GOODBYE SUMMER, HELLO FALL!

WOW! I can't believe it, but summer 2008 is almost over. YEAH! I personally hate summer...way, way too hot! So, now not only are our days getting shorter, the sun lower, and soon the leaves will be changing, but so is our inventory. Have you had a chance to check out the new 2009 Flex? When the first one arrived at our dealership back in late June, you could not believe the excitement of our sales team! We celebrated its arrival with a launch party in early July and the excitement has only continued. So much space inside, a refrigerated compartment, vista roofs, and really cool wheels! If you prefer more luxury, check out the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS. Boy, this car is NICE! It's funny as we get older, we begin to prefer comfort over style and flash...but this car has it ALL! This is definitely NOT your grandparent's Lincoln! When this beauty arrived, we had a unveiling of sorts here at the dealership. We combined the launch with a benefit for Breast Cancer and raised nearly $3,000! We are so grateful for the generosity of our valued friends!

There is more news on the horizon. More new inventory coming in daily. I've taken the summer off, and now I'm back and promise to deliver all the goings-on here at Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury!!

Green is the new Black

Ford designers love to find new, beautiful designs for our vehicle interiors. Recently, they've had the opportunity to make the whole design and aesthetics process take on greater meaning by incorporating more "green" fabrics and materials into the next generation of vehicle interiors.

Designing Sustainable Interiors

Our designers took their first step toward sustainable interior design when they delivered seat fabric made from 100 percent post-industrial materials for the 2008 Ford Escape, but that was just the beginning. We're currently looking to expand the use of sustainable seat fabric beyond the SUV to all types of vehicles. And we're working with our suppliers to improve the overall feel of the fabric. We want it to be softer and silkier to the touch.

Will Consumers Pay for Sustainable Materials?

Our suppliers have begun offering our designers a wider array of sustainable materials to choose from. However, cost is still a factor—the materials are harder to get, and it takes more time and resources to develop them.

Our designers must consider whether consumers are willing to pay a higher price for a greener vehicle. To address this issue, they've decided to combine sustainability with luxury or high-performance until suppliers find ways to lower the costs of sustainable materials.

Lincoln MKR Concept

The Lincoln MKR concept vehicle is our example of guilt-free luxury. It features several innovative interior solutions, beginning with the extensive use of wood on the instrument panel. This wood is a reengineered oak, which has been recycled and reassembled grain by grain, and stained black to give the wood a warm, rich appearance without using additional trees.

Leather is another key interior material that customers expect in luxury vehicles. We've found a way to deliver a more environmentally friendly leather called "chrome-free"' leather. When tanning the leather, the new process is chromium-free and minimally impacts the environment.

In addition to recycled wood and chrome-free leather, the Lincoln MKR concept includes renewable soy foam seat bases and mohair carpet. This unique combination of materials gives the Lincoln MKR concept a rich-looking interior while demonstrating the more environmentally friendly amenities luxury buyers are expecting in premium goods, including vehicles.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

The 2008 Ford Escape uses seating surfaces made from 100 percent post-industrial materials, supplied by InterfaceFABRIC, Inc. InterfaceFABRIC estimates that Ford's use of post-industrial materials, rather than virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, an estimated 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents, and the equivalent of more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

Getting Greener

There are many applications that we're looking at to improve the greening of our vehicles, but not all of them are things that will be visible to consumers. For instance, we'll be launching the soy foam technology in the seat cushions and seat backs of the 2008 Mustang, and designers are currently examining ways to implement the recycled wood veneers and chrome-free leather seats featured in the MKR in future vehicles.

We're also developing a sustainable replacement for the fiberglass now used between the headliner of a vehicle and the roof sheet metal. The material we've developed as a replacement is bio-based, improves acoustics in the vehicles and neutralizes odors. In addition, it's lighter than fiberglass, which will help enhance fuel economy.

Ford Introduces Glass Roof Mustang

Next summer the Mustang will be celebrating the 45 years its been riding on the road and the success it has had. Of course this means that they will be creating a special Mustang for the occasion except this time they have decided to change it up a bit and do things a bit differently by adding on a new option when buying a Mustang. They will be able to choose between a coupe, convertible, and glass roof.

The 2009 Ford Glass Roof Mustang will come with an available factory-installed glass roof and will be assembled at the Automotive Alliance International plant in Flat Rock with the glass to be installed at Ford’s adjacent vehicle personalization facility.

2008 Focus Kicks *@%# !

Kelly Blue Book has named the redesigned 2008 Focus one of the "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" thanks to its styling, handling, safety features and innovative technologies such as SYNC. Nearly 40% of Focus units sold during the past five months included SYNC. KBB.com sites there were a combination of things that make the new Ford Focus cool, including styling, handling and the new SYNC technology.

At Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury we feature an excellent selection of these "cool" Focus'. Visit us online at bigvalleyonline.com to view our inventory.

Sync Your Ride!

I'm relatively sure that if you are among the millions of us who watch TV, listen to the radio, or read magazines, you've probably seen the new Ford commercials for SYNC. So, what is this new technology called SYNC? Well, I'm glad you asked.

SYNC, developed in a joint venture with Microsoft, and based on Microsoft's state-of-the-art Auto Software, is a voice-activated mobile phone and digital music system from Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. SYNC enables drivers to use simple voice commands, hands-free, to operate most Bluetooth enabled phones and most popular MP3 players.

Since it public introduction, SYNC has met with rave reviews. The magazines are lauding it, customers are loving it and it's having a positive impact on the entire Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup.

The introduction of SYNC has given Ford the competitive edge over other manufacturers. Unlike General Motor's OnStar, SYNC requires NO monthly subscription fee (aside from the regular fees your already pay your wireless phone provider for your particular calling plan) and at only $395, is much less expensive. In addition, SYNC version 2, will automatically dial 911 when it senses an airbag deployment - unlike OnStar who's call center is notified of an accident and then summons 911.

Simply put, this product is AWESOME!

Ford announces NEW "Blind Spot Mirror"

I have to previse this story by saying that as a person who commutes, I LOVE THIS! Read on...

Ford introduces two new features coming in 2009 to aid drivers' visibility - Blind Spot Mirror and the Cross Traffic Alert with Blind-Spot Monitoring System, arriving in 2009.

Ford will be the FIRST to market with the Blind Spot Mirror, answering customer's demands for better visibility as they change lanes or parallel park. This affordable mirror technology will first launch early next year and find its way onto many future Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles as standard equipment replacing the traditional side view mirrors. These new mirrors feature an integrated convex spotter mirror aimed directly at the vehicle's blind spot. The Cross Traffic Alert with Blind-Spot Monitoring System utilizes radar to alert of cross-path traffic while in reverse and, in forward gears, warn when a vehicle enters the blind spot. Specifically, Cross Traffic Alert works by using the radar when in reverse to pick up moving objects within a 65-foot range from either the left or right side of the vehicle. The radar also works when backing out of angled parking spaces because its view is wider that just strictly sensing traffic coming at a 90-degree angle. Conventional systems have limited sideways effectiveness. When cross traffic is approaching, two warnings are given: an indicator lights up in the corresponding outside mirror and an audible alert is sounded.

Stockton Asparagus Festival! Join Us!!

San Joaquin Counties' most prestigious agricultural product, asparagus, inspired the creation of the Stockton Asparagus Festival 23 years ago. The Stockton Asparagus Festival to be held April 25th, 26th and 27th is a multi-event, food, and entertainment festival, which celebrates asparagus.

The festival features two performing stages, an Asparagus Alley with the BEST deep fried asparagus found anywhere, one of the finest celebrity chef cooking demonstration kitchens, a fabulous Spear-Its of the Valley wine and beer pavilion, a craft show, 600 booths, displays and exhibits in the show. The Stockton Asparagus Festival is honored to work with the City of Stockton to bring you this wonderful community event.

In honor of the celebration, Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury will be featuring a Used Car Sales Event. Receive financing as low as 2.9% APR up to 36 months (on approved credit) on select Ford Certified Vehicles. Choose from over 70 pre-owned vehicles. Come early for best selection!

Thank You! From Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury

Owner Advantage is our way of saying thanks. And, it's your way to earn "rewards" again and again!!

Now available as "Standard Equipment" on ALL new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles as well as ALL pre-owned vehicles in our extensive inventory, you earn:

· $10 credit toward a future parts or service purchase upon enrollment
· Percentage credit on every parts or service purchase that can be applied to a future parts or service purchase
· Access to your transactions and earnings online
· Service performed by technicians who are extensively trained to know every aspect of your vehicle
· The assurance of knowing you’ll get Genuine parts engineered to keep your vehicle performing at its best
· Other regular benefits of ownership, including competitive prices on everything your vehicle needs
· Enrollment is FREE and AUTOMATIC each time you purchase a vehicle from Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury

How membership works:
· Just present your Membership Card or let your Service Advisor know that you are a member every time you visit and we’ll automatically update your account with every reward you earn!
· Your membership can be extended to any member of your household!
· Earnings can be used toward future parts and service purchases!

Available EXCLUSIVELY at Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury!

Ford Quality Soaring!

When it comes to initial vehicle quality, no automaker performs better than Ford.

The quality of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brand vehicles soared to the top of the charts equaling that of Toyota and Honda, according to the first quarter 2008 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

The study shows Ford’s domestic brands improved 8 percent versus last year with a combined average of 1,284 things-gone-wrong (TGW) per 1,000 vehicles during the first three months of ownership. This performance is statistically equivalent to the 1,250 TGW level of Honda and Toyota.

“Last year we tied with Toyota, and this year our quality performance is as good as industry-leading Honda’s too,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Our world-class quality is one of the most important aspects of our turnaround in North America. This consistently strong quality improvement should offer today’s customer renewed confidence, setting the stage for important new products like Ford Flex, which is launching this summer.”

Ford’s dramatically improved vehicle quality will be highlighted in a sweeping new marketing campaign called “Drive One” that officially debuts Tuesday. The campaign tells the story behind Ford’s rise to the top of the industry in initial vehicle quality as well as underscoring safety, smart technology and improved fuel efficiency.

The company earned best-in-class honors in two important engineering functions: interiors, which includes such areas as trim, seats and instrument panel appearance; and electrical, which includes entertainment systems. Ford tied for best-in-class in two other functions, paint and vehicle engineering, which includes such areas as ride and handling and cabin quietness.

Additionally, Ford’s domestic brands pushed customer satisfaction up one point to 77 percent.

Recycling the Ford Way

Ask someone on the street what consumer item they think is recycled more than any other in the U.S. and they’re likely to guess "newspapers" or "soda bottles." Most people probably wouldn’t say "cars" -- but that is, in fact, the answer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 95 percent of all end-of-life vehicles in the U.S. are processed for recycling. That's compared to 52 percent of all paper and 31 percent of all plastic soft drink bottles.

Roughly 85 percent of each Ford Motor Company vehicle, including the 2008 Fusion, is recyclable. What's more, Ford is working with Chrysler and GM through the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) and its Vehicle Recycling Partnership to raise that number to as close to 100 percent as possible.

"The U.S. automakers have long taken a proactive stance in vehicle recycling," says Don Walkowicz, executive director, USCAR. "They continue to work side by side with government and private industry to optimally recycle all vehicles, regardless of age, content or origin."

The EPA calls recycling one of the best environmental success stories of the late 20th century, reporting that the practice diverted more than 72 million tons of material away from landfills and incinerators in 2003, up from 34 million tons in 1990 -- doubling in just 10 years.

A Stong Grip

Not so many years ago, all-wheel drive (AWD) conjured up images of dusty off-road trucks. But today, Ford offers the most extensive lineup of vehicles with AWD and 4WD, including Edge, Escape, Fusion, Taurus and Taurus X. With AWD, a vehicle is driven by all four of its wheels rather than the usual two. The benefit? Every wheel helps pull the car along the road, which improves the handling. If one wheel loses its grip, three more are still actively keeping the vehicle aligned. The greatest advantage comes from pairing AWD with modern traction-control systems like Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC). Adding sophisticated sensors and software to the four wheels improves control on uneven and slippery surfaces.

Q+A

What does the number 150 in Ford F-150 mean? Surprisingly, it has to do with gasoline. But the complete story began 60 years ago.

The first F-Series trucks, the F-1, F-2 and F-3, were introduced in 1948. Their names were pretty simple. The F stood for Ford, with the F-1 the lightest duty of the three and the F-3 the heaviest duty. After a 1953 redesign, the F-1 was renamed the F-100 and joined the larger F-250 (formerly the F-2) and the F-350 (the old F-3). These names remain the same today, with one exception.

In 1975 unleaded fuel was introduced to meet new federal emissions standards. There was concern that some F-100 owners in rural areas would be unable to find unleaded fuel, so Ford developed a version of the truck that could run on unleaded fuel. This new truck, the F-150, also had a higher cargo capability; its 6,050-pound gross vehicle weight hit a sweet spot between the F-100 and F-250, and its sales soared, eventually surpassing those of the F-100.

Both the F-100 and F-150 remained in production until 1983, when the F-150, which by then ran on unleaded fuel, became the base model in the F-Series.

Visit us at Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury and see our huge selection of F-150s and Super Dutys. For a limited time, receive 0% financing for 36 months on F-150s!

A LOOK BACK

Every truck driver can use a helping hand when backing up, whether to hitch a trailer, drop off materials or unload groceries. Ford has the answer: F150 and Super Duty trucks are now available with an optional Reverse Camera System, in which a tiny camera mounted in the tailgate relays video to a screen in the rearview mirror. It provides a clear line of sight when you're in reverse; the wide view gives you a picture of the area behind the vehicle to help you back across a construction site or into a garage or tight parking spot.

At Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury we have an enormous selection of new F150's and Super Dutys in stock and ready for immediate delivery. Visit us online at bigvalleyonline.com to view our current inventory.

LIGHT SHOW

Music isn't the only way to personalize your ride. New optional ambient lighting ADDS A SPLASH OF COLOR TO THE CENTER CONSOLE AT THE FLIP OF A SWITCH! Built-in LEDs illuminate the cupholders and the front and rear footwells. To change the mood, select one of seven different colors: red, aqua, yellow, green, blue, purple or white. Other instruments and switches on the console glow in ice blue. They don't just look cool: Research shows that certain levels of blue lighting can help you feel more awake and alert, which could make long drives a little less taxing. Ambient lighting is currently available in the new 2008 Focus and Mustang and will be available for the Flex and the Fusion.

ALL-NEW FORD FLEX

With distinctive design and technology, the all-new 2009 Ford Flex-which arrives this summer-defines the crossover category. It has available seven-passenger seating and limo-like second-row legroom; AN OPTIONAL UNIQUE REFRIGERATOR SYSTEM for thirsty travelers; and a two-tone roof option and an available distinctive Multi-Panel Vista Roof to let in the sun (after dark, an optional ambient lighting system offers a choice of seven colors to set the interior mood). The all-new Flex shows off its intelligence in safety too, with an available rear back-up camera, standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) and standard three-row Safety Canopy side curtain airbags. Under the hood, an award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine mates with an efficient 6-speed transmission and available intelligent all-wheel drive to provide powerful, confident road manners. Look for it to arrive here at Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury in time for those summer road trips!

Ford Launches "Warriors in Pink" Mustang

Ford Motor Company, which has dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind contributions for breast cancer education and research for 14 years, announced that is doubling its contributions to Susan G. Komen for the Cure each time it sells a "Warriors in Pink" package for the 2009 Ford Mustang.

Available on the Mustang V-6 Premium Coupe and Convertible model, the limited 1,000 units will include a unique grille and will add a pink ribbon and pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching. Three body colors will be available: Black, Brilliant Silver and Performance White.

Ford's goal in 2008 is to donate more that $1 million for the Cure through these sales of the special Mustangs, Warrior in Pink apparel and other fundraising efforts.

The Warriors in Pink apparel collection for men and women feature important symbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in the commitment to the fight against breast cancer. All apparel is available on http://www.fordcares.com/ and 100 percent of net proceeds are donated to Komen for the Cure.

The limited-edition 2009 Mustang with Warriors in Pink will be available through Ford dealers this summer.

Ford and Funkmaster Flex Muscle

Ford and DJ Funkmaster Flex , the hip-hop guru of car customization, have turned the Funkmaster's red hot Ford Expedition concept into a limited-edition production SUV. The stylized version of the full-size SUV, dubbed the 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, hit Big Valley Ford-Lincoln-Mercury in late fall.

It seems Funkmaster Flex is finding new ways to connect to customers. He appears to be a perfect fit for the Ford brand because he brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. Ford research shows that nearly half of all new vehicle buyers are adding unique touches to their vehicles and Expedition is no exception. Modifications to the Expedition are as diverse as the needs of buyers - from adding additional off-road capability, to custom cargo storage, to adding touches for increased urban street appeal.

Funkmaster Flex, a major influence in hip hop culture, has developed a young fan base of urban automotive enthusiasts who take pride in their personal style. Their vehicle often defines their lifestyle. Ford wants to reach these buyers with this new customized Expedition.

Highlights of this limited-edition Expedition include 3d Carbon body kit with custom front/rear fascia and side skirts. two-tone Black and Colorado Red paint with Orange pinstriping, Funkmaster Flex badges on fenders, Black leather interior with contrasting Colorado Red stitching, Colorado Red shifter, center stack and door appliques, Funkmaster Flex stitched logo headrests, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and more!

The limited-edition run of Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, based on the existing short wheelbase, Limited model, is available now at Big Valley Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, Stockton, Calif. Call us at (800) 867-1516 or visit our website at BigValleyOnline.com for details.

What is GPS???

Have you often wondered what is GPS? GPS stands for "Global Positioning System". A GPS is a Global Navigation Satellite System that uses a number of satellites to send transmission data from earth, the satellite, and back again.

A GPS requires the use of a receiver that enables the system to determine elements such as location, time, direction and speed.

Today, it is common to see cars that have GPS systems included, however you may be surprised to discover that the GPS system was designed and developed by the United States Department of Defense. Originally, the system was referred to as the Navstar GPS, but today people simply refer to it as a GPS.

If in the unfortunate event your vehicle is stolen, you can track where it has been taken with GPS. In addition, you can program in your point of departure and destination and your GPS will give you complete directions for a trip. It can tell you how long your trip will take and the exact route you should take.

What is fascinating to note is that when the satellite receives the information regarding the user's location, it determines where the person is located based on the amount of time it takes for the satellite to obtain the information from the receiver. This is a process known as "triangulation". Since there are 24 satellites in orbit, the GPS system doesn't rely on the information obtained from one. It uses several more satellites to create a latitude and longitude reading. Then the system begins to add all the coordinates and information together and creates an electronic map.

Today's GPS systems are extremely accurate. The 24 satellites are constantly in motion, circling the earth. They have been estimated to travel at speeds of 7,000 miles per hour!

Navigation system are available on several Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. Visit us at Big Valley Ford-Lincoln-Mercury in Stockton, Calif., and we will be happy to demonstrate this amazing technology!

Ford Model T Turns 100

The car that put the world on wheels, the Ford Model T, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008, and Ford is planning a year-long series of celebrations.

Celebrations will officially commence at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in Amelia Island, Fla., March 7-9. Ford has many other regional events in the works for a year filled with celebrations, including a special Model T display at the West Coast's largest Ford enthusiast car show - the Fabulous Fords Forever! event at Knott's Berry Farm Amusement Park in Anaheim, Calif., on April 20. In July, Ford Motor Company will be the title sponsor of the Model T Ford Club of America's "T Party 2008" to be held in Richmond, Ind. For more information on the "T Party 2008" centennial celebration, please visit http://www.tparty.com/.

0% Financing Event!

Going on now at Big Valley Ford-Lincoln-Mercury located in Stockton, California, a limited-time 0% financing event on all 2008 F-150's (excluding the Harley Davidson package). Get 0% for up to 60 months! We have the largest selection in the area - over 60 new F150's in stock, ready for immediate delivery. Call (800) 867-1516 or visit us online at BigValleyOnline to view our extensive inventory.

An Arm AND A Leg?

Everybody's trying to save money on fuel these days. With average prices creeping toward the $4 mark without any signs of coming down, who can blame the thrifty driver. I'm personally one of the millions of drivers who commute an average of 50+ miles a day, so I've tried to employ fuel-saving techniques, like shopping at grocery stores that offer a discount on fuel. Here are three more ways to save money on your fuel expense each month.

1. Carry a notebook around with you and jot down gas prices in the areas you drive through each day. Make a note of the times and dates as well. Some stations change their prices at regular intervals. By keeping track, you can fill your tank on the days before they raise their price

2. Don't make any assumptions about gas prices based on the size of the of the business. Places like Sam's Club and Costco usually have the best bargains on the inside, but in my experience are not necessarily cheaper than local independently-owned gas stations.

3. Use the internet. Several online sites give updated information about where to find the least expensive gas in a given area. This tool is especially useful if you're traveling outside your area. Two the more popular sites are http://GasBuddy.com and http://GasPriceWatch.com.

Following these tips and simply thinking about your options can help save you money on fuel for your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle. And who doesn't enjoy saving money these days?

Happy traveling.

Virtual Vehicles Drive Real World Traffic

Since April 2007, more than 2 million digital vehicles have been downloaded for use in "Sims 2," a virtual world created by Electronic Arts. Sims players can treat their digital selves to the Mustang, Focus, Fusion and Edge (released in March 2008). Some players even customize their virtual rides with new colors, while others create machinima, or in-game movies, of their Ford vehicles to post on online video sites like YouTube. As a result, more than 34,000 players have visited fordvehicles.com to check out Ford's real world offerings.

Building a Smarter Dummy

Ford is developing a high-tech insert for crash test dummies that is similar in size and shape to a 6-year-old's abdomen, aiming to improve tests for children's vehicle safety.

The prototype is part of an effort to make pediatric crash dummies and tests more realistic. The hope is they'll lead to better vehicle restraints for children. Partners in the collaboration include Wayne State University in Detroit, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Takata Corp., which makes automotive safety systems. Crash tests mainly focus on head and chest injuries, according to Steve Rouhana, a technical leader in Ford's crash dummy testing. ''We really didn't have the technology before to accurately measure abdominal response,'' he said. The silicone prototype features sensors that measure the severity of injuries sustained by the dummies during crash tests.

Today's Buzzword...Ozone

We all hear the earth's "ozone" is depleting, but what is ozone? Simply put, there are two types of ozone. There's the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere that protects the earth and its inhabitants from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, and there's ground-level ozone, also known as tropospheric ozone, or smog. This pollutant may trigger a number of respiratory problems and forms when VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and NOx (nitrogen oxides) react in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from a variety of sources, including motor vehicles are some of the major sources of VOC and NOx.

Now you know!

The image above is a view of the ozone layer over the south pole 11/16/07. Source http://www.nasa.gov/ (Purple center indicates ozone hole).

Star of Detroit's Auto Show

2009 Ford F-150

The centerpiece of the Ford display at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) was the preliminary look at the new 2009 Ford F-150. The award-winning truck has been redesigned for 2009 to provide even greater "Built Ford Tough" features, as well as a long list of innovative technologies.

Be sure to visit autoshows.ford.com or fordvehicles.com for more highlights of the year's auto show and this impressive new truck. Of course, keep an eye out for future posts too. I'll be bringing you much more F-150 info in the coming months.

Welcome!

Welcome to the official blog of Big Valley Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, located in Stockton, California. The focus of this blog is to provide news and commentary relevant to the automotive industry, particularly Ford, Lincoln and Mercury.

I know what you must be thinking...BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. Another blogger droning on and on about a subject only they find interesting. On the contrary, I didn't choose the car business, it chose me. I landed in this industry not by choice, but out of necessity. Translation...I needed a job! That was over 6 years ago and I've come to really enjoy it, finding it very interesting and those I work with some of the funniest and entertaining people I've ever met, nothing like the stereotypical "used car salesmen" we all dread.

Blogging is a relatively new concept to me. Oh, I'd heard of it, but thought blogging was only done by insomniacs furiously typing out commentary in the middle of the night, never to be appreciated by the outside world, except maybe other bloggers. In fact, my spell-check doesn't even recognize the word, wanting to change it instead to "bog" or "bogging".

So, writing this blog is definitely a new experience for me. It's a little reminiscent of my first drawing class. An entire sketch book full of blank pages, soooooo empty, waiting for me to put pencil to paper and create something beautiful, hoping I wouldn't run out of creativity mid-way through the course.

I hope you enjoy the information, news and commentary I plan on posting and I encourage you to post your own comments and feedback as well. So, without further adieu...