Thank You Employees, Friends and Customers

Due to market conditions and recent downsizing at Ford Motor Company, Central Ford Lincoln Mercury has recently closed its doors.

I would like to personally thank all valued employees for your hard work and dedication throughout my tenure at the dealership. Also, I wish to thank the community, local businesses, friends and customers for your support and patronage.

In an effort to assist all my customers in servicing your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles, I am referring you to these quality Ford dealerships listed below.

Lincoln and Mercury owners, please be advised that any Ford dealership can perform authorized warranty services on your vehicle.

Factory Authorized Ford Dealers

Tom Peck Ford
608-676-2273

Anderson's Rock River Ford
815-229-0510

Bryden Ford
815-248-2485

Gordie Boucher Ford Lincoln Mercury
800-749-1276

For more information, please visit Ford.com

Central Ford of South Beloit Sponsors Southern Wisconsin Airfest

Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen is proud to announce that we are a participating sponsor of Southern Wisconsin Airfest 2007. The much anticipated air show will take place this weekend, August 5th and 6th at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport located on Hwy. 51 between Beloit and Janesville. Proceeds from the Airfest benefit the Wisconsin Aviation Academy whose mission is providing aviation education, career exploration, academic support, and flight training to Southern Wisconsin youth at no cost.

Hope to see you there!

Photo: Central Ford owner Jerry Ramirez aboard a Red Baron vintage biplane with Pilot Ryan Mohr.

Special Deals on Ford Cars, Trucks SUVs and Crossovers

Shoppers can now take advantage of special deals on Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and crossover vehicles in stock at Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen in South Beloit, Illinois. Stop in for a test drive today. We're easy to find; just west of I-90 on the Northwest corner of Gardner St. and Willowbrook Rd. Get directions >>

You can also shop online or contact us regarding fleet sales, certified pre-owned vehicles, financing, service and more.

2007 Mercury Summer Sales Drive

There's no better time to purchase a Mercury vehicle than right now! Central Ford Lincoln Mercury is offering 0% financing and $2007 cash back on Montego, Grand Marquis and Milan. Plus, the same 0% financing $2007 cash back deal on select Mountaineer and Mariner models. Mercury is also featuring an incredible Red Carpet Lease on the Milan I-4.

Don't wait, the 2007 Mercury Summer Sales Drive ends soon!

Ford Cars for 2008

From the sporty and economical to the powerful and luxurious, Ford’s car lineup for 2008 offers a model to meet virtually any customer’s needs.

Younger, first-time buyers are drawn to Focus, while the all-new Taurus attracts those seeking an outstanding luxury sedan. A true American icon, Mustang — in tandem with its big brother the Shelby GT500 — fills a void in the hearts of American hot rodders everywhere. Add to the list Fusion, the epitome of midsize comfort and convenience. The result is a lineup that's sure to please.

Check back often or subscribe to the Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen blog feed to find out when your favorite 2008 model arrives in the showroom.

Now in the showroom; 2008 Mercury Mariner, Ford Super Duty trucks, Ford Escape and Escape Hybrids.

Ford Excels in JD Powers and Associates Survey

From Ford Motor Company...

June 6, 2007

Ford Motor Company Vehicle Quality Soars in 2007 J.D. Power and Associates Customer Survey

Ford Motor Company wins 14 vehicle honors, more than any other automaker. Five Ford Motor Company vehicles are top segment performers: Mercury Milan, Ford Mustang, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln Mark LT and Mazda MX-5 Miata swept their vehicle segments for top honors. Ford's recently launched vehicles are among industry's best performers. Four brands – Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar – place in top 10, all significantly above industry average.

Ford Motor Company has the most top-quality vehicles in the industry, according to a customer-based initial quality survey released today by J.D. Power and Associates. In the research firm's 2007 Initial Quality Study (IQS), Ford Mustang, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln Mark LT and Mazda MX-5 Miata swept their vehicle segments for top honors.

"We are designing and building world-class vehicles, and it's great to have this affirmation from the customers who drive our cars and trucks every day," said Mark Fields, president of the Americas, Ford Motor Company. "While we're pleased that our internal focus on quality is receiving this kind of recognition from J.D. Power and Associates, we will not let up. We will continue to deliver even more high-quality products that customers want."

Overall, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury nameplates placed among the top 10 nameplates, with Lincoln in 3rd place, Mercury in 8th place and Ford brand in 10th. Jaguar ranked 6th.

Ford Motor Company received 14 total vehicle honors, more than any other automaker. In addition to the five first-place winners, the following vehicles also were recognized:
Second-place winners:

• Ford F-150 LD: Large pickup
• Lincoln MKX: Midsize premium MAV
• Lincoln Navigator: Large premium MAV
• Third-place winners:
• Ford Fusion: Midsize car
• Ford Econoline: Van
• Ford Five Hundred: Large car
• Mercury Montego: Large car (tied with Five Hundred)
• Mercury Mountaineer: Midsize MAV
• Volvo S80: Midsize premium car
  

The company's overall ranking in the survey climbed to 4th place from last year's 7th, helped in part by the performance of Ford's recently launched vehicles. Crossovers Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge received high marks, as did the new Lincoln Navigator. Fusion, Milan and MKZ continue building quality momentum. Edge ranked 4th in its segment, midsize MAV, just behind Mountaineer.

Wixom Assembly Plant received a Platinum Award, recognizing it as the industry's best-quality performing plant worldwide. This marks the first time since 1999 that a North American assembly plant has received J.D. Power's top award for producing vehicles yielding the fewest defects.

Wixom Assembly Plant, which ended production and was idled on May 31 as part of the company's plan to align capacity with demand, produced the Lincoln Town Car. The large premium car ranked 4 th in its segment.

Bennie Fowler, vice president of Global Quality, Ford Motor Company, said Wixom's performance underlines the fact that Ford's UAW-represented employees are dedicated to producing quality vehicles, even as they face change.

"This is a testament to a committed and focused workforce," Fowler said. "They raised their game even as they prepared to idle their plant."

Ford's Premier Automotive Group brands ranked as follows: Jaguar placed 6th, Volvo placed 15th, Mazda placed 34th and Land Rover placed 35th while also becoming the most-improved brand in this year's study.

J.D. Power & Associates 2007 IQS report measures problems per 100 vehicles as reported by customers after having driven their new vehicles for three months. The report is the most recent third party to validate Ford's significant quality improvements.

In April 2006, RDA Group of Bloomfield, Mich., released the Global Quality Research System report (GQRS) showing Ford in a statistical dead heat with Toyota and just behind Honda.

That report, an analysis of "things gone wrong" (TGW) in new vehicles as measured by customers, is commissioned quarterly by Ford to study customer feedback. Ford improved its TGW rate by eight percent, besting the industry average improvement of 2 percent.

"Our vehicle quality is showing such dramatic improvement because Ford Motor Company employees are committed to delivering world-class vehicles to our customers," Fowler said. "Quality at Ford is the ultimate team sport. We're playing hard, and we'll continue playing to win."

© Copyright 2007, Ford Motor Company

Huge Memorial Day Sale

Join us for our annual Memorial Day Sale! We have hundreds of cars, great deals and fun for the entire family. Now in progress until the close of business on Monday May 28th. Stop by or call today for more details.

Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen Presents Riverfest Idol

We at Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen are proud to present this year's Riverfest Idol with Suds Ohanahans and 105.9 FM The Hog at the 2007 Beloit Riverfest in Beloit, Wisconsin from July 12th though July 15th. Riverfest Idol contestants will be viing for a grand prize of $2007.00 and the opportunity to perform live on the main stage. Registration is being held exclusively at Suds Ohanahan Irish Pub during normal business hours beginning Monday, May 14th through Saturday, May 26th. Simply ask a staff member for an official Riverfest Idol 2007 Audition Application.

We're also looking forward to Riverfest performances this year by rock legends Cheep Trick, Grand Funk Railroad and John Kay & Steppenwolf. Listen for more details about Riverfest at 105.9 FM The Hog radio station and hope to see you there!

Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang

The Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang is here and ready for you to test drive.

This is the Mustang that captures the spirit of Parnelli Jones' 1970 Grabber Orange Boss 302 Mustang with the black-striped hood crossing the finish line under the checkered flag. Those were the days! Today's Saleen/Parnelli Mustang reflects the same vintage attitude with a new Saleen 302 cid V-8, 3-valve engine. The extreme high performance vehicle produces a thrilling 400 horsepower at 6000 RPM, and with 390 ft-lb of torque at 4000 RPM. Talk about a thrill ride! the new Saleen engine is equipped with a high compression, high revving valve train, utilizing forged pistons, rods, and crankshaft and a lightweight, aluminum flywheel. Top-performance calibrations are thanks to Saleen’s PowerFlash™ technology. To complete the package, Saleen has incorporated a new exhaust system that provides their trademark low-resonating sound.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact John Boschma at Central Ford in South Beloit, Illinois.

The New '08 Escape Hybrid; Really, Really Green

The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is a complete hybrid vehicle—An important point to consider if you are shopping for “green” cars this summer. Keep an eye out for the new models arriving soon at the dealership and we'll keep you posted on the latest developments.

The use of the word “green” in this article takes on a double meaning; green for the environment and green as in the color of money, which you’ll save at the gas tank with the Escape Hybrid. By the way, with gas prices very likely to approach $4 per gallon this year, that may be reason enough to go green!

What makes the Ford product different? Unlike GM hybrids, Escape Hybrid is capable of running solely on electric motors at speeds up to 30 mph. In addition, a 70 Kw electric motor produces 155 horsepower in tandem with a 2.3L four-cylinder gas-powered engine. That means the Escape Hybrid delivers performance numbers comparable to a 200-horsepower gasoline V6. The result; a 75% increase in fuel economy for city driving alone.

Learn more about the new ’08 Escape Hybrid today. Visit Hybrid Central at the Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen blog. We'll be adding more content regarding Ford and Lincoln Mercury hybrid vehicles as it becomes available, so please check back often. Thanks!

Ford Matches Toyota in Quality

According to the RDA Group, a global research marketing and consulting firm, Ford matches Toyota on initial quality in nearly every category. The RDA report issued recently states that 2007 model year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles made in the first quarter of the year are nearly equal in initial quality to those made by Toyota, and better than those made by Nissan. Moreover, Ford's initial quality score improved by 8% when compared to results from a year ago. On the average, the auto industry only improved by 2% giving Ford a distinct advantage where quality and customer satisfaction are concerned.

The study goes on to indicate that one of the most trouble-free cars was the Mercury Milan which owners reported 910 problems per 1,000 units.

The results certainly reinforce Ford's Bold Moves campaign. It would appear that promises made regarding overall product quality and design are coming to fruition.

Ford Documents "Bold Moves" Campaign

Ford Motor Company doesn't just talk about "Bold Moves", they make them. From alternative fuels to optimized production, Ford is acting decisively to transform its business and move onward into the future. Take a look for yourself... Visit FordBoldMoves.com.

Zero Percent Event

For a limited time, you can now receive 0% for 60 months on the following 2007 Ford models; F150, Focus, Escape, and Escape Hybrid. And, 0% For 60 months on these fine 2007 Lincoln Mercury models; Mercury Mariner, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Lincoln Mark LT.

We’re also featuring attractive lease offers and cash-back incentives on other select models. Stop by Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen or call our sales department at 815-389-4500 more more details.

Your Saleen Solution

We have the Saleens you're looking for! Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen announced late last year that we would be carrying this high performance line of "before market" vehicles. Well friends, they’re here and we are bringing them to you just in time for spring and summer. Come take a closer look...

Pictured here is the S281 Mustang. It was designed to stand out from today's run-of-the-mill conventional vehicles. Custom styling and high-performance handling are only a few ways Saleen technicians have created head-turning, high-performance sport cars that enthusiasts appreciate. Saleen also produces a broad line of performance parts as well as design and engineering solutions.

We have several Saleen models on display at the dealership from Mustangs to SportTrac SUVs so stop by for test drive. See what it feels like to get some looks on the road!

The $2 March Sell-A-Bration!

We're celebrating "March Madness" at Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen and you won't want to miss our current promotion; The $2 March Sell-A-Bration! Here's how it works... $ 1 down delivers, $1 makes your first month payment! This is a golden opportunity to save like never before on every vehicle in stock. We are prepared to offer huge savings on over 250 vehicles. Trade in your current vehicle and upgrade to a newer one for possibly less than you are paying now. Plus, receive zero payments for the next 6 months with the purchase of your next vehicle. Hurry in, the promotion ends Saturday, March 24th at 6pm.

Welcome Fleet Customers

Central Ford Lincoln Mercury knows that running your business is a top priority. As a prospective business customer, we would like to offer an easy, cost-effective vehicle acquisition program that can save you time and money. Our dealership has a variety of programs availabe to help meet your Fleet vehicle and service needs. As a Fleet customer, you and your business will qualify for many benefits including; unique pricing, incentives, finance terms and priority vehicle service.

Please contact our Commercial Business Office to speak to a fleet specialist and confirm your eligiblity.

Taurus Returns!

The all new 2008 Ford Taurus was unveiled during the opening gala event at the Chicago Auto Show yesterday. The new models go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. Taurus now features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, an available all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.

More than just a name change, we noticed that Ford developed the new Taurus with your family's safety in mind. For example, standard on every Taurus is the Safety Canopy™ System. This innovation senses a rollover situation and deploys side curtain airbags for added protection on both rows of seating. It also includes front side airbags for enhanced chest protection.

Learn more about the new Taurus coming soon at Central Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen!

Ford's Next Bold Move Hits The Road

Coming in the fall of 2007; Sync, developed by Microsoft and Ford. Sync offers a new level of communications and entertainment convenience which will enable users to control and personalize their electronic devices in their Ford and Lincoln-Mercury vehicles. Check out the video on YouTube...