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Electric vehicles are the wave of the future, and many consumers are finding ways to include the new technology in their lives in many different ways. Partial electrification sales, in the form of hybrids and plug-in hybrids, are surging at an amazing rate.  More and more people are finding the combination of both gasoline and electric power to be a win-win.  That said, the hybrid take on America’s best-selling vehicle – full-size pickup trucks – remains relatively low.  However, recent changes to the F-150 hybrid may bring about a welcome change. Green Car Reports reviews the updated F-150 Hybrid, and Benna Ford tells you what they found. Smoothing  Things Out With a name like Green Car Reports, you expect them to be pretty favorable to a hybrid pickup truck, but they actually had a few issues with the F-150 Hybrid when it first launched in 2021. As it does now, the 2021 model featured a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 combined with a 35-kW (47-hp) electric motor located between the engine and 10-speed transmission. Power is plentiful, with total system power of 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. While the electric motor did a fine job of filling in on acceleration while the turbocharger spooled up, the transition between motor and engine on the 2021-2023 models could cause a shuddering in the drivetrain, particularly between the 1-2 and 2-3 gear changes. New powertrain software smoothed out the roughness for the 2024 model year. It also simplified the system by eliminating a second starter integrated into the accessory belt drive. Green Car Reports found the fix to be effective, with barely noticeable motor-to-engine transitions. More Power, Better Efficiency Most everything else remains the same. The fact that the hybrid system was paired to the 3.5-liter rather than 2.7-liter engine tells you Ford was less interested in achieving the lowest viable fuel economy and more interested in providing more power without a fuel mileage penalty. On that, they succeeded.  With standard 4x4, the F-150 hybrid has an EPA city/highway rating of 22 / 24, beating the 2.7-liter powered 4x4 truck significantly over its 18 city rating and slightly over its 23 highway rating even as it delivers 105 more horsepower and 170 more lb-ft of torque. The 5.0-liter V8, which still doesn’t match the hybrid’s power figures, is rated at 16 in the city and 24 on the highway in 4x4 form. Green Car Reports found that when loaded with four adults and their fishing gear, the truck achieved its EPA-estimated figure, or precisely 24.4 mpg throughout 686 miles of primarily highway driving when keeping it at 65 mpg. At 70 mph, the figure dropped to 20.4 mpg, so speed matters. Helpful Tech Outside the drivetrain, they praised the 12.0-inch touchscreen interface, which they described as “one of the best.” They specifically called out its ability to split screen and show two separate apps even when using the wireless Apple CarPlay. In addition, the hybrid’s 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery, which powered the available 7.2 kW external power system, proved useful in powering devices at their fishing location. Hybrids are improving the performance and efficiency of all vehicle categories now, and those advantages apply just as well to the Ford F-150. Visit Benna Ford and check out how the Ford F-150 can add power and efficiency to your daily life.

Managing a fleet of vehicles is a complex affair. Ford knows that and has developed Ford Pro Fleet Management Software to simplify and bring order to the process. To illustrate what this software can do, Benna Ford offers this case study about an organization known as HomeTown Services. Creating one Company out of 26 The company was formed as a cohort of 26 separate residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical service providers in the South-central United States. The entire nature of the business involves sending technicians in commercial vehicles to locations, and overall, HomeTown Services operates over 1500 vehicles, including Ford Transit® vans, E -350 box trucks, and F-250® Super Duty® trucks. Managing a fleet of this size across multiple states would challenge any business, but how HomeTown was formed from many separate businesses brought additional complexities. “Our oldest brand was founded in 1961,” said Del Underwood, Vice President of Purchasing and Fleet. “Even the youngest is at least ten years old.” When they were independently operated, each business had its own fleet management process, and much of it was done manually. “Fleet management was happening largely without software support,” Underwood said. Recognizing the need to organize these disparate, often paper-based systems, HomeTown Services turned to Ford Pro™ to guide them through software adoption and implementation. Streamlining Vehicle Purchases It is a growing business that can purchase up to 250 vehicles annually.  They already know what they need, so the most important factor is making the process quick and straightforward. Brian Harbison, Ford Pro™ FinSimple™ Commercial Business Development Manager, was called upon to set up a Commercial Line of Credit (CLOC) so that vehicles could be easily added by applying the total amount financed for each vehicle to an existing balance. Underwood and his team work closely with Harbison to ensure a sufficient balance to match their fleet growth projections. Managing Different Forms of Maintenance Maintaining such a fleet is a huge task, but the Ford Pro™ Fleet Management Software helps Underwood and his department stay on top. “Some branches have in-house mechanics, some use car dealers, and others use mechanic shops,” Underwood said. The software allows him to accommodate these different maintenance and repair processes, which allows each brand to maintain its individuality while ensuring HomeTown has an overall view of the fleet’s status. “In our industry, downtime is a killer,” Underwood said. “We look at a vehicle and technician as a ‘unit.’ Whenever a service unit is down, it costs us up to $12,000 per day, while the revenue losses from a down installation unit can be as high as $22,000 per day.” Knowing When to Say Goodbye The Ford Pro™ Fleet Management Software also provides advice as to when a vehicle may need to be replaced. “It might sound counterintuitive, but you don’t want to drive a vehicle until the wheels fall off,” Underwood said. “At some point, its total cost of ownership will start to rise to a point where it makes more financial sense to bring in a new vehicle.” Any fleet manager can recognize all these issues. Hopefully, this introduction has given a hint of how the Ford Pro™ Fleet Management Software can help them from purchase through the entire lifecycle of every fleet vehicle. Contact Benna Ford to see how the Ford Pro™ Fleet Management Software can help you with your fleet.

Ford’s BlueCruise goes beyond adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping technologies to provide genuine hands-free driving on our nation’s major highways. The system is available on several Ford and Lincoln models and can be used on 130,000 divided highways across North America. Ford has now improved the system with BlueCruise 1.4, which provides a more natural driving experience and lets you be hands-free longer. In addition, the system will now cost less for monthly or yearly subscribers or can be purchased as a one-time purchase. Benna Ford gives you the details. BlueCruise 1.4 provides Ford’s best hands-free driving experience with a more natural and intuitive drive than before. The three primary functional improvements include: Enhancements that automatically and smoothly adjust the vehicle’s speed in curves, helping the driver stay engaged in hands-free mode longer and experience a more continuous drive. Greater in-lane stability is unlocked by an all-new motion controller, which controls the vehicle’s steering, helping reduce the ‘side-to-side’ movement within the lane. When driving in diverse conditions due to inclement weather, such as rain or direct sun, hands-free engagement can remain in place longer than in prior versions. Ford points out that in previous versions of the system, approaching a sharp curve would alert the driver that the system would disengage and the driver should regain control. By contrast, BlueCruise 1.4 will slow the vehicle’s speed prior to and through the curve while remaining in hands-free mode. BlueCruise 1.4 also builds on previous versions of BlueCruise, such as Lane Change Assist, which allows you to change lanes hands-free at the tap of a turn signal. Another recent improvement is In-Lane Repositioning, which helps adjust the vehicle positioning within the lane to provide more space for vehicles in adjacent lanes, just as you probably subconsciously do yourself. Other 1.4 improvements include staying engaged during inclement weather or when the sun is reflected on the vehicle’s sensors. The system also continually improves itself. As of September 2024, 492,000 BlueCruise-equipped vehicles were on the road globally, accounting for more than 244 million hands-free highway miles driven. The more customers use BlueCruise, the more the system learns, enabling improved over-the-air updates. In addition to making BlueCruise better, Ford is also making it more affordable. All models with Blue Cruise compatibility provide the system for a 90-day trial. After the trial, you have the option of: One-Time Purchase: $2,495.00 1-year Option $495.00 Monthly $49.99 All of these prices represent a significant cost reduction. The one-time purchase has not been previously offered. A former 1-year option was limited in availability and cost $800. The previous monthly cost was $75. The monthly subscription is particularly useful for those who occasionally drive long distances. Such a customer could activate the service for one month for a road trip and not activate it again for another year. They could also choose to activate it only during the holiday travel season. BlueCruise is currently available on five Ford vehicle lines: F-150 F-150 Lightning Expedition Explorer Mustang Mach-E The 1.4 system will be available on the 2025 Ford F-150, and more vehicles will follow. If you like the idea of being more energized after a long trip, ask one of the Benna Ford sales professionals to show you how BlueCruise can work for you and which models offer it.

Ford has examined people's concerns about EV vehicles and wants to alleviate as many of them as possible. Consequently, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley has announced the Ford Power Promise for Ford EV customers. Benna Ford gives you the details. Farley reflected on the full-service filling stations that populated towns across the nation.  You could stay in your car while an attendant would top off your tank for you and then go on to clean your windshield and even check your oil. Many customers were new to driving then, and he opined that the full-service stations gave motorists both convenience and peace of mind. After some long-distance EV road trips across Europe, he feels EV owners seek that same level of comfort and satisfaction. Thus, Farley has announced its Ford Power Promise, which includes the following: Complimentary home charger and standard installation with a new electric vehicle purchase or lease Expanded on-the-road charging stations and locating ability 24/7 live support with proactive charging support Confidence in the health of their battery Here are the program details: Complimentary Home Charger The ability to charge at home is a key component of EV satisfaction.  Starting each day with a full state of charge from low home residential utility rates makes EV ownership more convenient and provides significantly lower operating costs than gas vehicles.  Having started on October 1, 2024, with any purchase or lease of a Ford electric vehicle, customers are eligible to receive a complimentary Ford Station Pro home charger (Ford Charge Station Pro) and standard installation at their home. Ford is the only auto manufacturer in the U.S. offering a complimentary Ford home electric vehicle charger and standard installation. Expanded On-the-Road Charging On-the-road charging is probably the most significant impediment to the adoption of EV vehicles, so Ford is taking additional measures to improve and streamline the process for Ford EV owners.  These measures include: BlueOval™ Charge Network —Ford supports charging on the road with access to the largest public charging network in North America. The BlueOval™ Charge Network now includes access to more than 15,000 Tesla fast chargers, with more being added every week. Connected Built-in Navigation —Ford will help drivers locate public charging options through its Connected Built-In Navigation, Apple CarPlay®  EV Routing, and the soon-to-come Google Maps EV Routing via Android Auto™. FordPass® App - Customers pay for charging along their route across Ford’s BlueOval™ Charge Network through one account and one app — the FordPass® App. Ongoing Support and Guidance Ford is launching round-the-clock live support, complete with proactive charging assistance. So, even though something is unlikely to happen, customers will know we’re ready to reach out and help. There are three components to this part of the program: 24/7 Electric Vehicle Support - Customers can text a dedicated Ford advisor anytime for 24/7 electric vehicle support. Proactive Roadside Assistance -  Ford Roadside Assistance will pick customers up and bring them to the closest charging station or dealership in the case of adverse vehicle events. This includes running out of charge, no matter where they are. Easy Service Solutions —In-person advisors at Ford’s extensive dealer network will provide local support and convenient complimentary mobile service and pickup and delivery at participating dealerships. This means many service and maintenance needs can be handled from the customer’s home rather than a service location. Battery Confidence Ford is confident enough in its EV batteries to give them an eight-year / 100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty. There are many reasons to consider an EV. They are powerful, smooth, quiet, and require almost no powertrain maintenance, among other advantages.  Ford is simply sweetening the pot for the many whose lives fit EV use but are concerned about the change it involves.  With the Ford Power Promise already in place, you now have another reason to check out a Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning at Benna Ford.

Did you know that the Ford Police Interceptor Utility remains the most popular vehicle for public safety departments across North America? The purpose-built fleet version of the Ford Explorer is a staple of fleets maintained and operated by many Federal, state, county, municipal, and private entities. With the introduction of the updated Explorer, Ford is introducing an upgraded 2025 Police Interceptor Utility that’s reporting for duty soon. Aside from a few updates visually with the new clip and taillights, the Police Interceptor Utility is focused on efficiency from an operational and uptime basis. It is also built to be the safest public safety vehicle on the road. Operationally, there’s the standard hybrid driveline. The hybrid system powers onboard equipment even when the gas engine is off, contributing to a potential savings of up to 838 gallons of fuel per year. This translates to projected cost reductions of approximately $17,500 over a six-year ownership term with gas at $3.50 per gallon from the standard 3.3-liter direct-injected V-6 with the hybrid system. This system offers 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque with standard all-wheel drive. Governments and fleets can also choose to have their Police Interceptor Utilities powered by either a 3.3-liter V-6 gas engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Both of these optional engines have standard all-wheel drive. While performance and efficiency are important, so is safety. The 2025 Police Interceptor Utility was designed and tested to pass Ford’s 75-mph rear-impact crash test. This was a goal by Ford to help keep officers safe out on the highways, earning the vehicle’s pursuit-rated, pursuit-tested distinction. We have seen too many incidents across Minnesota and Wisconsin and hope that we can do something extra to keep our men and women in public safety safer than ever. Towards that goal, the 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility comes standard with features designed to help ensure officer safety and productivity. The Police Perimeter Alert system detects moving threats around the vehicle, automatically activating the rear camera, sounding a chime, rolling up windows, and locking the doors, so that officers can monitor their surroundings at different sensitivity levels and complete tasks inside the vehicle. When officers must exit the vehicle quickly, Police Engine Idle lets them lock the vehicle and take the keys while the engine remains running to power the onboard equipment.

When the Ford Maverick was introduced, everyone celebrated its status as a small pickup truck done right. The design was made to be used as a pickup truck. The bed design was perfect. The size was great for smaller tasks. There was plenty of space inside for people in the cab. It featured a standard hybrid engine that returned up to 40 MPG. The response to the Maverick was unbelievable. People were knocking on our door, asking for one. There was so much demand that Ford tried its best to keep up. Something was missing. Because we live in a climate that needs all the traction to get through our tough winters, drivers needed a Maverick with an efficient hybrid engine and all-wheel drive. Ford is finally giving us what we really want – a Maverick Hybrid with all-wheel drive. It is one of the many things we will get in the 2025 Maverick. Yet, this specific item is important because you can get both engines with all-wheel drive. The hybrid will still be as efficient as it is in the front-drive model. Ford is estimating a target of 40 MPG in the city. Another advantage of the 2025 Maverick Hybrid AWD is increased towing. You can now upgrade to the 4K Tow Package for a maximum rating of 4,000 pounds. That means your Maverick Hybrid can now pull small campers, watercraft, and utility trailers. While we are talking about towing, the 2025 Maverick is now available with Pro Trailer Hitch Assist. Coupled with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, the job of towing has been made easier in the 2025 Maverick. Both features will be available in 2025 on Lariat and Tremor models. While the Hybrid AWD driveline is big news, the 2025 Maverick is getting a facelift and more technology than before. The interior will receive an available 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen above the center stack. It will now run Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, which will also enable wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new screen also houses the new 360-Degree camera, giving you a full view of your surroundings – even when you’re trying to correct your parking. Out back, you can organize your load using the FlexBed system. You can properly place 2x4 boards, and sheets of plywood, divide plants and pavers with pre-set markings and dividers inside the bed. The multi-position tailgate is an added assist when keeping boards and trail bikes in place. If you need to plug in a small tool, a 110-120-volt outlet is available inside the bed. Safety and driver assistance will get a huge upgrade through the Ford Co-Pilot360 technology suite. For 2025, every Maverick is equipped with standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping Aid, a Rear View Camera, and Auto LED High-Beam Headlamps. In addition, Lariat and Tremor will be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Predictive Speed Assist. One more thing, the popularity of the Tremor package has been good to the Maverick. So good, that it will become its own trim level on the 2025 Maverick. A great compliment with its revised style outside, including new LED lights and a cleaner grille design. Sounds like the 2025 Maverick just got better. All in bringing customers who want a truck to tool around town and beyond into Northern Minnesota to do everything you always wanted to do in a Maverick. Contact us at Benna Ford is let us know if the 2025 Maverick is the right pickup truck for you.

No matter how big or small your fleet is, Ford Pro has a solution to streamline its management. It is a series of solutions. They include integrated software that will help you track expenses towards meeting your bottom line, as well as financing management of your fleet. These are just a few solutions Ford Pro offers its customers. To provide an opportunity to invest in your fleet with up-to-date vehicles, Ford Pro offers a Commercial Line of Credit or CLOC. A CLOC is an agreed-upon level of credit, and once approved, fleets can easily add vehicles by applying the total amount financed for each vehicle to the existing balance. Whether you need to add a Maverick or an E-Transit to your fleet, Ford Pro’s CLOC can work with you to meet your needs within the balance of your account. To make sure your fleet is running and meeting the bottom line, Ford Pro offers a suite of solutions where fleets can simplify processes, increase uptime, and gain a comprehensive view of their total cost of ownership. It is called Ford Pro Intelligence. Part of this suite is the Ford Pro Fleet Management Software. This important electronic tool captures cost-related data, vehicle maintenance history, activity, and more in a convenient on-screen dashboard. From the software, you can create and assign work orders—and then track those work orders from start to finish. This software is also connected to your entire fleet. Ford Pro vehicles are equipped with an onboard modem to connect with the Ford Pro Intelligence software, which tracks maintenance and energy usage while potentially lowering your cost of ownership. For example, you can receive vehicle and charger alerts to stay on top of proactive maintenance. You can also schedule service directly within the software so you can keep your fleet on the road and on the job. Ford Pro also has an easy-to-read display that provides insights on your vehicles, chargers, and daily fleet activities all in one system. Another key software solution for your fleet is Ford Pro Telematics. This can provide a real-time window into your fleet and help optimize your business. Ford Pro Telematics can monitor vehicles and evaluate driver performance with live GPS. It can also analyze fuel consumption, EV range, idling time, and more. You can add dashcams to your fleet and have them feed video data into Ford Pro Telematics. Feedback from the dashcams can provide insights to help protect against false claims and help boost productivity by monitoring driver performance, such as speeding, harsh braking, and distracted driving. This can assist fleet managers in helping their drivers make needed adjustments. Ford Pro Telematics is available through a subscription. This subscription includes In-Vehicle Coaching, an audible alert system that monitors driver behavior in real time. Once you’ve enrolled eligible vehicles, you can customize driver parameters, such as speeding threshold, idling duration, acceleration sensitivity, etc. All of these pieces together can help you grow and update your fleet, keep up with maintenance, and improve your productivity and uptime. Benna Ford can work with you to help add this layer of management to your fleet while keeping you informed of new opportunities for your business and your fleet. Contact us today to find out more about Ford Pro’s line of fleet management services!

Ford has been producing Power Stroke diesel engines since 1994. In those 30 years, the engines have been used in various applications, including light trucks, HD trucks, commercial trucks, and agricultural equipment. Over the years, the Ford Power Stroke family of engines has grown to where there are currently five Power Stroke engines available. Ford has a reputation for producing reliable diesel engines that can withstand the rigors of heavy use. Many owners report getting over 200,000 and sometimes over 300,000 miles out of their engines with proper maintenance. But proper maintenance is key. Benna Ford offers these suggestions to keep your Power Stroke diesel working for you for a long time. Three elements in Power Stroke maintenance are keeping to the schedule, using the right parts and fluids, and being aware of whether your vehicle is undergoing “Special Operating Conditions.” The most notable Special Operating conditions include: Frequent or extended idling (over 10 minutes per hour of normal driving) Frequent low-speed operation Sustained traffic speeds of less than 25 MPH. (One hour of idle time is equal to approximately 25 miles of driving.) Sustained vehicle operation in ambient temperatures below -10°F (-23°C) or above 100°F ( 38°C) Operating in severe dust or off-road conditions Towing a trailer over 1,000 miles Sustained, high-speed driving at or near the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Use of any Biodiesel (B5 is the maximum allowable blend for Power Stroke Diesels, except the all-new 6.7L) After determining which conditions your Power Stroke engine operates within, you can choose the following service schedule below for your regular maintenance. Normal Operating Conditions Ford Recommended Maintenance Levels Power Stroke Engine 6.0-liter 6.4-liter 6.7-liter 6.9-liter & 7.3-liter Change Oil & Oil Filter Every 7,500 miles Every 10,000 miles Change according to message center in instrument cluster Every 5,000 miles Change Fuel Filter Every 15,000 miles Every 20,000 miles Every 3rd Oil change or 22,250 miles, whichever comes first Every 15,000 miles Inspect / Change Air Filter Inspect filter minder every 7,500 miles Change is needed Inspect filter minder every 10,000 miles Change is needed Inspect filter minder every 10,000 miles Change is needed Inspect filter minder every 5,000 miles Change is needed Check / Change Coolant Every six months, with initial change at 100,000 miles Subsequent changes every 45,000 miles Every six months, with initial change at 100,000 miles Subsequent changes every 50,000 miles Initial change at 105,000 miles or 72 months Subsequent changes every 45,000 miles Every 15,000 miles Check Coolant Nitrite Strength Optional check at 15,000 miles or 600 engine hours Optional check at 20,000 miles or 800 engine hours Check at 15,000 miles or 600 engine hours Every 15,000 miles Special Operating Conditions Ford Recommended Maintenance Levels Power Stroke Engine 6.0-liter 6.4-liter 6.7-liter 6.9 & 7.3-liter Change Oil & Oil Filter Every 5,000 miles or 200 engine hours Every 5,000 miles or 200 engine hours Change according to message center in instrument cluster Every 3,000 miles or three months Change Fuel Filter Every 10,000 miles or 400 engine hours (every other oil & oil filter change) Every 10,000 miles or 400 engine hours (every other oil & oil filter change) Every 5,000 miles Replace as needed Every 15,000 miles Inspect / Change Air Filter Inspect filter minder every 5,000 miles. Change is needed. Inspect filter minder every 5,000 miles. Change is needed. Inspect filter minder every 10,000 miles. Change is needed. Inspect filter minder every 3,000 miles. Change is needed. Check / Change Coolant Check every 15,000 miles or 600 engine hours. Change every 45,000 miles or 1,800 engine hours. Check every 20,000 miles or 800 engine hours. Change every 60,000 miles or 2,400 engine hours. Initial change 60,000 miles or 2,400 engine hours Subsequent changes every 45,000 miles or 1800 hours Change every 15,000 miles Check Coolant Nitrite Strength Optional check at 15,000 miles or 600 engine hours Optional check at 20,000 miles or 800 engine hours Check every 15,000 miles or 600 hours Every 15,000 miles For regular maintenance of your Power Stroke engine, Ford recommends its line of Motorcraft brand filters, oil, coolant, and Cetane and anti-gel fuel additives, all of which are designed and formulated specifically for Ford Power Stroke engines. You can find all these maintenance supplies at Benna Ford’s Service Department. If you have any maintenance questions, don’t hesitate to inquire with the Benna Ford service professionals.

The Car Connection wanted to look at the changes Ford made to the 2024 F-150 and chose to do it through two of its more interesting models: the Tremor and the hybrid model. Benna Ford gives you the highlights of what they found. General changes for the 2024 F-150 model line are not drastic but significant enough to noticeably improve your ownership experience. It starts with a new Pro Access tailgate design with a side-swinging door. The door covers about the middle third of the tailgate and swings for an opening on the driver’s side. The Pro Access tailgate is a practical addition. It not only allows you to access your load without reaching over a closed gate or across an open one but also lets you access the bed while towing. The mid-door hinges are designed to hold open at 100, 70, or 37 degrees, with the smaller number set specifically for towing, ensuring it holds open without encountering any part of the trailer tongue. The tailgate drops down either manually or by power as it did before, maintaining its user-friendly nature. A grab handle in the bed replaces the former retractable handle, and a retractable step plus a wider center bumper step helps you climb into the bed. The Car Connection summarizes these changes this way: “It’s a cleaner, more functional design that makes getting things in and out a lot easier.” The other exterior change is a revised grille and headlight combo that wraps around the corners for a less brick-like front-end appearance. Now available is a front modular bumper that enables the attachment of accessories such as an LED light bar, an available factory-installed 12,000-pound winch, or other accessories. All 2024 F-150s are equipped with a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen in the cabin and an identical-sized digital gauge cluster outside. All but the hybrid model now get a 36-gallon fuel tank and a standard Class IV hitch. The Tremor is the off-road-focused F-150 that is just one step on the reasonable side of the gonzo Raptor, and The Car Connection found that if you didn’t buy your truck just to beat the heck out of it and aim for high jump records, the Tremor might be the most well-rounded choice in the lineup. The ground clearance increases by 1.6 inches over a standard F150 to 9.8 inches, and the rolling stock is 33-inch General Grabber A/TX tires wrapping black 18-inch wheels. The 4x4 system includes a locking rear differential and Hill Descent control. It also comes with Trail Turn assist, which locks the inside rear wheel to enable tighter turns, to “ essentially shrink the wheelbase,” as the site describes it. It will get you anywhere on the farm or construction site, even after a rain, and can tow up to 13,000 pounds compared to 8,300 for the Raptor. While it has an inch-wider track than a standard F-150, it is still a half-foot narrower than the Raptor, giving you a little more room in the parking spot or garage. It also costs $14,180 less. The Car Connection describes its off-road capability like this: “I tested the new model on a switchbacking access road up and down a mountain, deep in off-the-grid territory, ascending over rocky ruts and descending into terrain too tough for Subarus or soft-roaders. It impressed me enough to recommend it as the F-150 to buy. “ The F-150 Hybrid remains one of only two full-size hybrid pickup trucks on the market. All Hybrid models are 4x4 now and start with the XLT trim level. The powertrain remains unchanged: a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 combined with a 35-kW motor fed by a 1.5-kWh battery pack, with 430 total system horsepower running through the model line’s standard 10-speed automatic transmission for heading out to all four wheels. The most significant mechanical news is that the belt-integrated starter has been eliminated in favor of simply starting the vehicle from a 12-volt battery and a conventional flywheel-mounted starter. It seems like a simple thing, but Ford says the change involved 300 software enhancements to make the change. The Car Connection made a note of this change: “(the previous model) could feel uncertain in low gears, as if the system didn’t know when to use the engine, motor, or dual power at once. Now, on roads leading to the highway, it felt quieter, calmer, and overall less noticeable, which is what I want out of any hybrid powertrain.” The strength of the fuel mileage is manifest in city driving, with a figure of 22, while all other F-150s range across the teens, from 19 for the 2.7-liter 2WD to just 10 for the V8 Raptor. The hybrid highway mileage is 24 for a combined 23 figures. The Car Connection found all of the 2024 changes to be quite welcome and summed up their experience this way: “Add up all of these small changes, and it’s easy to see how the Ford F-150 continues to lead the pickup truck segment in America.” If you are considering a new full-size pickup truck, shopping for the F-150 has always been a must, and now it is even more so. We invite you to do just that at Benna Ford in Superior, Wisconsin.

Now entering its third year, the Mustang Mach-E looks the same but has undergone some significant engineering improvements under the skin. In short, the 2024 Mach-E has a more extended range, charges faster, and the top performance models are even quicker than before. Benna Ford fills you in on the details. Quicker Performance Never Hurts Let’s start with the most fun part. A Mach-E GT TM Performance Upgrade results in a tested 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds, a speed that beats both direct competitor Tesla Model Y Performance and a less direct competitor, but we will take it anyway, the Porsche Macan 4 Electric. With this upgrade, the GT goes on for a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds at 114 mph. The changes come from a new in-house eMotor that will be available in 2024 on all Mach-E models, along with improved thermal modeling and control algorithms that deliver an additional 100 lb-ft of torque. The Performance upgrade is standard on the new Mach-E Rally and available on the Mach-E GT. In another example of how things are different for electric cars, Mustang Mach-E GT customers have the choice of getting the Performance Upgrade at purchase or purchasing the upgrade at a later date. The Mach-E GT also receives new standard features that were former performance options such as the Ford Performance front seats, MagneRide ® Damping System, and Brembo™ branded front brake calipers. The Mach-E Rally The Mach-E Rally joins the lineup as the first-ever rally-inspired EV from Ford. The Mach-E Rally has standard AWD, and its two motors combined with the standard Mach-E GT TM Performance Upgrade result in 480 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The body features a 1-inch higher suspension lift riding on gloss white 19-inch wheels.  Wrapping those wheels are 235/55 R19 Michelin CrossClimate2 tires with plenty of sidewall and loose surface traction that lets you enjoy all that power on and off the pavement. Besides the wheels and lift, the Mach-E Rally distinguishes itself with unique upper and lower body moldings, a front splitter, a black steel roof, and bespoke fog lights. The color pallet is noticeable on its own with Grabber Yellow, Grabber Blue, and Eruption Green, in addition to Shadow Black and optional Star White and Glacier Gray. Thanks to the more efficient in-house motor, all 2024 Mustang Mach-E models also get improved range: Model 2024 EPA Estimated Range (miles) Improvement Mach-E Select, standard-range battery (72 kWh), RWD 250 +20 Mach-E Premium, extended-range battery (91 kWh), RWD 320 +20 Mach-E GT (91 kWh), AWD 280 +10 Mach-E Rally (91 kWh), AWD 265 n/a As important as the range, the Mustang Mach-E now charges faster. Models with the 91 kWh battery will now charge 20% faster at fast charging stations on the road. Using a Level 3 DC-direct station, the 91kWh battery can now charge from 10-80% in 36.3 minutes, an 8.8-minute improvement. Models with the 72kWh battery can charge from 10-80% in 32.3 minutes, which is a 5.7-minute improvement. For more good charging news, all Mach-E owners can reserve a complimentary adapter that enables owners access to over 15,000 Tesla superchargers across North America, which are now part of the BlueOval Charge network. These charge locations will be added to the EV routing functionality of both Google Maps and Apple Maps. Bronze Age Mach-E The Mach-E GT will have a new Bronze Appearance Package featuring 20-inch bronze-painted mesh-styled alloy wheels, a bespoke bronze mesh grille, and other bronze trim. Price Range MSRPs for the Mustang Mach-E now start at $39,995 for the select model with the standard battery and RWD, and top out with the Mach-E Rally with the extended battery, AWD, and all the goodies listed above for $59,995. If you haven’t checked out the spectacularly performing Mustang Mach-E that doubles as an SUV when needed, this is the time to do it. Visit Benna Ford and see what EV performance is all about. We have 2023 models with discounts to make way for the 2024 models that are on their way.

Here in Superior, we may not use our air conditioning as much as most of our fellow Americans, but we occasionally have our hot days. One thing about living near the top of the nation is that when we take our summer vacations, simple probability suggests we will head somewhere south. Nothing can ruin a summer trip more than an air conditioning system that is not in top operating shape. Benna Ford offers the following operating and maintenance tips to keep your air conditioning system in top shape. Open Your Windows First If the car has been baking in the sun, don’t depend on the AC to cool the cabin rapidly. The best course of action is to open your windows once you enter your car. No matter how hot it is outside, your cabin is likely to be hotter, and so are your AC ducts. After starting your car, open the windows and turn your AC on to help push out the hot air. After about a minute of driving, close the windows and adjust the AC controls for your comfort. The car will cool your cabin more quickly. Use the Fresh Air Setting as the Default The recirculate setting is useful when there is smoke, dust, foul outside odors, or very high humidity. The rest of the time, using the fresh air setting is best. The recirculating mode is just as it sounds: It keeps using the same cabin air. Over time, this can make the car stuffy and even make the driver sleepy. It is best to bring in outside air whenever possible. Use the Coldest Setting If your vehicle does not have automatic climate control, choosing the lowest temperature is actually the most efficient and effective. Most cooling systems can only bring the cabin down by 30 degrees and stop. At that point, a middling setting might activate the heater, which stresses both systems. Set it to the coolest setting and then regulate your comfort by turning the fan down or directing the vents away from you. Monitor Engine Temperature when the Engine is Experiencing High Load If your vacation includes a trip to the mountains, be aware of the stress that your engine may be undertaking during a long incline with the AC on, a car full of family and their stuff, or possibly even towing. If the temperature starts rising, shutting off the AC is the first measure. It may be uncomfortable for a few minutes, but turning on the heat at full blast also helps cool the engine. If the temperature climbs too high, simply find a place for the car to stop and cool down. Then, proceed without the AC until the grade lessons. Read the Air Condition Section of the Owner’s Manual Yes, that thick little book stored in your glove box is meant to be read. It can provide valuable tips that apply to your model’s specific system. It will tell you how and when to change your cabin filter. It may have advice on routine AC maintenance, including how often to check refrigerant pressure. It is a good idea to have this done at least once before every summer. Keep AC Induction Vents Clear The vents on your vehicle’s exterior near the windshield base are where your climate system brings in the outside air. These vents can collect leaves, pine needles, and other flora as they are pointed upward. If left long enough, they may plug the water drains in the system, which runs the risk of the organic matter developing mold that can then be drawn through your climate system. Regularly, such as whenever you check your oil, take a moment to clear out any nature that may have found its way on these vents. Be Aware of These Odors Odors can come from the outside or linger after a smoker or pet has been in the car, but there are certain odors you want to watch out for. A musty or mildew odor may be from mold accumulating in your induction vents. Running your heater for a while may help dry out these areas. A distinctly sweet smell could indicate an antifreeze leak. A professional should service this. A gas smell could come from something as simple as an improperly tightened gas cap, or it could be a leak in the system, which should be looked at quickly. When listed out like this, it may seem like a lot, but much of this can simply become routine. If you are having issues outside of what is covered here, inquire with our Benna Ford service professionals on the proper next steps.

MotorTrend did what few actual off-road truck shoppers will have the opportunity to do. They compared Ford's ultimate off-road flier, the 700 hp gas-powered F-150 Raptor R, to the 1000 hp electron-powered Hummer EV 3X. While measuring these two vehicles side by side doesn’t quite seem like an apples-to-apples comparison, Benna Ford believes that the contrast brings forward the best of both powerhouse vehicles. The Moon and Terra Firma Perhaps inspired by the Hummer’s lunar-surface-themed interior details, Motor Trend starts their comparison with a reference to the Lunar Roving Vehicle, which was used on the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions. Colorfully describing it as “a $10 million buggy that looked like a pair of lawn chairs bolted to a VW Beetle floorplan”, they illustrate it as embodying “ that treasured American value that we still hold dear today: Why walk when you can drive?” It is a viable comment since both the Hummer and Raptor R devote a lot of horsepower and hardware to something that can cover ground more easily traversed by two legs and a decent pair of hiking boots. Big and Quick MotorTrend quickly points out that while the Hummer’s three motors produce 43% more horsepower than the Raptor’s Supercharged 5.2-liter V8, it also weighs 49% more, thus delivering similar power-to-weight ratios. Nevertheless, in a drag race, the instant electric motor torque with the Watts to Freedom (WTF) mode temporary power boost gets the 9,000-pound Hummer from rest to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, which is 0.8 seconds faster than the Raptor. They point out that before launch, the WTF mode creates a vibration in the seats and a low rumble in the speakers to simulate what the Raptor does naturally. A first glance at either vehicle would cause one to assume that they ride rough on the road. However, suspensions specializing in compliance from dune-jumping actually give them a soft ride on the highway, though this comes at the expense of a fair amount of roll in the curves and longer braking distances. One is an Off-Road Monster While the Hummer’s four-wheel steering makes it more nimble in parking lots, it ironically becomes an issue off-road where tire placement is essential. “When you're not used to it, it's just one more thing to plan for. Oh, and if there's a practical use for the wow-factor, diagonal-driving Crab Walk mode, we haven't found it.” When it comes to the fun these trucks are built for, the Raptor R was the clear winner. “Its ability to turn small humps into big air and big air into cushy landings makes it the ultimate big-kid toy…the Raptor R traverses sand, mud, boulders, and slick rock with the casual competence of a Lexus making a Starbucks run.” By contrast, the Hummer, already with an as-tested price over $5K more than the Raptor, really needed an extra $10K Extreme Off-Road package, which allows the truck to catch up with locking front and rear differentials, rear recovery hooks, front skid plates, and mud-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. Without it, the Hummer was described as clumsy off-road, more so than any other EV they have driven off-road. MotorTrend says, “...buyers shouldn't need to shell out $10K for basic competence.” They Can Tow, But… While they have no shortage of power or structural robustness, the soft suspension of both models reduces their towing capacity to 8,700 pounds for the Raptor R and 8,500 pounds for the Hummer. If you want to tow something big, there are other F-150 models capable of up to 14,000 pounds, and as far as the Hummer is concerned, towing with EVs still means you better not plan on going far. The Verdict The “verdict” for each vehicle sums things up perfectly: For the Hummer, it was “Everything about the GMC Hummer EV is outrageous—including how much it struggled off-road.” And for the Raptor R: “It crawls! It jumps! It sprints! It shouts! It's a Raptor R, and there is no substitute.” As you may have guessed by now, the Raptor R is a specialty vehicle at Benna Ford. However, if you are interested in this monster performance truck, contact one of our sales professionals, and we will source one for you.