Ford Autonomous Cars Will Use Subscription Service

Ford recently unveiled their new FordPass® platform that allows users to customize they way they get around. Using a Smartphone app, drivers can streamline parking, vehicle sharing, mobility inquiries, and other aspects of driving using FordPass® as the central hub.

Ford has huge plans for the future of mobility that extend beyond an app and into the realm of autonomous vehicles. In just four years, Ford envisions a future where they manufacture high-performance vehicles and provide mobility services and autonomous shuttles to drivers via a subscription service.

Picture this: in addition to or instead of single-vehicle ownership, subscribers would be able to book vehicles for their specific needs for a monthly fee. Taking a weekend trip in the summer? Book a sporty Mustang to suit your mood. Need something that can seat the whole family and your pets? Simply reserve a Ford SUV to fit all your passengers and gear. This will allow subscribers who don’t own these vehicles to tailor their travels in a way that hasn’t been previously possible.

Kansas City, MO area commuters will be excited to hear about the most futuristic portion of Ford’s vision: autonomous shuttles. With more privacy and convenience than public transportation but more efficiency and cost-effectiveness than single-driver travel, these shuttles could revolutionize the daily commute. Once they have perfected autonomous technology, Ford also plans to sell fully-autonomous vehicles that lend drivers pedal and steering wheel control when they desire.

Fans of Ford models don’t need to worry; the American manufacturer will continue their longstanding tradition of making human-controlled cars, trucks, and SUVs. FordPass® and future subscription-based mobility sharing are just a few ways Ford continues to revolutionize how we travel.

We have a full inventory of new Ford vehicles that demonstrate the same commitment to innovation. Call us at (888) 698-2027 or fill out our online contact form to speak with a Blue Springs Ford product specialist or set up a test drive today!

Ford Bronco Enthusiasts Dream Up a Sixth-Generation Prototype

As the first off-roading option for Ford fans, the Bronco was first put into production in 1966 and built on its very own platform for optimized off-road driving. The Ford Bronco won the hearts of many drivers, and even though it has been out of production for nearly twenty years, it still remains a classic vehicle for Ford enthusiasts in and around the Kansas City, MO area.

The administrators at the Bronco6G forum took it upon themselves to reimagine a sixth-generation model of the Ford Bronco, combining the design of the classic first-generation Bronco and the ultra-modern 2004 Bronco concept vehicle, the latter of which was never put into production.

Bronco6G’s ideation of the Ford Bronco took the best of both models and invented a concept that looks contemporary enough to compete with other 2016 off-road vehicles while still adding a nod to the Bronco that started it all. To directly quote Bronco6G, their concept is a “no-frills design with a strong focus on utility and off-road capabilities.”

Some of the most notable physical features on the Bronco6G’s Bronco model are the grille options, one with the Ford nameplate and one that boldly exclaims “BRONCO.” Other features include varying ride heights and cargo racks for unique customizations.

If Ford decides to bring the Bronco back into production, its direct competitor would be the Jeep Wrangler. We don’t know about you, but from the looks of Bronco6G’s model, we’d love to get behind the wheel of an all-new Bronco.

Sadly, we cannot offer a new Ford Bronco SUV to Kansas City, MO area drivers, but we believe our current lineup of Ford SUV models can offer just as much adventure. Check out our new vehicle inventory here, then get in touch with a Blue Springs Ford product specialist by phone at (888) 698-2027 or through our online contact form for more information.

The Ford EcoSport May Be Coming to the U.S

The Ford EcoSport is a small crossover in the style of an SUV or hatchback, based off the popular subcompact Ford Fiesta. Produced as part of the ‘One Ford’ strategy of creating vehicles with global appeal, the economical and hardy EcoSport is currently sold in multiple markets worldwide, including India, Brazil, Asia, and Europe. It not available in the U.S. right now, but that may be changing.

The popularity of small crossover vehicles has exploded recently, both in the Kansas City area and in the broader United States. This may have convinced executives at Ford that the time is right to introduce the EcoSport to North America. Numerous EcoSport models have been spotted taking test drives near the Ford Motor Company headquarters. This may mean Ford fans could see an American-marketed EcoSport model as early as fall of 2017.

Engines currently offered in the Ford EcoSport include:

• 5L I4 gasoline
• 5L I4 diesel
• 0L EcoBoost I3

The Ford EcoSport will likely compete in the same segment as models like the Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, and Jeep Renegade.

Until we know for sure, Kansas City area drivers can find both the latest subcompact Fiesta sedan and hatchback models, and compact Escape SUVs at our Ford dealership. Browse our inventory or call in at (888) 698-2027 to learn which small utility options Blue Springs Ford has available to the Kansas City, MO area.

Ford Tests Autonomous Cars in the Snow

An increasing number of automotive companies are investing in and engineering autonomous cars to meet the demands of consumers and the changing world. Ford is at the forefront of autonomous car development and is using Michigan’s snowy climate to test self-driving cars in less-than-ideal weather, something that many other auto companies are not currently participating in.

These autonomous cars have gained the ability to detect and navigate through poor road conditions. Weather is unpredictable, and Ford engineers are hoping that with the use of 3-D maps, a Ford autonomous vehicle will be able to identify inclement weather, as well as precise road signs, markings, and various types of geography.

So, how do the 3-D maps in autonomous Ford cars work? When the weather is ideal, the vehicle will create a highly detailed map and store that information in its memory. When bad weather hits, the vehicle will know what to expect and adjust its traction and safety features accordingly for a safe journey.

Ford engineers are hard at work at their testing facility in Ann Arbor, MI to get autonomous cars on the road as soon as possible. Although we’re excited for what’s to come, the technology is still in the developmental stage. Luckily, Kansas City, MO area residents can still drive one of many incredible Ford models, like the 2016 Fusion or the 2016 Escape, which do feature driver assistance technology like the rear view camera. View the Blue Springs Ford new Ford vehicle inventory here.

For more information on any of the models we offer, get in touch with a product specialist by phone at 888-698-2027 or through our online contact form.

Pothole Damage Repair at Blue Springs Ford

Kansas City is in the throes of winter, and because this season is extremely hard on vehicles, residents have certainly felt the pain. Extreme winter weather, frozen roadways, and salt all produce car-damaging potholes. Unfortunately, Kansas City is one of the worst cities for potholes, ranking at number four on the list according to a study done by potholes.info.

Pothole damage accounts for a large amount of vehicle damage affecting the tires, wheels, shocks, suspension, steering, and exhaust system. Neglecting unrepaired parts can leave you stranded on the side of the road and will lead to premature vehicle wear. Although we can’t repair pothole-filled roads and streets, we can repair the damage your Ford suffers as a result.

Schedule a Ford service appointment at Blue Springs Ford for a complete inspection of your Ford car, truck, or SUV for any pothole damage. We can also check and service your alignment, as well as repair, replace, rotate, and balance your tires. Be sure to check out our Ford service coupons to get the most for your money at our service department!

Get in touch with the Blue Springs Ford auto service center by phone at (888) 698-2027 or through our online contact form for more information.