Ford

Go Further with Ford Trends Conference 2013

Daytripping Dad, Mike, had another great time at Ford headquarters last month for the 2013 Ford Trends Conference in Dearborn, Michigan. This year was better than over, beginning with opening night held at the Henry Ford auto museum, where there is the ultimate history of the automobile on display, from the earliest buggies, to the first year Prius hybrid, to trucks, trains and everything in between. Highlights include the bus that Rosa Parks made history with and the chair that President Lincoln was sitting in at the time he was shot. The Ford CEO, Alan Mulally spoke during the dinner to discuss many of the initiatives that Ford is pursuing currently. These include more hybrids, better fuel economy and making safer, reliable, and more relevant transportation.

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57 Chevy convertible under an original McDonald’s sign at the Henry Ford Museum

The second day of the conference included several breakout sessions with experts from various fields speaking on topics of their expertise. One of Mike’s favorites was the Ford Tech trends session featuring Steve Wozniak. Woz loves technology and is really excited out how much electronics are being incorporated into today’s vehicles. He wants the trend to continue of electronics knowing what we want or would like to have before we ask for it. The move towards driverless cars is a huge one and Woz definitely sees this as the future of the automobile.

Woz

Another interesting topic was the Greentopia panel. Experts were on hand from WWF, Coke and the University of Michigan to discuss the direction of consumer’s drive for green products. Ford is no exception in the move toward sourcing more sustainable and recycled resources to use in their manufacturing. Ford’s commitment to sustainability goes back to Henry Ford’s innovative use of soybeans. Did you know that old U.S. paper currency retired from service and shredded is being tested for potential use in select Ford components for some vehicles?

hybrid

During the last day, Mike got to spend some time on the Ford test track trying out vehicles like the new Ford Fiesta sport model and the Fusion “Energi” hybrid.  Mike raced for the fasted time in the Fiesta. He came in the top ten, but not enough to win. The Fusion “Energi” was his first time driving a hybrid. It’s a full size vehicle and extremely comfortable. It also captures energy from braking and uses that for additional power for the vehicle. It’s a pretty amazing new car.

fiesta

Mike then drove with Jason Bailey, Mr. RockinMama.net and took a tour through architectural highlights in Detroit, while driving a 2014 Ford Escape and using FordSync to navigate around.  They made some stops like at the Detroit Institute of Art, which features work by Van Gogh and Diego Rivera.  They also visited some of the urban ruins, like the famous Michigan Central Train station.

mike in detroit

Detroit Institute of Art

trainstation

Michigan Central Station

It was a dream come true for Mike to actually get to visit the urban ruins around Detroit. It’s a unique American experience. It is sad, inspiring, fascinating and living history all at once.  Ford is America.

*I was invited by Ford for the Trends Conference. Compensation was limited to travel and lodging expenses. All opinions are my own.

Forward with Ford – Car Seat Safety

Child safety is a concern for everyone. Ford takes this responsibility very seriously with their car designs. Some new features include an inflatable seat belt strap. It’s pretty impressive. These work harmoniously with car seats.

While at the Forward with Ford event last month, I spoke with a safety specialist who also gives seminars on proper child seat installation.  I asked her to give a few tips to my readers of some common mistakes.  Watch the video to hear her suggestions:

 

Forward with Ford 2011 Event

This past week, I had the opportunity to attend Forward with Ford, a huge conference at Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. We were treated to some great ideas about transportation, technology and how it relates to us moms (and dads!).

Ford’s Futuring and Trends Conference was an interactive immersion into how Ford’s innovations, technologies and philosophies, in alignment with top consumer influences and needs, are shaping our world of tomorrow. We heard from several major thought leaders and experts of the day, like Malcolm Gladwell, Ed Begley Jr. and Joel Garreau, who explained how Ford is tuned in with today’s global trends. In the coming weeks, I will post a few blogs highlighting information covered that I think you will find of interest, particularly with the advances in safety that Ford is focused on.

Attending conferences like Ford’s Futuring and Trends Conference provides invaluable insights into the trajectory of the automotive landscape. As parents and individuals, we are increasingly conscious of the safety and technological features embedded in the vehicles we drive. The car dealers in stockport recognize this shift in consumer priorities and are diligently aligning their offerings to meet these evolving expectations. Whether it’s integrating advanced safety systems or providing personalized guidance on selecting the right vehicle for your family, these dealerships are committed to delivering excellence at every touchpoint.

Moreover, dealerships catering to vw california used car deals are keenly attuned to the evolving needs of modern families and individuals. By offering a curated selection of pre-owned vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems and technological advancements, these dealerships ensure that customers can drive with confidence and peace of mind. Whether it’s providing personalized recommendations based on family size and lifestyle or offering flexible financing options, VW California car dealerships are dedicated to delivering a superior experience that exceeds expectations at every turn.

When it comes to selling your car, convenience and transparency are paramount. Many modern dealerships now offer free car valuation services to streamline the process for sellers. This service allows individuals to obtain an accurate assessment of their vehicle’s worth without any obligation, empowering them to make informed decisions. Additionally, dealerships that provide car valuation demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction and trust, further enhancing the overall selling experience.

I was really impressed also about all of the green initiatives that Ford has undertaken including the use of recycled and sustainable materials in their cars, after running a thorough check via credible websites like Car Check, like soy-based foam for the seat cushioning, recycled yarns in the upholster threading, and recycled plastics throughout the vehicle.  Today’s cars are also getting better MPG than ever, even with the traditional gas-powered cars.