Rusty Eck Ford Omaha » Ford Cars

New Ford Fusion is one Hot Ride

Press Writer — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:10:11 +0000

Despite the recession, tumbling auto sales and an uncertain future, good cars are still being made. The 2010 Ford Fusion is one example. You can see the new Ford Fusion at your Local Ford Dealer.

Whether it’s from a domestic or import, good product needs to be talked about during these troubled times, because it’s one thing that can get people back into show rooms and buying again. Ford has launched a new ad campaign to get people talking about the 2010 Fusion that kicks off with three commercials you may or may not have seen on TV yet. The “We Speak” commercials are fairly simple in execution, show a lot of the car and two out of the three spots hit home the message that the Fusion is the most fuel efficient mid-size vehicle sold in the U.S. You may say yay or nay on how effective the commercials will be, but we’re talking about them, right? Follow the jump to view all three for yourself and let us know what you have to say in the comments.

Ford to Retire Mercury Brand?

Press Writer — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:30:26 +0000

A lot of buzz has been created lately in the automotive sector. Despite vehement denials by Ford executives, many auto industry experts are predicting that Ford will be retiring their Mercury brand in order to focus on the Ford and Lincoln brands.

Declining sales of the Mercury brand led industry analyst Aaron Bragman of Global Insight to say “Mercury has one more product cycle left in it, and then will most certainly be retired as a brand.”

Jerome York seems to agree with the prevailing theory that Mercury’s days are numbered. Previously an automotive executive, he now serves as an advisor to the investment company that handles Kirk Kerkorian’s investments. Mr. Kerkorian currently owns 4.7% of Ford stock, and recently made a move to bolster his position as a Ford shareholder.

Mr. York indicated that he too believed that the struggling auto maker would benefit from retiring the Mercury brand, and given Mr. York’s current position some believe this may cause Mr. Kerkorian to use his influence to eliminate Mercury.

Another industry analyst, Tom Libby, summed up the problem quite succinctly. “It’s hard to sell a Mercury when it looks just like a Ford that’s priced at $4,000 less,” said Libby.

Other than the fact that Ford executives are resolutely denying the truth of this claim, there’s not much to go on with this claim and it may end up working out in Ford’s favor. They say that no publicity is bad publicity, and with Kirk Kerkorian’s recent investment in the company and all this talk about Ford and Mercury’s plans for the future, the auto company is certainly in the news more than usual. Marketing types might argue that this can do only good things in an industry full of flagging auto sales.

When you’re looking for a new Ford truck — or any Ford product stop by Rusty Eck Ford for a test drive.

Nine Million Car Enthusiasts Can’t Be Wrong with the Ford Mustang

Press Writer — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:26:51 +0000

For many automotive enthusiasts it has been a dream to own their very own Ford Mustang, and nowhere has this been made more apparent than with Ford Motor Company’s latest milestone: the sale of the 9 millionth Ford Mustang, the company’s longest running brand.

The Ford Mustang made it’s world debut at the New York World’s Fair on April 17th 1964. It broke all sales records when in it’s first two years Ford sold over one million models. Popularity of the car continued after appearances in Hollywood movies, and today it is determined that one out of every two sports cars sold in the United States is a Mustang. It also leads the industry in more than $1 billion in after market parts and accessories, making it the most personalized vehicle of all time.

Mustang brand manager, Fritz Wilke, had this comment to make: “So many people have contributed to Mustang’s proud 44-year heritage possible – from incredible Mustangs owners and enthusiasts to our partners at AAI where Mustangs are built to Ford’s Product Development and Ford Division teams.”

In recognition of his amazing contributions, Ford decided to thank Ford Mustang designer Caroll Shelby with the release of the 2008 Ford Mustang GT500KR, nicknamed the Ford Shelby. The released occurred in time for Shelby’s 85th birthday.

And who purchased the 9 millionth Ford Mustang? An Iowan farmer named Thomas Krumm — one who probably has a barn full of Ford trucks — received that honor when he picked up his Ford Mustang GT Convertible earlier this year.

Whether you’re in the market for a new Ford Mustang or you have a lot to haul and you’re looking for something tougher like a new Ford truck, head on over to Rusty Eck Ford to check out new inventory and specials.

Three Common Service Station Scams

Press Writer — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:37:12 +0000

Taking a vehicle to a mechanic when a problem arises intimidates or worries many used car owners. Although mechanics have a bad reputation, the vast majority of them are honest, hard-working people just trying to make a living. But there are those few that give the others a bad name with their scams and misleading practices. Here are just a few of the things to look out for if you take your car to a new mechanic.

1. Overcharging
You probably won’t know the price of most car parts, but that doesn’t mean you have to take the mechanic’s word for it either. If a mechanic gives you a price that just sounds too high for any reason, call a few other garages to get a better idea. Prices will undoubtedly fluctuate, but a difference of hundreds of dollars is more than just a random fluctuation.

2. Misdiagnosis
Some mechanics will diagnose a problem with the vehicle and then realize they were wrong after fixing the initial problem. They will then try to charge the customer the full price for both repairs. Some mechanics won’t charge for the first repair because it was a mistake on their part. If a serviceperson tries to charge you for both repairs, insist that the charges for the unnecessary repairs–or, at the very least, the associated labor costs–be removed.

3. Miscellaneous Services
If your mechanic tells you that you need scheduled services long before your owner’s manual suggests, don’t listen. This is one of the most common ways service garages inflate your bill.

You can always bypass these worries by investing your money in a certified Ford. With one of these quality pre-owned vehicles, your warranty ensures that you don’t have to pay anything if something goes wrong with your car. Get one today and stop worrying about getting scammed at your local mechanic’s garage.

When Will You Change Your Driving Habits?

Press Writer — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:32:24 +0000

For the last couple of years, consumer groups have been discussing what it takes for people to change their driving habits. Late last month, Edmunds.com released a study that stated drivers will begin looking for alternatives when the national gas price average exceeds $2.80.

I think that time has come. At least where I live, the average price has been well over $2.80 for at least a year. And it’s dancing dangerously close to that amount in other parts of the country, too. So now the question is: What will happen if prices reach $4.00 per gallon? Edmunds.com came up with a few things that could happen.

• The demand for hybrids would spike by about 502 percent.
• Demand for midsized SUVs will drop by about 35 percent, with interest in large SUVs and large trucks dropping by at least 34 percent and 26 percent respectively.
• Luxury car and luxury SUV demand will drop by about 15 percent.
• Consumers would focus more on a vehicle’s “perceived fuel efficiency” than its “actual fuel efficiency.”

Do you think your habits would change much if gas prices reached $4.00 per gallon in your area? Have you considered buying a hybrid or one of the more efficient Ford vehicles lately? I don’t think I’d be dusting off my mountain bike, but I might start thinking about my driving habits more consciously. I’d probably take fewer road trips and make an effort to combine my errands. But other than that, I don’t think I’ll be walking anywhere soon.

Maybe if it reaches $7.00 per gallon, I’ll be thinking of other alternatives.

Most Car Buyers Don’t Know What They Want

Press Writer — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:31:41 +0000

One of the biggest myths in the car-selling industry is that most customers know exactly what they want when they visit a dealership.

In a report released by the online and print automotive publication Autotrader.com, more than 60 percent of consumers who are looking for vehicles online choose the “Search All” option rather than just the “New” or “Used” option. This means that they are typically open to which type of vehicles they purchase. They are simply looking for vehicles that meet their requirements. Whether they’re new or used doesn’t really matter.

Another figure released by Joe Lescota, Automotive Marketing Chair of Northwood University, states that 37 percent of used-car buyers originally planned on buying a new car when they went to the dealership. Why the change of heart?

Lescota attributes the fact that many people change their minds when they get to the dealership to the quality of the certified pre-owned vehicles that are available now. According to him, CPO programs bring “new-car confidence to used-car purchases.” As a result, people who would not even have considered buying used cars in the past are noticing the long-term reliability and the firm investment that used cars represent today. Lescota conducts seminars that teach dealers how to leverage this trend to increase their profits in ways they might not have contemplated before.

If you invest in a Ford, you’re not only joining the trend of more people buying used cars. You’re also getting a quality vehicle that is designed to last for years to come. And if you have any doubts about that, simply look at the extended warranty that comes with your purchase. See what everybody else is noticing about Ford’s Certified Pre-Owned Program by visiting a dealer today!

Tips for Checking Your Transmission Fluid

Press Writer — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:29:53 +0000

With talk of a recession and people trying to save money everywhere, letting your car’s fluids go unchecked is an option you just can’t afford. But many people are unaware of the best way to check fluids or even what to look for when they do check. If you own a Ford or another vehicle you’d like to keep for many years, preventative maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly and prevent damage. Here are some tips for checking your transmission fluid so you’ll know exactly what you’re doing.

• Know what type of transmission fluid your vehicle uses. This might sound odd, but manual transmissions use a different kind than an automatic transmission. Check your owner’s manual to be sure which one your vehicle uses.

• For most vehicles, it’s best to check the transmission fluid while the engine is warm and running. Other vehicles require the engine to be turned off.

• Find the transmission fluid dipstick. Usually, it’s toward the back of the engine nearest the windshield, but every car is different.

• Pull the dipstick out and check the fluid level. There should be markings near the bottom of the dipstick to indicate where the operating level is and whether fluid needs to be added.

• Pull the dipstick out again to make sure your first reading was accurate.

• Wipe the dipstick onto a white piece of paper or paper towel. For most vehicles, it should be reddish and semi-transparent.

• Inspect for possible warning signs that could damage your transmission, including black flakes, black color or a burning smell. Take the vehicle to your nearest certified Ford dealer immediately as these could cause serious problems if not quickly addressed.

If your transmission fluid is low, you could have a leak. Transmission fluid doesn’t “burn” like oil does, so leaking is about the only way you could lose fluid over time.

• Add fluid in small amounts with a funnel. Keep checking the level to make sure you have the ideal level for operation.

Look for more tips this week to help prevent any unnecessary damage to your vehicle.

Who Else Wants a Fiesta?

Press Writer — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:28:56 +0000

When you hear the word “fiesta,” you generally think of a party. And with the Ford Motor Company’s Fiesta model, the idea of a party isn’t too far off target.

Ford Europe is going to introduce the new and improved model at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show in March. The event takes place from March 6-16, to be exact. Although designed and developed in Europe, the Fiesta will be available for sale in markets like Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between now and 2010. The Ford Fiesta is also the company’s first major product of global development, meaning that it will basically be available in its current format in a more widespread market.

According to Ford CEO Alan Mulally, the Fiesta strives to “create a world standard for small-car quality, design and comfort in a vehicle that is as exciting to drive as it is to look at.” In addition, Ford hopes that the Fiesta will bring a broader demographic to the small car market, including a younger crowd and buyers in places like Britain, Spain, and China.

But the Ford Fiesta is not new to the public. It has been around since 1976 and has enjoyed great success in the past. Last year, the model sold more than 378,000 units in Europe alone, making it the second-bestselling model after the Focus. The new Fiesta might be quite different from the older ones you remember, but the automaker wants to keep the name to build on its already successful brand recognition. Keep watching for one of these compact yet comfortable cars among the other Ford vehicles at one of our local dealerships.

More Ford Falcon Details

Press Writer — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:01:51 +0000

We posted a blog earlier this week about the Ford Motor Company’s new Falcon and how it’s going to be an exciting addition to the Australian auto market. But I think we only scratched the surface regarding the tremendous interest this updated model will create. Here are some more facts about the Falcon. Even though it probably won’t be making its way to the North American market any time soon, it’s going to be one of the better Ford vehicles abroad.

• The new FG Falcon shares less than 10 percent of its new design and parts with the older models. That means it’s almost completely revamped to keep it competitive with today’s innovations.

• Engineers at Ford worked on developing this new model for about four years at a cost of nearly $500 million. Ford executives haven’t confirmed these figures, though, as they are being secretive about it.

• The unveiling at the Melbourne Convention Center was full of glitz and glamour as the automaker secretly transported the car to the venue and then dramatically lowered it from the ceiling onto a specially-designed platform.

• The Falcon comes with increased safety features, including electronic stability control as standard equipment, curtain airbags in the front and rear and better fuel efficiency than its predecessors.

According to Tom Osborn, Chief of Ford Australia, the new Falcon will likely be the single model that brings consumers back to Ford as their “dealer of choice” when it comes time to invest in a new car.

Mustang Comes Home Nearly 40 Years Later

Press Writer — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 22:45:17 +0000

The Mustang is one of the most popular and recognized Ford vehicles in the world. That’s probably why car thieves are always trying to get their grubby hands on one. But can you imagine having your car stolen and then finding it 38 years later?

That’s exactly what happened with Eugene Brakke of southern California. He parked his honey-gold 1965 Ford Mustang in front of his Burbank factory one day and never saw it again . . . util last week.

The phone rang, and the voice on the other end was a detective from the San Diego Police Department saying, “We found your car.”

Unfortunately, though, the car fell into the hands of a young girl graduating from high school. Her father bought it for her at a local car dealer for less than $1,200. It was her dream car, and she kept it for more than 35 years. She put thousands of dollars into repairs, including rebuilding the engine recently for $4,000 and some other work to keep it running smoothly.

But when a neighbor pointed out the mismatched tags, she became uneasy. After investigating for months, she learned the car was stolen. She contacted the San Diego Police Department, who then informed her that it was stolen in 1970. The bummer was that the car legally belonged to Eugene Brakke if he wanted to push the issue.

Apparently, he does. The 80-year-old plans on picking up the car when he feels like “fighting the traffic.” When he gets it, he wants to restore the honey-gold color it sported when he bought it instead of the pale blue color that it has now.

I guess the woman who cared for the car and had it through her all-important young adult years is out of luck. If I were in Mr. Brakke’s shoes, I think the right thing to do would be to let her keep it. Don’t you agree?