your owner’s manual to find the adequate tire pressure and alignment intervals.

The Effect Of Maintenance
Lastly, keeping your car in good shape will not only better your fuel economy, but it will keep your car running longer. Be sure to keep a maintenance log and timely perform oil, gasoline and air filter changes, along with tune-ups and spark-plug cleaning as your vehicles requires it.

Stay tuned for other tips on how to make the most out of your new or used car.

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The Case Against Self Driving Cars | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner

April 29, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Last week we reviewed the prospective benefits of a driverless car future, where computers and other sensors take charge and all we do is sit back and enjoy the ride. But there are concerns over privacy issues and hackers hijacking overly-computerized cars. Today we will evaluate the risks and other concerns over autonomous cars.

Liability
It’s already complicated enough in today’s world to determine who’s at fault in an automobile accident. Not only are the drivers involved, but other factors such as mechanical malfunctions, inclement weather and so forth. Can you imagine a collision involving a self driving car? Who would be liable? The car company? The software maker? This is a serious questions that would have to be answered before this technology becomes mainstream.

Security
Today, our concerns over car security mainly refer to unintended individuals getting physical access to our vehicle. We all fear our beloved cars being stolen or broken in, and we have some security devices in place to minimize these situations. However, driverless cars continuously broadcast their locations and have sensors that communicate back and forth with other cars, servers and their users. Security researchers have already hacked into vehicles computers using the OBD port (the one used for car diagnostics) and using cellular networks.

Legality
As always, our laws are the last elements of society to catch up with technology. Because of the fast paced nature of computer innovations, early regulations may have unintended consequences that may benefit or affect future developments. As of today, only a few states allow us to test autonomous cars in open roads, and the ones that do, require a human to be ready to take control of the car, which kills the whole purpose of it.

These concerns are just scratching the surface of what might come in the near future. Unsurprisingly, we won’t know the real risks until we put these things on the roads in great numbers. By then, hopefully the laws will me more relaxed and allow this technology to propagate faster. Keep your local dealership in mind when the time comes to purchase your self driving car!

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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.

Let Your Car Park Itself | Lamarque Ford | Kenner, Metairie, New Orleans

April 27, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

It’s 7:45 p.m. and you’re running late for your movie date. You arrive at the movie theatre only to find the parking lot as crowded as ever and there’s only a few tiny, cramped spaces left. What do you do? If you try and fit the car in a tight spot you will either park smoothly on one try or fail miserably and scratch the hell out of your vehicle. What would your date make of it? Wouldn’t it be nice to step of out, click a button and let your car do the rest? Soon, that will be possible.

Ford researchers have been hard at work testing the limits of innovation and ease of use. This new concept known as Fully Assisted Parking Aid, is being pioneered by Ford Europe and will soon make it to Fords everywhere. The system relies on ultrasonic sensors to “feel” obstacles around the car, and it also overtakes the braking, gas and transmission systems for a smoother parking. According to Ford Research, the only required input from the driver is to keep a button pressed during the parking process. As a safety measure, the process will stop anytime the button is released.

As we’ve mentioned before, autonomous driving is just around the corner, and these small steps in the right direction will only get us there faster. Remember the best part about this new parking system is that the car can park in a spot so small you wouldn’t be able to open the door if you were inside. That’s when the remote parking system comes in handy, as you can also retrieve the car from the spot with the same button.

Ford already uses a similar system called Active Park Assist, which only works for parallel parking and the driver controls most of the car’s breaking and acceleration. Unlike the new system, Active Park Assist also requires the driver to be inside the car while operating. Don’t forget to stop by Lamarque Ford and see our current selection of vehicles with Active Park Assist, it will blow you away.

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The Case For Self Driving Cars | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner

April 24, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Driverless cars have been the topic of science fiction editorials and movies ever since the first automobiles appeared. As with any new technology, we like to dream up the limits of it and capture our wildest fantasies through pop culture. The 1950’s and 60’s TV and cinema opened the floodgates for futuristic predictions, going as far as describing the psychological effects of rapid technological change (see Futureshock). Today, however, the new generations are used to the fast paced technology industry and can better conceive rapid changes within one’s lifetime. And let’s face it, out of the hundreds of far fetched tech ideas, the driverless car seems to be the most feasible one. Here’s why.

The technology is ready.
Most of the technology used in the development of self driving cars has been used for decades. GPS, radars, cameras, robotic inputs and other sensors have been used by other industries and it’s already been packaged into promising models that show the technical aspects of autonomous cars. Also, car manufacturers are exploring different algorithms that will better address the needs of these vehicles. Most of today challenges lay on the legality of the matter, as states across the U.S. are not ready to deal with the big changes self driving vehicles might bring.

The benefits are enormous.
Having driverless cars on the roads has many positive implications. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, most car crashes are caused by human errors, so taking the humans out of the equation should dramatically reduce the number of accidents. Also, computer controlled cars would allow for cars to drive closer to each other and at higher speeds, so traffic jams would be a thing of the past. In addition, passengers (let’s not call them drivers anymore) that would be otherwise unable to drive could hop on the car and just go. This last benefit could have a great impact in the lives of handicap individuals as it would allow better access to cars.

Social implications.
Just like automobiles changed society as a whole when they were first introduced, self driving cars will have a deep impact in our world. Cars will become more about the things you can do while commuting and about comfort

What are your thoughts on self driving cars? Stay tuned for the next Ronnielogues as we will present the potential negative implications of these wonder machines.

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True Fuel Economy | Lamarque Ford | Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans

April 22, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Most of today’s fuel cars are in a never-ending race to mpg goodness, due in part to an increase in fuel prices and environmentally conscious consumers. Nearly all car manufacturers offer an economy model, priced at around $15,000, that achieves decent gas mileage (±30 mpg). However, if you want serious fuel efficiency (+60 mpg) you’ll have to spend way more money. Let’s look at the current alternatives from the top car manufacturers around the globe.

Volkswagen’s base model, the Jetta S, is priced at $16,895 and offers 23/24 mpg. The Jetta, classified as a compact car, has a history of reliability and it’s backed from one of the most prestigious brands in the market, not to mention its appealing European looks. However, 24 mpg is not a substantial figure in today’s market, and it will cost you an extra $4,000 to get to a decent 30/42 mpg. That’s right, Volkswagen’s green offering is a powerful clean diesel TDi, and it will set you back $21,295.

Toyota goes a step further and offers the Yaris, a subcompact vehicle that achieves higher fuel efficiency in 30/37 mpg. Unlike the spacious Jetta, the Yaris comes in a hatchback only version and it’s significantly smaller. However, Toyota offers a wide range of hybrid and electric vehicles, including SUVs. Starting at $19,080, the Prius gives you an astonishing fuel efficiency of 53 mpg and a roomier interior. Toyota also offers an all electric SUV, the RAV4, with an impressive 76 mpg equivalent.

Ford also offers a subcompact capable of a modest 27/38 mpg. The Ford Fiesta has proven to be a popular choice as it’s priced at an attractive $14,100. Ford’s other green offerings include hybrid versions of C-Max and Fusion, along with an all electric Ford Focus, which is rated at 99 mpg equivalent.

Other car manufacturers in the U.S. offer similar options with comparable fuel economy. However, Elio Motors, an upcoming brand, has promised to produce a vehicle capable of 84 mpg at only $6,800. Stay tuned to see how this new car does and don’t forget to stop by your local Ford dealership to see their current hybrid and green models.

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Ford Celebrates 50 Years Of Mustang | Lamarque Ford | Kenner, New Orleans, Metairie

April 16, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

In case you didn’t know, Ford is celebrating Mustang’s 50th anniversary on April 17, 2014. Mustang has become an American icon and has inspired millions over five decades. Check out the different ways in which Ford is paying homage to the Mustang.

50th Anniversary Model

The company is marking the event with the 50th anniversary Ford Mustang, a top of the line version with unique design accents not found in other models. Ford is using the New York International Auto Show as the platform to unveil this amazing vehicle, which will sport a 5 liter V8 engine capable of producing 420 hp, upgraded ceramic brakes and all the bells and whistles. Special rims and chrome all across the grille, taillamps and side glass top-off this one of a kind gem. Although price hasn’t been announced, estimates place it at the $50,000 mark.

Empire State Building

Fifty years ago, Ford unveiled a Mustang on the top floor of the Empire State building, and it’s doing it again today. As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, Ford team sliced a 2015 Mustang into six pieces and moved them individually 86 floors in a tiny elevator, then managed to put the car back together for display. Feats like this show the commitment and passion that drive the company behind the Mustang.

Mustang Countdown

Ford has also launched Mustang Countdown, an online video series aimed at reviving the culture inspired by Mustang over five decades. The series include a curated selection of clips featuring older models, racing cars and collectors items.

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