Nanaimo, BC Dealership Blog

2013 Ford Escape in Nanaimo

Karen Ann — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:32:11 +0000

It’s coming and it’s going to go further. The 2013 Ford Escape made it’s way here to our Nanaimo dealership on Wednesday. We got to snoop through, learn about all the new features and try out the hands free tailgate lift “kick”.
Want to know when the all new 2013 Ford Escape is ready to order? Give us a call 250-758-7311 and we can help you out!

Informative Evening a Second Delivery at Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln

Karen Ann — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:44:42 +0000

Our guests have said that buying a new vehicle can be an overwhelming experience. As such, we’re offering a complimentary and informative evening dedicated to new vehicle owners. Our competent team of mechanics, salespeople and finance leaders will be available to answer any questions you may have. State-of-the-art features offered by Ford and Lincoln will also be reviewed.

Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln is hosting its Second Delivery evening on May 17, 2012 from 5:30pm – 7pm. A bonus snack buffet will be offered.

Please contact Donna at 250-758-7311 to be added to our guest list.

Spring 99¢ Tire Sale is Back in Nanaimo

Karen Ann — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:11:20 +0000

It’s baaaack!! Only until April 30th, 2012

The spring 99¢ tire sale is back and ready to help you save $$$ starting today and running through to April 30th. You can buy National name brand tires for only 99¢ over cost.

To add to our 99¢ over cost tire sale, Ford has kicked in an instant tire rebate of between $7 – $20 per tire!!! Rebate varies with size of tire.

Plus! Almost all of the tire manufacturers have a spring tire mail in rebate offer from $35 – $120 per set!!

Depending on what you choose, that could be $50 a tire you save… after you only pay 99¢ over cost.

You can order tires directly from our website, or you can call parts directly at 250-758-7742 or 877-758-7311.

Eco Friendly and Sustainable Products and Processes

Karen Ann — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:22:29 +0000

Ford’s imaginative use of sustainable materials:

Award-winning soy-based polyurethane foams on the seat cushions and seat backs, now in production on the Ford Fiesta, Mustang, Expedition, F-150, Focus, Escape, Escape Hybrid and Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln MKS.

which results in a reduction of petroleum oil usage by 1 million pounds annually.

100 percent post-industrial recycled yarns in seat fabrics.

The use of 100 percent post-industrial yarns represents a 64 percent reduction in energy consumption and a 60 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.

100 percent post-consumer recycled yarns in seat fabrics. Various Ford and Lincoln utilize fabrics made from pop bottles to further reduce consumer waste.

Each meter of this luxurious micro denier suede is made from 20 recycled plastic pop bottles.

Underbody systems, such as aerodynamic shields, splash shields, and radiator air deflector shields, made from post-consumer recycled resins such as detergent bottles, tires and battery casings.

Succeeding in diverting between 25 and 30 million pounds of plastic from landfills.

The 2012 Focus Electric can say it has a “100 percent sustainable interior.”
Ford estimates that one vehicle’s annual energy conservation equals

600,000 gallons of water,
1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents, and
7 million kilowatt hours of electricity.

Ford has implemented a program to recycle 95 percent of materials from retired Ford cars.

Travelling to our Nanaimo Ford Dealership to Buy Your Next Vehicle?

Karen Ann — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:56:15 +0000

Sometimes it’s worth the extra time to go to a non local car dealership. We pride ourselves on offering top notch customer service, we know that our pricing is competitive, and we are positive you’ll have a great time while you are here.

To make your choice to purchase from Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln instead of your Duncan, Parksville or Victoria dealership just that little bit easier we will absolutely reimburse your ferry costs, and give you $100 gas card when you purchase any instock vehicle from us!

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First Automaker to Earn Top Honours for Supporting Women

Karen Ann — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:02:13 +0000

We always new it was true, especially from our dealership group!

Ford has been honoured by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council for developing best practices that resulted in productive business partnerships with women entrepreneurs. Ford may not have set out to support women business owners, Ford did dedicate higher spending in 2011 to suppliers that are playing a key role in Ford’s expanding portfolio of high-quality, safe, fuel-efficient products equipped with smart technologies. They just also happened to be women!

Are you a woman looking for a Nanaimo, Victoria or Vancouver Mainland group dedicated to creating a community for you to learn, share and grow together while creating amazing lives? You might be looking for “I Love My Life!”

Press Release:

Ford Becomes First Automaker to Earn Top Honors for Supporting Women-Owned Businesses
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 16, 2012 – Ford Motor Company was named as one of America’s top corporations for its support of women-owned suppliers, the first time an automaker has earned the award.

The Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBENC) selected Ford for its 13th annual listing of America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises. It is the only national award honoring corporations for world-class programs that level the playing field for women’s business enterprises (WBEs) to compete for corporate business.

Ford earned the award for developing and driving innovative best practices across its organization that result in productive business partnerships with women entrepreneurs and valuable products and services for their customers.

In 2011, Ford spent $1.06 billion with women-owned suppliers in the U.S., a 22 percent increase from $866 million in 2010. Since 2009, Ford has more than doubled its sourcing with women-owned businesses.

The increase in 2011 includes higher spending with suppliers that are playing a key role in Ford’s expanding portfolio of high-quality, safe, fuel-efficient products equipped with smart technologies. Examples include:

Dura Automotive Systems, an Auburn Hills, Mich.-based company that is owned by Lynn Tilton’s Patriarch Partners investment company. Dura, which makes a variety of control systems, engineered assemblies and other products, supplies the award-winning heated power rear sliding window for the F-150 pickup
Systrand Manufacturing, a Brownstown, Mich.- based company owned by Sharon Cannarsa. Systrand is producing machined parts for the next generation of Ford’s hybrid transmission that will be used in the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid
Dakkota Integrated Systems, owned by Andra Rush and based in Holt, Mich. Dakkota won a contract to produce fascias and headliners for the redesigned Ford Explorer, which more than doubled sales in 2011 from 2010, finishing the year with 135,704 units sold in the U.S.

“Building a financially healthy, diverse supply base is a central part of the Ford purchasing strategy,” said Tony Brown, group vice president, Ford Global Purchasing. “We are proud to receive this recognition, and we hope it brings renewed attention to this important segment of our supply base.”

Get Prepared Today for Snow Tomorrow

Karen Ann — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:08:30 +0000

While we all think we can drive better in the snow than the next guy, it may be time to pop in to the dealership and get prepared for the snow that’s on the way!

Chains and snow tires will help (we have both in stock 250-758-7742). We also carry salt for your walk ways and stairs, winter windshield washer fluid, and every kind of windshield wiper needed. Drive safe Nanaimo.

PS. Chains will only work if you put them on the driving tires. Front Wheel Drive cars, like the Toyota Camry in the video, does not get chains on the rear tires!

Someone is Happy! Thanks for the Kind Words, Karen.

Karen Ann — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:00:55 +0000

Fact: Karen Fehr is a fast walker, and she’s hilarious. We love her!
Fact: Not everyone can pull off a wink, Karen sure can!
Fact: Shawn Hildebrandt almost fell while running backwards in Phoenix Kitchesn & Designs.
Fact: Ryan Fife was great.
Fact: Karen Ann laughed too much while watching the outtakes.
Fact: Cheryl said, “It’s not THAT funny”.
Fact: Karen Ann’s favourite outtake got cut. :(

Vehicle Mobility Modifications and Equipment with the Ford Mobility Program

Karen Ann — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:42:00 +0000

Increase Your Confidence. Living with a health condition or physical disability shouldn’t limit your mobility. The Ford Mobility program is designed to extend your abilities, allowing you to enhance your personal independence.

Extend your Ability. At Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln and with Ford of Canada, we are committed to understanding and supporting individuals with unique mobility needs.

When you purchase or lease a new Ford of Canada vehicle, you may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 toward the installation of adaptive driving aids or mobility assistance equipment.

Enhance Mobility. Start driving now by customizing a vehicle to suit your needs.

Eligibility modifications and equipment include:

Wheelchair lifts or other lift equipment
Hand or other driving controls
The Early Alert Response System (EARS) for the hearing impaired

In Nanaimo MediChair is approved to offer Mobility upfitter packages.

Sing it! We are Family!

Karen Ann — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:38:14 +0000

What a great team we have here!

Jon, Shaun, Rob and Brad stayed after shift just to make sure that the tire and tool room for the shop got all cleaned up. Amazing work guys. So glad you are part of our Family here at Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln.

While they might moonlight as shop cleaners, they are excellent technicians!

2012 Best Car to Buy is the 2012 Ford Focus

Karen Ann — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:53:10 +0000

From The Car Connection: The Focus’ win over vehicles like the Range Rover Evoque, Hyundai Veloster, Mercedes M-Class and Chevy Sonic, comes down to personality. Even in a day where dull, droning econoboxes are the exception rather than the rule, the 2012 Focus grabs attention, both for the way it looks and for the way it handles.

Shhh, it’s a Private Event in Nanaimo

Karen Ann — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 01:12:48 +0000

The Steve Marshall Ford Family wishes to invite you to our private sale, exclusive to you our Fans and Loyal customers.

The purpose of the Private Sale is to thank you by offering exclusive pricing, not shared with the general public. While giving you presents, prizes and yummy healthy food!

November 24, 25 & 26, 2011
10:00am – 6:00pm
3851 Shenton Road

Don’t forget:

Bring some time
Your vehicle
All decision-makers

If you choose another vehicle, pick one of these great packages on us:

Earl’s Restaurant $200 Gift Certificate
Alternative Groove Weekend Surf Package
Sante Spa Head to Toe Package

68% of Drivers are Concerned with Fuel Cost and Economy

Karen Ann — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:48:09 +0000

BUT 38% of all vehicles have at least one Tire under inflated

Consumers should remember that fuel economy is dependant on proper air pressure. Monitoring air pressure regularly, and using proper inflation pressures as directed by the vehicle owner’s manual, is the best route to ensure maximum fuel economy and maximum tire life.

Remember, regardless of temperature, tires lose between 1-2 psi per month. In addition, for every 7 degrees Celsius drop in temperature, a tire will lose another pound of pressure. So a tire left unchecked from the time it was filled in warm June to 35 psi, is down 12psi in cooler November. That under inflation is going to hurt fuel economy, traction, and increase tire wear.

Ford Super Duty Market Share in the Workplace

Karen Ann — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:19:32 +0000

Press Release

Numbers and Customers Tell the Story at New Website: Ford Super Duty Owns Work, Owners Can Tell Their Stories Too

A new website lets customers experience how Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks are used in the field and showcases Super Duty’s leadership in several key industries

Site features videos hosted by Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe to show Super Duty trucks at work on location including an oil field in Kansas and natural gas wells in Colorado

Interactive element asks visitors to create personalized “baseball” cards detailing use of their Super Duty. Some may be selected to tell their story in a video for the site

Dearborn, Mich., Nov. 7, 2011 – More than any other heavy-duty pickup in the market, Ford F-Series Super Duty is trusted by tradesmen to get the job done in the field, and a new online experience at www.ford.com/trucks/superduty/weownwork is helping customers realize just that.

Complete with videos and interactive elements, the “We Own Work” website clearly illustrates how Super Duty is the most popular truck in 21 industries.

“For more workers, Ford Super Duty is the most important tool they depend on to get the rest of their tools to the job site. There’s no other truck out there accomplishing as much in working conditions as F-Series Super Duty is,” said Brian Rathsburg, Super Duty Marketing manager. “Super Duty trucks are well known for their proven toughness and capability, and that’s why they are such a leading force in all sorts of industries. They have it all – durability, reliability, performance and fuel economy.”

On the website, visitors can view videos that share stories of workers who use Super Duty trucks to accomplish work on real job sites across the U.S. Hosted by Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe, the videos show the workers and trucks in action.

The site also features interesting statistics showing how Super Duty leads in a variety of fields. Some of these include:

74 percent of metal mining workers use Super Duty trucks
75 percent of road maintenance workers use Super Duty trucks
60 percent of utility workers use Super Duty trucks

Once users have gone through the videos, they have the option to share their own experiences of how they use their Super Duty. Some of the best stories may be chosen to be filmed for additional Mike Rowe videos on the site.

Based on a template that resembles a baseball trading card, visitors can create their own card to reflect the tough job their Super Duty helps them complete. Cards contain information like mileage, industry, region and tough facts about their truck and their job. Users also can upload an image of the truck they use. Once finished, they can embed the card in the website, share it on Twitter or Facebook, or print it.

The cards can be sorted by industry, year, region and toughness so the online community can scroll through the trucks to vote for the one they deem the toughest. The cards with the most votes for toughness will appear closest to the top.

Additionally, the site is programmed so that all functionality and animations are available for Apple iPad users.

Unmatched power for tough jobs

The 2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty gives customers what they are looking for in terms of power and capability, ensuring it stays at the head of the pack. The 2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty tow rating is 17,500 pounds with conventional bumper hitch and 24,500 pounds with fifth-wheel hitch.

The Ford-designed and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine delivers best-in-class fuel economy. The Power Stroke isn’t just fuel efficient, it’s also the most powerful diesel pickup engine money can buy, rated at 400 horsepower and 800 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine also can run on up to B20 biodiesel fuel.

The standard 6.2-liter V8 gas engine also has best-in-class fuel economy and produces a best-in-class 405 lb.-ft. of torque and 385 horsepower. It is capable of running on E85 ethanol. New for 2012 is a compressed natural gas/propane prep engine option.

Each Super Duty pickup – diesel or gas – is mated to a heavy-duty TorqShift® six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission.

2013 Ford Escape and MyFord Touch Performance Upgrade

Karen Ann — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:28:54 +0000

MyFord Touch is getting an upgrade. More icons, more intuitive navigation! The quadrants are still the same, just with better labeling!

If you have a Ford with the SYNC software package in recent years, you will be able upgrade to the latest version which will be shipping in our 2013 models.

Introducing David van der Leek

Karen Ann — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:51:59 +0000

David van der Leek is our newest team member, but not new to the automotive sector. He’s been dedicated to serving customers vehicle needs since 2004 in Alberta and is now very pleased to bring his experience to family and friends in Nanaimo. His mission is to provide you with the best customer experience during the research, shopping and purchase of your vehicle, with his no hassle approach for everyone.

Speaking of family, David and his wife Anita are the proud parents of four girls and two boys, a dog and a cat. He enjoys astronomy through his homemade reflector telescope, sailing, swimming and is active in fitness and health.

When it comes to meeting his customers vehicle needs David does so in a professional and courteous manner without any hype or gimmicks. He’ll provide you with a free consultation by dropping in or calling to speak with at Steve Marshall Ford. If the vehicle you want is not on the lot, he’ll find it for you!

David sincerely appreciates your business and trusts that he’ll exceed your expectations. In return for you appreciated support, David is pleased to provide you with a referral cash fee of $100 when a friend or family member takes delivery of a vehicle purchased from him. Come and visit David today and see how easy it is to be driving a new or pre-owned vehicle that’s affordable and perfect for you!

Ford Hands-Free Liftgate Feature on the New Ford Escape

Karen Ann — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:35:32 +0000

We are so excited to try this out. Can’t wait for the new Ford Escape to arrive!!

Halloween 2011 at Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln in Nanaimo

Karen Ann — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:40:51 +0000

Check Your Tires Using Only a Penny!

Karen Ann — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:22:08 +0000

We’ve found a use for that jar of pennies in your kitchen! Just joking… but a penny is a great consistent way to “just check” your tires for wear.

Tread depth is typically measured in 1/32″ increments. Using a recent Canadian penny (the Queen is not wearing a crown) you can quickly and easily check the tread depth yourself.

With the Queen facing you, insert the penny into the tread hair first. Repeat this by placing the coin into several treads across the tire from each side and the middle. Take the lowest reading as the overall tread depth.

The top of her head is approximately 4/32″ of tread depth. If you can see her entire head it is time to find some new Tires!

Quick and Easy!!

Ready to start shopping for tires? Good timing, cause our parts department is selling tires at 99¢ over cost!

For those of us with Quarters jangling in our pockets, the same measurement can be taken using the the moose head (does he have a name?) put him in the tread nose first and if you can see his muzzle it’s time to start looking for new tires!!

Kelleher Ford Dauphin Gives New Meaning to Built Ford Tough

Karen Ann — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:28:44 +0000

This Manitoba Ford Dealership really shared the meaning of Built Ford Tough. The morning following a fire that engulfed the entire dealership, one of the firemen opened up the truck with jaws of life and drove the Ford F150 off the rubble.

BUILT FORD TOUGH!