Production For The All-New 2015 Edge Has Started – Lamarque Ford – New Orleans

February 23, 2015 By velocity Leave a Comment

The assembly plant in Oakville, Canada, has started pricing the global 2015 Ford Edge. The new version of the SUV will be shipped to more than 100 countries as Ford continues to develop its global strategy. Most 2015 Ford models were developed with this mantra in mind, instead of having specific vehicles for certain countries or regions.

Last year, the Oakville Assembly plant got a huge revamp thanks to a $700 million investment. The plant is now ready to assemble all 2015 Ford Edges.

The assembly plant revamp added more than 250 new robots and new technology to improve efficiency. Ford’s focus on quality led to the development of new techniques to reduce cabin noise, align parts better, and give paint s sleeker finish.

Since 2008, global demand for sport utility vehicles is up by 88% and now account for almost 20% of the automotive market. Ford is staying ahead of these demand trends by investing heavily in new equipment and hiring new workers. The Oakville plant alone hired over 1,400 employees in the last year, in addition of being recognized for its environmental efforts.

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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.

2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Features | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

February 11, 2015 By velocity Leave a Comment

This Thursday, Ford will unveil the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility at the Chicago Auto Show. The new vehicle comes from a collaboration between Ford and law enforcement agencies seeking the perfect interceptor, and it is the most driver-centric vehicle.

The new 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility has a redesigned front and back with upgraded headlamps, which give it a meaner look and better visibility. Inside, the electrical system has been upgraded to better distribute electrical loads and to power the new instrument panel.

Ford is introducing a new technology called “Surveillance Mode,” which warns the driver if someone approaches the vehicle from the rear. Once enhanced, the system rises all the windows and locks all the doors to protect the officer.

Thanks to Ford’s own Police Advisory Board, which was formed to develop future iterations with help of agency veterans, the new Ford Police Interceptor is featured-packed and offers innovations in every front. Here’s a list of the biggest changes coming in 2016:

Rear Camera. Now standard in every Interceptor Utility, it gives cops the chance to better monitor their surroundings. It also acts as a parking aide.
Liftgate Release Switch. It times out the rear liftgate so it remains open for 45 seconds. This feature came directly from customer feedback.
Standard All-Wheel Drive. Designed for high-speed handling and maneuverability and low-speed improved traction.
Available 3.5-liter EcoBoost Engine, producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb. of torque.
New improved heavy-duty suspension, for rough city surfaces and off-road pursuit.
New six-speed transmission with Pursuit Mode. Automatically detects driving conditions and switches from normal driving for improved fuel economy, and Pursuit Mode for aggressive high-speed chases. Pursuit Mode is also programmed to perform a J-Turn.
Enhanced cooling system and high venting features throughout the vehicle.
High-strength steel frame.
Designed in Dearborn, built in Chicago.

Additionally, all engines and features have been tested and calibrated to meet the demanding requirements of law-enforcement agencies. Ford is first to introduce many of these features and is always working with law-enforcement agencies to improve these vehicles.

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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.

Ford Introduces Ford GT | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

January 12, 2015 By velocity Leave a Comment

Yesterday Ford unveiled Ford GT, a showcase of their latest technology in a powerful super-car that redefines design and performance. The company is using its most advanced engine and materials as it hopes this strategy will pave the way for new improvements in overall efficiency. In front of an unsuspecting crowd at the North American International Auto Show, Ford announced its renewed commitment to performance models. Let’s see what the new Ford GT has to offer.

The new car, Ford GT, relies on the most powerful EcoBoost engine ever: a 600 horsepower turbo-charged V6. EcoBoost engines are the heart of Ford’s performance line-up, and it already powers the new Mustang, F-150 Raptor, Focus ST and Fiesta ST. The new engine, however, features a twin-turbocharged 3.5 liter displacement and a wide powerband for improved torque and raw power. Like all EcoBoost models, Ford GT excels in efficiency, as it was designed with endurance-racing in mind. To top things off, Ford GT is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission for instant shifting.

The GT was designed from top to bottom to reduce drag and improve downforce and stability. Breakthrough research in airflow management was crucial for the efficient design. The rear spoiler is synchronized to driver input and speed, and it deploys and adjusts its height to improve driving conditions. Ford is also using what the company calls “advanced lightweight composites,” which are extra durable light materials that will serve for future models. A combination of carbon fiber and aluminum are used in the GT’s frame and body.

Ford GT will serve as the technology and performance showcase for the company, and it will be at the center of Ford’s performance strategy. The super-car has already been selected to be featured in the cover of Forza Motorsport 6, the popular racing video game. Ford GT is scheduled to hit dealerships in 2016 and production will begin later this year.

Remember Ford already offers a complete performance line up, including the all-new 2015 Mustang and F-150 Raptor. Check out our inventory and stop by the dealership to test drive one today.

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Ford Sync 3: New Infotainment System | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 15, 2014 By velocity Leave a Comment

Last week Ford announced it is replacing its widely used MyFord Touch for a more modern, functional version. MyFord Touch is Ford’s current in-dashboard infotainment system, which combines radio, music listening and other commands with a touch screen. After tweaking the platform for several years, the company has decided to migrate to a more widely supported software, making it easier to connect with smartphones and run third-party apps.

Ford is also dropping its long time partner, Microsoft, which provided the base software for MyFord Touch. The new system called Sync 3, will rely on the QNX software, Blackberry’s proprietary platform that powers many other operating systems, including their own smartphones. By using QNX, Ford is able to introduce new features and simpler and more intuitive commands. For instance, the new system will be able to run apps like Spotify and Pandora and has a closer integration with Siri. iPhone users will now be able to control Siri with the touch of a button though a feature called “Siri eyes free.”

Ford is rolling out the new system on some 2015 models and wishes to replace MyFord Touch entirely by 2016. The ambitious plan comes after ratings for the current system weren’t as favorable, so Ford listened to its customers and decided to change course. With over 22,000 customer suggestions and countless research clinics and market surveys, Sync 3 aims to be exactly what Ford owners want. Sync 3 will become the standard system for upscale Ford and Lincoln models and will be available for mid-range trims. AppLink will remain the low-end option for other connected Fords.

Here’s the full list of new features available on Sync3 3:

A more intuitive interface, with crisper graphics and pinch-and-zoom gestures
Improved voice recognition, with simpler commands and more natural speaking voice
Increased smartphone connectivity, the system can detect compatible apps and display them on the screen for better interactions
Wi-Fi network integration, for faster updates and smart-home connectivity
Emergency 911 Assist, which automatically dials 911 in case of an emergency, using a Bluetooth connection
Siri Eyes Free, which allows iPhone users to access Siri by touching one button

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Buying a New Car? Here Are Some Tips | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 25, 2014 By velocity Leave a Comment

Buying a new car can make for a nerve racking and mentally draining experience, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for. Often people start with only a price range, but that is really only the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to spending big money on a new car, follow these steps to make the best out of your investment.

Get Organized

When looking for a new car, writing down your thoughts can help organize your ideas. Educated purchase decisions become vital, so make sure to do your research. The first step to your purchase is to start with personal allowances. Allow yourself ample time and make sure you are thinking clearly with your head instead of making emotional verdicts. Split decisions when purchasing a car can lead to heartache and costly repairs. Approach every dealership with hope, but allow yourself the ability to walk away. It is good to compare and stack up the competition but it also lets the dealer know you are not desperate.

Do The Research

After you have taken the vow of patience, it is time for the nitty gritty, yet, essential chunk of the operation. Luckily, most of the research can be performed from the comfort of your own home. One of the most important factors in the equation is really knowing the value of your trade in. Do not let the dealership determine this for you. There are many resources online or off, Carmax or Kelly Blue Book are just a couple of examples. Begin your search by emailing various dealerships with a list of what you are looking for. This will help you conserve energy when it comes to the actual footwork,a s it will help you grasp a better idea of what you’re looking for. And before you even go in, make sure you are financed. Often times your bank will offer you a better interest loan than the dealership’s bank and knowing ahead how much money is available to you makes for a much smoother process.

Test Drive

Once you are ready to start meeting your potential next new car, take full advantage of the test drive. Test drives are a privilege that can really help you get a feel from a particular vehicle. Enjoy it. Use that filled gas tank and explore the city. A prolonged test drive is recommended so you can really get a feel for that acceleration, braking, throttle, engine noises, smells, gas mileage, working accessories, etc. Take your time.

Safety First

When choosing a vehicle and its equipment, much of it boils down to personal needs and opinions. Safety, however, should still be one of your top concerns. Look for built in front and side air bags, an alarm system, anti lock brakes, an anti-skid system and power locks. Navigation system is also a nice addition, making it easier to follow directions and look up information without having to access a separate unit.

Read The Fine Print

Once your selection has been made, research it. Do your homework and know how much you should pay and where you might find a better local deal. Make sure to get an itemized list from each prospective dealer that includes the vehicle sale price, tax, title and tags, as well as the vehicle’s specific vin number. By doing this you can really compare finalized notes and numbers. When you do finally sign that paperwork, make sure to read all the fine print.

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2015 Taurus SHO Specs | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 24, 2014 By velocity Leave a Comment

For years, Ford has released an SHO version of the Taurus, which is a top-of-the-line performance and technology trim. The 2015 SHO Taurus is an amazing example of a fully equipped full size sedan, with a powerful engine, a sporty feel and an executive interior. Here’s a look at the best features the SHO model’s got to offer.

Taurus Design

Ford is calling the all-new Taurus a perfect combination of looks and performance. Bold lines and a sporty stance make the Taurus SHO look menacing yet refined, and the exclusive Piano Black front grille adds a final touch of sophistication. The front, coupled with HID headlamps and a dropped down fascia showcase Ford design at its best. Down the sides, the lean and agile body opens up to fit giant 20 in machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets that compliment the black contrast across the Taurus.

The 2015 Taurus SHO offers an exclusive interior with two seat options: leather-trimmed seats with Miko suede inserts or all-black leather embroidered with the SHO logo. Both options are eligible for Multi-Contour seats with lumbar massage.

SHO Performance

SHO stands for Super High Output, and Ford made sure this Taurus lives up to its name. It all starts with a direct injection turbo-charged V6, which produces an incredible 365 horsepower, more than the V6 and EcoBoost Mustangs. The SHO is then coupled with AWD, which allows for fast acceleration and best traction in all situations. The standard AWD constantly monitors tire traction and distributes power where is needed.

To improve stability and handling, Ford added a sports-tuned suspension to the Taurus SHO. The new system includes redesigned shock absorbers and a multi-link rear suspension for better dynamic control.

Best Technology Package

The 2015 SHO Taurus gets tech updates in almost every area. The transmission is upgraded to a six-speed SelectShift automatic, which includes shift paddles and a sport mode setting. The exterior also gains standard HID headlamps and LED tail lights. Inside, Taurus SHO gets dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, power-adjustable pedals, MyKey, remote keyless entry, integrated remote start and a rear-view camera.

For 2015, Ford Taurus’ entertainment system comes standards with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CD player with mp3 capability and am/fm radio. The main console is equipped with MyFord Touch, and 8 in. LCD touch display for easy access to music and other controls, and SYNC, Ford’s own voice-activated command system.

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2015 Ford Fusion Energi | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 11, 2014 By velocity 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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F-450: Best In Class Towing | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

August 22, 2014 By velocity 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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Ford’s Crew Chief Fleet Management | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

August 18, 2014 By velocity 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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