DOC the Yellow Lab runs Cathy's Car Corner

Yes... Doc can write ...  Can you Read?

By: DOC Droz

 

This eight year old Yellow Lab is the company dog. Since he doesn’t like to fetch or swim like most labs, he’s taken an interest in cars. Doc is happy to be a passenger in a Yaris or Bentley, but no matter where you bring him, he does have an opinion. He is also very concerned for the safety of his fellow animals and expresses it in his reviews and videos..Doc also hosts articles about other pet experiences in vehicles. Loved by all who meet him…just don’t ask him which car he likes the best!

Women and F-150 Trucks- Girl Power

Cathy's Car Corner - Women and Trucks

                                                                                                                  

 

Three Women’s Journey with the Ford F-150

By Cathy Droz

I’ve often said, I love the automotive business! When I say this, I get some strange looks from dinner guests or female friends at birthday parties; but it’s true. The predominantly male industry is finding out what women have known all along, we can do anything from engineering today’s vehicles to selling them, paying for them and driving them wherever we want.

When I found out that a woman from Gilbert, Arizona, sold more Ford vehicles than anyone in the region, I wanted to know why, who, and what the ? It seemed amazing that a female salesperson sold 177 Ford vehicles and 70% were trucks. The woman I’m talking about is Laurie McClellan, a sales associate at Earnhardt Ford and the top Ford salesperson of the year in the Phoenix region. Laurie made it clear to me that her title on her business card reads “Facilitator of Vehicle Purchases,” not sales associate. She feels very strongly that she doesn’t sell cars; she facilitates a customer’s auto buying choice.

The new slogan for Ford trucks is “We Own Work”… This doesn’t mean the truck is just for work where men traditionally fill their cargo bed with wood, glass, gravel, kitchen countertops, plywood or landscaping materials, it could mean workaholics like so many women. Take for instance Nan Hummel, a bail bondswoman who purchased her F-150 truck with her own money from Laurie McClellan for use in her line of work. Nan needs a truck to do her job. I asked why an F-150? Hummel said, “I come from a family of Ford owners and actually some Ford employees. I’ve driven one for years, but now I bought one with my own money for my business and I love it. Nan works out of her truck quite a bit and gives it quite a workout. The cargo area hauls collateral and the backseat holds handcuffed passengers. I’m not sure that visual will be used in the next Ford F-150 commercial, but I think it’s great.

The ladies of Ford F-150 have quite a bit in common, besides the F-150. There was a statement made by all of them…” getting out of my comfort zone.” DiMarco said it when it came to going for the more technical and challenging job in automotive; McClellan did when she described to me about dropping out of school in the 10th grade to pursue various sales positions where she worked very hard and always came out on top. She admits that at 16, everything was out of her comfort zone, but she needed to make a living. And Nan, our bounty hunter, worked in law enforcement all her life with a degree in criminal justice… yet she too took a leap of faith when she decided to start her own agency at 47, complete with handcuffs and Tasers.

All three ladies agree that there’s something about a truck that is empowering whether you are the chief engineer of the F-150, top facilitator of auto buying or a small business owner. How interesting it was to hear each woman’s take on what was important. DiMarco reflected gratefully on her female mentors at Ford and wants to be a role model for her daughters and other women in auto. Both her and her husband make sure that they expose their girls to the sciences as well as cooking, travel and math, they’re unlimited in what they can do, says Jackie. All three women have aligned themselves with one of Ford’s best tag lines “Built Ford Tough.” Jackie survived breast cancer, which was diagnosed while working on a “Warriors in Pink” package for Mustang. Laurie waited till age 45 to have a child, all she ever wanted to be growing up was a mother. Two weeks prior to embracing their baby boy, her husband was laid off. Jackie went to work at Earnhardt Ford in Chandler immediately while her husband stayed home to take care of their son. Ford tough? Our bail bondswoman, who worked as a probation officer most of her career, said she spent her years keeping folks behind bars and now she helps get them out. This includes taking lots of risks, counseling the family members and wondering day to day if she will have to switch from bail bondswoman to bounty hunter … Ford Tough!

Laurie says she loves her job and makes a good living selling Fords. I wondered how her approach is different from her male counterparts. She said that she is a good listener, she is detail oriented, cares deeply about each customer and knows more about Ford products than anyone else on the floor. Most of her customers are repeat customers, and so many are men. They tell her she is a breath of fresh air and even if they’ve never bought from a woman before, they were so pleased with their experience, they keep coming back. Her customer service Index is off the charts and she wastes no time chit chatting, she is always learning more about the products and assisting customers.

Nan had a lot to say about her F-150 fitting her needs. First of all, it’s her office on wheels, it fits in her garage and the hands-free zone of the truck is exactly what she needs when transporting her clients. They are handcuffed and sitting pretty in the back seat of her truck. The cargo area is plenty big enough for transporting the goods and the towing capacity means she can tow more collateral. Nan had one complaint and that is… she wanted the truck in yellow in order to attract more attention to her “business.” She purchased a red truck and has yellow magnetic signs with her business information displayed. She feels her truck is an extension of her office and her personality with room under the rear seat bench for handcuffs, paperwork and other useful equipment she may need besides her smile.

Now I borrowed an F-150 from a friend to tow a travel trailer this last year and I must say I wanted to sleep in the Ford F-150 King Ranch, rather than the 1968 14-ft trailer. The posh leather seats, cup holders for lattes, enough USB ports for computers, phones and electric shaver, I was happy right there.

Three women, all different in their journey with the F-150 but similar in their passion for life and their truck relationships. I would be comfortable taking the F-150 on the Red Carpet or to the Red Rocks of Sedona. Women today are not stereotypical; we want what fits our lifestyle, safety needs and our pocketbooks. We want to be taken out of our comfort zone, just ask Jackie, Laurie, Nan or me.

Interesting Statistics

• Jan-June 2013 – 30,000 women have purchased Ford F-Series trucks
• Women own more than 40% of private businesses
• 1.3 million women earn more than $100,000 annually
• 68% of new car and truck purchase decisions are made by women
• Women spend more than $200 billion on new vehicles and repairs in the U.S. each year
• Over the course of a family’s life, 90% of all married women will control its wealth

*Compiled from statistics from the Harvard Business Journal, Forbes, Ford Motor Company and Nielsen Ratings

For more about the Ford trucks go to www.ford.com

Shamu Love the Chevy Suburban... just ask !!!

Jayden Droz - Can't wait to get soaked !!!!!

By: Cathy Droz
We are so fortunate here in Arizona, that if we want to get out of the heat, we hop in our car and in five hours we’re in San Diego experiencing cool breezes, crashing waves, great seafood and seeing Shamu the Whale for a spritz of sea water. You can fly over in an hour, but when Chevy provides a Suburban for your trip, the 350 miles is one of pure luxury and comfort.
The 2013 Chevy Suburban LTZ is a lot of vehicle for just the two of us, but when our middle child and her family wanted to go to San Diego with us, we knew we needed a larger people hauler than our Highlander. Picture this; four adults, one pregnant ( not me of course), three children in safety car seats, double stroller, six suitcases, beach umbrella, cooler, three briefcases with laptops, camera equipment and random hats thrown all over the luggage. You better have room, and we had plenty of that.
To say the Chevy Suburban LTZ is a large vehicle is an understatement, but it drives like you’re in a sedan, especially when it comes to maneuvering, parking and other amenities. It fits nine comfortably (that’s no lie) and has a towing capacity of 9,600 pounds. (Shamu weighs 1,984 pounds). This one- ton Chevy Suburban 1500 was equipped with a FlexFuel 5.3 liter V8 engine and produced 320 horsepower with 335 foot pounds of torque. I wasn’t expecting great fuel economy based on the weight of the vehicle, the weight inside, not to mention the air conditioning blasting and numerous hilly roads, but we experienced 14 city and 20 highway miles to the gallon, which wasn’t too bad.
The interior of the Suburban LTZ had leather upholstered seats including front bucket seats which I loved and had a four way power lumbar support with two position memory (more than I have). The steering wheel is heated (like we need that) and the pedals are power adjustable (need that at 5’2). It also had your choice of three levels of heating or cooling.
There were five 12-volt power outlets; two on the dash, one inside the center console next to the USB input jack, one at the back of the console and one in the cargo area. There were A/V input jacks at the back of the center console along with two headphone jacks. All of this was greatly needed as three of the adults were supposedly working on the way over (slipped over on a Friday), so the use of phones, e-mail, ipads, headsets and chargers made the Suburban at one point an oBy: Cathy Droz
We are so fortunate here in Arizona, that if we want to get out of the heat, we hop in our car and in five hours we’re in San Diego experiencing cool breezes, crashing waves, great seafood and seeing Shamu the Whale for a spritz of sea water. You can fly over in an hour, but when Chevy provides a Suburban for your trip, the 350 miles is one of pure luxury and comfort.
The 2013 Chevy Suburban LTZ is a lot of vehicle for just the two of us, but when our middle child and her family wanted to go to San Diego with us, we knew we needed a larger people hauler than our Highlander. Picture this; four adults, one pregnant ( not me of course), three children in safety car seats, double stroller, six suitcases, beach umbrella, cooler, three briefcases with laptops, camera equipment and random hats thrown all over the luggage. You better have room, and we had plenty of that.
To say the Chevy Suburban LTZ is a large vehicle is an understatement, but it drives like you’re in a sedan, especially when it comes to maneuvering, parking and other amenities. It fits nine comfortably (that’s no lie) and has a towing capacity of 9,600 pounds. (Shamu weighs 1,984 pounds). This one- ton Chevy Suburban 1500 was equipped with a FlexFuel 5.3 liter V8 engine and produced 320 horsepower with 335 foot pounds of torque. I wasn’t expecting great fuel economy based on the weight of the vehicle, the weight inside, not to mention the air conditioning blasting and numerous hilly roads, but we experienced 14 city and 20 highway miles to the gallon, which wasn’t too bad.
The interior of the Suburban LTZ had leather upholstered seats including front bucket seats which I loved and had a four way power lumbar support with two position memory (more than I have). The steering wheel is heated (like we need that) and the pedals are power adjustable (need that at 5’2). It also had your choice of three levels of heating or cooling.
There were five 12-volt power outlets; two on the dash, one inside the center console next to the USB input jack, one at the back of the console and one in the cargo area. There were A/V input jacks at the back of the center console along with two headphone jacks. All of this was greatly needed as three of the adults were supposedly working on the way over (slipped over on a Friday), so the use of phones, e-mail, ipads, headsets and chargers made the Suburban at one point an office and school on wheels, rather than just the Swiss Family Robinsons on their way to see Shamu.
There is a Bose Counterpoint Surround Sound audio system which includes navigation, IPod support and Sirus XM satellite radio. It has hands free Bluetooth which is standard and needed for safety. We had the Sun and Entertainment option package which included a rear seat entertainment system, two flip down LCD screens and a power sunroof. The LTZ had the second row of bucket seats (again unnecessarily heated) and more leg and headroom than my 5’4” daughter, 6’2” son-in-law and the munchkins needed. The movie Flipper kept the children quiet for almost two hours. Of course Flipper is not Shamu but we wanted to give the little ones a smaller mammal so they would not be scared. The good part was the adults couldn’t hear the movie and could either talk, work, sleep or yell over each other.
I noticed that not once did someone say are we there yet? I think the Suburban LTZ was so comfortable, complete with TV, ipads and car games, that they practically moved in. What I did hear from 8-year old Jayden was “can I sit up front at the Shamu show? “ The answer from her parents was always the same, “no dear, you’ll get soaked.” The sigh of disappointment over shadowed the third verse of row, row your boat by Sofia and Gabby. However, on the day of our illustrious visit to SeaWorld to see Shamu, grandma and grandpa escorted her to the front row for the splash of a lifetime. This Suburban loaded is over $60,000; family of 7 to get splashed by Shamu, priceless.ffice and school on wheels, rather than just the Swiss Family Robinsons on their way to see Shamu.
There is a Bose Counterpoint Surround Sound audio system which includes navigation, IPod support and Sirus XM satellite radio. It has hands free Bluetooth which is standard and needed for safety. We had the Sun and Entertainment option package which included a rear seat entertainment system, two flip down LCD screens and a power sunroof. The LTZ had the second row of bucket seats (again unnecessarily heated) and more leg and headroom than my 5’4” daughter, 6’2” son-in-law and the munchkins needed. The movie Flipper kept the children quiet for almost two hours. Of course Flipper is not Shamu but we wanted to give the little ones a smaller mammal so they would not be scared. The good part was the adults couldn’t hear the movie and could either talk, work, sleep or yell over each other.
I noticed that not once did someone say are we there yet? I think the Suburban LTZ was so comfortable, complete with TV, ipads and car games, that they practically moved in. What I did hear from 8-year old Jayden was “can I sit up front at the Shamu show? “ The answer from her parents was always the same, “no dear, you’ll get soaked.” The sigh of disappointment over shadowed the third verse of row, row your boat by Sofia and Gabby. However, on the day of our illustrious visit to SeaWorld to see Shamu, grandma and grandpa escorted her to the front row for the splash of a lifetime. This Suburban loaded is over $60,000; family of 7 to get splashed by Shamu, priceless.

The Greatest Show on Earth with your Grandchildren

Under the Big Top

 

TAKE YOUR GRANDCHILDREN TO THE CIRCUS....

 

By: Cathy Droz and Cathy Burford

“Ladies and Gentlemen… Children of all Ages… Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth…”

That famous line, spoken so succinctly by the Ringmaster, triggered goose bumps and brought a smile to my face. The warm memory of special outings with my family 55 years ago to the circus is something I will never forget, so why not pass that feeling on to the grandchildren? What they may not realize now, is that a visit to a circus can be a lifelong, positive memory for them.

Now it doesn’t need to be Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus you bring your grandchildren to, whatever size show your city or town can handle will do. Whether the production is large or small, what’s important is your grandchildren’s first memories of tigers looking like big house cats, clowns juggling, and aerial acts appearing from the skies above. Where else can you share with your kids, up close and personal, the lasting sensory association and visuals of a circus?

The circus has changed since I last brought a child, and that was evidenced this summer at the US Airways Center in Phoenix. My surprise included lots of singing and dancing, extravagant costumes, wire acts, tumbling, magic, and a meet and greet with the circus performers themselves.

Children and adults alike were captivated by the non-stop action in the center ring and everything going on around it. Any seat is a good one at the circus, but if you want to go all out, and your budget allows it, you can purchase some specially designed packages.

Come early for a Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey extravaganza on the all-access pre show. You can meet the performers, observe the animals, try on costumes, and enter to win a painting by one of the elephants. All ages will enjoy this show called “Built to Amaze”, as it lives up to its billing. Although the two grandchildren we brought were only 2 and 3 1/2, they were mesmerized from the pre-show to the end; both cheering, clapping, laughing and dancing to the band.
So ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages.. .welcome to the greatest show on Earth: Being a Grandparent!


Before you Go:

• Check out www.ringling.com
• Share the book: “If I ran the Circus” by Dr. Seuss
• Tickets: Range from $10.00 each to $95.00 per person, Kids 23 months and younger free on Lap Souvenirs range from $10.00 to $75.00
• Food – Concessions–Vendors in the stands
• Come as early as you can to enjoy the pre- show activities as it is more fun than the circus for some age groups.
• Eat ahead of time unless you want to fully experience eating at the circus and the cost of doing so.
• Dress comfortably and bring a camera. There are so many photo opportunities down on the floor
• Baby’s First Circus – Expectant parents and parents with babies under 12 months of age, check it out.
• All access Pre-Show – Included in ticket; access to the show floor to meet all the performers, try on consumes etc.
• Animal Open House – included in ticket price; beginning 90 minutes prior to show. Meet the Asian elephants outside the arena ( check to see if available in your city)
• Circus Celebrity - Premium seating up front and a ride in a tram on circus floor for part of the show
• Grandparents on the go Favorite : Stars of the Steel Vortex
• Grandchildren’s Favorite: FREE clown nose and the tigers going Grrr…

LOOK MOM I SHAVED MY HEAD

 

What Would You Do If You Lost 100 Pounds?

By: Cathy Droz and Melanie Shawcroft  - Boomer and X

If I lost 100 pounds I would have gotten a full-on makeover; including false eyelashes, new hairstyle and color, red lipstick, tight dress and high heels. I would have gone out with a bunch of girlfriends and flirted with every man that looked my way. Not my daughter, she lost 100 pounds and chose to shave her head, the part of her she was most proud of, the part of her that she could control. Just when I blamed myself for the 100 pounds she had to shed, thinking I raised her to love food more than herself, I realized I raised a very determined woman who makes a promise and owns it. A woman who takes charge, sticks to her word and inspires others. A woman who looks fantastic bald and is happy inside and out. I don’t think I could have done what she did. I am very proud of my daughter Melanie… I hope she inspires you.

 

As a former athlete, I spent hours every day working out my body. However, my dependent relationship with fast food and ability to lie on the couch for hours watching television definitely caught up with me once my days on the field dwindled. I have struggled with my weight for the past 15 years.

In January, I decided to make a change for myself, my husband of six years and my two-year-old son, with hopes of adding another to our family in the near future. Don’t get me wrong – this is not my first attempt at losing the weight. I have done fad diets, taken many pills, tried expensive, trendy workouts – resulting in fluctuating weight between 145 pounds and tipping the scale at nearly 300 pounds.

 

This time has been different – I vowed to do it the healthy way. I have been eating lean proteins, vegetables and fruits and much smaller portions. If I do splurge at the table, I do it in moderation and burn it off in the gym. I hit the pavement to workout – run, walk, stairs. I take advantage of the free gym and workout classes at my job, and I sometimes splurge on a zumba class at the local rec center. I try to participate in at least 30 minutes of exercise 4-6 days a week.

 

For me, it is about losing the weight and keeping it off. It is about changing my lifestyle, not changing my dress size for one special occasion. I have lost 100 pounds which is more than the original goal I set for myself. I feel like the athlete I once was but with an added appreciation for healthy eating and an active standard of living.

In my 15-year struggle with my weight, there was one constant I could always control – the only physical feature I felt was beautiful: my hair. In celebration of losing 100 pounds, I decided to do something I thought I would only talk about but never actually follow through with. I shaved my head. It may sound foolish to some, but to me, it means finally gaining control of my health and no longer needing the hair. There is much more that I see as beautiful about myself – my dedication, hard work and will to fight for my life for myself, my husband, my son and my family and friends. That is so much greater than hair.

Camp Grandma Goes to "Butterfly Wonderland"

CAMP GRANDMA AND Monarchs

 

By Cathy Droz and Cathy Burford

August 2013

It is nearly impossible not to smile when a butterfly enters your vision. Now imagine thousands of them, and Phoenix is probably the last place you would expect to witness that, especially in a rainforest environment. Since opening in May of this year, Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale boasts the largest butterfly atrium in America! Due to its lush, tropical environment, it is also most likely the only butterfly atrium where you feel like you have had a moisturizing facial along with your visit…

Far more than just a facility where butterflies rule, you will find several other live exhibits to fascinate your grandchildren and yourselves.

 

  To get in the spirit of things, begin in their fabulous 3-D theater to watch the ‘Flight of the Butterflies’. This movie chronicles the amazing journey of the Monarch Butterfly. Your little ones will thrill at the butterflies soaring within their grasp. Next you will enter the Emergence Gallery where you will witness various species of butterflies emerging from their chrysalises, their metamorphosis complete.

 

Our grandkids were really fascinated with the Live Aunt Colony and the Honey Bee Extravaganza. Watching those industrious creatures made us adults feel rather lazy in comparison! The Rivers of the Amazon exhibit showcases freshwater aquatic life up close, and even includes a baby stingray petting pool.

 

Above all is the Butterfly Conservatory, the magical centerpiece of this extraordinary facility! By all means, bring your camera to this lush atrium that is adorned with tropical plants, waterfalls, koi pond, and thousands of butterflies that travelled here as chrysalises from as far away as Thailand! An equatorial climate awaits; a feast for the senses! Be sure to school your grandchildren beforehand regarding the basic rules; no touching the butterflies, watch where you step, and enjoy it when they choose you as a landing spot! It is easy to lose track of time while watching these beautiful creatures.

 

If You Go:

Butterfly Wonderland

9500 E Via De Ventura

Scottsdale, AZ 85256

www.butterflywonderland.com

480.800.3000

Food Items available

Gift Shop

Open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm

Adults $18.95 ; Student, Military and 62+ $16.95; Children 3-11 $9.95

2 and under free, strollers welcome

Check out their website for group rates, annual passes and private event rates

Please no sunscreen- since butterflies ‘taste’ with their feet, if they land on you it can interfere with their ability to taste ( A Fun Fact courtesy of a Butterfly Wonderland Volunteer)

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HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY?

HAVE YOU FALLEN IN LOVE WITH A FORD LATELY/

 

 

2013 Ford Escape Titanium

 

 

By: Cathy Droz


I Have! I own a 2002 Ford Thunderbird convertible and my latest test drive vehicle was the new 2013 Ford Escape Titanium model. This redesigned, 4-wheel-drive, five seat crossover has a turbocharged 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine which satisfied the speed in my blood and the practicality in my DNA.

The Ford escape is exactly that, an escape into the future; which includes a remote start capability, which enables one to heat or cool their seat before getting in the vehicle, and a slick parking technology package.

The optional parking technology package will cost an additional $995, but who wouldn’t want to have someone else parallel park for you? With the active park assist you can saunter along looking for a parallel parking space and the Escape’s sensors will detect a spot that will fit this five-seat SUV. This is a much better scenario than my husband yelling, “look there’s another spot you drove by.” So, ignoring him completely, the chime alerted me to an empty spot, whereby I lined the Escape up and then let go of the steering wheel (difficult for control freaks). I used the accelerator and brake and put the Escape into Drive and Reverse as necessary. The system safely steered the Escape into the parking spot. I have to admit, I did it more than once, as the first time didn’t look very respectable or safe.

The exterior of the new Ford Escape has more curves on this year’s model; less of a boxy look. As a result, the front end is more aerodynamic, allowing for better fuel economy. So not only is the new body style more functional, but the new curvatures and creases give the Escape a more European look. Maybe that is what I have at my age, a more European look?
My favorite feature is also something the folks at Ford are very proud of, and that is the power liftgate. Don’t confuse the “Ford power liftgate” with the ones you can control from your fob or push a button inside the cargo area to close.

  The 2013 Escape has a sensor under the rear bumper, so when you kick your foot under it, the liftgate opens. That means if your arms are full with groceries, babies, sports equipment, lumber or Tiffany jewelry for me, you have no reason to drop what you have in your hands.
Now let’s venture inside the Ford Escape. As I look at all the gadgets, including the MyFord Touch, I feel I need to take a breath and not leave the driveway until I understand all the great features. The Sync system has voice-control functions for the stereo, text-to-voice for some cellphones, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Sync support was a big help for me to understand the Sync system. The Escape has a 12-volt outlet as well as an aux jack and a USB input.

Now that I am settled in, I checked with my passengers. My 30-something daughter Julia had plenty of legroom and enjoyed the second row’s reclining seatback. The child safety seat was easy to install and had two sets of lower Latch anchors. The Escape Titanium has the electronic stability system with anti-roll control, traction control and seven airbags, including side curtains for both rows. It wins all kinds of safety awards and I can see why.
The 2013 Ford Escape base model starts at $23,365, with the top of the line Titanium, which I drove, starting at $35,130. I enjoyed the drive, the parallel-park feature and power liftgate, but I’m still waiting for the Tiffany jewelry.
If you haven’t driven a Ford lately, the 2013 Ford Escape is the one to try.
For more reviews go to www.twofortheroadusa.com

Cathy Droz and Inland Empire Fun Site Join Forces

When long time Auto Journalist, Cathy Droz of Phoenix, Arizona and well known radio host, Brian Casey join forces, they bring entertainment experience, marketing and fun to this outstanding Inland Empire site.  Check out www.iefun.com for more ....

 

Let's Go Places...in the new Rav4

By Cathy Droz

If you didn’t see the Superbowl commercial this January for the 2013 Toyota RAV4, you missed some pretty funny and out of the A-Frame thinking. It’s Penny from the Big Bang Theory granting wishes to the average American family, the requests are quite funny and cleverly interpreted. One of the wishes is the removal of the spare tire from the liftgate of the RAV4… presto we see the new look, no tire. Funny, some consumers have been asking about that over the years, I guess we just didn’t have Penny’s phone number.
The new 2013 Toyota RAV4 has more to cheer about than just the spare hidden and liftgate engineered so perfect for short people. The Toyota team offers just three models this year and with good reason; who needs 15 different versions of a basic good product? There is the LE Model, XLE and Limited. The prices range from about $23,300 to $27,000 and you should test all trim levels to see if you need all the amenities or feel the differences when driving. You may also want to check your budget.
The interior of the “crossover” has a soft touch interior which is available with French stitching and an audio system with a standard 6.1 inch touch-screen and Multi-Information Display. The Smart Key Fab is available to keep safe in your pocket or purse. You can lock and unlock the doors and liftgate with one touch and start the vehicle with the push of a button.
The Limited model has display audio with navigation and Entune, 11JBL, GreenEdge speakers in seven locations. The leather steering wheel incorporates also Bluetooth and Multi-information Display controls leaving all hand held devices unnecessary.
I was not sure to include the next item as interior or exterior but it is my favorite. It’s the adjustable Power Liftgate. At 5’2 and vertically challenged I like height adjustment features. Well thank you RAV4, your engineers decided to position the liftgate to the ideal height of your customer. All you do is press and hold the button on the liftgate, listen for the beeps and you’re done. Every time I would go to the liftgate is rose to my custom height. This is crucial with families and sport enthusiasts who’s hands are always full and don’t have to put everything down twice, just click the fob and close it without tippy toes or rotator cuff injury appointments needed. I was also impressed with the storing of the spare tire and the tonneau cover that is part of securing the cargo area. I’ve always been perplexed as to what to do with the tonneau cover when I didn’t want it in the car… this fits in to a molded spot just for that purpose, right in front of the spare under the tire well and carpeting.
On my long drives with the RAV4, I drove the back roads and the highways to see if the 24/31 I was quoted was accurate and I would say it was right on for the front wheel drive models. This may be easier to achieve also as the RAV4 has 6-speed automatic and easy to switch buttons ECO Mode and Sport Mode. Once minute I was in ECO mode and then I felt like a “in touch with the pavement” ride so I pressed Sport.
With all the new bells and whistles, Toyota has remained loyal to its commitment to safety and the new RAV4 is no exception. Standard on every new Toyota is the star- safety system with its group of six advanced safety features including Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology.
Because I drive with the grandchildren so often, it is very important that a car has an excellent child safety seat process. The RAV4 has LATCH, which stands for “Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.” It has lower anchors on the outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all second-row of seating. The crossover comes with 8 standard airbags which is also increased since last year’s model.
I test drove all of the trim levels and then drove last year’s model. You will be surprised as to how the vehicle has been improved. Not just the liftgate going from side to side to up and down but the comfort of the seats and two tone seat color choices that should be on pintrest. All of this and ToyotCare which includes the 24/7 roadside assistance.
I found this vehicle to be the SUV/Crossover perfect for the young family, empty nester, pet transporter or single person who is active in sports and road trips. Once I drove it and studied it, I can see where Toyota gets the slogan… Let’s Go Places! I’m ready, how about you… Oh! Do we need to call Penny?
For more reviews go to www.twofortheroadusa.com
...Back to the Inland Empire Fun AUTOS Homepage. http://www.iefun.com/Autos/

This article appears in the March 2013 issue of Inland Empire Fun
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Ford Does it Again

Ford Motor Company Sales Up 9 Percent, Best February

In Six Years; Fusion, Escape Set Sales Records

·       Ford Motor Company U.S. February sales up 9 percent – best February in six years, with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent

·       Fusion sets an all-time February sales record, surpasses last year’s record by 28 percent

·       Escape produces its best February sales ever; Explorer reaches best February sales since 2006, up 59 percent

·       America’s best-selling pickup for 36 years running, F-Series posts 15 percent gain

·       Ford announces 2013 second-quarter production of 800,000 vehicles, up 9 percent from the prior year

DEARBORN, Mich., March 1, 2013 – Ford Motor Company’s U.S. February sales grew 9 percent with 195,822 vehicles sold. This marks Ford’s best February sales in six years – with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent. 

While Ford sales rose 9 percent nationally, Ford's Phoenix Region saw an 18 percent overall increase in Ford sales. The car segment in the Phoenix Region rose 35 percent last month as more people are seeking to purchase fuel-efficient sedans. The newly redesigned Fusion, which gets 25/37 mpg or 47/47 mpg in its hybrid version, posted a sales increase of 74 percent over last year. There's a similar story with the Escape, which saw a 41 percent increase in sales compared with February 2012. And for the business sector, the Transit Connect utility vehicle posted an 83 percent increase in sales compared to February 2012, indicating that business owners are feeling more comfortable about making big-ticket purchases.

“As more new vehicle buyers continue returning to the marketplace, our fresh new product portfolio of fuel-efficient vehicles is winning over customers,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “People are buying our all-new Fusion and Escape in record numbers, thanks to strong fuel economy and innovative new technologies.”

Nationally, Ford Fusion posted record February sales totaling 27,875 vehicles. This is a 28 percent gain over last February’s record. 

Escape followed January’s record sales with a new February sales record of 24,110 vehicles – a 29 percent increase over last year. Plus, Explorer boosted its sales 59 percent in February, with 16,586 vehicles sold – its best February sales results in seven years. 

America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, sold 54,489 pickups in February, a 15 percent increase over last year. F-Series had its best February sales results since 2007. This marks F-Series’ 19^th consecutive month of monthly sales increases. Transit Connect also continues to strengthen, selling 3,610 vehicles in February – a 57 percent increase over last year. 

Ford also announced its 2013 second-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 800,000 vehicles in the second quarter, up 9 percent (63,000 vehicles) from 2012’s second quarter. First quarter production of 770,000 vehicles is unchanged from previous guidance.

About Ford Motor Company 

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding the company and Ford products, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Contact:	Erich Merkle
	313.806.4562
	emerkle2@ford.com

Donate Blood or Cash for the Red Cross

ARIZONA FORD DEALERS GIVE BACK

When is the last time you heard someone say

 " I would rather have a root canal than step foot inside a car dealership?"

  I guess they've never visited an Arizona Ford Dealership.  Auto Dealers are always giving back to the community.  Check this out !

 

Two for the Road USA team says... donate blood to the American Red Cross

ARIZONA FORD DEALERSHIPS TEAM UP TO COLLECT 250+ PRODUCTIVE UNITS OF BLOOD FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD SERVICES

Berge Ford of Mesa, Ariz., Hosted Most Successful Blood Drive

MESA, Ariz. (Feb. 20, 2013) – Ford Motor Company and 11 metro Phoenix-area Ford dealerships recently teamed up with the American Red Cross to host a series of blood drives for National Blood Donor Awareness Month in January. As a result of these drives, more than 250 productive units of blood were collected, potentially saving the lives of approximately 750 people.

The 11 dealerships hosted approximately 300 customers, community members and employees who volunteered to donate blood. Berge Ford in Mesa, Ariz., hosted the most successful blood drive, recruiting 40 donors to their blood drive and collecting 31 productive units. In recognition of Berge Ford’s effort, a $1,000 donation was made to the American Red Cross Blood Services from Maxum Petroleum, one of Ford Motor Company’s local oil distributors.

“In lieu of a recognition luncheon for their efforts, the team at Berge Ford requested a cash donation be made to the American Red Cross,” said Mark Witthar, Phoenix Region Manager for Ford Motor Company. “This action personifies Ford’s efforts to ‘go further’ in the communities where we do business. Thanks to the team at Berge Ford for all of your efforts to make our inaugural Ford blood drive a success.”

“We are very thankful to our employees and loyal Berge Ford customers for the success of this blood drive. Without their support for our community projects, this would not have been possible,” said Jim Crutcher, Berge Ford General Manager.

“The American Red Cross deeply appreciates Ford’s support of 11 blood drives during January. Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. These patients and others rely on blood products during their treatment. The employees and customers of Ford can take great pride in their contribution to this vital community service,” said Natalie Leon, Donor Recruitment Representative, American Red Cross Blood Services.

Everyone who donated blood received two free tickets to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale.

Special thanks to all of the Ford dealerships that hosted successful blood drives including:

• Bell Ford, 2401 West Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023

(602) 866-1776

• Berge Ford, 460 E. Auto Center Drive, Mesa, AZ 85204

(480) 497-1111

• Camelback Ford, 1330 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014

(888) 264-1851

• Chapman Ford, 7100 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

(480) 946-3900

• Earnhardt Ford, 7300 W. Orchid Lane, Chandler, AZ 85285

(602) 893-0000

• Peoria Ford, 9130 West Bell Road, Peoria, AZ 85382

(623) 977-8888

• Power Ford of North Scottsdale, 8555 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 991-3333

• Robert Horne Ford, 3400 S. Tomahawk Road, Apache Junction, AZ 85219

(480) 474-2500

• Rodeo Ford, 13680 W. Test Drive, Goodyear, AZ 85338

(877) 746-1110

• Sanderson Ford, 6400 North 51^st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301

(623) 842-8600

• San Tan Ford, 1429 Motorplex Loop, Gilbert, AZ 85296

(480) 621-3700

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures ordistributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The RedCross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, pleasevisit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Media: Stephanie Jarnagan, Direct Impact, 480-201-7572, stephanie@thinkcommaz.com