Dear Friends and Clients,

I would like personally inform you that I’ve left my position at Donway Ford and have moved on to a new role at BMW Toronto, which is just a short distance away from Donway. BMW now has a Fleet program for businesses. My role as Fleet Manager is to launch this new business to business venture and assist companies with five or more vehicles with their transportation needs.

Meanwhile at Donway Jennifer Fitzgerald (Sales Manager) and Terry Fisher (Owner) will be looking after my accounts until they can find someone to take over my position. Rest assured, the transition will be seamless for you.


I sincerely appreciate having you as my Client and would like to take this time to thank you for your business and support over the years. I’m glad we had the opportunity to work together. If you need assistance or further information for your current or future vehicles please feel free to contact me. My mobile number remains 416-410-4938. You can also view my profile on www.linkedin.com or email me at sean.lockhart@bmwtoronto.ca .



Yours very truly,

Sean Lockhart

FORD CANADA SALES UP 24% DRIVEN BY STRONG CAR PERFORMANCE

Third-quarter results mark a 26% increase in sales: best quarterly sales increase since 2003
September Highlights:
• Overall vehicle sales up 24% compared to last September
• Car sales increased 33% compared to same period last year
• Ford Focus increased sales by 17%
• Ford Fusion sales rose 77%
• Ford Taurus sales were up 201%
• Ford Mustang sales increased 42%
• Ford Escape sales rose 7%, marks the best September on record
• Ford Edge sales up 34%, marks the best September on record
• Ford Flex sales were up 10%, marks the best September on record
• Ford Explorer sales rose 90%
• Ford F-150 sales saw an increase of 56%
• Lincoln MKS sales increased 60%, marks the best September on record
• Lincoln MKX sales rose 26%, marks the best September on record

Ford Park Assist New Technology

The all New Lincoln MKS now Parks itself. This new Technology available on Lincoln MKS, MKT, and Ford Escape and on other models soon allows the vehicle to do a Perfect Parallel Park. The Driver controls the Brakes and the Throttle and the vehicle does the rest.

Hot Topic: Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-off

Ford plans to lead the industry in sustainability and fuel efficiency will play a central role. This Hot Topics looks at AD Fuel Shut-off and how it will contribute to reduced consumption.
What Is It?

Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-off is a powertrain control module (PCM) function that helps improve vehicle fuel economy by deactivating the fuel injectors when the vehicle is decelerating or coasting and then automatically restarting when needed for acceleration or when the vehicle's speed approaches zero.

How AD Fuel Shut-off Works...
Let’s compare two similar vehicles traveling at freeway speeds and slowing for a red light or exiting the freeway. One vehicle has a traditional drivetrain, and the other with an AD Fuel Shut-off equipped drivetrain. With AD Fuel Shut-off Fuel delivery stops when the driver takes his/her foot completely off the accelerator pedal of an AD Fuel Shut-off -equipped vehicle at freeway speeds.

 The PCM completely turns off the fuel injectors. The engine continues to rotate using the transmission energy, instead of fuel, to maintain the momentum. All systems are normal while the vehicle is "coasting."
 All other powertrain, braking and electrical systems continue to function normally while the fuel delivery is stopped Fuel delivery is restored when the vehicle slows to a predefined speed or if the driver depresses the accelerator pedal.
 The PCM seamlessly turns the fuel injectors back on
Without AD Fuel Shut-off
Fuel delivery NEVER stops in a vehicle without AD Fuel Shut-off – even when the driver takes his/her foot completely off the accelerator pedal. The engine is always running even when the vehicle is coasting – which requires fuel.
Mechanical resistance from the transmission and the tires will eventually slow the vehicle if there is no braking
What it means to consumers
AD Fuel Shut-off is all about efficiency. In fact, it is estimated that it can improve fuel efficiency by 1%. Drivers may notice an AD Fuel Shut-off equipped vehicle seems to slow more quickly than a vehicle without the system. This is similar to the "engine braking effect" in a vehicle with a manual transmission.
This is completely normal and indicates AD Fuel Shut-off is maximizing fuel efficiency.

Fast Facts
AD Fuel Shut-off is a Ford technology designed to maximize fuel economy for automatic transmission-equipped drivetrains.

While AD Fuel Shut-off automatically engages, certain drivetrain conditions must first be met:
Engine and transmission must be at normal operating temperatures
Vehicle speed must exceed a specified threshold, which varies by vehicle
Transmission must be in 5th or 6th gear

2010 Ford & Lincoln Vehicles with AD Fuel Shut-off
Fusion (1)
Taurus
Escape
Edge
Flex
F-150
E-Series Van
MKS
MKT
Navigator

(1) AD Fuel Shut-off not available on Fusion Sport

Ford tops in quality survey

Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Ford Motor Co.'s newest automobiles had fewer problems than any other manufacturer -- including Toyota Motor Corp. -- according to a new survey of initial quality, details of which were obtained by The Detroit News.

It was the first time ever that the Dearborn automaker beat its arch-rival in the survey, which was conducted for Ford by the RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills. The study also put Ford in a dead heat with Toyota in customer satisfaction. "We've been tied with Toyota before, but it sure feels better to be on the top!" wrote Bennie Fowler, Ford's global head of quality, in a memo to employees Friday, a copy of which was obtained by The News. "We can all be pleased with the progress we have made in quality, even as we face external and internal challenges in a tumultuous climate. Our progress has come as the result of our union partnerships in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, along with the work of dedicated teams in manufacturing, product development, purchasing, marketing, sales, service, legal, IT and others who follow disciplined, standardized processes."

RDA's research is used by a number of automakers, both foreign and domestic, and has historically tracked closely with other independent research by firms such as J.D. Power and Associates. Its second quarter study showed new Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars and trucks had 1,185 issues per 1,000 vehicles. Toyota had 1,215 problems, while Honda Motor Co. had 1,291.

Both Toyota and Ford had an 80 percent positive customer satisfaction rating, Fowler said.

The results come a year after he vowed publicly to seize Toyota's crown as the quality leader among fullline manufacturers in the United States. But Ford has found that its quality gains have still not convinced all consumers that its products are on par with those from its Japanese competitors.

Fowler said more work is needed, particularly on the luxury brand, which faces even tougher competition.

"There is more work to be done," he said." We want nothing less than to be the highest-quality automotive manufacturer year over year!"

Find this article at:
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090721/AUTO01/907210377/Ford-tops-in-quality-survey

Ford's New 'Active Park Assist' Makes Parallel Parking a Breeze for Lincoln MKT and MKS Owners

FAQ on MTO Weights and Licensing

What you don’t know about the “Highway Traffic Act” and the MTO will cost you.
There are some Facts you must know when operating a Commercial Vehicle in Ontario.

CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operating Registration)
Any Corporation, Company or Person operating a vehicle with a registered Gross Vehicle Weight over 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs) or any Bus with 10 or more passengers must have a CVOR. The registration of a CVOR is free. (www.mto.gov.on.ca)

G License
G License allows you to drive a vehicle with a GVW or GCW of up to 11,000 kg (24,250 lbs)
GVW Gross vehicle weight (the weight of the Vehicle and its contents)
GCW Gross Combined weight (the weight of the Vehicle and it’s contents plus the weight of the Trailer and it’s contents.) The Trailer and its contents can weigh no more than 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs.)

D License
D license allows the Driver to operate any Truck or Trailer with a GVW or GCW over 11,000 kilograms (24,250 lbs) provided the Trailer and its contents are under 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs)

Z Endorsement
Is required to operate any vehicle with an Air Braking System regardless of any other Criteria.

A License
“A” License is required to operate a vehicle pulling a Trailer and contents greater than 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs). Provided it does not exceed the weight restriction of the Manufacturer or the Length and Width restrictions of the MTO.

Weigh Scales
All Commercial Vehicles regardless of size are required to stop at Weigh Scales when the Amber Lights are flashing. This includes Pick Up Trucks. The MTO is mainly concerned with Heavy Trucks and Trailers however Light Duty Trucks may also be pulled over.

Vehicles with Plows
Roof Clearance Lights and Rear Marker Lights must be on every Vehicle that is over 81” Wide.
(This would pertain to Dual Rear Wheel Vehicles and most Plow Trucks)

Ford FAQ on Pre Paid Maintenance

A prepaid maintenance plan is a great way to keep your vehicle in top running condition at all times and will save you money along the way! The list of benefits in choosing a Ford plan to protect your road-going investment is substantial.

The Ford FMPP is the only prepaid maintenance plan that provides all the following features:
Fully backed by the Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited
Replacement of these eight critical wear items, if required, due to failure caused by normal wear: brake pads and linings, brake rotors, clutch disc, engine belts and hoses, shock absorbers, spark plugs, light bulbs(excluding headlamps) and wiper blades
Honoured at over 4500 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships across Canada and the United States
Provides a predictable expense schedule and price protection against maintenance cost increases down the road
Helps you manage your records through an electronic maintenance record that tracks service visits and payments
A zero deductible
Support from certified Ford technicians who know your vehicle inside and out
Protection of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty by helping to ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and can enhance your vehicle's residual value at the same time.


The Ford FMPP offers plans that cover all scheduled maintenance service recommended in the vehicle’s Customer Information Customer Information Guide (formerly the Owner Information Guide)for the time/distance selected.


The plan is available for a normal maintenance schedule (every 6 months/10,000 kilometres) or a Special Operating Conditions schedule (every 3 months/5,000 kilometres). For peace of mind and a great method of planning your scheduled maintenance expenses, the Ford FMPP is the way to go.


Ford Maintenance Protection PlanCovers the scheduled maintenance service recommended in the vehicle's Customer Information Guide (formerly the Owners Information Guide) for the time/distance selected.


Your Driving habits will determine the optimum maintenance interval for your vehicle. Please follow these guidelines:Follow a 6 months/10,000 kilometres maintenance interval if none of these conditions apply:
you tow a trailer or use a camper or car-top carrier
most trips include prolonged idling (such as frequent driving in stop and go traffic)
carrying heavy loads
the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, or other commercial application
you operate in dusy conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
you operate off-roadFollow a 3 months/5,000 km maintenance interval if any of the above conditions apply.

Download brochure:
New Vehicles Ford Maintenance Protection Plan consumer brochure (front)
New Vehicles Ford Maintenance Protection Plan consumer brochure (back)

Ford FAQ on Roadside Assistance

You can count on Ford Quality now and down the road. That's because every new Ford of Canada car and light truck includes the assurance of an emergency no-cost Roadside Assistance Program during the 3-year/60,000 km (48 month/80,000 km for Lincoln cars) new vehicle "Basic" warranty period. -->
Help is just a toll-free phone call away - 24 hours a day anywhere in Canada or the continental United States - should you ever need trip planning, towing assistance, fuel delivery, tire change, a jump-start, emergency travel reimbursement or even help when you're locked out of your vehicle.

COVERED SERVICES

Road Service (labour performed at disablement site).
Service Calls (delivery of up to 10 litres of fuel or battery boost).
Towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford dealership, or your selling dealer if within 25 kms of the nearest Ford dealership (one tow per disablement).


EMERGENCY LOCK-OUT SERVICE
When your ignition key is lost, broken or accidentally locked inside your vehicle, call the Ford Roadside Assistance Club and service will be dispatched. If circumstances require you to use an independent lock-out service, we will reimburse you up to $75 (see Claims Procedure page for details).

EMERGENCY TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
Should your vehicle become disabled due to collision or mechanical breakdown while you are more than 160 km from your residence address, we will reimburse you up to $500 (in total), for the following reasonable emergency expenses, (when not covered by insurance):
Covered Expenses:
Local lodging and meals.
Vehicle rentals from bona fide car rental agencies (excludes gas expense).
Commercial transportation to your destination, and return trip after repairs are completed. Coverage period is the lesser of: date of vehicle disablement up to three (3) days in total, or the time at which your vehicle is repaired.


ELIGIBILITY

Ford of Canada's Roadside Assistance Club covers all Ford and Mercury cars and light trucks. Service will be provided to the driver of the registered Ford or Mercury vehicle.Roadside assistance benefits are transferable to subsequent owners of your vehicle, at no cost, within the initial coverage period. Roadside assistance initial coverage is transferred when the vehicle ownership is transferred.ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CARDYour Ford Roadside Assistance Club cards are valuable. Ensure you print your name and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the front of your cards when you take delivery of your vehicle. The 17 digit VIN is stamped on the front of the driver's side dash. We recommend you keep a card with you at all times.

COVERAGE

This program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, but the initial coverage is concurrent with the 36 month/60,000 kilometre "Basic Coverage".Initial coverage expires after 36 months or 60,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first, from the original vehicle delivery date or date of first use.All coverage is limited to vehicles using publicly maintained roads (excludes off-road use, logging roads, etc.) and adjacent sites, and any other locations, which in the discretion of the service provider constitutes a publicly travelled thoroughfare.This initial coverage is a complimentary service. Ford of Canada may cancel your initial coverage at any time by written notice. There is no refund available to you in the event of cancellation.

EXTENDED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CLUB BENEFITS
Ford Of Canada's Roadside Assistance Club coverage is also available beyond the initial coverage. For a low yearly fee of $49.95 you can continue to enjoy this important benefit to ensure your safety, pleasure and convenience during the operation of your Ford or Mercury car or light truck.
For immediate registration or for further information please contact 1 877 294-CLUB (1 877 294-2582).
Ford of Canada Roadside Assistance ClubP.O. Box 190Richmond Hill, OntarioL4B 4R5
NOTE: The Extended Ford Roadside Assistance Club Program covers up to two usages per year. Vehicles towed to a Ford Dealership are not subject to usage limitations.

ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE
Parts, tire repairs, rental of towing equipment, storage fees, or any labour performed at a garage or service station. Any form of impound towing by other than a licensed service station or garage. Parts involved in lock-out service. Assistance from private citizens. The Ford Roadside Assistance Club coverage is not a warranty, but a service provided to you by Ford to minimize any unforeseen vehicle operation inconvenience. All service operators providing service are independent contractors and are not employees of Ford. Therefore, the Ford Roadside Assistance Club does not assume any liability for any loss or damage to your vehicle or your personal property resulting from the rendering of such service. Any loss or damage is the sole responsibility of the servicing facility and should be reported to the proprietor of the facility and your own insurance company within 24 hours and prior to any repairs being carried out.

2011 Ford Explorer

Future cars: 2010 and beyond.
BY TONY QUIROGA, ILLUSTRATION BY TOM COSGROVE May 2009

What it is: A huge favorite in the 1990s, Explorer sales have, uh, cooled over the past few years. This latest Explorer ditches the body-on-frame platform and the V-8 for a V-6 and a lighter unibody structure based on the Ford Flex.
Why it’s important: Buyers have been shying away from body-on-frame SUVs for years. Ford’s only hope of growing Explorer sales is to change to a unibody platform.
Powertrain: Basic versions will get a 262-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. For those seeking more firepower, a twin-turbo version will be available with 355 horses.
Competition: Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-7/CX-9, Dodge Durango.
Estimated arrival: Look for it in blue-oval shops at the end of 2010.

Ford Canada sees return to sales growth

By John McCrank
TORONTO (Reuters) - The head of Ford Motor Co of Canada (F.N) said on Thursday he anticipates May will be the first month of 2009 when the company will sees year-over-year growth in Canadian retail sales.
President David Mondragon told Reuters that Ford's Canadian market share has risen for six consecutive months and the company outsold Toyota Canada (7203.T) for five of those months.
Part of the reason the Ford brand has been strengthening has been its strong financial position, said Mondragon.
The company's Detroit-based peers, General Motors Corp (GM.N) and Chrysler, have had to rely on government financing to stay afloat during the brutal downturn in the auto industry. Even with government aid, Chrysler recently filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, while many analysts expect GM to soon follow suit.
"We are confident we can finance our way through these difficult times." Mondragon said. "We have no intention today of asking for government assistance."
Ford's financial position has allowed it launch a flurry of new products, with seven coming over the next six months, more than any other manufacturer in Canada.
So far in 2009, the company is the No. 2 autoseller in Canada, compared with its No. 4 position last year.
Ford's retail share is up 1.2 percentage points year over year, and its total share is ahead 1.1 percentage points.
A one-point share in Canada is worth about 15,000 units.
Despite the company's growing market share, there will still be pain in 2009, with Canadian auto sales set for further big declines, said Mondragon.
"We initially started the year thinking the industry would run down 7 percent," he said. "We have reassessed the industry, and we now see it down between 13 and 15 percent in the calendar year."
He said one thing that could force Ford Canada to change its forecast again, would be if the Canadian government were to introduce a "cash for clunkers" program like ones instituted in Europe and the one the United States is looking to implement.
"We're hoping a scrappage program could bring about 100,000 incremental sales in Canada and claw back really half of the decline on a year-over-year basis."
The U.S. plan would give consumers up to $4,500 for vehicles aged eight years or older, to put toward a new, more fuel efficient vehicle. Similar plans have spurred auto sales in Europe.
To cope with the dearth of sales in the current environment, GM recently announced it would cut over 300 of its dealerships to adjust for the lower demand, but Mondragon said Ford has already done its cutting. "Since 1999, we've downsized our dealers by 23 percent, so we've already made those hard decisions," he said.
Worldwide, the company has closed 17 plants and laid off over 60,000 employees over the past decade.

Led by Fusion Sales Ford Outsells Toyota in April

Though it means less in today's market than it did a year ago, Ford moved more vehicles in the month of April than Japanese juggernaut Toyota for the first time in over a year. Looking at the numbers, all this means is that Ford managed keep its sales from dropping lower than Toyota's for the month. The real test will be to see if Ford can make this feat a trend.


Ford sold 129, 898 units last month, including the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury divisions, but excluding Volvo. Compared with last year, that's a sales drop of 31 percent. The drop can be attributed to any Ford truck or SUV of your choosing, but the most likely culprits are the Ford Expedition (down 72 percent for the month, 70 percent year-to-date), the Ford Explorer (down 49 percent for the month and 60 percent year-to-date) and the F-series (down 35.8 percent for April and 42 percent year-to-date).

Cue the refreshed 2010 Ford Fusion. The midsized sedan saw sales rise 21.7 percent compared with April 2008, to 18,321 units. We'll have to wait a few months to see if this sales bump is long-lasting, or just the normal sales bump that follows most car redesigns.

Meanwhile, Toyota sold 126,540 cars under its Toyota, Lexus and Scion divisions in April, a drop of 41.9 percent compared with last year. The industry average decline was 37.4 percent. The Avalon, Prius, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Sequoia and Tundra all had declines of more than 50 percent compared to April 2008. Though Camry sales were down 36.7 percent last month, Toyota sold 7003 more units of its midsized sedan than Ford sold of the Fusion, emphasizing just how far Ford still has to go in that segment.

We'll have to wait until the beginning of next month to see if this is just a temporary shakeup, or if Ford will emerge as true competition for the world's largest automaker.

Source: Automotive News

Ford claims 81.5 mpg in Fusion hybrid

Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Ford Motor Co. claims it has set a new world record for fuel economy in a gasoline-powered midsized sedan, driving an unmodified production Ford Fusion hybrid just over 1,445 miles on a single tank of gasoline.

That translated into a whopping 81.5 mile-per-gallon average, nearly double the certified mileage of the new sedan. The Ford team, which included NASCAR driver Carl Edwards, accomplished the feat by practicing fuel-saving driving techniques, such as coasting to red lights and accelerating smoothly on greens.

"Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion hybrid's fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential," said Nancy Gioia, director of sustainable mobility technologies and hybrid vehicle programs at Ford.

According to Guinness World Records, the world record for the longest distance traveled on a single tank of fuel was 1,459.16 miles, but that was set by a diesel-powered Peugeot in Australia in 2002.

bhoffman@detnews.com (313) 222-2443

Larry King: Bill Ford

CNN's Larry King talks with Ford Chairman Bill Ford about why his company turned down the government bailout.

AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™

How can a car add balance to your life? Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ is the element of calm you need in an unstable driving situation, helping to keep your wheels firmly planted on the road.

Ford Looks Forward by Looking Back

Ford continues to enhance the driving experience with new technologies such as the available rear view camera. This feature shows you the area directly behind your vehicle, and can be found on several current Ford models.

Next Gen Nav: More Than Just Directions

Ford is moving in-car connectivity forward with the launch of an available next-generation navigation system, with available SIRIUS Travel Link™ - offering traffic data, weather, fuel prices, sports, movie listings, and more.

Technology continues to make the average person's life easier and more convenient. Nowhere is that more evident than in Ford vehicles.

Why would you sit on a soybean?

Ford has developed soy foam seats, a feat previously thought to be impossible. These sturdy yet quickly biodegradable seats are one of many examples of Ford's commitment to environmentally sustainable materials.

Bill Ford: It's a great time to be in auto business

Bill Ford at Fortune Brainstorm Green conference.

(Credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET)
LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif.--Even though the U.S. auto industry has been badly weakened by poor decisions and falling sales, new technologies are bringing a new vibrancy to the industry, said Bill Ford, the executive chairman of Ford Motor.

In an effort to make more fuel-efficient vehicles, Ford Motor is placing its bets on a number of alternative technologies, including electric vehicles, biofuels, and clean diesel, Ford said during a talk at the Fortune Brainstorm Green conference here on Monday.

Ford himself was integral in the company adopting sustainability and environmental awareness in its operations. He spearheaded the construction of the Rouge River factory, which adopted a number of techniques to minimize energy and water use.

Moving the company to cleaner technologies and environmental responsibility has helped Ford financially and motivated employees, Ford said. Many of the changes Ford adopted at Rouge River in Michigan made sense financially and its improvements into fuel efficiency have helped the company.

"I am so energized by what is going on now--it's fantastic. Not only is it the right thing to do but there's also all this cool technology being developed now," Ford said. "Not just in powertrains, but in safety, communications--it's a really cool time to be part of the industry."

Ford plans to bring small cars designed originally for congested cities in Europe to the U.S., he said.

"The downsizing of the fleet is going to happen. We at Ford are placing a big bet on that," he said. "It's a bet we're making because we believe that it's the right thing to do. Whether we get the timing right--don't know."

Over the years, the culture of the company has changed gradually to take the notion of environmental sustainability more seriously.

"When I joined Ford board in 1988, I was told I had to stop associating with any known or former environmentalists," he joked. At the time, Ford said that it was important for the company to have a dialogue with environmental groups.

Truth About Trucks Super Duty

Rick Titus discusses the advantages of the Ford Super Duty. There is a reason why the Ford Trucks stands up better than the competition.

(GM and Dodge guys hate these videos have a look and find out why)

Ford - Truth about Trucks - Engines



Ford - Truth About Trucks - Front Suspension



Ford - Truth About Trucks - Cooling System