The new-generation Ford Explorer was revealed July 26, 2010 simultaneously in 10 North American cities. Toronto was the only Canadian event, with illusionist, Greg Frewin. (We have our own Magician: Zigster.ca)

Watch how the 2011 Ford Explorer suddenly appears!!

Some highlights:

• To aid towing, you can order a reverse camera with zoom-in functionality.
• Third row powers up and down and will accommodate adults.
• MyFord driver connect technology and SYNC, with 4.2-inch LCD screen.
• Four 12-volt power points.
• Two sun roofs.
• Six-speed transmission, with available SelectShift.
• Available adaptive cruise with collision warning and brake support.
• Blind Spot Information System, with cross-traffic alert.

This sleek little 1995 Ford Taurus was perfect for someone to win. When the winner’s name was drawn Anna of Nanaimo was amazed,

“I’ve never won anything before, it’s so over whelming. Thank you Steve Marshall Ford!”

At 73 years old, we were glad we could help Anna with a first!

“I’m really proud to be a Ford dealer. Under the guidance of Chairman Alan Mulally, the company has not only secured financial stability, it has continued to maintain and improve overall quality and bring forward great new models. We have perhaps the best model lineup of any company right now with award winning passenger cars, SUVs and trucks that meet customer needs. At Steve Marshall Ford, we did notice a slowdown earlier in the year but we have such a loyal owner base that we weathered the worst of it. We are seeing many more positives now. In fact I have to hire more sales staff, technicians and parts people.”

The Ford Motor Company led June sales in North America, pulling ahead of Honda, Toyota, General Motors and Chrysler. While the competition is still looking for a rebound, Ford is gathering momentum month by month and increasing market share in the process. While current models like the Fusion, Flex and the F-150 pickup are driving the surge in sales, there is a quiet confidence building in expectation of some exciting new models in the wings. The European designed Ford Fiesta, a stylish compact with exceptional fuel efficiency, is the first of Ford’s global family of small cars. It will be joined next year, by the slightly larger “next generation” Focus – also designed in Europe – to meet the needs of a market that is increasingly concerned about the cost of fuel and emissions levels.

Ann Marie is the third generation of Marshalls in the car business. She grew up in her father Steve’s dealership, in Campbell River washing cars when she was very young, helping in the office on school holidays and generally getting her hands dirty learning every aspect of the business. It was vital experience that prepared her for her success as a business owner in her own right.

In what is essentially a man’s business, Ann Marie is the exception to the rule and as the only woman Dealer Principal in Nanaimo, she brings a unique perspective to the business. “Quite early on I realized the car business isn’t really about cars, it’s about people…and I love people. I don’t pretend to know all the details of every Ford vehicle – I have great guys and gals who do know that – but I love the interaction with our customers.”

“Buying a car, having it serviced or repaired are stressful moments in a person’s life. But they don’t have to be. The whole team here is committed to making people feel comfortable whatever their needs are. It’s all about fairness and respect. It’s about treating every customer the way you would want to be treated. After all we don’t want to sell you a car. We want to sell you one today, but then we want to sell your sons and daughters, your friends and your neighbours. And if we treat you well, what goes around comes around.”

The philosophy works. Steve Marshall Ford is one of the top performing dealerships in Canada with a reputation for integrity and fairness second to none. The people who work at Steve Marshall Ford feel they are part of a family and every customer who comes through the doors automatically becomes a part of that family too. As Ann Marie says: “We only have one life to live and it should be fun. If we can do something a little different to make customers feel at home and bring a little fun into the process, then we have done our job.”

It’s About Making A Difference.

Thank you to all the ladies that attended Steve Marshall Ford Ladies Night on June 18th and generously donated to the Chandler Family.

Thank you to the Daily News for covering this story so that we the community had the opportunity to make a difference. We are excited that we were able to raise $472.62 for the Chandler Family.

Here is a thank you e-mail from the Chandler Family representative:

Dear Shawn, Ann Marie and Steve Marshall Ford,

It was such a great pleasure for me to be able to represent my friend Jackie at the ladies night you recently held. The generosity you showed by allowing us to use this as a fundraising avenue was phenomenal. Between this event and a burger sale event you had held earlier, we managed to raise $472.62. This far exceeded my expectations for the night. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Every little bit helps and Jackie I know will be genuinely grateful. Thank-you so very much for the support, thought and generosity.

Sincerely,
Nicole Velkjar

What a great time Steve Marshall Ford had at the Relay for Life on June 13, 2008. The Cruiser Team was busy serving up donated hamburgers from M&M Meats on our Bar-B-Cruiser. Pepsi was quick to jump on board to donate Aquafina water for the set up crew earlier in the morning and for the participants arriving in the evening.

Together we raised $415 for the Cancer Society. The Cruiser Team had a trivia-Frisbee toss challenge for the participants to win prizes. Zigster the Trickster performed a gut wrenching, knee slapping magic show at the “Survivors Dinner” as they enjoyed their meal.

I would like to thank everyone involved once again….It was an absolutely wonderful time and she [Desiree] was COMPLETELY taken by surprise!

You guys went above and beyond to make this birthday the most special day she has ever had….Thank you, thank you, thank you…..words just aren’t enough!

Kindest Regards,

Rhonda

Thank you so much for your kind words Rhonda. We enjoyed ourselves as well, it’s not often that we turn 16, we are just grateful we were able to be a part of such a huge surprise!