Borgman Ford Commercial Vehicles

On the heels of ArtPrize, we found this article from Ford Social on what makes for great design in vehicles timely and interesting. Just like Grand Rapids’ public art festival, Artprize, some designs seem to capture the imagination of the public above all others. Over the years at Borgman Ford, we’ve we’ve watched the strategic design team roll out many iconic hits. Check out this article to learn about the “One Ford” philosophy of design, then stop by to drive one 😉

By Tori Tellem

What makes a particular design great? OK, that’s sort of a trick question, because design is very subjective. Take art: Two people can look at a painting and have a very different reaction to it.  Two people can look at architecture, and one may have an emotional connection while the other feels nothing. Styles of clothing either appeal or don’t.

Now think about the challenges with car design. It’s got all of that — it has to look “right” to the eyes, cause an emotional connection and be appealing. Then it’s about making that “look” speak to the masses, and often on a global scale. Your vehicle needs to not only stand out in the crowd, but also make that crowd think about buying the same vehicle for themselves. It’s also about creating an iconic design, recognizable worldwide, easily identified even by those who don’t own one.

“Great design is defined by purpose, simplicity, emotion and, above all, honesty,” explained Freeman Thomas, Ford Director of Strategic Design. “Great design must have a soul and a philosophy. Ford is about great design.”

The One Ford philosophy about design has to do with vehicles sharing characteristics that will appeal to consumers on all continents. “I consider the Stahl House, the 1965 Ford GT40 and the 2014 Ford Fusion Energi to be three significant representations of these values,” explained Freeman. Stahl House, which is considered an iconic example of modern architecture, has much in common with Ford. “Its design transcends social class. It was a case study about creating affordable housing with aspiration. Its simplicity is humbling,” Freeman said. Ford vehicles have simplicity in design,  yet also push boundaries.

The concept of Ford design is to create that appeal, no matter how the vehicle will be used. Whether consumer-oriented or for motorsports, mpg or mph — the vehicle needs to have a design that strikes a chord and gets attention. Freeman also said, “It’s about looking at something and feeling as though it’s so much more. The Fusion Energi is a car that visually looks so premium and so expensive. It is a plug-in hybrid so it is explicit in its conscience and purpose, yet it has that irrational desire – it’s a gorgeous car.”

This is the month to pick the perfect fleet: until July 1st, Ford’s tough commercial trucks are in their prime. With Upfit Cash Incentives, Cash Back, and Maintenance packages, you could save up to $8,000 on a powerful new addition to your fleet!

Build your truck. Build your savings. These offers apply to our entire commercial lineup, but they’ll only be around until the end of the month. Don’t miss it! Check out your potential savings at Ford’s Commercial Incentives, then call Scott Gibbons at 616-249-8815 to see how much you can save!

This is the month to pick the perfect fleet: until July 1st, Ford’s tough commercial trucks are in their prime. With Upfit Cash Incentives, Cash Back, and Maintenance packages, you could save up to $8,000 on a powerful new addition to your fleet!

Build your truck. Build your savings. These offers apply to our entire commercial lineup, but they’ll only be around until the end of the month. Don’t miss it! Check out your potential savings at Ford’s Commercial Incentives, then call Scott Gibbons at 616-249-8815 to see how much you can save!

Ford Transit Connect offers the comfort and efficiency of a car – but that’s where the car-like similarities end. Transit Connect is a rugged truck, certified to Ford Light Commercial Vehicle Durability Standards. It provides a maximum payload of 1,600 lbs. and up to 129.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2.0L Duratec engine is as responsive as it is efficient.

In addition to best-in-class fuel efficiency, the Transit Connect can travel up to 354 miles on a single tank of gas. That could mean fewer trips to the gas pump and more time where it really counts – on the job.

Call Scott Gibbons at 616-249-8815 to find out what kind of discounts, upfits and incentives are available for your company on this Ford Tough van.

At Borgman Ford, we’re excited to announce that our manufacturer is being featured in Fast Company’s annual Most Innovative Companies issue. The magazine, which hit the stands today, honors leading businesses, including Apple, Amazon, Google and Target along with such rising newcomers as Square, Fab and Tumblr. Ford Motor Company is the only full-line automaker named to the 2013 list. Nike ranks No. 1 following the release of two major innovations, FuelBand and Flyknit technology.

Fast Company editors highlighted an array of recent efforts by Ford, including the opening of a Silicon Valley Lab in Palo Alto, Calif. in June 2012 where Ford engineers can collaborate with some of the best and brightest technology minds.

Among the innovative features already available in Ford vehicles, the award-winning SYNC® connectivity system enables drivers to stay connected with the latest mobile technology using voice commands so that hands can stay on the wheel and eyes on the road. The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion offers one of the industry’s most complete suites of advanced driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise control and the Lane Keeping System all in an affordable midsize family sedan. Ford researchers are also hard at work on future systems including a driver workload estimator to help drivers manage stressful situations on the road. Read the rest of this entry »

That’s right. America’s Most Capable Pickup is now even better. Tested-tough new powertrains – designed, engineered and built by Ford – give Super Duty class-leading fuel economy, plus best-in-class diesel horsepower and torque.

Best-in-class maximum towing and payload capacities get the job done when no one else can. Standard trailer sway control helps increase your towing confidence. It’s no wonder F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck for 33 years running.

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Allow us to introduce the Ford Atlas Concept, revealed at the North American International Auto Show. Ford has built the Atlas Concept as a way to explore how to improve a truck’s towing and hauling characteristics, and it also offers a glimpse at where Ford trucks may be headed in the future.

Fuel efficiency and productivity are key for the Atlas Concept, which has some breakthrough capabilities. Take for example the Active Grille Shutters that automatically stay open when additional engine cooling is needed in low-speed or hot weather driving situations, then close for better aerodynamics when cruising at steady speeds.

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