SYNC 3 Offers Drivers Updates to Make Hands-Free Tools Even Easier

Technology products change quickly, and we evolve to offer our customers the latest in-car innovations.  A new update for our convenient and powerful SYNC® 3 Enhanced Voice Recognition Communications System1 is available now.

This new update gives the system more options than ever, including the ability to integrate with Ford + Alexa, Waze app and the latest features of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and AppLink®.2,3 Now, drivers who update their systems will find them easier and more convenient, enjoying the latest in apps and other services.

The Ford+Alexa app takes the intuitive capabilities of Amazon’s Alexa and brings them into Ford vehicles. The Alexa app brings voice navigation, traffic information and more than 50,000 of Amazon Alexa’s impressive skills within arm’s reach. Alexa’s connection to Amazon Prime makes shopping just a voice command away. The Ford+Alexa app also lets drivers control their smart home devices, giving drivers the power to turn on the lights or appliances with a few words from just about anywhere.

Waze fans using SYNC 3 AppLink can connect this beloved crowd-sourced navigation and traffic app through their vehicle’s touchscreen. Drivers can cruise to their destinations through Waze’s up-to-the-minute information, highlighting the best routes as well as real-time alerts about accidents, road hazards and traffic jams.

Ford has created easy-to-use guides online to take owners step by step through the software update, so drivers can get the most out of their vehicles and driving experiences.

The SYNC 3 software update support page also highlights the latest in apps, chat support and how-to articles on the latest additions, including Amazon Alexa, Waze and more. This makes sure Ford owners have what they need in convenience available within their vehicles.

1 SYNC® is an optional feature. Don't drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don't use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Message and data rates may apply. Optional Navigation System map updates cannot be received via Wi-fi® and require a separate update.

2 Commands may vary by phone and AppLink® software. Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Message and data rates may apply. iPhone is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android Auto is a trademark of Google Inc.

3 Waze is available via iPhone® with optional SYNC3/software version 3.0 and on Android Auto™. Commands may vary by phone and AppLink software. iPhone is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.  Android Auto is a trademark of Google Inc.  Alexa and Waze require available SYNC3 AppLink version 2.2 or higher.  Certain Alexa functionality is dependent on smart phone and home technology.  Amazon, Alexa and all related logos and marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 

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Article compliments of Ford Social by Karen Dybis

Ford’s Smart Window Displays View To Blind Passengers

From rolling hills to mountain ranges, views make any road trip memorable, but for blind passengers this is part of the experience that they miss. A prototype smart car window aims to change this – by enabling blind or partially-sighted people to visualize passing scenery through touch.

Feel The View takes pictures that are turned into high-contrast monochrome images. These are then reproduced on the glass using special LEDs. 

By touching the image, different shades of grey vibrate with a range of 255 intensities, allowing passengers to touch the scene and rebuild in their mind the landscape in front of them. Feel The View was conceived and developed by Ford of Italy and GTB Roma, in collaboration with Aedo – an Italian start-up that specializes in devices for the visually impaired.

“We seek to make people’s lives better and this was a fantastic opportunity to help blind passengers experience a great aspect of driving. The technology is advanced, but the concept is simple – and could turn mundane journeys into truly memorable ones," said Marco Alù Saffi, Ford of Italy.

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Industry First Remote Tailgate Release: 2018 F-150 At Brighton Ford

Did you know that you can open the tailgate on your 2018 Ford F-150 with the click of a button?  The 2018 Ford F-150 has an available remote tailgate release option on some models.  This is the industry-first remote tailgate release and it’s awesome!  If your hands are full and you need to load items in your truck bed, this option is undoubtedly amazing and practical.  Simply click the tailgate release button twice on your key fob and your tailgate will automatically open.  It’s that simple!!!

The available remote tailgate release lets you lock or unlock the tailgate with the key fob or the inside door switch. Release the tailgate with the key fob, too. It’s among the features that redefine the work space of the F-150 pickup bed, such as the integrated tailgate step with lift assist and deployable box steps.

The remote tailgate release is available on these 2018 F-150 models: F-150 Platinum, F-150 Limited & F-150 Lariat

As an added bonus, you can lock and unlock the tailgate via your key fob as well.  When you click lock on your key fob, your doors aren’t the only things that lock up, your tailgate does too.  This is true for unlocking it as well! 

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Ford Tech Creates Water Out of Thin Air

Ford doesn’t have a car yet that can run on water, but it does have one with running water.

A powertrain engineer working for the automaker has developed a system that uses the condensation from an automobile’s air conditioner to provide drinkable water.

Doug Martin got the idea for On-The-Go H20 when he drove by a billboard in Lima, Peru, fitted with similar technology that was extracting over 25 gallons of water from the air every day. It made him realize that a lot of potentially potable water generated by automobiles was being dumped on the road and wasted, when it could be put toward a good use.

It’s a simple concept optimized for this automotive application with a collector positioned near the air conditioner’s condenser that channels the fluid into a reservoir. From there, it’s filtered and pumped to a faucet located either in the cabin -- as it is in one demonstration vehicle Martin’s team put together – or on the outside of the vehicle.

The current system supplies about 24 ounces of water per hour from the atmosphere, but can also be used to purify dirty water from other sources -- even rain collected in channels on the roof. While the concept features a passive 1.2 micron filtration system, Martin is exploring the incorporation of a distiller powered by other powertrain heat sources, as well as ultraviolet light.

Ford sees it as a boon to dry regions and underdeveloped areas where millions of people don’t have regular access to clean water. It could also be offered as a feature on adventure vehicles, or simply as a convenience for road trips.

Click here to continue reading article by Gary Gastelu of FoxNews.com

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Ever Lock Your Keys In The Car? Unlock From Your Phone With Ford Pass!

Ever lock your keys in your car? Worry no more. With FordPass, you can unlock your car in a jiffy with help from a FordGuide.

With a Ford vehicle equipped with optional SYNC® Connect, you can also start your vehicle or check your fuel level with just a tap, and even have your vehicle ready to go when you are by scheduling it to start automatically.

*FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available to download. Message and data rates apply. SYNC® Connect, an optional feature on select 2017-2018 model year vehicles is required for certain features.

Give us a call for details: 810-227-1171

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New Stability Control Technology to be Featured on Focus RS

BRIGHTON, Mich. - The third-generation Ford Focus RS will soon be available in markets all around the world, including the United States, and will quickly set a new benchmark for Ford Performance vehicles. The Focus RS features some the latest in performance technology and innovative engineering, offering consumers an enhanced experience out on the road and on the track.

There is an impressive addition to the new Focus that will actually be able to predict the future. Well, predict future spinouts that is. The new stability control technology that will be featured on the Focus RS can determine when a car meets conditions that may lead to a spin and then take the proper precautions to prevent the driver from losing control. The enhanced transitional stability technology will be a standard on the new Ford Focus RS, combining real-time data from sensors placed throughout the car that will anticipate possible spinouts by 100 to 200 milliseconds.

This is how it works: the technology recognizes the vehicle's speed, the steering wheel position, and the turn rate of the steering wheel and will determine if a skid or spinout is imminent. If the vehicle detects a risk, the brakes will be applied to the individual wheels to help the driver keep control of the vehicle and remain on the road. Since the new stability control technology featured on the Focus RS will be able to recognize situations that can lead to the driver losing control before it happens, the driver will experience a quicker, smoother, and more controlled "recovery process".

For the best selection of Ford's latest vehicles, visit us at Brighton Ford! We are located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-7417.

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Ford SYNC AppLink & AccuWeather Team Up to Bring Customers Hyper-Localized Weather Forecasts

BRIGHTON, Mich. - What do you get when you combine Ford technology and one of the country's leading weather applications? A smartphone app by the name of AccuWeather MinuteCast™. With help from Ford SYNC AppLink™, drivers will be able to utilize this app to tailor their plan and time their trips around weather conditions. Ford SYNC and AccuWeather are teaming up to bring customers hyper-localized weather forecasts to help them make safe driving decisions during rough weather conditions. 

AccuWeather is introducing its MinuteCast™, which uses exact street addresses or GPS locations to give customers a minute-by-minute weather report for up to two hours while they are out on the road. This easy-to-use technology begins on the vehicle's display menu where the driver will see a static image of the weather condition that they can expect to face and the time that the precipitation will occur on the route. Regardless if you're traveling a long distance or headed out on your daily commute to work, Ford SYNC AppLink and AccuWeather's latest application will change the way you drive. This all-new technology will be demonstrated at the 2015 International CES in Las Vegas starting today, January 6th.

You can join the 10 million Ford SYNC users around the world with help from Brighton Ford! Our inventory is packed with the latest and greatest Ford vehicles. We are located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-7417.

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Ford SYNC® 3 Brings Customers New Level of Connectivity

BRIGHTON, Mich. - Ford Motor Company's newest communication and entertainment system is faster and easier to use than ever before. Building upon the current capability of SYNC technology, Ford SYNC® 3 will now bring customers a new level of connectivity. 

With Ford SYNC 3, customers will now be able to enjoy a higher level of performance, more conversational voice recognition, and a more intuitive smartphone-like touch screen. Ford's ultimate goal is to make it easier for customers to stay connected, which is why they took a hard look at 22,000 customer comments and suggestions, insights gathered from research clinics, market surveys, and tech industry benchmarking to determine which components of SYNC needed be enhanced to make this happen. 

While this next-generaiton system is intended for hands-free use, its all-new touch screen provides an experience similar to a smartphone or tablet. Along with quicker response to touch and voice commands, the new touch screen includes smartphone-like gestures like pinch-to-zoom and swipe. SYNC 3's new screen also reduces on-screen complexity by narrowing the home screen to three zone choices - Navigation, Audio, and Phone. Reducing the number of icons on the screen allows for easier control and will limit the number of times drivers glance at the screen.

Ford SYNC® 3 is bringing customers a new level of connectivity by simplifying its voice-activated technology. SYNC 3 can easily identify basic command, which has helped to minimized the number of steps needed to carry out a single request.  For instance, if you wanted to hear a specific song you can simply say "play <song, artist, album, or genre>". The system also has a better understanding of how drivers refer to businesses and points of interest. Now consumers can address locations in a more casual manner, like "Detroit Airport" versus "Detroit Metropolitan Airport". 

AppLink, which allows for customers to connect their smartphone to their vehicle and control all of their compatible apps using voice commands, has also seen some improvements. This technology is now faster, more responsive, and makes it much easier to control applications without the driver's eyes ever leaving the road. SYNC 3 also has the ability to update the AppLink software via Wi-Fi. Once your vehicle is set up with credentials for a home Wi-Fi network that is accessible in your garage or driveway, the system will be able to automatically download updates. 

We should expect to see the latest Ford SYNC 3® technology on new vehicles next year. Learn more about all that Ford SYNC has to offer with help from Brighton Ford! We are located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-7417.

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How Ford's Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection Helps to Avoid Frontal Crashes

BRIGHTON, Mich - We have heard it time and time again; Ford strives to provide their customers with the latest and greatest technology to enhance the overall driving experience. With that being said, it should come at no surprise that the innovative leaders at Ford Motor Company have something up their sleeves yet again. Now the real questions is, what differs this system from the rest?

Joining the laundry list of driver-assist technologies is Ford's Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection to help to avoid frontal crashes. This advanced system unlike any other is making its debut on the 2015 Ford Mondeo in Europe and then will proceed onto other Ford and Lincoln products worldwide. The Pre-Collision Assist will help to reduce the severity of or completely eliminate frontal collisions with vehicles and pedestrians. 

Now, how exactly does Ford's Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection help to avoid front crashes? The answer: an advanced radar and camera technology that is able to scan the roadway ahead of the vehicle, detecting any possible collisions with a vehicle or pedestrian. If a risk occurs, the driver is immediately given an audible and visual warning. If the driver does not respond in time, the system is able to automatically reduce the vehicle's speed and apply a full braking force to help reduce the severity of, or eliminate, a forward collision. 

While this system is extremely beneficial for unexpected situations, it does not replace the driver and the need of alertness. Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection does have some limitations during nighttime, low lighting conditions, vehicles moving in a different direction, and certain weather conditions. Customers are encouraged to utilize this system as a driving aid and not in lieu of personal awareness. 

Visit us at Brighton Ford to learn more about the driver-assist technologies that Ford Motor Company has to offer like the lane-keeping system or the Blind Sport Information System (BLIS®). We are located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-7417.

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Ford Vehicles Connect with Apple's Siri

BRIGHTON, Mich - Ford Motor Company and their new partner, Automatic Labs, are giving Ford customers the opportunity to chat with Apple's Siri system while behind the wheel. From learning the local forecast to adjusting the thermostat at home, Ford customers will be able to do just about anything from the drivers seat.

Ford vehicles are getting connected with Apple's Siri, providing customers with a smarter and safer driving experience. Ford and Automatic Labs have created a small device that plugs into a port just below the steering wheel, connecting the driver's iPhone to their Ford's onboard computer. Aside from using Ford's SYNC AppLink, drivers are now able to push the press-to-talk button on the steering wheel and utilize all of the additional features that Siri has to offer.

Within the next few months, we will start to see select Ford vehicles connect with Apple's Siri. This $99.95 application will be compatible with only the iOS 8 update on the iPhone and vehicles equipped with SYNC or MyFord Touch. This includes the 2011-15 Ford Explorer, 2013-15 Flex, 2011-14 F-150, 2011-15 F-Series Super Duty and 2013-15 Taurus.

Learn more about staying connected out on the road at Brighton Ford! We are home to a massive selection of Ford vehicles that provide you with the latest and greatest technology! Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-7417.

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Ford and Heinz Prove Tomatoes and Cars Have More in Common Than We Thought

BRIGHTON, Mich - Oddly enough, Ford and Heinz Prove that Tomatoes and Cars Have More in Common Than We Thought. Researchers at Ford Motor Company and H.J. Heinz Company are teaming up to examine the use of tomato fibers as a more sustainable bio-plastic material for automobiles. Roughly two years ago, Ford started collaborating with Heinz, The Coca-Cola Company, Nike Inc. and Procter & Gamble in hopes to develop a 100 percent plant-based plastic that could be utilized for just about anything from packaging to fabric. Ford was looking to step away from petroleum-based packaging and create a lower environmental impact with a sustainable bio-plastic.

Heinz Ketchup, which uses more than two million tons of tomatoes annually to produce its best-selling product, turned to Ford as they started to search for an innovative method for recycling and repurposing peels, stems and seeds. Currently, Ford researchers are testing dried tomato skins as potential vehicle wiring brackets and storage bins. Now as the companies begin to join forces in the initial stages of research, they are extremely excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for the advancement of sustainable 100 percent plant-based plastics. 

Ford is committed to reduce, reuse and recycle in efforts to lessen the company's environmental footprint while continuing the development of fuel-efficient vehicle technology all over the world. You can do your part in reducing your carbon footprint by visiting the fuel-efficient vehicles at Brighton Ford! Stop by the dealership for a test-drive today!

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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Ford Seeks Expanded Adoption of Inflatable Safety Belt

BRIGHTON, Mich - Ford Seeks Expanded Adoption of the Inflatable Safety Belt by patenting the technology and offering it to other companies and industries, including some competing automotive manufacturers. Ford is hoping with an increased availability in licenses, there will be a wider adoption of enhancing passenger safety with inflatable safety belts. Ford Motor Company has been committed to standardizing technology which goes beyond Ford customers. As more companies that get onboard with this new technology, the larger the improvement in travel safety and the amount of passenger injuries that occur in seated-passenger transportation across the board.

Ford Seeks Expanded Adoption of Inflatable Safety Belt, just four years after the debut in 2010. Ford has started expanding availability of the safety belts on Ford and Lincoln vehicles. As of now, the Ford Flex, Explorer and Fusion contain the new technology and soon we will see it on the 2015 F-150, Lincoln MKT and MKZ. The inflatable safety belts work just as a standard seat belt would, until the instance of a crash. The seat belt then deploys over the passenger's torso and shoulder, distributing the pressure over a larger area than a traditional seat belt. When pressure is dispersed to a larger area, it reduces the amount of weight on the passenger's chest and helps to control the head and neck motion. 

If you're interested in acquiring a vehicle with the latest inflatable safety belt technology, give Brighton Ford a call. We are more than happy finding you a safe, top-quality vehicle so that you can drive away with ease. Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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2015 F-150 is Ford's Most Patented Truck Ever

BRIGHTON, Mich - The all-new 2015 F-150 is Ford's Most Patented Truck Ever, containing more than 100 new Ford patents and/or patent applications. Everything from its tailgate step to the LED spotlights on the side mirrors have made the 2015 Ford F-150 the most patented truck in company history. The F-150 is busting from the seams with innovation and advanced technologies, redefining the light-duty pickup truck for the next generation. Every part of the new truck has been enhanced -body, exterior, interior, chassis, design, electrical and engine- and even the manufacturing process has had some adjustments.

A remote tailgate release and smart trailer tow features make towing easier than ever before. There are LED side-mirror spotlights that allow drivers to illuminate the side of the vehicle and the BoxLink™ cargo management system features lockable, die-cast aluminum tie-down cleats, providing a unique interface to the box for more flexibility and organization. These plus several other features never offered on a Ford pickup before have not only made the 2015 F-150 Ford's Most Patented Truck Ever, but have raised the bar for all of those in the industry. Ford Motor Company is teaching the world how to build a next-generation truck and proving with these 100 plus patents that Ford engineers and designers lead the automotive industry in innovation. 

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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All-New Ford F-150 Will Offer First Ever LED Headlamps

BRIGHTON, Mich - Add it to the long list of new enhancements and features, the All-New Ford F-150 Will Offer First Ever LED Headlamps. Ford will offer a brighter, tougher and more efficient headlamp, being the first to do so within the entire pickup truck segment of the industry. The LED headlamp technology offered on the all-new F-150 will now last as long, or even longer, than the truck itself.

Using 63 percent less energy than the typical halogen bulbs, the new LED headlamps are going to give competitors a run for their money. The technology in these headlamps create a higher quality, durability and aesthetic than any other pickup truck you will see on the road. By the way, when we say durable - we aren't kidding. You could stand, that's right STAND, on one of these 11-pound headlamps and you wouldn't see one dent or scratch. Ford of course exposed the LED headlamps to their very own torture tests. The headlamps spent some time in the scorching heat, soaking in salt water and serving as a target for rocks, stones and ice. Any signs of destruction? Not a one. 

As the fastest-growing segment in lighting technology, LED can be found just about every where. Your smartphone, television and even local grocery store use LED lighting. As a simpler form of technology on the all-new F-150, the LED headlamps make for a longer-lasting and more durable product. These headlamps actually magnify light which better illuminates the road for all-new F-150 drivers. The All-New Ford F-150 Will Offer First Ever LED Headlamps and will set the trend for what is said to be the next "big thing" in the automotive industry. 

You can count on Brighton Ford to have all of the latest Ford vehicles on our lot. From cars and trucks to SUVs and crossovers, we have a vehicle to meet anyone's needs. Start by checking out our online inventory and then head on over to the dealership for a test-drive! We are  located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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Ford Improves Their Virtual Crash Computing System

BRIGHTON, Mich - With the company's increased production and massive lineup of new vehicle debuts on the radar, it was time for Ford to Improve Their Virtual Crash Computing System. A 50 percent increase in computing power will allow Ford to maximize the amount and speed of virtual vehicle crashes as well as ensure the highest level of safety for customers. Ultimately, this technology will give Ford safety engineers and vehicle evaluation teams more data at a faster rate. 

Ford just recently conducted its 20,000th full-vehicle crash test at the Dearborn, Michigan development center. The physical crash tests are combined with virtual crash testing, which provides Ford with more safety data at a faster rate than ever before. These tests help ensure that Ford vehicles meet or exceed industry safety requirements in the global markets that they are sold in. All of the latest body styles, features and enhancements on vehicles have brought on unique regulations in many countries. Now with the investment in technology, and of course the hard working team, Ford is able to manage this increased workload better than ever. 

Since Ford's first crash test in 1954, technology has allowed them to continue to increase the number of vehicles tested. Ford's crash barrier facility can be adapted to perform various vehicle tests including frontal, side and rear impact tests for restraint and airbag system evaluations. These tests are typically performed at speeds ranging from less than 20 mph to more than 55 mph. Vehicle preparation for these physical tests take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how complicated the test is. After the full-vehicle crash test has been completed, the team at the crash facility can provide safety engineers with a range of data in just under 30 minutes. 

With a busy year ahead, there really was no better time for Ford to Improve Their Virtual Crash Computing System by 50 percent to get the most vehicle crash tests done in the shortest amount of time. Most importantly, these tests will provide even more information to ensure the safety of all Ford customers.

If you are looking for a top safety vehicle to keep you and your family safe, visit us at Brighton Ford! We have a huge variety of new, used, and pre-owned Ford vehicles. Check out one of our personal favorites, the 2014 Ford Flex! We are located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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University of Michigan Sets Driverless Car Goal in Ann Arbor

BRIGHTON, Mich. - The University of Michigan has set a driverless car goal for Ann Arbor: By 2021 Ann Arbor will be the first American city with a shared fleet of networked, driverless vehicles. This goal will be made possible through a collaboration of U of M's Mobility Transformation Center and our country's government.

Automobile companies have been testing driverless vehicles for awhile - Ford is no exception. Having used self-driving technology, the motor company has recently created a vehicle that will park itself without its driver even being in the vehicle. Similarly, Ford has also developed an obstacle avoidance technology that allows the vehicle to control its own steering wheel and steer safely out of the way of any pedestrians. As Ford works to further develop this technology to create a vehicle that can drive itself completely, the world waits on the edge of its seat for the driverless car to be made available to the public.

Ann Arbor is part of this anticipating crowd, as the University of Michigan has set a driverless car goal for Ann Arbor. Giving automobile companies until 2021, the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan has set these goals so that they can.. "demonstrate fully driverless vehicles operating within the whole infrastructure of the city within an eight-year timeline and to show that these can be safe, effective and commercially successful."

Recently, the university approved a $6.5 million, 30-acre driverless car test site that will allow driverless cars to be tested in a copycat cityscape. Hopefully, with the technology available and companies such as Ford Motor Company working hard to perfect the driverless car, Ann Arbor will reach its driverless car goal well before the set year.

While the driverless car technology is having the kinks worked out, there is still a variety of Ford vehicles that come with safety technology designed to assist you while driving. To discuss all the various technology options available to you, stop by our dealership! We are proud to be a Lansing Area Ford Dealer with a great selection of Ford Cars For Sale, as well as Used Fords For Sale. So come by today and let us get you into a vehicle you'll feel secure in!

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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Electronic License Plates: Coming Soon to a Vehicle Near You

BRIGHTON, Mich. - A South Carolina startup company called Compliance Innovations has developed an electronic license plate that they are hoping to make available to vehicles across the country. While it is most likely to appear in California first, electronic license plates could be coming soon to a vehicle near you!

These electronic plates still have quite a bit of testing to undergo, however, they are designed to replace your normal license plate. They will attach to your vehicle much like your current plate, but you'll be able to update it wirelessly when it's time to renew your registration. All you'll have to do is go online to renew your vehicle registration, at which point your plate will update. This makes it super easy to do on-the-go.

With these electronic license plates coming soon to a vehicle near you, you'll be able to benefit quite a bit if you're the type to stay on top of all your registration and insurance information. If you're not, you'll be an easy target to police officers. These plates will reveal that your insurance has expired, or if your registration has not been renewed. While this may be a downside, one other positive to having electronic tags is that a stolen vehicle will be able to be spotted more quickly. Much like the picture above, a stolen vehicle will have the words 'stolen' across the top.

As of right now, the electronic license plates will start to appear on vehicles in California by 2017. For the rest of the country, we will have to wait. Waiting won't be too hard though when you think of all the amazing technology available to you right now in our Ford vehicles. If you'd like to discuss all the technology options available, stop by our Farmington Area Ford Dealer today! We are more than happy to help you with all of your vehicle needs - Used Car Loans, Car Loans, technology questions, or New Ford Cars - we've here to help!

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that is committed to customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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Ford Data Reveals 60 Percent of Plug-In Vehicle Trips Are Gas-Free

BRIGHTON, Mich. - Ford Hybrid owners appear to be taking advantage of their gas-free electric range, as recent Ford data reveals 60 percent of plug-in vehicle trips are gas-free! Ford collects the data from the MyFord Mobile app in order to see how often their hybrids are in electric mode, how efficient the vehicle is being overall, how much energy is being consumed, and driving scores.

The data collected is in no way connected to individual drivers, as the data is collected as an overall group that helps Ford continue to deliver the best possible ownership experience to you. If you own a hybrid or battery-electric vehicle such as the Fusion Energi, C-MAX Energi and Focus electric, MyFord Mobile is available to you.

The MyFord Mobile is a great app as it allows you to locate a charging station, track how efficient your vehicle is being, and more! One great addition to the app that is worth noting is the Trip & Charge Log. This allows drivers to track how much energy was used and average fuel economy on a recent trip. The app also has a feature called 'My GO Time' which allows you to schedule your car to turn on the heat/air to make your vehicle comfortable, as well as make sure that it's charged and ready to go when you are!

The Ford data reveals 60 percent of plug-in vehicle trips are gas-free - a percentage that continues to creep up daily. The Ford data has also revealed that 6 million charging stations are found every month through MyFord mobile; the average charge time for each electric vehicle is 185 minutes; and 84% of one-way trips are of distances 20 miles or less.

If you're interested in looking at a Ford Electric Vehicle, or would like to know more about the MyFord Mobile App, stop by our Wixom Area Ford Dealership today! Our Brighton Ford team members would be more than happy to assist you with any of your vehicle needs. While you're here, take a look at our New Ford Trucks or Ford Cars For Sale!

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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New Ford eWheelDrive Fiesta Prototype

BRIGHTON, Mich.- It seems like every other day automakers are touting a new fuel efficient or electric car technology, but Ford Motor Company has gone above and beyond with their latest tech application. The new Ford eWheelDrive Fiesta prototype was designed in partnership with auto industry supplier Schaeffler and offers a new electric technology unheard of before! Ford Motor Company's new electric car technology propels the vehicle through electric motors located entirely within the wheels of the car. Therefore, the drive wheels don’t need to be connected to a common drivetrain, which creates endless possibilites for the vehicle.

One major advantage is all of the extra space, especially if a flat battery pack is installed along the floor of the car instead of under the hood like in the prototype. Passengers in the new eWheelDrive Fiesta will enjoy a roomier interior. In addition, the demo-vehicle is rear-wheel-drive, but the new technology makes it relatively simple to configure a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle. However, the most impressive feature available with the new motors is the possibility for sideways parking! With a specially designed suspension, all four wheels have the ability to rotate almost 90 degrees since the drive wheels don’t have to be connected to a common drivetrain! Urban drivers would be able to slip into a parallel parking space perpendicularly!

As you probably guessed, the new Ford eWheelDrive Fiesta prototype is in the early development stages, but Ford Motor Company expects to build two more prototypes by 2015. To cope with your current parallel parking fears, check out the new self-parking option available on many Ford vehicles. Stop by your Grand Blanc Area Ford Dealer to try it out and check out our 2013 Ford Fiesta Brochure.

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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How To Use Ford MyKey

BRIGHTON, Mich.- If you have a young driver, or a teen that will soon be getting their license, then an interest in How To Used Ford MyKey should be on your mind. If you're worried about your young driver out on the road, or just want to encourage good driving habits, then Ford MyKey is your answer. The innovative Ford MyKey system allows the vehicle owner to set limitations on speed and radio volume when a specified key is in use. The system also provides earlier fuel warnings at 75 miles to empty rather than 50 miles to empty, will mute audio systems until the driver buckles up, and can forward calls to your cell phone directly to your voicemail.

Want to get started with your vehicle's Ford MyKey? Just insert the key and select your desired settings from the vehicle information screen. For more information on How To Use Ford MyKey, check out this video from Ford Motor Company:



If you have further questions on How To Use Ford MyKey, your Livingston County Ford Dealer would be happy to help! Just stop by! The MyKey system is standard on almost all Ford models, so remember we can help you save on a new vehicle with our Ford Focus Rebates and Ford Fusion Rebates. Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives on customer satisfaction.  For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800)-836-8206. with any questions you may have!

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