Forget the Mommy Guilt, it's a new day
The cutest moment by far at the Chicago Auto Show was when Keegan the K-9 did the honors of revealing the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility! This vehicle has been custom-built to address the specific needs of law enforcement, including a surveillance mode that automatically locks all doors and raises the driver’s side window when someone approaches the vehicle from behind. Today is the last day of the Chicago Auto Show, so check it out while you still have the chance!
We spent our Spring Break this year going up and down the West coast of the US. Starting near Seattle we started our trek in our Ford Fusion Energi and headed down to LA for a visit to Disneyland. The Ford Fusion Energi is more than your typical hybrid vehicle. This car also has a battery that gives us up to 20 miles of electricity and the fun part is when you’re coasting down the mountain side we were able to rack up to 4 extra miles of electricity with the regenerative breaking system. It was AWESOME. We saved quite a bit of money on gas with this road trip car. 
After our visit in LA at Disneyland we decided to drive over to San Francisco and then from there take Highway 101 up the coast through the redwood forest and then all the way back up to Washington. The roads are quite windy a not many passing lanes but our car had no issues passing anyone and staying within the lines. In fact with the lane assistance and cruise control on together this car practically drives itself. The car also likes to let you know when it thinks you are not driving up to snuff by saying you should stop for a coffee break. Then if you continue to drive poorly it will make lots of red noises at you and the warning goes from yellow to red. 
The Ford Fusion Energi is amazing on the beach. And the kids were so excited to see sand they stopped right outside my son’s door and just started playing in the sand. They had so much fun, we all had so much fun. 
The only negative is that there isn’t a lot of trunk space for a road trip but our roof rack provided us with all the space we needed.
I’m working with the ItCanWait program and received this article from Ford. Of course it’s from a completely different brand, it’s another way you can help keep your teenagers from driving while they are distracted. All drivers need to take the ItcanWait pledge, but as parents we want to do more than have our children take a pledge. We want to install ways to help keep them safe. Cell phone companies like AT&T have apps you can add that will disable texting while the car is in motion and some adults know that teens can find a way to disable the app. So you might have a smart teenager, so that means you need to make sure you are sharing the facts with them……
It Can Wait! Please follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and ItCanWait.com.
As summer begins, what can be the most fun season of the year for teens can also be the riskiest. A new survey conducted by Penn Schoen Berland and commissioned by Ford reveals new insights about teen driving habits and perceptions. The survey polled teen drivers and parents, and reveals some surprising results. Key highlights include:
In addition, Ford also announced that its MyKey® technology is now in 6 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles on the road nationwide – including the including the new 2014 Fiesta, available in dealerships this summer. As teens get behind the wheel this summer, Ford’s MyKey technology encourages teenagers to wear their seat belts, keep the radio volume down, watch their speed and pay attention to the road – not their cell phones.
AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless℠ helps families manage the types of purchases made from the mobile device, texting and data usage, and time-of-day use restrictions.
AT&T FamilyMapSM Know where your kids are at any time. AT&T FamilyMap lets you locate family members on a map from your mobile phone or computer at any time. For your teenage drivers, find their location without a distracting call or text. You can also set up alerts to be notified by text or email of your child’s location at specific times of day.
My husband and I just recently went electric/hybrid. We traded in our gas guzzling van in for an all electric Ford Focus and an Ford Fusion Hybrid and I’m LOVING the change. Going to the gas station gave me a heart attack because we were filling once or twice a week at $60 a punch. Sharing a car with my husband was ending up going to Redmond and back about twice a day if I wanted the car. (stay tuned for four different energy efficient car reviews) Since I’m so happy with my energy savings I want to find other ways to save energy and share them with you. Let’s all change our Lifestyle.
Ford and the MyEnergi Lifestyle® initiative have kicked off the MyEnergi Lifestyle retrofit contest with Katie Couric on her syndicated talk show “Katie.” Homeowners can enter this national contest for a chance to win a package that includes a Ford C-MAX Energi –America’s most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle, new Whirlpool brand appliances, a SunPower solar power system and other home products designed to bring energy-efficient living to a typical American family.
The contest is now open and runs through June 9, with the grand prize winner to be announced this summer.
Through the MyEnergi Lifestyle initiative, Ford is bringing together leaders in the home appliance, renewable energy and power management industries – including Eaton, SunPower and Whirlpool. Additional featured companies are semiconductor provider Infineon and Nest Labs.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR APPLIANCES:
As Americans’ thirst for energy grows, recent advancements in technology make this the ideal time to demonstrate the benefits of optimizing a family’s energy footprint. Along with 729 gallons of gasoline and 122,000 cubic feet of natural gas, the average home in America uses more than 11,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year; in 1930, the figure was 500 kilowatt-hours. That’s an increase of 2,100 percent.
Home appliances have made huge gains in reducing energy usage. Today, the typical smart appliance, like a refrigerator, uses 70 percent less energy than one built in 1980.
The Ford Atlas Concept
The future of pickup trucks is here. Ford reveals the Ford Atlas Concept to showcase the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define future pickup trucks. Ford Atlas Concept is inspired by decades of listening to customers at the places they work and play. The result is a purpose-driven design with prominent wheel arches, a wide stance and bold grille – all to reinforce its functional Built Ford Tough image
65 years of Ford F-Series truck heritage
Trailer Backup Assist to park a trailer like a pro
Integrated tie-downs in cargo box floor
Hidden cargo ramps
Sideview-mounted LED spotlights
Tailgate step turns into cargo cradle to carry long items
Integrated roof carrier
360-degree camera helps steer truck in tight spots
Dynamic Hitch Assist helps hitching a trailer without a spotter
High-power 110v outlet in cargo box to recharge tools
Active Grille Shutters improve aerodynamics to save gas
Power-deployable running boards
Drop-down front chin spoiler improves aerodynamics to save gas
Active Wheel Shutters improve aerodynamics to save gas
Next-generation productivity screen and truck apps
All-Terrain LT325/50R22 tires
Intelligent Access unlocks doors and tailgate when you walk up
Push-button start
Adaptive cruise control
Forward collision warning with brake support
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®)
Fully at rear second-row floor
Lane-Keeping System
Lane Departure Warning
Ice blue dashboard lighting
Acoustic headliner helps keep interior quiet
Auto Start-Stop
Tailgate assist helps close gate
Tailgate dampers slow
tailgate fold-down
Integrated roof cargo carrier
Built Ford Tough® style
Text-to-voice capability
Wi-Fi® hotspot capability with
USB modem or compatible smartphone
First open mobile app platform for developers to integrate their apps with SYNC® AppLink™
Interior 110v powerpoints
Next-generation EcoBoost® engine
Electronically controlled fuel-saving transmission
Blue Oval logo
“Floating” instrument pods
Cargo box tie-down illumination
Ergonomic “bullring” steering wheel
Blue seat stitching
Washable seating fabric
Reversible floor mats
Rearview backup camera
Ambient lighting
Acoustic windshield helps quiet interior
Signature Ford round wheel openings
Signature Ford horizontal prole feature lines
Signature Ford rear bumper around corners of truck
Signature Ford truck bold block-style grille with nostrils
Signature Ford dominant grille style relative to headlamps
Signature Ford truck beltline drop-down
Tailgate assist helps close gate
Tailgate dampers slow
tailgate fold-down
Integrated roof cargo carrier
Built Ford Tough® style
Trailer-sensing deactivation for Auto
Start-Stop
SYNC®
MyKey®
USB ports to recharge mobile devices
LED tail lamps
Electronic parking brake
Next-generation seats are thinner, save weight and add rear legroom
Work glove-friendly truck-specific
MyFord Touch
Automatic high beams
Rain-sensing wipers
Having the opportunity to test drive so many cars lately has my interested in cars peeked. I mean, I’ve always enjoyed car shows. There is just something fun about a shiny car and how the body of cars varies so much from car to car and year to year. I received an invitation to the The 2013 Chicago Auto Show, unfortunately I won’t be able to attend but I’m sending Kas from Southern Bells Ways to Save in my place and she’s going to be covering the event for us at the press preview day.
The Chicago Auto Show realizes that women make purchasing decisions for the family, even big shopping decisions like car purchases, so they have a Women’s Day. Historically, Women’s Day has been filled with professional female guest speakers, manicure stations, delectable desserts and more. The Chicago Auto Show will again hold its annual Women’s Day event this year on Tuesday, February 12. Admission to the show is offered at a half-price discount – at just $6 a ticket – for all female attendees. The 2013 Chicago Auto Show’s Women’s Day is set to be a spectacular event that no lady will want to miss.
“It also serves as one of the best ways to accomplish a comparison shopping expedition for their new vehicle,” says 2012 auto show
Chairman Steve Foley Jr. “Instead of spending a day in the cold of going from dealership to dealership, shoppers can take a leisurely stroll around the show floor and get excellent advice and information from every manufacturer’s display and product specialists. And don’t be surprised if the specialist from “Brand A” doesn’t know everything about “Brand B” if they’re competing in the same segment. Everyone is very well schooled in helping potential customers make informed decisions. We’ve said for years that the best customer for any product is one who is well-informed. What better place to gather information than at the show?”
I really wish I was going, my husband and I could really use a new car. Sharing one car is doable, but driving us both crazy too. There are so many different brands, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Acura, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar, Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Subaru, Honda, GMC, Buick, Audi and many more. You might want to make plans to attend on Women’s Day to save money and learn about all your options for your next car. Take advantage of the show’s website, www.ChicagoAutoShow.com, where, you can plan your adventure. You’ll find everything from getting to the show, where to park, show floor maps and listings of celebrity appearances to the show’s history section, buyers’ links and extensive photography. It’s a great place to start.
While I was at the Ford Trend Conference I attended the Urbanization session. I wasn’t interested in the Urbanization session at all. I just figured that I didn’t care about big cities, I hate driving to Seattle and what could Ford tell me that’s interesting about cities? All I wanted to learn was about the technology in the cars and what the cars look like and how do they drive. I was surprised about what I learned.
I thought the US was getting over crowded and suffering from traffic problems. It always seems that by the time cities are done adding lanes those lanes are already full of traffic. Other countries have even bigger traffic problems, like a 45 day traffic jam. I know that people just abandoned their cars at that point but how can they live like that. One solution was how Ford is partnering with Zipcar.
Car sharing seems like a simple enough idea, but there’s a reason that Zipcar has become the leader for cars on demand—we took a simple concept to new heights. It’s not just about less cars, less congestion and less pollution (though we’re not complaining), it’s about understanding why those things are a problem, and finding sustainable solutions. We’re idea people acknowledging that this is something bigger than all of us, something that can take over the world (literally) if we’re smart about it. And it’s not just a theory. We have the industry’s gold standard service, allowing our members 24/7 access to thousands of cars around the globe. We’re working daily to take things to the next level, and we’re not slowing down anytime soon.
Ford and Zipcar are taking cars to universities. This provides benefits to universities and to students. There will be less need for parking, reduces the carbon footprint, the price is low and there is self-service access on campus. It’s a win for the environment and the “starving student” that can’t afford a car.
Another way Ford is looking to help urbanization with working globally with other car and technology companies creating cars and technology that allows communication between the cars. If your car notices that the car in front of you is slowing down then you will slow down. If your car notices that you aren’t driving safely your car will correct you and alert you that you need a coffee break. It’s imitatives like these that are going to save lives and help with traffic issues. When there are fewer fender benders there will be less traffic issues.
Ford paid for my travel and expenses on this trip.
A few months ago I went to Detroit the car capital of our nation to meet with Ford for their Go Further press event. Here they invite over 200 members of the press including bloggers to show them where Ford is headed and how they plan to get there. Overall I was very impressed with Ford as a company for their innovative ideas and green consciousness. One of the ways they test out the spacing and feel of their cars is in the simulation machine.
I had the opportunity to sit in the simulator and I loved it. They moved the seat so that I was comfortable and I put on the HUGE head gear and glasses and suddenly I was in the car. I started reaching out to touch things that weren’t really there. The car door was fully furnished and my seat looked like it was covered in leather. The seat next to me was suddenly empty so I reached out to touch it, completely forgetting that the Ford employee was sitting next to me. I heard everyone in the room laughing, and realized what I was doing. While I was in the car they asked me if I wanted to get in the back seat and explore that too, I was confused at first knowing the car only had front seats, all I had to do was stay in the front seat, they flipped a switch and suddenly I was in the back seat. The simulator really gives you an idea of how much space is going to be in the car. I LOVED IT.
I’ve read on Ford.com that they use the simulator for more than just spatial awareness. They also let potential customers use the simulator to provide feedback to the engineers for things like, in-dash display on the Focus Electric. I wanted to take my simulation for a drive but we ran out of time and had to go off to the next session.
Ford covered my travel expenses to attend the Go Further With Ford Trend Conference.
With the holidays coming up it’s important to remember to drive extra safely. You might be in your right mind but it doesn’t mean that all the other drivers on the road are. DON’T lose track of how many eggnogs you consumed at the holiday party. The most important holiday safe driving tip of all is to refrain from drinking and driving under all circumstances. If you think you will drink, arrange for alternate transportation ahead of time. Ford has announced a Top 10 list of Winter Safety Driving Tips to help you stay safe and count down to the New Year!
10. DO allow a few minutes to brush and scrape your vehicle. Clearing windows is crucial for visibility and removing snow or ice from the top of your car will spare cars behind you from encountering an unexpected snow assault, impairing visibility or even cracking a windshield.
DON’T forget to clean snow and ice off your headlights and taillights as well.
9. DO use winterized windshield wiper fluid to make sure your wiper sprayer doesn’t freeze over or crack, preventing you from washing away dirt and salt.
DON’T try to melt ice from your windshield by pouring hot water on it. Using hot water can crack the windshield.
8. DO wash your car regularly to remove salt and dirt from the roadways.
DON’T let road grime prematurely age the body of your vehicle by neglecting to bathe it.
7. DO maintain at least half a tank of gas to prevent unnecessarily stranding yourself in adverse conditions. To help get the most out of your tank, Ford offers fuel-saving technologies such as its EcoBoost® engines, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and hybrid electric vehicles.
DON’T forget to check that all fluids are at proper levels and ensure all tires, including the spare, have the required pressure and tread.
6. DO prepare your car for an emergency. Essential items to keep in the trunk are a blanket to stay warm, proper attire (boots, jacket, hat and gloves) in case you have to be outside for an extended period of time, a shovel, flashlight with fresh batteries and snacks. Keep your cell phone charged to call help if necessary.
DON’T forget the kitty litter or sand, which can be used to provide added traction if your car becomes stuck in the snow.
5. DO remain aware of what’s around you on the road, including checking your blind spots and keeping an eye out for pedestrians or lost reindeer from Santa’s sleigh.
DON’T follow too closely. The general rule is the vehicle ahead should pass a road marker two seconds before you. In slippery conditions, it is recommended to double the amount of space between you and the vehicle in front.
4. DO apply even pressure when braking in slick conditions if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes. Keep in mind anti-lock brakes do not shorten stopping distance, but they do help you maintain control.
DON’T become overconfident in snowy and slippery road conditions. Always test road conditions with cautious driving when the surface area is wet or icy, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
3. DO turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide when driving on snowy or icy roads until you gain control.
DON’T apply power or change directions suddenly on snow or ice.
2. DO stay calm if you find yourself stuck in the snow or broken down on the side of the road in adverse conditions.
DON’T leave your car unless available shelter is close by. If you need to run the engine to stay warm, make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow so the interior stays clear of harmful carbon monoxide.
1. DO make sure you are awake and alert behind the wheel. If necessary, take a break and grab a coffee.
Ford is a smart company because before they let me test drive one over the weekend I never had any intention of buying another American Made Vehicle. However, Ford has managed to make a vehicle in a medium price range feel like a luxury vehicle. Ford knows moms.
We were not given a vehicle with all of the upgrades either, it was modest, it had Sync, Syrius, and a 6 disc CD player. I loaded it up and tested out all of the technology in the car. My husband plugged in our Zune, we used the built in phone capabilities with our phone. So I was calling all my friends and family by using verbal commands. The Sync system is awesome.
I have never driven a hybrid before so I had no idea what to expect. I turned the key and there was no sound. The lights on the dash came on but that’s it. I was thinking I didn’t turn the car on so I turned the key again. It was still silent. I wasn’t sure what to do. I took the car out of park and we started moving, I guess the car is on I thought to myself. Wow it was scary but really cool at the same time. Every time I stopped at a light or stop sign I still felt like the car was not on. The dashboard was quite distracting at times. All the digital displays. You can see how much power the battery has, how much gas you have, how many miles you have gone what you are getting in miles per gallon and your average miles per gallon. The display is customizable which is a good thing because I would not want my teenager driving with all of that going on. Maybe when they start driving they’ll be used to that much going on at once. We’ll just have to see when that day comes. I’m not looking forward to that day. I know that computers have been running cars for quite a few years now so I’m quite comfortable with all the features it has.
The interior is very nice. I love new vehicles. They are so much fun to drive and the Ford Fusion Hybrid is fun to drive. Compared to my Doge Caravan that I have been toting my children in this thing felt like driving a sports car. I felt like it corners really well. My husband even thought it cornered really well and he drives a Toyota Corolla every day.
He complained that the engine didn’t seem too powerful but for a hybrid it was alright. I thought the engine performance was great, but again, my frame of reference is a Dodge Caravan. 
We were able to sit in it comfortably as a family. It was quite roomy. My husband had plenty of feet room without making the kids feel like they didn’t have any room. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel like cars were made for car seats. We use the latch system with ours and it was extremely easy to install.
I could see our family taking a long trip in the Ford Fusion Hybrid. It does get better gas mileage in town though which is opposite of most vehicles. In extreme driving situations it gets 81 miles per gallon. I forgot to write down what our average was, but it was really fun to watch the meter when it said we were getting 60+ miles per gallon.
The true test would be to see how the Ford Fusion Hybrid stands the length of time.