Commercial News

2014 Commercial Truck Buyer’s Guide

January 22nd, 2014

It’s your one-stop resource for commercial updates, truck, transit and 2-series specifications, technology solutions, emissions information, and hard-to-resist upfit incentives. The Buyer’s Guide gives you everything you need to enhance your business and exceptionally serve your customers.

Contact Scott Gibbons, Borgman commercial sales manager, for any questions and to discuss your needs for 2014.

Download the PDF version of the Buyer’s Guide by clicking on the photo. You’ll get complete access to all of Ford’s information, incentives, and newest commercial innovations.

Inside, you’ll find these upfit incentives. Below is a sneak peak of what you can do for your commercial vehicle. Let Borgman Ford be your upfit supercenter!

Ford Tough Truck Challenge Winner Revealed!

January 17th, 2014

After a public vote featuring Ford’s top 10 Tough Truck Challenge Finalists, the winners have been revealed! Read how these small business owners have used their trucks on a daily basis to complete trough, rigorous, and detailed tasks. As a reward, the grand prize winner received a brand new F-250! Accelerate and revamp your business by getting your new truck at Borgman Ford today!

Grand Prize Winner
D.H. Badger, Badger Custom Homes

“I can’t thank Ford enough for the chance to win a new F-250. I have over 400k miles on my ’99 F-250 with the 7.3L diesel and the truck is as reliable as the day I bought it. I’ve heard great things about the new 6.7L diesels and I can’t wait to give one a try!”

Badger Custom Homes

Here’s my 1999 F-250. I’m a custom home builder in Austin, Texas and the truck has been with me since I got into the business with a production builder. It is used every day and currently has over 400,000 trouble-free miles on it and counting.

This truck has hauled a Case 480D backhoe 10 hours round-trip several times, and pulls a Bobcat S250 skid-steer all over the Texas hill country. It hauls lots of different equipment and we regularly run tools, machinery, plants, and jobsite materials from home to home. There is constantly something in the bed or headache rack.

I don’t see ever getting rid of the truck since it’s never let me or my business down. Many of my subcontractors have had 3 or 4 trucks since I’ve owned “Big Blue” and they can’t believe how long it’s lasted (they are the few that really know how it gets used). Not only does it still perform flawlessly, it looks as good as the day I got it. Well, from 30 feet away anyhow. I put one dent in the truck when I forgot I was pulling a generator and jack-knifed it!

The truck has proven so reliable that when it was time to replace my wife’s Explorer, we went with an Excursion with the same motor and transmission as my truck. Why change a good thing?

Now that I’m taking on more work, I need to expand with another truck. With the track record of Big Blue, I don’t see how my company could go wrong. This truck has helped build hundreds of houses in the Central Texas area and has really been like a partner in the company. Whether we need to haul a rock saw for utilities or agave cactus for landscaping, we’ll be there.

2nd Place
Norris Farm

3rd Place
Jerry Toy Farm

Click here for the complete Ford story of the 2nd and 3rd place winners.

Transit Connect Wins “International Van of the Year 2014”

December 11th, 2013

We at Borgman are proud to announce that for the second year in a row, Ford won the “International Van of the Year 2014″ award at a commercial vehicle exhibition in Moscow. The 2014 Transit Connect isn’t even on sale yet, but it’s already riling commercial vehicle buyers around the world!

Ford is the only company to win this award two years in a row; in addition to Ford’s 2014 and 2013 win, they were awarded the same honor in 2001, 2003, and 2007.

“The all-new Transit Connect has moved the game on for compact vans – and we are really proud to win this significant award again,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Product Development, Ford of Europe. “The new Transit Connect is just as tough and hard-working as all our commercial vehicle range, and comes with smart new looks and much lower fuel bills.”

Visit the the autoblog article for complete access to the press release and award details.

Exciting News for Borgman’s Commercial Vehicle Customers: The Transit Chassis Is Here!

March 8th, 2013

Ford Motor Company has just introduced the all-new Transit chassis cab and cutaway models, engineered to tackle an almost unlimited variety of specialized jobs and vocations.

Transit chassis cab features an enclosed passenger compartment and bare frame ready to accept aftermarket body modules ranging from custom cargo delivery to utility body. Transit cutaway is similar to the chassis cab, but with the rear of the passenger compartment open so it can be paired with specialty body modules such as shuttle or school bus bodies.

The chassis cab and cutaway will be offered in three wheelbases, 138, 156 or 178 inches, and gross vehicle weight ratings from 9,000 pounds to 10,360 pounds.

“No other automaker offers the variety and adaptability that Ford Motor Company brings to our commercial customers,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Vehicles. “Transit’s best-in-class capabilities are combined with an extensive nationwide network of commercial upfitters to provide an unparalleled number of body choices to suit almost any job.”

Transit chassis cab and cutaway models join the industry’s broadest lineup of commercial chassis, which include E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis, F-Series Super Duty chassis cab, F-650 and F-750 medium-duty chassis cab and F-59 stripped chassis. Follow this link to download a Transit_Chassis_Cutaway_Callouts diagram.

Michigan Crew Calls on SuperDuty For The Long Haul

March 4th, 2013

What Makes the F-250 SuperDuty The Greatest Tow On Earth?

We’re celebrating Truck Month at Borgman Ford, so with that in mind, we thought we’d share some fun facts about a local Michigan favorite workhorse: the F-250 SuperDuty. The championship crew team at the University of Michigan relies on hard work—and its Ford Super Duty—to drive unprecedented excellence.

The Michigan crew team says its F-250 Super Duty^® pulls its weight by transporting its valuable shells and equipment to competitions all over the country. If you’re in need of a truck to tow the line with precision and power, Super Duty can lift the load off your mind. Here are a few key features that help make it the greatest tow on earth.

Trailer Sway Control

Maintaining mastery of the road on difficult surfaces and in high winds keeps the Wolverines ahead of the pack, and this system will do the same for you. It uses sensor technology to detect trailer sway and reacts by applying brakes and reducing engine power, to help keep your load on course.

Brake Controller

This feature helps ensure smoother stops by matching the trailer’s brake pressure with that of the truck. Your braking will be responsive and adaptable to wet or other difficult road conditions.

Fifth Wheel Prep

The factory-installed Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Prep package hooks up with under-the-bed hardware that doesn’t stick out or interfere with loading capabilities.

PowerScope Mirrors

This innovation keeps you ahead of the game by offering a clear look back. The mirrors adjust, fold and telescope your view with a simple flip of a switch, and even come with turn signals.

6.7-l Power Stroke Diesel

Super Duty gets strong support from the innovative single sequential turbocharger design of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® Diesel engine, which delivers max towing with best-in-class horsepower and torque.

Stop by to see Scott Gibbons at Borgman Ford’s Commercial Truck and Fleet Department and get in on outstanding incentives! You can call Scott at 616-249-8815

Join Us for Lunch at Hoekstra!

July 25th, 2012

Friday, August 3rd from Noon to 2:00 PM

You’re invited to lunch at Hoekstra Truck Equipment! Visit us on Friday, August 3rd from noon to 2:00 PM. Free lunch and cool trucks await, so mark your calendars!

This will be a fun networking opportunity, as well as a chance to see some new body ideas from some of the best names in the industry. Hoekstra offers an excellent selection of Commercial upfits, truck equipment, and more!

Hoekstra’s address is 260 36th St. SE, Grand Rapids 49548. We hope we see you there!

2013 F-150 Preview: The Best Gets Better

July 25th, 2012

The 2013 Ford F-150 Continuing to improve on its winning formula, the Ford F-150 receives appearance updates and advanced technologies including MyFord Touch with voice-activated driver controls. Available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps deliver improved visibility and increase driver confidence.

On most models, bold new grilles shine, combining fresh designs with instantly recognizable F-Series cues. F-150 style is further enhanced with wheels sizes, offered in various trim packages. Updates also include power-telescoping and power-folding trailer tow sideview mirrors; to add flexibility and convenience when operating in tight quarters.

Read the rest of this entry »

What Can Crew Chief Do for You?

July 25th, 2012

What can Crew Chief do for you? GPS can do a lot more than just give you directions. Crew Chief, powered by Telogis® uses GPS technology to revolutionize the way you manage your fleet, helping you to cut costs and boost productivity.

Crew Chief works by using a GPS receiver (or “black box”) that hides under the dashboard, so all your fleet vehicles can be tracked in real-time. The data is collected, stored, and processed using a web-based application from Telogis that converts all your fleet data into an easy-to-use dashboard and meaningful, customizable reports.

Crew Chief can be factory-installed with any of the following new Ford trucks: F-150, Super Duty, E-Series and Transit Connect. Crew Chief is also available for retro-fitting on your existing fleet vehicles.

Give us a call today to get Crew Chief in your fleet!

Spotlight: American Autocoat and Ford Team Up to Bring Jobs to Hudsonville

May 8th, 2012

By Scott Gibbons,
Commercial Manager

Recently Borgman Ford was honored to supply two Ford Focus display cars for the kick off of a new 4-year contract with Autocoat to supply interior parts for this vehicle. Previously the parts were processed by a supplier in Mexico. With unmatched quality and consistency, homegrown Hudsonville manufacturer, American Autocoat, was able to bring that contract back to Michigan, which will result in a 20% increase in workforce.

We are proud to represent an American manufacturer that is bringing jobs back to the United States. We are proud of our partners and businesses in West Michigan who through quality, innovation, and a never-ending spirit, continue to grow and develop new ways to do business!

Founded in 2002, American Autocoat is a plastic mold, paint, and assembly facility that was named one of “Fifty Michigan Companies to Watch.” They currently run interior and exterior components for Nissan, General Motors, Jeep, and Ford. Ford makes up 62% of the business, where American Autocoat makes parts for the F-150, Fusion, Explorer, Transit Connect, and the Focus.

American Autocoat offers one of the most innovative plastics facilities in West Michigan. Their 85000 sq. ft. facility has dedicated space for manufacturing, paint mixing, assembly, warehousing, maintenance, tooling, and quality control. They also maintain a high level of environmental awareness and employ a number of systems that capture, burn, and re-use any and all waste products.

Kudos to American Autocoat for making West Michigan proud; and kudos to Ford for on-shoring its labor!

Truck Spotlight: 2012 Ford Medium Duty F-650/F-750 Is Wired for Work!

May 4th, 2012

We enjoy showing our Grand Rapids and West Michigan commercial truck customers the features of our lineup in person, but here’s a “cyber” peek at the outstanding new 2012 Ford Medium Duty F-650/F-750. The 2012 Ford Medium Duty trucks combine impressive power with abundant capability. They feature upfitter switches* that are factory-installed in the instrument panel, new optional exterior mirrors for enhanced rearview visibility and an available Class 8 configuration that provides a GVWR of more than 18 tons.

With a work-smart, spacious interior and a new 6.8 V10 engine, the 2012 F-650/F-750s are well equipped to keep your company on the leading edge.

The 6.8L V10, with features such as a free-breathing 3-valve-per-cylinder induction system, continues building its reputation as a dependable powerplant with its impressive 362 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed TorqShift® automatic transmission. The engine can be equipped with a CNG/LPG Gaseous Engine Prep Package for power conversion to compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane gas (LPG). The package includes hardened engine intake valves plus exhaust valves and valve seats.* Built to work hard. Built Ford Tough®.

Call us or stop by to check it out!