My Ford & Lincoln Touch pt2

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We went over some of the basics with my Ford & Lincoln Touch last week, looking at the Phone, Entertainment, Navigation and Climate controls.  This week we’ll dig a little further into how easy the system actually is to use. 

Off the top, we’ll have a look at the MENU items and what you can do.  The intuitive menu gives you total vehicle control at your fingertips. Control audio settings, upload wallpaper and receive customized directions based on travelling preferences (shortest, fastest, or eco-route) and which streets/areas you want to avoid. The menu’s Help tab will even give you your exact location—street name, city and coordinates—if you get lost.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fwy6LAYl3eU

Now it’s time to have a look at the INFO button.  The Information tab gives you real-time vehicle notifications, helping to keep you alert and informed at all times. You can also install the newest SYNC® apps with the touch of a button and keep yourself organized with a digital calendar.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E3EML7OdvKI

We also have the HOME button.  It offers a fully customizable home screen that allows you to create and edit two pages of vehicle feature “shortcuts.” You can also upload a personal photo for the home screen to display. Options such as radio presets and climate controls are easily accessible.:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aA9GZukj5dQ

You can also set up a lot of your own personal information for My Ford and Lincoln Touch to remember. :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pjb7Ah4K94c

There are also two Multifunction Information Cluster screens on either side of the steering wheel, on the left:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zZNcyB9nWPI

On the right hand side:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E_eYnBVQeO0

Nothing is perfect and Ford has been working to improve the system.  There is an upgrade on the way and if you want more information on what to expect you’ll find it here.   http://www.ford.ca/pdf/ford/MyFordTouchScreens_en.pdf

Finally, you can find all this information if you want to keep it as a reference tool at:  http://www.ford.ca/app/en/technology.html#touch

My Ford & Lincoln Touch

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 With My Ford & My Lincoln Touch there are always questions customers have after taking delivery of their new vehicles.  We try to cover all the bases at the time of delivery but it’s a lot of information to soak in.  What better way to learn the basics of the system than with video.  

Overview of the system: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xARw_JhDbgA

Lower left quadrant is PHONE and pairing it is a very easy procedure:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TxX7DFT4Y38

On the lower left hand side of the screen you’ll find everything to do with ENTERTAINMENT:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=k1CbUCkzlYM

NAVIGATION can be found on the upper right hand side: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=m9ZtFwzVHr0

CLIMATE controls will be on your lower right:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=M3E8FA6ZB-o

As with anything new, the more you use it the easier it becomes to navigate.  If you need any help with any of the systems please be sure to drop by and we’ll give you a hand, or ask me and I’ll forward you the answer.  We’ll go into deeper depth next time!

 

 

The NEW House of Ford

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We’ve come a long way in the past year and we thought it was time to go on a tour.  Please tell us if it was worth the wait. .

This is how we started.  Brown Bros moved to this location in 1985 in what used to be a glass factory.  It was time for change and change we have.

     We are now complete and ready to work for you

Let’s start in Sales.  We now have devoted Ford and Lincoln showrooms that are large enough to accomodate one of each model.  We can show you the best without making you stand in the elements anymore.   We’ve increased our office space so there’s less crowding.  You will also find more amenities while you are here. 

 

Our new Ford and Lincoln Showrooms

Should you need to wait, you can enjoy our fireplace, large screen TV, comfortable seating and free wifi with coffee. 

Over in our Service Department we made numerous changes as well.  Outside you’ll find a new covered drop off area to keep you dry. 

Walk in our door and you’ll find our Service Advisors front and centre ready to help.  At their disposal are 26 service bays with a technician for each bay.  We also have a devoted Diesel shop for our heavy duty vehicles customers.  You can get your vehicle in and out in the least amount of time.

If it’s parts you are looking for, Steve and Ming are there to help.  They know their inventory inside out.  Along with the expertise, we have the parts on hand.

Brown Bros Ford Lincoln has the largest selection of parts you can find in the entire province.  That means we have it in stock for you so you have less down time.  Of course we are also an authorized supplier of Ford Racing Parts.

If you choose to wait for your vehicle while it’s being serviced you can now enjoy our new comfortable surroundings with big screen TV, wifi, and complimentary coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

British Columbia has looked after Brown Bros Ford Lincoln for 65 years, making us the largest Ford Lincoln Dealership in the province.  While it is always nice to work in a modern facility, the changes weren’t for us.  The changes were made for our customers.  We want to make your time with us as enjoyable as we can and we hope that if you haven’t been by lately you will come by soon.  Please watch for our Grand Re-opening as well. 

This dealership was almost rebuilt from the ground up just about every, nail, bolt, wall is new.  However there is one piece of heritage left over from the original building that was built in the 1950′s. 

Yup.  Everything is new except…..  Go figure huh!

 

Pairing Your Phone with Sync

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As Ford moves forward into offering more and more technology, it can be confusing for both customers and Sales people.  Ford was the first to introduce SYNC back in 2008 and it has come a long way since then.  Initially it recognized 300 different voice commands and now it recognizes 10,000!  Along with that, Ford has since introduced MyFordTouch and MyLincolnTouch adding on the Sync platform.  Every new vehicle we deliver we make sure we have “paired” a customers cell phone to the vehicle but occasionally a phone will get deleted and customers don’t remember how it was done.  We thought we would help.  Ford does have an excellent reference website at www.syncmyride.com which answers lots of questions. 

So how do we pair a phone with MyFordTouch or MyLincolnTouch?

The first thing to remember is that for safety, you can not pair a phone while a vehicle is in motion. 

In the upper left hand corner of the touch screen we are going to touch: Add Phone

When prompted, select add:

Our third step is Add Device.  Please make sure you have your cell phones “bluetooth settings” turned on.  Sync will provide a six digit code on the screen.

Your phone will also be seaching for Sync and will let you know it has found it.  When prompted, enter the 6 digit code into the phone.  When pairing succeeds, the touchscreen will say, (phone name) added successfully!

   The system will now ask you if you want to download your phonebook.  Finally the touch screen will give you the option of setting a voicemail number.  The defualt is your cell number. 

The steps are easy.  We find the hard part generally is finding the blue tooth settings in each persons phone as it seems all manufacturers are different.  If you are having trouble please stop by, we can help you out and go over it in person.

Safety Technology Convenience in a Ford

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I’ll be sitting home watching TV and watch the car commercials hit the screen and every manufacturer has things they want to brag about to convince you thier product is the best.  It’s the “so called” Luxury brands that I always get a chuckle out of. 

Welcome to FORD.  We are a domestic manufacturer.  We’ve been around for more than a 100 years and we keep up with, or exceed the Luxury groups and we do it keeping thousands of dollars in your pocket. 

You can’t be in this business selling one brand without having some passion.  I have it for both Brown Bros Ford Lincoln and the Ford Motor Company.  Last week I talked about SOME of our technology, this week there’s more.  I ask you to remember our vehicles are priced far below some other brands that try to offer LESS technology…

2010 – 2012 Taurus.

–SelectShift 6 speed automatic with paddle shifting on the steering wheel.  

–SYNC, offering hands free just about anything.  It understands 10 thousand different words and we had it first.  

–Play DVD’s through the 8″ navigation screen when the vehicle is parked.  

– Adaptive Cruise Control uses radar to automatically adjust your cruising speed to maintain 1 of 3 preset gaps to the vehicle in front of you. 

– Collision Warning with brake support can give you up to 2 and a half extra seconds of reaction time to brake if radar sensors detect a potential collision and a warning on your windshield.  It even pre-loads the brakes for you. 

– Blind Spot Information System gives you a warning if you are about to make an unsafe lane change. 

– Cross Traffic Alert lets you know if there is a vehicle crossing your path if you’re backing out of a parking spot. 

– MyKey lets you program your ignition key to limit speeds, radio volume, mutes the audio until seatbelts are fastened and more.  

– SOS Post Crash Alert can (if programmed) automatically flash your hazard lights and sound your horn after a serious crash. 

– On that note, SYNC can automatically call 911 in certain collisions.   

– Capless fuel filler (my personal favourite due to convenience).  NO fuel cap. Simple.  Effective.  Convenient.

Convenience:  Heated & Cooled seats, rear window shades, cars that park themselves (way faster than the competition), remote start, push button start, 12 speaker Sony audio, rain sensing wipers, twin turbo chargers that still deliver 40mpg.  As I mentioned last week, lots of Green technology, now using plants in door panels.    Greatly reduced service intervals.  Of course 5 star safety.

Again we are FORD.  We do it as well or better than anyone.  In a lot of cases we did it first.  We hope you’ll check out Ford and Brown Bros Ford Lincoln to compare.  We know you’ll be glad you did.

FORD LEADS IN NEW TECHNOLOGY

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Have you ever wondered about the technologies that go into your new vehicle.  At Ford they are always looking for ways to stay on top.  So much so that they are now a leading technology company, a major manufacturer and also a major recycler.  Technologies are moving so fast it can be confusing for both customers and salespeople trying to keep up.  I thought I’d try to explain some

The Ford Focus was finalist for the 2012 Car of the year Award and there are a lot of reasons why.  

Dynamic Cornering Control standard:

Builds driver confidence by providing more-predictable cornering behaviour.  Enables longer tire life for the enthusiastic driver.  Provides the effect of a limited-slip differential.   Continuously optimizes engine torque distribution between driven front wheels.  Improves vehicle traction in cornering situations.  Reduces power-on understeer and increases power-off stability. 

Electronic Power-Assist Steering (EPAS)

Automatically adjusts to deliver precise responses at high speeds and optimal manoeuvrability at slower speeds when needed. Its Pull-Drift Compensation technology constantly measures the driver’s steering input, adapts to changing road conditions and helps compensate for slight directional shifts caused by factors such as uneven road surfaces or steady crosswinds.

Ultra -High–Strength Boron Steel

An infusion of ultra-high-strength boron steel fortifies the body structure of the new Focus, adding protection while reducing weight. It’s up to four times stronger than normal high-strength steel. Trimming weight is yet another way we enhance fuel economy. Boron steel lets us do that, while maintaining safety.

The stiff Focus body structure contains 55% high-strength steel to add rigidity, enabling better driving dynamics, and improved noise, vibration and harshness control. This makes Focus both fun to drive and quieter.  Boron steel adds strength at key points, while saving weight.  Martensitic steel adds rigidity to floors and rockers.  DP600 steel adds strength to the inner body structure.  With the Trinity Crash Structure Ford employs, in the event of a frontal impact the design is such, that it forces the impact through the bottom of the car and up the pillars through the roof over you, while the engine is designed to drop and go underneath protecting you.

All-New Ford Airbag Technology

The 2012 Focus pioneers next-generation Ford airbag technology that enhances protection for front occupants in the most common frontal and side crashes.  It uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs.  The 2012 Focus now offers Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy® System curtain airbags that deploy from the headliner to provide a protective cushion between occupants and glass and anything hard on the side of the passenger compartment.  They’re designed to help prevent head injuries, especially in side impacts.  There are smart airbags on the side for front seat occupants that feature a vented structure to tailor airbag deployment. The airbags deliver varying levels of pressure based on the size of the occupant and how much of their shoulder blocks the vent.

Aerodynamics

The 2012 Focus features a highly aerodynamic shape that contributes to fuel efficiency. With a Cd as low as 0.297, the new model is 7% slipperier – and that pays off at the pump where the new Focus gets up to 50 mpg all using REGULAR gas!

Sideview mirrors optimized for aerodynamics and water management.   Optimized wheel deflectors reduce drag plus a sealed front end to reduce drag.  Engine under-shield to improve under-car airflow.  Active grille shutters improve aerodynamics at higher speeds, while reducing under-hood temperatures at low speeds.

Going Green

Focus is the first Ford product to attain GREENGUARD air quality certification.  Focus interior cloth materials are made from 25% recycled content.  Focus seat cushions are shaped from foam with soy-based content.  The 3-Wet paint process applies all three coats of finish in sequence before oven curing. It ensures a high-quality paint finish and significantly reduces energy use.

The Oakville-pioneered Fumes to Fuel technology captures paint fumes and turns them into energy for reuse. In addition, the gas from landfills is captured to feed the boilers and solar energy is captured for the plant, with excess generation supporting the energy grid.  Ford has also recently announced another first, a 30% reduction in water usage for building engines.

These are just a few of the technologies you’ll find in almost every new Ford.  Many we haven’t touched:  My Key,  My Ford/Lincoln touch,  Sync (you’ll find in more and more manufacturers under a different name), lane changing technology, crash avoidance, health monitoring.  Ford is a major leader now in technology with more and more plans to Go Further

Racing & Performance = Brown Bros

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As any follower of Brown Bros Ford Lincoln will know, our Dealer Principal Tim Brown is an avid racer (we hope to have lots of video this year) and car enthusiast.  His racing includes, a Boss 302 S (only one in Canada & the logo for our social media), one Cobra R race prepared http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utV6tPOgsTQ (he likes to have some fun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGUsOVQNsRQ ), and a Probe bodied race car.  You’ll find Tim racing up & down the west coast.  Thanks to that heritage, Brown Bros. Ford Lincoln is an authorized Ford SVT dealership, authorizedFord Racing parts specialist and we are the only dealership in this province equipped with our own dyno and devoted performance staff.     Mr. Brown also loves helping people involved in racing. 

 
Enter Lisa Chen. 
 
A Ford Fiesta B-Spec Race Car on the track at the Mission Raceway Park Roadcourse in Mission, BC.
Lisa has a 2011 Ford Fiesta that Brown Bros Performance helped take from stock to a B-Spec car, Tim helped out as liason with Ford Racing to help Lisa secure parts for the Fiesta.  You will see the entire article the Vancouver Province did on Lisa and her car at the bottom of this.   Lisa got the car from us and then headed to Brown Bros Performance to get the car ready.  According to Lisa, “The interior was stripped and windshield removed before the car was sent off for the roll cage to be installed.  The car then made a brief stop at Mark’s Auto Body to have the cage painted a very cool flat black.  When the car came back to Brown Bros Performance, the recaro racing seat, 6 point safety harness, coil over non-adjustable suspension, cat back exhaust, tow hooks and kill switch were installed.  We’ll be getting stainless brake lines and racing pads, fire supression system and a 2 way radio installed there very soon.”  Lisa’s first race this year will be at Mission April 14-15.  Check out her website for full details:  www.lisachenracing.com
 
 
Lisa’s car is one of many that keep Wayne Johnson busy at Brown Bros. Performance.  He is also currently working on a Ford Lightning pickup which will have a scary amount of horsepower and torque.    What Wayne is doing is:
Ford Racing forged short block, TrickFlow 44cc heads with double valve springs, Comp blower cams, Kenne Bell 2.6H supercharger, Afco Dual Pass Heat Exchanger, Dual Spal electric fans on heat exchanger
Flex-A-Lite dual electric cooling fans on rad, Metco Idler Relocate
60# Fuel Injectors, Dynatech long tube headers with high flow cats
Dynatech/MagnaPack cat back, BellTech drop spindles, Belltech rear drop perches and shackles, Comp Engineering traction bars
JLP Intercooler Reservoir, C&L 95mm Maf Housing.  It should be around 500 rwhp with 560 ft/lbs of torque at this boost level. Once the customer gets use to it we will raise the boost and the setup is 700 horsepower capable.
 
 Also on Waynes plate right now is a 2010 Mustang GT which is getting: Whipple supercharger, forged Aluminator short block, Ford
Racing CNC ported heads and a custom tune using a DiabloSport Trinity. 

So whether you are interested in making a complete Race Car or maybe you want some slight modifications, or just want to have your car on the Dyno.  Brown Bros. Performance can do it.  You can email Wayne at:

 BBR@brownbrosford.com  He is too busy to meet you without an appointment.   

 

B-Spec turns us all into racers

By Alexandra Straub, Postmedia News January 10, 2012
 
 What do the following vehicles have in common: the Honda Fit, Mazda2, Fiat 500, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, MINI Cooper, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, Nissan Versa and the Kia Rio5?

If you said they’re affordable, fuel-efficient subcompact cars that compete against each other in the Canadian marketplace, you’d be right on all counts.

But you’d also be correct if you answered that they are all currently eligible to compete against one another in the B-Spec racing class here in British Columbia and elsewhere in North America.

For those not familiar with the series, you’re not alone. The B-Spec class designation was recently introduced by the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) in order to facilitate a relatively affordable way to race new vehicles. The required modifications are kept to a minimum, therefore avoiding the traditionally large racing budget, in favour of one that is more attainable for a broader range of racers.

In this class, vehicles being raced are essentially in ‘stock’ configuration, meaning you can’t touch the engine, transmission, drivetrain or engine management electronics. But such tweeks as a Coil Over non-adjustable suspension, brake lines and racing brake pads, 15X7 wheels with 205/50-15 R Compound tires and a (Catalytic Convertor) Cat-back exhaust will need to be added.

Furthermore, one will need to strip the interior and install a roll cage, a fire suppression system, a racing seat with a 6-point safety harness, a removable steering wheel and a 2-way radio system.

The cost? Approximately $10,000 on top of the purchase price of one of the base model subcompact listed above, plus any spare parts. Keep in mind that costs will vary depending if you do the work yourself of have a shop do it, or a combination of both. It would be realistic to say that one could have a race-ready B-Spec car in your garage for under $30k total. That’s significantly less than the Porsche GT3 Cup Car that costs upwards of $200k!

Together, local racers Lisa Chen and Tony Morris Jr. teamed up to build the first B-Spec vehicle in Canada, which will be hitting the circuit in 2012. I had the opportunity to talk with them about the building process and why this new race series is generating a lot of buzz.

After selecting the vehicle (Lisa decided on the Ford Fiesta because of its durability, reliably, along with it’s dashing good looks!), it was shipped over to the talented mechanics at Brown Bros Ford/Lincoln to have the interior stripped and then sent out for the roll cage installation. Once that was completed, the car was returned to the Brown Bros team for completion.

“You could build a B-Spec race car in approximately three weeks to a month,” said Tony Morris Jr., adding that any mechanic is able to do the modifications as long as they are doing it according to the SCCA B-Spec regulations.

So, once the build is complete, where can you race? B-Spec is a recognized CACC Class (Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs, www.caccautosport.org) and can be raced locally at Mission Raceway Park Roadcourse. Furthermore, B-Spec cars can be raced on tracks all over North America under a variety of sanctioning bodies, both Pro and Amateur Series, including SCCA (Sports Car Club of America: www.scca.com) NASA (North America Sports Car Association: www.nasaproracing.com) and Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship (www.touringcar.ca).

Depending on how often and in which racing sanctioning body one participates, associated costs will inevitably vary. And, because the vehicles are near stock in nature, one doesn’t necessarily need a mechanical entourage to follow.

Said Morris Jr.: “Depending on the driver’s mechanical skills, one person could operate a B-Spec car solo, if they choose, but a small crew would definitely be suggested.”

In the veteran racer’s opinion, what makes this class so buzz-worthy is “B-Spec will offer many drivers, young and old, new and experienced, the opportunity to compete at a variety of levels both amateur and professional at a very reasonable cost.”

Making the B-Spec class not only fun for drivers but spectators, Lisa observes: “Since building a B-Spec is more financially viable there will likely be more cars on the track. That equals a more exciting race! Plus, there is the potential for more excitement from the crowd because they can really identify with the cars that are competing.”

Those looking to get into racing now have a more accessible avenue than before without having to find sponsorship or win the lottery to do so. Although that would be nice!

For more information on B-Spec vehicles visit www.bspeccars.com

Christmas, Kids, Caring, Cars

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Can one person really make a difference? 

We’re told they can and now I’m a believer.  I’ve seen it happen twice recently.  First Leanne from our Finance office got us involved.  She heard the Beat 94.5 talking about their “Beat Cares” food & toy drive.  Leanne got us involved.  We rallied behind her and this is the result.

Next year we vow to do better and we hope you’ll help.  Many thanks to the Beat 94.5, the greater Vancouver Food Bank and everyone that helped make a Merry Christmas for those in need. It’s not too late to take part!

The other person who has proved that one individual can make a difference is a lovely woman that I like to call the instigator.  Wendy had a great idea for a knockout employees Childrens Christmas Party.  She had the idea and then it was all hands on deck to make sure all the kids had a truly wonderful time! 

It proves that giving is a wonderful thing and is certainly far better than receiving. 

Merry Christmas to all, and everyone at Brown Bros Ford Lincoln hopes you have a great 2012.

Vehicle & Dealership Shopping Expectation

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When you finally decide the time is right to stop at a dealership to see, feel, and drive a new vehicle to replace the old one, what is your level of expectation? 

We would like to make your experience with us welcoming, comfortable and informative. 

At Brown Bros Ford Lincoln, everyone in sales is here for only one reason and that is for the customer.  Obviously without you, we would cease to be!   To help you find what you are going to need to replace the old, questions need to be asked (we’re no different than any other store) since we want to find a new vehicle for you that will meet your needs today and allow for any growth in the future, without blowing your budget.  We would prefer to ask our questions inside where it’s dry (especially this time of year), get you a coffee, and use paper so we can jot down your needs, wants and desires in a vehicle.  Based on what you tell us, we can take you to the vehicles (we know the lot layout) that fit your description without wasting your time.  Based again on your answers we want to tell you about the vehicle, addressing everything you’ve told us which will include it’s features, safety, economy, space, warranty, etc.

If the vehicle fits all the requirements we would like you to drive it as the next step.  Some customers tell us they don’t need to drive it but although the customer is always right, in this, they’re wrong.  Looking at a vehicle, checking it’s features and sitting in it only tell you a little.

The drive tells you everything.  Are all the controls comfortably in reach?  How is the visibility?  Road noise acceptable?  Acceleration, handling and braking?  Is the ride good?  We want you to experience city roads, highway and bumpy roads.  This is an investment you’ll be making for the next few years, so please invest your time in a drive, there is no obligation.  We want to make sure you have ALL the information you’ll need to make the proper decision.

After the drive, it’s up to you on whether you’d like to purchase or continue looking.  We will ask though, as we want everyone to join the Brown Bros. family and be part of the number one selling brand in Canada, Ford.