CNBC's Winners & Losers of 2009

Alan Mulally,CEO, Ford Motor

Mulally is in the winner's circle.

Read more at: http://www.cnbc.com/id/33278153/page/12/

Ford Fusion is top car; billionaire buys stock

By BRENT SNAVELY
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Photos and video Ford Motor Co. scored a hat trick on Tuesday. Motor Trend magazine selected the Ford Fusion midsize sedan as its car of the year. Billionaire financier George Soros revealed his investment arm has purchased $52.9 million in Ford stock. And, the company's stock price hit a 2year high of $9 per share before closing at $8.98 for the day.

"It's really gratifying to see that everybody is appreciating the Ford plan and the progress we are making," Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally said during a crowded celebration Tuesday, while sporting an arm sling because of recent shoulder surgery.

Mulally, who underwent surgery this month to fix a lingering tennis and golf injury, attended Motor Trend's award ceremony at Ford's world headquarters.

Mulally said the progress of his shoulder, like Ford, is ahead of schedule and said the Motor Trend Car of the Year award provides additional evidence of that progress.

About 500 employees attended the emotional ceremony, including hundreds who worked directly on the Fusion and proudly stood up to accept credit from Ford's leaders.

"It means so much to all the Ford employees," said Sonya Nematollahi, who was the engineering supervisor for the Fusion's instrument cluster and has worked for Ford for 19 years. "We had such a dedicated team that worked through Saturdays and Sundays and holidays."

Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend's editor in chief, said the 2010 Ford Fusion beat a field of nearly two dozen contenders that were put through intensive driving tests.

First introduced in 2005, the Ford Fusion was refreshed this year with a new engine, transmission and better fuel efficiency as well as a redesigned front end and interior.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, said better fuel efficiency was among the key improvements for the 2010 Ford Fusion.

Because of the improved fuel economy, Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said the 2010 Fusion has "really done a lot for our image, and it's done a lot for our sales and market share."

Since the redesigned Fusion was introduced in March, it has become the top-selling car built by an American automaker.

Top 2010 safety picks
The Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety named 27
vehicles as winners of its top
safety pick award for the 2010
model year. The award recognizes
vehicles that do the best
job of protecting motorists in
front, side, rear and rollover
crashes and have anti-rollover
technology called electronic
stability control, or ESC.

LARGE CARS
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

MIDSIZE CARS
AudiA3
Chevrolet Malibu (built after
Oct. 2009)
Chrysler Sebring (4-door with
optional ESC)
Dodge Avenger
Mercedes CClass
Su ba ru Legacy
Su ba ru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta (4-door)
Volkswagen Passat (4-door)
Volvo C30

SMALL CARS
Honda Civic (4-door with optional
ESC, except Si)
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza (except WRX)
Volkswagen Golf (4-door)

MIDSIZE SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

SMALL SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot (with optional side
thorax air bags)
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year: Ford Fusion

The Comeback Kid: Do-it-All Sedan is Reborn for 2010 and is Better, Smarter, Nicer, Prettier, Comfier, Leaner, Meaner, and Greener in Every Way
November 17, 2009 / By Matt Stone / Photography by Wesley Allison

n 1964, Motor Trend's Car of the Year award went to the entire Ford lineup, recognizing its combination of design, engineering excellence, and performance. In 1970, we gave the nod to the Ford Torino, which could be ordered in a wide variety of configurations. Forty years ago, buyers could choose from economical, six-cylinder-powered sedans to the dragstrip-ready 429 Super Cobra Jet fastback. These legendary winners had one thing in common: bandwidth. In the 1960s and '70s, this term wasn't yet part of popular lexicon. Today, the 2010 Ford Fusion's impressive bandwidth as a model range was one of the many factors that helped it earn the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

Want an economical midsize sedan that doesn't cost much, yet won't bore you to tears? Need to please your greener side with a high-tech hybrid? Fancy a near-sport sedan with AWD, 18-inch rolling stock, and the latest infotainment and electronics? Depending on which model you choose and how many option boxes you tick, the Fusion can be any of the above. Arthur St. Antoine calls the Fusion "a compelling sweep across one of the market's most hotly contested segments."

The original Ford Fusion came to market for the 2006 model year. The basics were there, but the car wasn't fully baked. For 2010, Ford's product teams gave the lineup a soup-to-nuts redevelopment so thorough, it's as if the first-generation car never existed. Only the passenger-shell sheetmetal and other basic architectural elements escaped being redesigned, upgraded, or replaced. Although a four-door sedan is the only body style offered, powertrain choices expand from two to four, and each is new or substantially revised. There are several trim levels offered as well: base S, upmarket SE, luxurious SEL, a separate Sport model, and a Hybrid. Early in this year's COTY program, there were quiet whispers, while heads nodded, about how the Fusion looked, felt, and drove like an entirely new machine.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/112_1001_2010_motor_trend_car_of_the_year_ford_fusion/index.html#ixzz0XRoFQoMB

A Customer's Testimonial on Ford Safety Sent to Mr. Allan Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company: FW: My New F-150

I recently purchased a 2009 For F-150 and I am writing you this email to praise the safety features of that vehicle that saved my life. I was recently at the Texas State Fair and was looking at the new Ford vehicles because we will soon be in the market for my wife a new SUV, and I told one of the representatives my story. They told me that I should send the pictures in to someone at Ford. I did a google search for contact info at Ford, and I am taking a guess at your email address from your name.

On May 9th, I was driving on south Interstate 45 from Dallas to Houston at 5 in the morning. It was pitch black outside and as I came over a small hill in the road, there were 6 cattle standing across the freeway. I was traveling 65-70 miles an hour and I did not have time to react and swerve away from the cows. I hit and killed 3 of the cows. I don't remember much of the wreck, but I do remember that I walked away from it. Once the police arrived on the scene, the were sure that anyone in the vehicle was surely dead. As every new officer and helping passer by came upon us, I was asked if I had checked on the people in the vehicle. They were surprised every time that I told them that I was the only one in the vehicle. They would ask how I was even standing after the wreck. I firmly believe that God put me in an F-150 exactly one week before the accident for a reason. The truck was totaled, and looking at the damage, I can see how anyone would not believe that I walked away from the accident. I had a twisted vertebrae, dislocated ribs, a concussion, and some burns from the airbag. All of that is fixable, and the one thing that I also have is my life. If I would have been in my previous vehicle, they said I would have been decapitated. On my F-150, the hood rolled back over the windshield and shielded anything from coming through it. The frame kept the cockpit in tact and overall, this truck truly performed the safety features to the max. No-one ever thinks of hitting 3 900 lb cows when they think of auto accidents, but your engineers and designers have put features into this truck that will save hundreds of lives, and I am sure glad they saved mine. My wife were married in March and this accident happened only 2 months after our wedding. Now we are expecting our first child, and I will only trust Ford vehicles with my wife and family in the future. I have attached a picture of the truck and I will say, the sales staff was fantastic in assisting me with getting a new 2009 F-150.

Thank You So Much,
J. Cross

Cash For Clunkers might be over but not at Hillcrest!!

Cash For Clunkers might be over but not at Hillcrest!! We are still getting people out of their “clunkers” and getting them into new cars.

The Cash for Clunkers program has created a huge need for even more trade-in vehicles and Hillcrest is taking all they can get.

So, if you missed out on the Cash for Clunkers program, come see us!! We will take your trade!!

Didn’t qualify for the Cash for Clunkers program? That’s OK. You can still find great deals at Hillcrest when you consider current manufacturer rebates and dealer incentives.

Manufacturer rebates still total in the thousands of dollars and our banks are still lending money to help our customers get financed. It’s a good time to be shopping for a new car at Hillcrest! We have Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Hyundai all under one roof.

Do you qualify? "Cash for Clunkers" - CARS (Cash Allowance Rebate System)

Commonly known as the Cash for Clunkers program, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is the government's new vehicle trade-in program and Randall Reed's Hillcrest Hyundai is your expert.

There are two cash vouchers that can be issued when a consumer purchases a new, not used, car. If the new car gets 4 miles per gallon more than their current car, you may qualify for a voucher of $3,500 toward the purchase of a new vehicle. If the increase is 10 miles per gallon, you may qualify for a voucher of $4,500 voucher toward the purchase of a new vehicle.

We will make it easy for you to receive your incentive, recycle your old vehicle and save on a new, high-quality Hyundai vehicle.

CLICK HERE to submit your trade information and desired new Hyundai vehicle information and let us help you figure out what rebate you may qualify for.

With many Hyundai vehicles eligible, we are confident you will find the model that fits your needs.

To be eligible for the program, you must trade-in a vehicle that meets the following criteria:

• Must have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in
• Must have a "new" combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less
• Must be in drivable condition and must have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in

Note: For some transactions, work trucks (very large pickup trucks and cargo vans) only qualify if they are 2001 model year or earlier.

In addition to the government incentive, you may also be eligible for additional Hyundai discounts. Contact us today to get your best deal at 866-879-9454.

RECOGNITION: San Jacinto Lodge #106

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PROUD SUPPORTER: 2009 Houston County Fair

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WINNER: 2009 Reader's Choice Award, Best New Truck Dealership

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PROUD SUPPORTER: 2009 Walker County Fair & Rodeo

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Congratulations Ford... 106 Years as an American Icon

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nos trató con el respeto y la dignidad

Sr. Pat (el Gerente general),
Mi familia y yo queremos dejar a cada uno saber que toda la gente en el Mercurio de Lincoln de Ford Hillcrest Hyundai nos trató con el respeto y la dignidad. Soy sincero cuando digo que las compras en Hillcrest eran una experiencia amistosa más bien mi familia que lo que esperé. Por favor acepte mi apreciación para su personal.

Julio G.

Sincere Efforts & Honesty

I am buying a Hyundai from Susan D. My husband and I have done a great deal of research and car shopping prior to this final choice. We have made this decision because of the sincere efforts and honesty Susan put into making the deal happen. She conducted herself professionally at all times while making us feel as if she was doing every effort to make us happy. We have (again) enjoyed our experience with your dealership and Susan D. @ Hillcrest Ford Lincoln-Mercury Hyundai.
Sasha B

expertise and knowledge

Dear Mr. Anthony G.,
Thanks for helping us purchase our dream car – an ’08 Lincoln Town Car. You gave us top dollar for our ’01 Town Car and were able to provide financing through Ford Credit. You have truly made our dreams come true. Your expertise and knowledge helped us make a decision that night. You made the price right and our payments affordable. We ill refer everyone we know, because of the pleasurable buying experience you gave us!
Erma & Roy F.

Pleasant and relaxing experience

Susan D. (at Hillcrest Hyundai, Huntsville, TX) has been very informative, patient and friendly during the process of getting our car. She has been answering all the questions, showing knowledge of the business. The purchase of our car has been a pleasant and relaxing experience. Thanks, Susan.
Ana & Jorge O

You won

My husband and I have tried to buy from Moore Henry and Hillcrest Ford for 25 years and I have never been able to deal with a local Ford place. We decided to try one more time. So we came here first to look.
You won out because you have the Hyundai dealership. You had a knowledgeable salesman who listened to our needs and met them with an offer that we were looking for. We appreciated no high pressure sales, a straight forward, professional person who made an offer and then it was our decision to buy or look elsewhere. We bought the Hyundai Tucson and we are very pleased with our purchase. We are, also, very pleased to be able to buy local and support our local economy. It was a pleasure dealing with Hillcrest Hyundai staff, especially Anthony G.
Thank you.
Melanie and Ben M.

Hillcrest Ford Lincoln Mercury Participates in the Ford Advantage Test-Drive Program Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Even in these difficult times, we believe it is important for our business to give back to the communities it serves. So thru June 1, 2009, Hillcrest and Ford are providing the opportunity to help raise up to $1 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure,® part of Hillcrest’s and Ford’s ongoing commitment to fight against breast cancer. As a 15-year National Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure,® Ford has dedicated more than $100 million in donations and in-kind gifts.

The Ford Advantage Test-Drive is a national program, available to all consumers in one of two ways.

1.) At Race for the Cure events, participants will receive a certificate redeemable for test-drives at Hillcrest Ford Lincoln Mercury.
2.) Certificates are also available for download at www.FordCares.com.

Consumers should bring the certificates to Hillcrest, take a test-drive and receive a special code (Dealer Sales Code e.g., 88A23). Once consumers have their special code, they then log into www.FordCares.com, type in the code, and Ford will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure on their behalf – to the Komen affiliate in the city of their choice.

Please join us at Hillcrest Ford Lincoln Mercury for the Ford Advantage Test Drive for the Cure event.

"beyond the call of duty"

Dale, you have gone “Beyond the call of duty” to help find the perfect car for me. Also, I want to express my appreciation for everyone who has helped. I am a happy person. Hillcrest Ford Lincoln Mercury Hyundai.

Shyra M.

helpful & informative

Susan was great. She was very helpful & informative. There was no high pressure tactics used, which was a great experience. I would highly recommend Hillcrest Hyundai and Susan as a sales person.

Brenda G.

Completely Satisfied

Dear Mark H.
Already, we have driven the first 11,000 miles on the Lincoln MKX you sold us in early July of '08, and I have to tell you we have been completely satisfied with our purchase in both the product and the service! We feel it is the perfect vehicle for us at this point in time, and would not have trouble recommending this vehicle to someone else.

Thank you for your excellent service in helping us to find an appropriate vehicle and with helping to make a completely satisfactory deal. Your service before, during and after the sell have really been beyond compare! It is nice to know that if, for some reason, we were not satisfied, that you would be there to help. Your attention to detail made it easy to purchase our car.

It is easy to see why you have been successful in the automobile business. You work very hard for your customers. I am proud to call you a great salesman, bet also a super friend! I am confident that when the time comes for us to buy another vehicle that we will come to you at Hillcrest Ford Lincoln Mercury Hyundai!

Thank you very much.

Dee E.

Something different

My wife and I had been driving Buicks for decades. We talked about buying a new car and trying something different. The Hyundai ads on TV caught our eye. So we mosied on down to Hillcrest Hyundai to take a look. Those folks treated us like gold. We're driving a Genesis and loving it. And that's all I need to say.

My experience was excellent.

Due to past experience, I would rather go to the dentist for a root canal than buy a new car. That all changed when I met Susan D at Hillcrest Ford Lincoln Mercury Hyundai.
I was greeted as I approached the door by a smiling face and a friendly voice. She introduced hereself and asked what she could do for me. I told her I was interested in looking at a new Hyundai Veracruz. She took me out on the lot and showed me all of the inventory. I told her what I wanted in the vehicle and she gave me all of the information I needed to make my selection. There was never any HARD sell or pressure on me to buy something I didn't want. I never heard her say "that can't be done or we can't do that". Everything I requested was answered with "we can do that or no problem". I decided on my selection and then we got to the numbers. This is where everything ususally goes South and the frustration begins. It didn't happen this time. Everything went very smooth and we came to a price we both agreed on.
The delivery took a little longer than usual due to locating the vehicle from another dealer and the add on's that I had selected. She kept me up to date several times while waiting for the car to be delivered.
Overall I would dsay my experience was rated as excellent. She is an asset to your company. I would recommend her to my family and friends. Please giver her on big ATTABOY or I should say ATTAGIRL.

Thank You

I was referred to Dale by my Grandpa. I loved the service I got. Dale was honest and reliable, made it all easy, and was a tremendous help. I would recommend Dale and Hillcrest Ford to anyone thinking about buying a new car. I don’t know much more to say than, “Thank you”.

NEWS: Special Tax Break Available for New Car Purchases This Year

IR-2009-30, March 30, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who buy a new passenger vehicle this year may be entitled to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase on their 2009 tax returns next year.

“For those thinking about buying a new car this year, this deduction may give them a little more drive to make their purchase this year,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “This deduction enables taxpayers to buy now and get cash back later on their tax returns.”

The deduction is limited to the state and local sales and excise taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle.

The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.

IRS also alerted taxpayers that the vehicle must be purchased after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010, to qualify for the deduction.

The special deduction is available regardless of whether a taxpayer itemizes deductions on their return. The IRS reminded taxpayers the deduction may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.

For more information go to: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205863,00.html