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Age is merely a number however, with age there can come physical hardships that make driving a littler harder.  Fortunately, todays vehicles are available with a host of features designed to help compensate for many of the physical changes that come with aging.  Lower body mobility issues such as limited knee range and leg pain are common for those over 55.  Features such as adjustable power seats, a low door threshold and adjustable pedals can help lessen or even eliminate discomfort. Many seniors also face upper body mobility issues that can cause stiffness in the back, neck, arms or shoulders.  Adjustable lumbar support and heated seats can help soothe aching backs and shoulders.  Large wide angle mirrors and large rear windows aid visibility.   Many vehicles are now coming equipped with a rear backup camera, this also has active parallel park assistance, front and rear parking sensors which help to maneuver their vehicles without engaging in too much of the upper body twisting. Arthritis is a common disease of aging as well.  Many younger people are even being diagnosed with arthritis.  It can result in stiff fingers and comprised fine motor skills.  A think steering wheel is easier for arthritic hands to grasp, keyless entry with push to start helps these drivers avoid potentially painful hand movements involved in inserting and twisting a key.  Other user friendly features include a heated power mirror and larger dashboard controls. Edmunds has compiled a list of the 10 best vehicles for senior citizens.  Of these 10 vehicles, Preston Automotive group has three available on the lot today! The first vehicle is the 2014 Ford Taurus Sedan. Preston Ford, Denton Ford and Pittsville Ford all have the 2014 Ford Taurus in stock and ready for immediate delivery!  The Ford Taurus has many senior-friendly features which include heated and power adjustable seats with lumbar support, low door threshold, thick tilt and telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry and ignition, larger dashboard controls, rear backup camera, extendable sun visors, larger audio and climate controls, high contrast instrument panel, adjustable foot pedals and many more!  Other perks of the 2014 Ford Taurus are its smooth and quiet ride, huge trunk, along with a long list of standard features and cutting edge options. The next vehicle that made the list is the 2014 Hyundai Sonata. Preston Hyundai has over 20 brand new 2014 Sonata’s available for purchase!  The Sonata also has a plethora of senior friendly features such as heated seats with lumbar support, low door threshold, large audio and climate controls, large, heated, wide-angle, auto dimming and low glare power mirrors.   Not only is the Sonata senior-friendly but it also has outstanding fuel economy!  It gets up to 35 mpg highway!  There are also ample standard features and options for the money and a generous warranty.  The Hyundai Sonata also is available in the hybrid powertrain.  Preston Hyundai has over 15 brand new 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids.  The Hybrids get 40 mpg highway! The final vehicle on the list is the 2014 Mazda CX-9. Preston Mazda has the perfect CX-9 for you!  The Mazda CX-9 has seating for up to seven passengers.  Like the other two vehicles the CX-9 also has heated and power adjustable seats with lumbar support.  Also available is keyless entry with push to start ignition.  Larger dashboard controls along with larger audio and climate controls are great features.  There are also front and rear parking sensors which help you park properly without hitting any vehicles.  Other great features include a roomy cabin, easy access third row seating with room for adults and responsive steering.

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is assembled at the Hyundai production facility in Georgia.  The Santa Fe starts with innovation.  The Santa Fe Sport shows off the latest iteration of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design named “storm edge”.  It gives the Santa Fe Sport style that exhibits power and strength of nature.  Dynamic side character lines add to the aerodynamic flow while design elements and chrome accents on the drille and door handles create a distinctly premium feeling.  The aerodynamic design of the Santa Fe can help improve MPG.  Two types of wheels are available on the Santa Fe Sport, the standard 17 inch alloy wheels will generate plenty of traction, there is also an 18 inch alloy wheel, and if the driver really wants to step things up then the available 19 inch Hyper Silver alloy wheels can be added. The interior of the Hyundai Santa Fe is nothing less than impressive.  The passengers get the feel of luxury with the available heated rear seats, integrated sunshades and seats that slide and recline.  They also have added flexibility and functionality with their 40/20/40 split folding design.  The front seats can be ventilated and there is also an available Integrated Memory System for the seat and the side mirrors.  The premium features also include a panoramic sunroof, proximity key with electronic push button start, leather seating surfaces, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated steering wheel and dual zone automatic temperature control with cleanair ionizer.  Other enhancements include an 8 inch touchscreen with navigation or a 4.3 touchscreen audio display.  Both options have a rearview camera so that the driver can easily see behind them while backing up.  A 550 watt infinity Logic 7 premium audio system with 12 speakers is also available for the Santa Fe.  Recent research has shown that sunlight and fresh air is extremely good for humans.  This is why the Hyundai Santa Fe can come with a panoramic sunroof which gives your more of both. Now available on the Hyundai Santa Fe is Driver Selectable Steering Mode.  The driver can have a greater sense of control and satisfaction courtesy of Hyundai’s latest innovation.  There are three different operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport.  This will adapt the Santa Fe Sport’s steering characteristics to a range of different driving preferences.  Extensive computer modeling and powertrain performance mapping was used to modify engine and transmission control, giving the driver improved fuel economy up to 7% based on internal tests.  There is also available active cornering control AWD which gives the driver improved traction and greater cornering capabilities. The 2014 Santa Fe is also one of the safest vehicles out there for purchase.  There are seven airbags in the Santa Fe including a driver’s knee airbag.  There is also electronic stability control, this uses sensors in the steering system and at each wheel to compare where you want to go with where the car is headed.  If there is a difference detected between the two then the Electronic Stability Control slows the appropriate wheel to redirect the car and help the driver keep course.    The Santa Fe also has an excellent Anti-Lock Braking System.  Emergency braking can cause the wheels of the vehicle to lock up and skid, this can result in loss of control.  The Anti-Lock Braking System helps prevent the possibility of wheel lockup under hard braking. Preston Hyundai has a great selection of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe’s ready to be driven off the lot. To view our inventory please visit Preston Hyundai

For 37 years now the Ford F-150 has been America’s best-selling truck.  For 32 years the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling U.S. vehicle.  Ford has 35 million+ customers since 1948.  They have also done 10 million+ miles of testing on the Ford F-150.  The 2015 Ford F-150 has 11 new class exclusive features.   It also has 112 filed patents and special cargo box lighting.  An interesting fact about the F-150 is that 1 truck is sold every 41 seconds! The debut of the 2015 Ford F-150 has been the talk of the town.  The 2015 F-150’s can and pickup box will be almost entirely made of various grades of aluminum!  Magnets will stick to the side of the new truck.  This all means that towing and hauling capacities which have not yet been announced can expect to be increase by roughly the body mass savings.  The body mass savings is quantified as “up to 700 pounds.”  The only major piece of the body sheet metal that is not aluminum is the Quiet Steel laminated sound absorbing firewall, aluminum can’t match its performance for hushing engine noise. Four engines are still offered under the hood.  The entry 3.7 liter V-6 which accounts for 15% of current sales gets downsized to 3.5 liters while outperforming its predecessor in every way.  The next engine is a brand new 2.7 liter EcoBoost V-6 that is reportedly unrelated to the 3.5.  This engine features a light but tough graphite iron block and is optimized for high fuel economy for customers who do not need to tow 8000 pounds.  The 5.0 liter V-8 occupies the third engine available on the 2015 Ford F-150.  The last engine available is the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6. David Wilson Sr with the all new 2015 Ford F-150 There are many excellent features that are now available in the 2015 Ford F-150.  The first being a 360 degree camera.  This feature is remarkable, it allows you to be able to see all around the vehicle from the 8 inch screen.  You can see what is infront of you or behind you without even turning around in your seat.  The F-150 also has a moonroof which is available!  A feature that is loved by most is the 110 volt / 400 watt outlet.  This lets you plug in your laptop cord or any other cord with two prongs which you normally wouldn’t be able to plug in while riding in your vehicle. "Our objective was to find materials that allowed us to design the truck to be as tough - or tougher - than the current model, yet could help it be hundreds of pounds lighter for better capability and fuel economy," said Pete Friedman, Ford's manager of manufacturing research. We shouldn't need to explain the benefits of a lighter truck (faster, stronger and more efficient). The new Ford F-150 will be available in 5 trim levels. These include: XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum, and King Ranch. “The new 2015 Ford F-150, I can tell will already become an instant best-seller at our Ford Dealerships,” says David Wilson Jr. of Preston Automotive Group, “Currently the F-150 is the number 1 truck choice in our Delaware and Maryland markets; we hope to really penetrate the truck market further with the all-new Ford truck.” The 2015 Ford F-150 is said to be available for purchase in the fourth quarter of 2014.  Stay updated on our Facebook to find out when Preston Ford will have the 2015 Ford F-150 available or purchase.

Remote starts are excellent for cold winter days when a customer wants to get into a warm car. There are many benefits to using or installing remote starts in vehicles. The first benefit is for comfort.  It is comforting to have a car that is warm or cool before the customer gets into the vehicle.  By leaving the heater or the air conditioning on a driver can activate the remote starter then wait several minutes for the car to warm up.  Since the vehicle is running most remote starters include controls for locking the doors to secure the car as well. There is also a safety benefit to having a remote starter.  By allowing an icy car to warm up before driving it is easier to scrape or defrost the windows which results in greater visibility for the driver and passengers.  Warming the vehicle also melts snow and ice that can obstruct the headlights or the brake lights making the vehicle more visible to other drivers especially in snowy or icy conditions. Engine care is also a benefit to having a remote start.  Warming the vehicle before driving is beneficial for the engine.  For the heating system to start producing warm air the engine must first warm up as it runs.  Since the vehicle idles for several minutes before being driven the engine oil provides better lubrication once the driver is ready to go.  This period where the vehicle is warming up is especially beneficial for cars or truck that run off diesel however gas engines also benefit from having a remote start. When the customer buys a vehicle with a remote start or gets one installed it will increase the resale value.  If the customer lives in an area with rough climate conditions then the remote start will have a greater resale value.  It will be an extremely useful selling point when looking for a new vehicle. Remote Starts work by the push of a button.  From outside the vehicle press a button or two depending which kind of remote start and your ignition will start.  The vehicle will remain locked until the driver unlocks the vehicle.  The remote starter can also turn off the ignition as the customer wishes.  The brake pedal can also act as a way to turn the engine off.  Remote Starts can include a complete security system with alarm, two way alarm notification, a different frequency each time the remote is used,  and the ability to transmit up to a mile and through concrete walls. Preston Auto Body installs remote starts in all makes and models.  They can also install leather seats, back up cameras, radios, Bluetooth, and many more items to customize the vehicle the way the customer would like it. By: April Green

Kelley Blue Book has put together a list for 2014 of the 10 Best Sedans under $25,000. Of the 10 vehicles on this, Preston Automotive Group offers four. The first vehicle to make the list that is available at Preston Mazda is the Mazda6. The Mazda6 came in at number seven on Kelley Blue Book’s list. The engine is a 2.5L inline four cylinder with the fuel economy at 25/37 city/highway. It is front wheel drive with a 6 speed manual transmission. The Mazda6 has a smooth and responsive powertrain with quick acceleration and impressive fuel economy. It is a five passenger sedan offered in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Standard features on the base manual transmission Sport include 17 inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a 3.5 inch multi information display, a four speaker sound system and many more great features! Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags and full length side curtain airbags. The Mazda 6 also has plenty of room for its rear passengers. They will feel as though they are seating in a first class cabin rather than coach. There is also generous headroom even for those who are taller. The interior of the Mazda6 is clean and functional. Polished aluminum trim accent the cabin, while the Grand Touring’s leather upholstery features contrasting stitching. The materials and quality are among the best in its class. The 2014 Mazda3 comes standard with a six speed manual transmission and a four cylinder engine that reviewers have said provides enough power around town. If desired, a more powerful four-cylinder engine is also available. The EPA reports that the 2014 Mazda3 gets up to 30/41 mpg city/highway which is excellent. No matter which engine is chosen terrific handling and crisp steering make the Mazda3 one of the most fun to drive model in its class. The Mazda3 offers two different engine and drivetrain choices. The first is a 155 horsepower Skyactiv 2.0L 4 cylinder engine with a choice of Skyactiv-MT 6 speed manual or Skyactiv Drive 6 speed automatic transmission. The second engine available is a 184 horsepower Skyactiv 2.5L 4 cylinder engine with Skyactiv drive 6 speed automatic transmission with sport model. There are excellent available features for the Mazda3 that add to the luxury of the vehicle. Moonroof with one touch open is one of them; this is great if the buyer wants fresh air on a nice spring afternoon. Another luxury available is 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar adjustment as well as heated front seats. For the customer’s convenience they can get the Mazda keyless entry and start system. This means they do not need to have their key out in order to get into the vehicle, in order to start the Mazda3 all the customer has to do is place their foot on the break and then push the start button. This makes it much easier to get somewhere quicker. Mazda Connect infotainment system is yet another great feature that Mazda offers for the Mazda3. With the infotainment system the customer gets the 7 inch full color touch screen display, multi-function commander control, navigation system, Bose 9 speaker surround sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio with a 4 month trial subscription and SMS text message auto deliver and voice reply! The Altima driving experience is where innovation pays off. The Altima has a fluid, powerful acceleration, refined handling and a class leading 38 mpg. Passing the pump in an Altima is as easy as passing the truck in front of you! The technology in the Nissan Altima is unbelievable; the driver focused technologies in the Altima aren’t just there for show they have purpose. The instrumentation is designed to keep you informed while helping minimize distraction on the road. The Nissan Altima is equipped with moving object detection that can help alert you to things you might have otherwise missed. The tires can let you know when they need air as well as when they have enough air. The Nissan Altima is not only innovative but is also an extremely safe vehicle. NASA research determined that the posture of astronauts naturally take in the weightlessness of space. Nissan Engineering used this research to develop front seats that optimize comfort and reduce fatigue! It earned a 5 star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program! It has also been named one of the best ten sedans under $25,000 by Kelley Blue Book. The Altima has a class-leading highway fuel economy and powerful acceleration. The engine body and chassis are lighter than ever and the aerodynamics has been slimmed downed! The Altima is one of the select group of Nissan vehicles to wear the Puredrive badge, Puredrive is a key part of Nissan’s commitment to achieve lower levels of CO2 emissions. The final vehicle that made the list is the 2014 Ford Fusion which is now in stock at Preston Ford. The Ford Fusions are big on fuel efficiency. The lineup of Fusion models include the Hybrid and the Energi Plug-In which are each powered by a combination electric motor and gas sipping 2.0L gasoline engine. The Fusion has a sleek silhouette and conveys a sense of agility. The Fusion has a very distinctive look with its bold, hexagonal frill and low profile laser cut projector headlamps. When you open the door you will notice available ambient lighting with seven color choices that will help establish the mood. The available leather trimmed seats and heated front seats convey luxury while also keeping you comfortable. The available technology features on the 2014 Ford Fusion will do everything to make your drive more convenient and also help protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident. The voice activated Sync with MyFord Touch allows the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. A great feature available on the Fusion is the adaptive cruise control function. The sensors detect traffic slowing ahead and make your vehicle also slow down, when traffic has cleared the vehicle resumes at the set speed. The Fusions can also have active park assist. By: April Green

Kelly Blue Book has compiled a list of the 10 Best SUV’s of 2014 that are under $25,000.  Preston Automotive group has four of those 10 available for purchase today. With the largest inventory on the Eastern Shore you are bound to find the perfect SUV that fits your needs. Number six on KBB’s list is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe.  The 2014 Santa Fe comes standard with 18 inch wheels and 290 horsepower.  The Santa Fe has seating for up to seven passengers.  It offers more standard V6 horsepower than the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9.  The Santa Fe is also extra roomy, it has more total interior volume than many other crossovers.  It has seats for up to 7 which includes available second row captain’s chars.  The seats can be stowed to make the most of its total interior volume which is 160.0 cubic feet!  The 2014 Santa Fe has an abundance of great features that keep the customer at ease and help make driving comfortable.  For customers with families, the interior features seats that help fight stains.  The seats also have an antibacterial feature which helps to control odors.  Blue Link is standard on the Santa Fe and has an array of features to make the customers life easier.  Connect to Blue Link through a smartphone, web application, or an in car system to start the vehicle remotely, locate a gas station, find a shortcut, or learn about mechanical issues. Next on KBB’s list is the 2014 Ford Escape at number four. The aerodynamic design and eco-friendly side of the Escape make it a must see.  Not only does the Escape look great but it also is shaped in order to reduce drag on the vehicle body that wind resistance produces.  The Active Grille Shutters also help cheat the wind.  When the shutters are closed they reduce aerodynamic drag caused by air traveling through the radiator.  The Escape features an interior that is modern yet sophisticated.  It aims to maximize seating comfort and ergonomic convenience.  Available interior color choices include Charcoal Black on Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black on Medium Light Stone.  Escapes come equipped with a class exclusive foot activated liftgate.  With the intelligent key in the owners pocket or purse all they need to do is swipe their foot under the bumper and the power liftgate automatically opens.  This makes it easier when the customer is lugging groceries and doesn’t have a free hand.  Also available on the 2013 Ford Escape is Sync with MyFord Touch, this helps the driver keep their eyes on the road and stay connected to the world.  Hands free calling means the driver never has to miss a call and they can make a call with the touch of a button.  The driver can say “bluetooth audio” and listen wirelessly to whatever is on their phone or to Pandora internet radio.  Another great hands-free feature is the driver can have incoming texts read to them so that their hands stay on the wheel the whole time they are driving.  Preston Ford has an abundance of new 2014 Ford Escapes, they have over 40. Coming in at number three on the list is the 2014 Nissan Rogue.  The Nissan Rogue is redesigned for 2014 from a striking new front end to the muscular arches along the flowing new character lines the Rogue is top of the line!  A brand new exclusive feature is the daytime running lights and the class exclusive headlights!  The interior also has brand new redesigned features which include stunning chrome accents.  There isn’t an ambience like the one in the Rogue anywhere else!  The 2014 Rogue also now has not only two rows of seating but three rows of seating!  The third row turns this compact crossover into a serious people-mover!  Getting into the back of the Rogue doesn’t require you to climb over the 2 nd row with the EZ Flex second row.  This redesigned vehicle has everything to offer and then some! The new power panoramic moonroof is an excellent feature available on the 2014 Nissan Rogue.  Every seat in this vehicle has a window seat.   When purchasing the new Rogue the customer will also be connected to more than just the road.  NissanConnect with Navigation uses hands-free technology, a smartphone, and Nissan’s display screen to help the owner stay in touch with the outside world from their driver’s seat!  There are plenty of apps to play music, keep tabs on social networks and help to navigate any city like a local. The last vehicle that made the list is the 2014 Mazda CX-5.  The 2014 CX-5 inherits its fluent, flowing lines and bold curves from Mazda’s signature KODO design philosophy.  The CX-5 is a striking stance and illusion of constant motion which is sure to turn heads even when it is sitting still.  The stylish sculpting is also highly functional.  The CX-5 has uncompromised performance with Mazda’s SKYACTIV 2.0L gasoline engine.  It produces 155 horsepower and an impressive 150 lb-ft torque all on 15% less fuel than Mazda’s previous engine.  The interior of the Mazda CX-5 is very luxurious.  The CX-5 has many sophisticated details, like available double stitched premium leather trimmed seats and a power moonroof, and ample passenger and cargo volume to create a stylish all purpose cabin.  Available for the CX-5 is advanced keyless entry and start system.  Mazda has also partnered with TomTom, the industry leader in navigation system, to give the CX-5 state of the art navigation.  The fully integrated dash system has a 5.8 inch color touch screen display which features intuitive voice recognition so the driver can keep their eye on the road at all times. By: April Green

Preston Ford had three goals for the month of December.  They called it Mission Possible and their goals were to be #1 in the region for the month of December, Top 10 in the Country for the month of December and to be a Top 100 Ford Dealer in the Nation for the year 2013.  In order to make these goals Preston Ford had to exceed all expectations.  They set numerous goals each day as to how many vehicles they had to sell. Their first goal was set for December 20 th, this goal was to sell at least 200 new Fords.  When December 20 th came Preston Ford surpassed their goal of selling the 200 new Fords.  Another goal was set on a Saturday and Sunday to sell 50 new Fords.  When December 30 th hit Preston Ford successfully sold their 400 th brand new Ford vehicle!  This was a huge accomplishment.  Also on December 30 th Preston Ford stated that they needed to sell at least 100 new Fords in a matter of three days.  On January 1 st Preston Ford still needed 42 more new Fords in order to reach their goal of 500.  The morning of January 2 nd David Wilson Jr told the Preston Ford Team that they needed to sell over 50 new Fords that day in order to make it into the Top 100 and secure their spot.  At the end of the day on January 2 nd, Preston Ford sold an astonishing 515 new Fords for the month of December! For the month of December Preston Ford accomplished every goal that they set out to achieve.  Preston Ford is number one in the region, which was accomplished by around 250 units!  Top 10 in the country was accomplished and Preston Ford finished at number 3 in the nation out of 3,300 plus Ford Dealers.  Preston Ford also made the Top 100 for the year of 2013.  They finished 90 th in the nation when they first came into the month at 147. Preston Ford could not have done all of this without the support and dedication from their customers, friend and wonderful team members.  Mission possible was a huge success! History of Top 100 and Preston Ford For the past few years Preston Ford has made the Top 100 Ford Dealers in the Nation! This is a huge accomplishment for the small town of Preston!  Starting in 2009 Preston Ford was 109 th in the Nation out of all Ford Dealers. In 2010 Preston Ford was 93 in the Top 100 Ford Dealers in the Nation.  Again in 2011 Preston Ford moved up in the ranks to 89 th place for the Top 100.  When 2012 came around Preston made it to 102 nd place just barely missing the Top 100 Ford Dealers in the Nation.

E-Series Vans are perfect for those who own their own business and are looking for the perfect vehicle to work from.  Everything on these vans can be customized to the customer’s preference.  Whether the customer is looking for a cargo van, passenger van, or cutaway van Preston Ford has the perfect match for anyone’s preferences. The E-Series cutaway vans are perfect for people who want a lot of storage and a lot of customization.  These vehicles can pull up to 10,000 lbs.  The inside of these vehicles are designed to help the customer be productive.  Bucket seats, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM stereo and air conditioning are all available in E-Series Cutaway Vans.  Ford has put a slimline engine cover console in the E-Series which has three cup holders plus a shelf for items such as a clipboard.  The owner can choose the tool boxes they would like on the back of their E-Series and also choose the shelving in the inside of the van.  There are many shelf options available for whatever the need is.  All of the toolboxes on the side of the E-Series can be locked for safety so tools do not get stolen. E-Series engines deliver the power the customer needs in order to get the job done efficiently.  Each engine is mated to the TorqShift 5-speed automatic transmission.  The 5.4L Triton V8 engine is standard, for the more demanding the 6.8L Triton V10 is available. E-Series models are equipped with several safety features including the standard 4-wheel antilock brake system that helps the driver maintain steering wheel control when braking.  There are also airbags for the driver and the front passenger. E-Series Vans can also be customized to become a passenger van.  These vans are perfect for road trips or when working with a large group of people and needing to travel together. The versatility in the E-Series van is endless.  Available is the Ambulance Prep Package which includes 4.10 limited slip axle, extra heavy duty 225 amp alternator, dual heavy duty 78 amp batteries, maximum front GAWR of 5,000 lbs, auxiliary fuel port, auxiliary heater/air conditioning connector package, telescoping trailer tow mirrors with manual adjustments, and a spare wheel and spare tire. Another prep package available is the Shuttle Bus Prep Package.  This includes manual pedestals, power windows and door locks, standard front GAWR of 4,600 lbs, engine block heater, frame pucks, and a heavy duty amp alternator.  This is a great package for those who are trying to start a business in the shuttle industry. At Preston Ford we have many available body types for the E-Series Vans.  They are Omaha Standard, Reading, Weather Guard, Fisher, Dejana, Thermo King, Knapheide, and Western.   Preston Ford has over 40 new E-Series Vans ready to be customized.

Preston Ford, Pitsville Ford and Denton Ford have the largest line-up of 2014 Ford Escapes on the Eastern Shore.  The aerodynamic design and eco-friendly side of the Escape make it a must see.  Not only does the Escape look great but it also is shaped in order to reduce drag on the vehicle body that wind resistance produces.  The Active Grille Shutters also help cheat the wind.  When the shutters are closed they reduce aerodynamic drag caused by air traveling through the radiator. The Escape features an interior that is modern yet sophisticated.  The Escape aims to maximize seating comfort and ergonomic convenience.  Available interior color choices include Charcoal Black on Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black on Medium Light Stone. The 2014 Ford Escapes come equipped with a 6-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.  When the 6-speed automatic transmission is paired with the optional 1.6L EcoBoost engine, the Escape has surpassed automatic transmission highway fuel economy.  It also adds a little fun to the drive.  A switch on the gear shifter knob lets the driver easily and quickly shift gears without having to engage the clutch. Escapes come equipped with a class exclusive foot activated liftgate.  With the intelligent key in the owners pocket or purse all they need to do is swipe their foot under the bumper and the power liftgate automatically opens.  This makes it easier when the customer is lugging groceries and doesn’t have a free hand.  Also available on the 2013 Ford Escape is Sync with MyFord Touch this helps the driver keep their eyes on the road and stay connected to the world.  Hands free calling means the driver never has to miss a call and they can make a call with the touch of a button.  The driver can say “bluetooth audio” and listen wirelessly to whatever is on their phone or to Pandora internet radio.  Another great hands-free feature is the drive can have incoming texts read to them so that their hands stay on the wheel the whole time they are driving. Active park assist has been designed to help the driver parallel park easier and quicker.  While driving near parking spots, activate this feature and it scans for available parking spots.  The ultrasonic sensors measure the distance to the curb and other parked cars.  Once a big enough spot is found the driver is signaled to stop and accept the system’s assistance.  All the drive has to do is control the shifting, accelerating, and braking.  David Wilson Jr.  says that “parallel parking has never been easier.” Not only is the Ford Escape stylish but it is also environmentally conscious.  The hood insulation on the Escape is constructed of post-industrial scrap metal.  Materials like scrap cotton from jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, and other items that would have otherwise been sent to a landfill are used in sound-absorption material.  The carpet in the Escapes is manufactured from a blend of postconsumer and postindustrial polyester fibers, which helps reduce the need for raw materials and helps eliminate waste.  The post-consumer fibers are derived from recycled plastic bottles.  In the carpeting about 25 recycled 20-ounce bottles are used. Combined Preston Ford, Pittsville Ford and Denton Ford currently have over 60 brand new Ford Escapes ready to be purchased.  They have stocked up on all vehicles for their Mission Possible Top 100 Sales Drive. By: April Green

The Transit Connect is engineered with one goal in mind, to keep the customer productive at all times.  All Transit Connect models will offer a class leading maximum payload of 1,710 lbs and best in class towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.  The customer can choose from van or wagon models in long and short wheelbase configurations with a wide range of upfit options.  Dual sliding side doors are standard on all models in order to make loading and unloading cargo much easier. The Transit Connects are customizable for all of the customer’s needs.  It can be equipped with everything from rooftop ladder racks, literature holders, storage cabinets, dividers, double floors, drawers, cargo management packages and many more.  For the customer’s convenience, there is also a a front overhead storage shelf with a retaining net for items you need to keep within reach.  Also in the Transit Connect there is map pockets in the front door trim panel pockets. Transit Connects are available in two different wheelbases.  The short wheelbase models help the customer maneuver when driving down tight city streets and makes parking in small spots much easier.  The long wheelbase van provides 130.6 cubic feet of storage capacity behind the front row seats.  The long wheelbase also provides seating for seven passengers. Another way the Transit Connect is flexible to meet the customer’s needs is there are rear door options.  The customer gets to choose what best fits their needs.  The XL and XLT models have the option of 180-degree symmetrical rear cargo doors or liftgate.   The titanium wagon models have a standard liftgate and do not have the cargo door option. The Transit Connect can be a mobile business card for the owner.  With its modern look the Transit Connect projects a professional image and one that will speak volumes about the business.  With its large side panels the owner can proudly display their company name with colorful and effective graphics.  The customer can choose from templates and graphics that are professionally designed and installed, the customer can also have their own design created and put onto their Transit Connect. Inside the Transit Connect is modern and functional.  It all starts with the seats, the customer can choose from easy to clean vinyl or cloth seating surfaces. Every 2013 Ford Transit Connect features a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine good for 136 horsepower and 128 pound feet of torque.  The standard safety equipment on every Transit Connect includes four-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and front side airbags.  In the brake test by Edmunds, the Transit Connect came to a stop from 60 miles per hour in 135 feet, which is excellent for a commercial vehicle.

The Mazda Shinari concept gives us a clear idea as to what the next Mazda6 might look like.  The Shinari concept is stunning, it is a four seat coupe that looks like the combination of a Maserati GranTurismo and a Jaguar XF.  The swoopy lines and giant 21-inch wheels give the impression that Mazda might be going for a new look. Chief designer Ikuo Maeda said his intentions behind this concept car were to “build the car I want to buy and drive,” he is moving away from the flowing, nature inspired Nagare design theme.  Maeda was the chief designer of the RX-8 and the  Mazda2 and he has been with the company for nearly 30 years. The Shinari is based on a new architecture that can be front, rear, or all wheel drive.  Further proof of the Shinari’s 6-ness comes in the confirmation that the concepts architecture will underpin the next generation of Mazda C and D segment vehicles.  Underneath the hood of this concept vehicle is a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, likely with Mazda’s new Sky powerplants. While the exterior is certainly different than previous Mazda designs, the interior is perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Shinari.  The interior is possibly the most attractive and stylish interior seen in a Mazda vehicle.  It features authentic aluminum tim, leather covered surfaces and double stitching at nearly every turn.  In the back of the vehicle there is rear bucket seats.  The gauges are modeled after popular watch designs which up the class of the Shinari quite a bit.  The glass roof helps make the interior feel open and airy. The Shinari features quite a bit of technology that looks forward to the new applications of driver automobile interactions.  The Human Machine Interface is split into three modes; Business, Pleasure and Sport.  Potential uses range from looking up bios of a business contact before a meeting to a rally style co-pilot feature that could alert the drive of characteristics of upcoming turns. For updates about the Mazda Shinari Concept car please visit Preston Mazda's Facebook page. By: April Green

Safety Facts about Child Passengers: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children older than the age of 2 A total of 1,210 children younger than age 15 died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2010 The number of child passenger deaths has declined by half since 1975 Proper restraint use can help reduce deaths even more.  The proportion of fatally injured children who were restrained rose from 15% in 1985 to 59% in 2010. Starting in 2014 there are going to be some changes to the car seat laws for toddlers and babies.  The new recommendation states that the Latch system should no longer be used when the child and car seat combined weight is over 65 lbs.  This is an amendment to the law which in 2001 recommended that all children up to 65lbs remain in a car seat or a booster seat.  This did not take into account the weight of the car seats.  Car manufacturers can’t guarantee the strength of the anchors when adding the weight of the child as well.  Therefore, there is a need to modify the law.  If you’re child and the car seat are over 65lbs combined then start using the seat belt restraint versus the latch system.  In order to check the combined weight first weigh the car seat, next weigh your child once you have done both add the two numbers together and if it is greater than 65 lbs you should begin using the seatbelt restraint. Maryland’s current state law requires that children under 8 ride in an appropriate child restraint unless the child is 4’9” or taller.  Child restraints include car seats and booster seats and other federally approved devices.  Every child who from 8 to 16 years old who is not in a child restraint must be secured in the vehicle’s seat Maryland’s child passenger safety laws do not prohibit children from riding in the front seat.  The exception is placing a rear-facing child in the front seat with an active air bag.  If a driver can’t turn off the air bag then it is a violation of the law as well as extremely dangerous for the baby, to place a rear facing child in the front seat. Currently taxis are exempt from the law.  They are not required to transport children using a car restraint. The driver and the front seat passenger must wear seat belts at all times.  This is now a primary law which means an officer can pull you over and ticket you for not wearing your seat belt.  It is strongly recommended that all passengers no matter what they age wear a seatbelt restraint. Maryland State Police have introduced the Click It Or Ticket program.  Every year, law enforcement conducts mobilizations at various times of the year across the State to ensure that everyone is buckled up!  With that being said don’t rick a ticket or even your life by not buckling up!  Make sure you buckle up every time you get into a vehicle. Also always remember that cell phones are no longer aloud to be used while driving!  If you are talking on your phone and driving or texting while driving then a cop can pull you over and give you a ticket.   By: April Green