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Navigation systems have clearly changed the way we get from place to place. The process of unfolding, reading, and attempting to re-fold maps has about as much relevance to the most recent generations of drivers as slide rules have to engineers. Most of us have navigation apps on our smartphones, and if your car was new within the past five years or so, you could likely put that app on a center touchscreen. That being the case, Benna Ford finds there are good reasons to have Ford’s Connected Navigation system in your vehicle. With Ford’s Connected Navigation system, you no longer need to connect your phone to your car. You don’t have to worry about its battery state of charge; in fact, you don’t have to have your phone with you at all. Most importantly, however, you don’t have to depend on cell phone reception. You don’t have to travel too far south into the Wisconsin farmland or west into the Minnesota farmland before cell reception becomes spotty. Guidance from Above The Ford Connected Navigation system bypasses cell towers and picks up its signal directly from satellites above, so your system will always be connected. The cloud-based system remains current with real-time traffic updates and any rerouting due to weather conditions, road hazards, or slowdowns from traffic accidents. If you had one of the early in-vehicle navigation systems, you would be happy to know that physical updating with DVDs or some other form of physical data transfer is a thing of the past. The cloud-based database is automatically updated, so the system will automatically know if a particular location has moved or gone out of business or if a newer franchise has opened closer to you. The system is also voice-activated, so you can issue a destination verbally (and safely) without having to stop and punch in numbers and letters. You can also store your favorite and frequently traveled destinations. You may already know where they are, but the system can tell you the best way to get there from any location, while considering traffic and possible detours when applicable. Towing Assistance If you tow, Ford’s Connected Navigation system can be particularly beneficial. By entering your trailer profile, including size and weight, you can avoid conditions such as narrow roads, tight turns, weight-limited or low bridges, and overpasses, making trailer towing that much easier. EV Integration If you have one of Ford’s electric models, Ford’s Connected Navigation is even more useful, as the system can interact with your range information and battery system. The Intelligent range feature will give you real-time updates based on traffic and route conditions. If you are towing with your EV, it can take the trailer’s weight and wind resistance into account as well. The system can help you find your next public charging station. The system is also integrated with your Ford EV’s battery conditioning system so that it will know when the charging station is close and warm or cool the battery as needed to enable peak charging performance when you arrive. When you purchase your Benna Ford model equipped with the Ford Connected Navigation system, you will have a complimentary 90-day, 1-year, or 1-year trial subscription, depending on the model and model year. After that time, the subscription is just $80 a year. Visit Benna Ford and see the benefits of Ford’s Connected Navigation system.

The Ford Mach-E is one of the best-selling and most loved electric vehicles on the market, especially since there is a trim level and set of options for everyone. With the introduction of the Mach-E Rally, Ford has given customers one of the most unique offerings around, especially in the EV space. Recently, Emme Hall from Autoblog got the opportunity to put this EV Rally car to the test at the DirtFish Rally Driving School in Snoqualmie, WA, about 30 miles outside of Seattle. What Makes a Mach-E Rally? Starting off, the Mach-E Rally gets the same dual motor 91 kWh battery as the GT trim level. The Rally has 480 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque with eAWD. Ford claims a 0-60 mph time of a staggering 3.4 seconds while still getting an EPA-estimated 265 miles of driving range. To make sure the Mach-E is ready for the rally course, Ford added an extra inch lift with skid plates to protect the motors that sit in both the front and rear of the vehicle, as well as a giant rear spoiler and larger 385mm front brake rotors with red Brembo calipers. Standard white 19-inch rally-style wheels are wrapped in 235/55 R19 Michelin CrossClimate2 all-season tires. There Was No Raining That Could Spoil This Fun Parade The day that Emme arrived, it was raining, and the courses were wet, muddy, and very slippery. But, before she was let loose, she was given some time on the smaller rally courses at the DirtFish Rally School to test out the various driving modes primarily meant for the street. This helped her understand the differences in the MagneRide suspension tuning, power delivery, braking, and handling performance once she switched to the RallySport mode. In the ultimate street mode, Unbridled, she noticed how hard the traction control works to keep the Mach-E settled and not get too wild. RallySport Mode After a few laps to get ready, she was taken to the larger course to really put the Rally through its paces, saying, “We move to the larger track and I select the new RallySport mode. Now I have the full shebang at my disposal. The steering gets much heftier and communicates a bit more feel into the hands. It’s easier to tell when the tires are close to the edge of grip. RallySport mode doesn’t turn off all the nannies, but traction control is definitely less heavy-handed. Oh, and there isn’t any lift-off throttle brake regeneration. I have to use the mechanical brakes to get this 5,000-pound beast to slow down before a turn.” Loads of Torque and An Amazing All-Wheel Drive System Driving harder and harder with each lap, Ms. Hall continued to grow her confidence with the Mach-E Rally and enjoyed how much power was on tap since it’s an EV with no lag in throttle response: “ RallySport mode brings the torque in much quicker, and it’s very linear. Combined with the single-speed transmission, it means that I always have power coming out of a turn. There is no shifting here, no turbo lag — just getting on the throttle quickly, squeezing out the power and letting the all-wheel-drive system claw its way around the turn. Do I induce oversteer a few times? Heck yeah, I do! But a bit of countersteering and patience keep the Mach-E from coming around all the way.” The Mach-E Can Do It All It seems pretty evident that Emme Hall and Autoblog enjoyed their time exploring the limits of the 2024 Ford Mach-E Rally. When such a fun and unique vehicle is made, it’s designed and engineered by people who truly love what they are creating. That’s exactly what makes the Mach-E Rally so brilliant. How many companies are willing to sell customers an electric rally crossover SUV? Instead of asking why, Donna Dickson, Chief Engineer, Mach-E, said, “Why not?” Why Choose Benna Ford? At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to ensure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

When Ford introduced the F-150 Lightning, no one could believe that such a vehicle really existed. The overall design didn’t change, and there was no radical departure from its overall functionality. Customers loved how familiar they were with an F-150, only electrified. There was even a bit of a fight between Ford CEO Jim Farley and Tesla CEO Elon Musk over which company would be the first to bring its all-electric pickup truck to market. Spoiler alert: Ford won. Meet The F-150 Lightning The F-150 Lightning features dual-emotors with all-wheel drive and comes in two different flavors: a standard range and an extended range battery pack. The standard range Lightning has a 98 kWh battery that produces 452 horsepower and 755 lb-ft of torque, while the extended range models have a 131 kWh battery with 580 horsepower and 775 torque. Trims, Pricing, And Range Customers can choose from four different trim levels: XLT, Flash, Lariat, and Platinum. The base trim starts at just $65,090, with the top-line Platinum starting from $88,085. The XLT and Flash trim levels have a driving range of 240 miles, while the Lariat has 320 miles, and the Platinum can drive 300 miles. Meet The Tesla The Tesla Cybertruck is the latest hotness that everyone’s talking about. However, how does it really stack up? With such an odd and unique design, are customers able to utilize the Cybertruck as a real truck? Buyers who have recently gotten their trucks have received the Foundation series, which features a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup with 600 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the Beast trim gets you a tri-motor Cybertruck with 834 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque. Towing Capacity, Range, And Price Tesla says the truck can tow a maximum of 11,000 lbs. However, there have been reports of people being frustrated when towing with the Cybertruck due to the range being exhausted very quickly. Many owners have also remarked on how easy it is to mark up the stainless steel panels. Some have stated that it isn’t a serious truck but more of a vehicle that can do light-duty truck things from time to time. The two trim levels are able to achieve 318 and 301 miles of driving range, respectively. Dual motor Cybertrucks have a base price of $99,990, while the Beast has a base MSRP of $119.900. A Tale of Two Frunks The Tesla’s bed length is slightly longer at 6 feet compared to 5’5” on the Lightning. However, because of the odd way the Cybertruck’s bed is shaped, they can both hold about the same amount of stuff. The Ford really shows how brilliant it was to turn a standard gas-powered vehicle into a dedicated EV when you get to the frunk. A space that once held an entire engine is now free to give owners 14.1 cu.ft. of space, the same space as a small or midsize sedan’s trunk. In fact, that is actually bigger than the 12.6 cu.ft. of trunk space in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Tesla only gives customers 7.1 cu.ft. A BIG Price Difference The Tesla Cybertruck can tow 1,000 lbs more, but the Ford is a lot less expensive. Without any options, the base model Tesla is nearly $35,000 more expensive than the base XLT F-150 Lightning. Even when talking about the top-of-the-line Platinum, it still is a savings of almost $12,000. Oh, and the Lightning can use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter. Edmunds Compared The Ford And The Tesla In a recent test by Edmunds.com that compared the Ford, Tesla, and the Rivian R1T, the team voted the F-150 as the best of all EV trucks and said that in the comparison, it is by far the best at being a pickup with truck usability. That’s precisely why Ben Westby chose the Lightning to own while living off the grid with his family. With 9.6 kW of Ford Pro Power Onboard, owners can easily charge lawnmower batteries, use power tools, operate a mobile business, or even just have fun tailgating with the knowledge that you can power it all from your truck and then drive home afterward. Ford Blue Cruise Doesn’t Lie Where Tesla has gotten in trouble is the marketing around FSD, or Full Self Driving. The claim that the vehicles are self-driving has proven false, and the company has had to change how it defines the feature. Ford, on the other hand, has had great success with Blue Cruise, their hands-free advanced driver assistance system. With over 130,000 miles of roads mapped around the United States, buyers who were skeptical of taking their hands off the steering wheel are now full believers. Driving in traffic and on the highway has never been easier to live with. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

Ford electric vehicle customers are now eligible to get a free Tesla Supercharger adapter thanks to a visionary relationship that allows customers to take advantage of the more than 2,000 Tesla Supercharger stations with over 20,000 actual ports to charge an EV in America and Canada. A Word From Ford Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, announced the news on Twitter, saying, “When we announced Ford EVs would get access to Tesla Superchargers, I said we'd send customers a Fast Charging Adapter. I'm pleased to confirm that eligible Mustang Mach E & F150 Lightning owners in the U.S. + Canada can reserve a complimentary adapter starting soon. This is our way of saying thank you! We want to make charging more convenient for our Ford EV owners, so we're excited to add Tesla chargers and will continue growing our BlueOval Charge Network. More details soon.” A Partnership To Benefit All This partnership allows Ford EV drivers to enjoy the cars and trucks even more than they already do, knowing that there are thousands of places where they can easily charge their vehicles on the go. BlueOval Charge Network The BlueOval Charge Network from Ford was already the most extensive public charging network in the United States, with over 106,000 chargers available nationwide. Adding the ability to charge via a Tesla Supercharger makes it easier for drivers to feel more freedom when driving longer distances. NACS Charge Port The adapter will allow the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E to charge on Tesla V3 and above Superchargers. Starting in 2025, all Ford electric vehicles will feature the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port so that customers will no longer have to get an adapter to charge their vehicles on any other charging network. Strong EV Sales For 2023, Ford announced they had record EV sales and were now the number 2 best-selling electric vehicle automaker in the United States. Each EV model line enjoyed an increase in sales, with the F-150 Lightning rising 55% compared to 2022, while the Mustang Mach-E enjoyed a modest bump of 3%, and the E-Transit work van jumped by 18%. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

Bidirectional charging is the ability to draw current from your household and when needed, reverse the process and send electricity back into the home. The F-150 Lightning has always had this ability, and Ford has explained it as a potential power source in the event of a grid power outage. Ford is considering harnessing this ability to lower a household’s electricity bill. Benna Ford explains how this is possible. This past December, Ford announced they will partner with a company called Resideo Technologies. This partnership is meant to explore an energy management system that pairs the electric pickup truck's battery with a Resideo smart thermostat used to control a home's heating and cooling system, which is usually a home’s most energy-intensive system. Taking Advantage of Tiered Energy Plans The system would benefit locations with an electricity supplier with a tiered energy cost program in which the company charges more per kilowatt for peak usage periods. The peak period can often be in the late afternoon to early evening when both work and home locations draw power for climate control systems. For instance, the electricity supplier may charge more per kilowatt from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm than the rest of the day. The idea is that if an F-150 Lightning is home for the day during all or part of this time, it can supply electricity for the climate system during the peak period and draw from it during non-peak hours. Homes with solar can further benefit from vehicle charging while the electricity is essentially free and then having the vehicle supply power during the peak period after sundown. The value of this ability would depend greatly on the habits of individual households and the timing of their use of their EV and climate control system. If used on a widespread basis, such a system could even reduce strain on the grid during these peak periods, theoretically to the point where there are no longer peak usage periods. Year-Long International Feasibility Study Ford will explore the potential for this capability through the 2024 calendar year. Part of the program involves collaborating with Volkswagen to test the system on an entire housing estate in Sweden. Volkswagen presently sells no bidirectional capable models in the United States. If the program yields positive results, and Ford thinks the results can apply to the United States, they will likely expand bidirectional charging to the Mustang Mach-E and future EVs. When the time comes, Benna Ford will be sure to have information on how you could benefit from the idea. In the meantime, the F-150 Lightning, Kelley Blue Book’s winner for Electric Truck Best Buy, and fully bidirectional charging capability are available at Benna Ford right now. See how the EV pickup truck could fit into and benefit your life.

If you are considering a new car, truck, or SUV, the good news is that our inventories are finally returning to a more normal level. The flip side is the Fed’s attempts to stem inflation from when inventory was low on everything was to raise interest rates. As of this writing, the average new car loan interest rate is 6.4%, and that is if you have a credit score of over 661. But Benna Ford isn’t going to let those interest rates slow things down, so through the end of July, we are offering low-interest rates on many popular models. These interest rates vary by model, but all represent substantial savings for the duration of the loan. The best interest rate, of course, is 0.0% APR, and you will actually find that on select models of the recently redesigned Ford Escape on a 36-month loan. Low APR Financing Puts Tuscany Custom Models in Reach Not much over zero is 0.9% APR for the 2022 model year but still new Ford F-150 Lariats or XLTs with the Tuscany Black Ops treatment that includes custom features such as FOX 2.0 Performance Series Tuned Shocks, 20" Stealth Black Tuscany Black Ops Wheels, Tuscany Suspension Lift, Black Ops Replacement Front Bumper with 40" and 2 6" LED Lights and so much more. There is also 0.9% APR financing for the 2022 Tuscany FTX Package as well, with BDS Suspension System, Tuned Fox Performance Shocks, 20-inch Off-Road Wheels, Integrated Light Bar, and many more performance and aesthetic features. 0.9% APR financing over the course of the 60-month loan represents savings of between $13,500 to $14,881 for these Tuscany customized trucks. You will find 3.9% financing on 2023 F-150 Lariat Black Ops models, and a F-150 XLT SuperCab and Crew Cab models. Even an amazing Mustang Mach-E GT AWD EV is available for 3.9% APR financing for a savings of $3,000. All of these offers are good through the end of July, and the financing is through Ford Motor Credit. The interest rates are for well-qualified buyers. Check and see if you qualify, and then visit Benna Ford to see which vehicle on sale works for you.

The automotive industry is always changing as manufacturers aim to innovate and meet increasing consumer demands. Benna Ford was recently informed that orders are re-opening for the Mach-E electric SUV. This move comes with some compelling upgrades, such as an increased EPA estimated range, improved hands-free technology, and more attractive pricing options. Setting the Tone in the EV Industry The Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that has been generating a lot of buzz since its release. While its exterior design has been praised for its sleek and modern look, it's the interior highlights and upgrades under the hood that are truly impressive. Let's take a closer look at these developments and see why the Mustang Mach-E remains a frontrunner in the electric vehicle market. Longer EPA Estimated Range: Ford has made significant improvements to the Mustang Mach-E's driving range. The company has made strides in battery technology, enabling the Mach-E to cover more ground on a single charge. This extended range allows drivers to take longer journeys confidently without the need for frequent charging stops. Ford's dedication to providing a reliable and practical electric vehicle experience is evident in its focus on increasing the EPA estimated range. Improved Technology: The Mach-E has advanced hands-free technology powered by Ford's Co-Pilot360™. Ford's Co-Pilot360™ Technology is a collection of intelligent driver-assist features. One of these features is the latest hands-free driving system called BlueCruise. With BlueCruise, drivers can navigate compatible sections of pre-mapped highways hands-free. This makes long-distance drives more enjoyable and reduces driver fatigue. Therefore, Ford is setting a new standard for convenience and safety in the EV market. Lower pricing: Ford is introducing lower pricing options for the Mach-E, in addition to the enhanced range and hands-free technology. The aim is to make electric mobility accessible to a broader range of consumers. This pricing strategy demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and recognition of the growing demand for electric vehicles at various price points. The Mach-E features an enticing combination of features and competitive pricing. As a result, Ford is positioning itself as a strong contender in the EV market. With more affordable configurations, the Mach-E is set to appeal to a wider range of consumers. Ford's commitment to sustainability and affordability shows its determination to make a difference in the electric vehicle market. Leading From the Front Ford's decision to reopen orders for the Mach-E and introduce notable upgrades further solidifies its leading position in the electric vehicle industry. The enhanced EPA estimated range, advanced hands-free technology, and lower pricing options reflect Ford's commitment to providing an exceptional electric driving experience that meets the needs and desires of modern consumers. As the world transitions toward a more sustainable future, Ford is making electric mobility more accessible and attractive. The Mustang Mach-E not only offers impressive performance and convenience but also contributes to reducing our carbon footprint. With Ford's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries, the Mach-E is poised to make a lasting impact and redefine the way we think about electric vehicles. If you're in the market for an electric vehicle that combines cutting-edge technology, extended range, and affordability, Benna Ford is ready to help you take home your new Mustang Mach-E. Come on down to Benna Ford. Our friendly and helpful staff is ready to assist you with anything you need and answer any questions you may have.

With the rise in demand for clean energy and renewable resources, a new industrial revolution has begun. We here at Benna Ford, along with the majority of the automotive industry, have returned with renewed enthusiasm for the evolution, enhancement, and more efficient manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Despite the recent rise in popularity and the increasing need for EVs, the lack of charging infrastructure in the United States is hindering widespread adoption. A Need for Counteraction The need for EVs is becoming more pressing in order to counteract the impact of fossil fuel-based transportation on the environment. The transportation sector is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. By switching to EVs, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, EVs are becoming the more fiscally responsible option. Not only do they have lower operating costs and require less maintenance than traditional vehicles, but the cost of batteries is now also decreasing, making EVs more affordable for the general public. Lighting Up Liverpool Despite these benefits, the lack of charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier for users across the country, particularly in rural areas. There are not enough charging stations to meet the needs of EV drivers, and some charging stations are only compatible with certain types of EVs. A company called Ubitricity, a recent addition to the Shell group, has taken steps to eliminate this impediment in Liverpool, UK. Working brilliantly with the existing city infrastructure, Ubitricity has used the city's lampposts for over 6000 charging points in London and plans to add 300 to Liverpool. Increasing Coordination Perhaps we can take a page from their book here in the US in our efforts to make EVs more mainstream. It would take the collaboration and coordination of all potential stakeholders as well as continuity across all brands. Local governments, utility companies, and private businesses will need to work together to provide incentives and funding, improve standardization, and increase coordination. With these solutions, we can ensure that EVs become a viable and practical alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. A Mighty Ambition The ambition of this might may seem too great a task, but in human history, seemingly insurmountable heights have been surpassed again and again. When people unite over a common goal, next to nothing is beyond our reach. At Benna Ford, we believe wholeheartedly in the power of the human spirit and know that if we come together on this, the impossible will become possible yet again.