police interceptor | Lamarque Ford

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!

Ford: To Protect and Serve- the Police Interceptor

October 25, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford is keeping you safe, and not just with seat belts and airbags.

As of 2015, the Ford Police Interceptor became the best selling police vehicle in America. Since its introduction to the market in 2012, the Police Interceptor saw its market share climb from 40% to 61% among law enforcement vehicles in the US, and it’s still forecasted to increase.

It comes as both a sedan and utility vehicle. While the sedan has generated more sales nationally, the utility edition is the only utility-sized vehicle currently available to the police, which is perfect for when more space is needed (especially for canines).

So whenever you’re inside the car or outside of it, Ford’s always got you protected.

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

February 11, 2015 By Matthew Hritz 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.

–

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.

Cop Car Reinvented | Lamarque Ford | Kenner, New Orleans, Metairie

March 26, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

In 1899, when most police fleets consisted of bicycles and horses, the Akron (Ohio) Police Department decided to break out of the ordinary and got the very first motorized police cruiser. Although it was technically an electric buggy equipped with lights and a gong, it paved the road for a new type of vehicles: the police interceptor. Today we’re all familiar with the iconic Ford Crown Victoria of the late 90’s, which was the most popular choice among police departments and cab companies across the U.S. However, after a very successful nine year run, Ford ceased production of the interceptor in 2011. Based on a fuel-hungry V8 engine and a heavy large frame, the Crown Victoria wasn’t exactly the most fuel efficient car out there.

Ford started offering two new options in 2011: a leaner and meaner interceptor sedan and a high performance SUV, based on the Taurus and Explorer models respectively. After only two years, these new options proved to be a success and Ford’s new police vehicles now account for almost 50% share in this segment.

Ford’s latest models were first met with skepticism, since they were a big departure from the oversized frame of the Crown Victoria. The SUV turned out to be just what police officers were looking for, as it allows them to carry more equipment without sacrificing fuel economy. Both models come with standard all-wheel-drive and EcoBoost engines, improved acceleration and better handling. Thanks to the new improvements, police departments across the U.S. can enjoy improved fuel efficiency and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As the role of police officers changes, so will the future cop cars. Ford continues to innovate and bring breakthrough products across all segments, including public safety.

–

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.