Welcome to the Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury Blog

Ford’s SYNC AppLink Brings Android and BlackBerry Apps to Your Car

2010-04-28T12:51:00.001-07:00

Today Ford is releasing SYNC AppLink, a downloadable software upgrade for Ford SYNC systems that will allow hands-free voice control of popular applications for the BlackBerry and Android smartphones. The first car to get SYNC AppLink support will be the 2011 Fiesta, available later this summer.

Back in January, Ford announced the next evolution of the Ford SYNC system, MyFord Touch. When MyFord Touch was announced, Ford also said it would support third-party mobile applications for a seamless connected experience. This is exactly what the SYNC AppLink does.

Pandora (Pandora), Stitcher and OpenBeak are the first SYNC-enabled mobile apps that will be available. Using AppLink, BlackBerry and Android (Android) users can access and control their applications using their voice and in-dash car controls, rather than having to connect a phone to an line-in jack and fumbling with the phone while keeping an eye on the road.

Furthermore, Ford is launching a new Mobile Application Developer Network so that Android and BlackBerry developers can build in SYNC support for their applications. The possibilities for this sort of integration are tremendous. Just imagine the potential of leveraging a geolocation app with an in-dash navigation system!

Check out this video that shows Ford SYNC AppLink in action with Pandora and Stitcher:While there are adapters that you can purchase to better integrate the Pandora and smartphone experience for third-party head units, this is one of the most seamless examples of app-to-phone integration that we’ve seen on the factory level.

Check out an extended demonstration of Pandora using SYNC AppLink:This technology will debut with the Ford Fiesta 2011 this summer in the U.S. AppLink will roll out to other models in the SYNC ecosystem next year. By fusing the connected car and the mobile phone, Ford is bringing a whole new level of synergy to the SYNC system.

What do you think of SYNC AppLink? Let us know!

How to get turn by turn directions with Ford SYNC

2010-04-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

If you have just purchased a new Ford Taurus, you may have noticed the new SYNC feature. SYNC is a GPS built right into your dashboard. If this is your first time using a global positioning system, you may need a few pointers. Check out this video and learn how to access step by step directions and get where you need to go.

You Will Need

* 2010 Ford Taurus with SYNC

Step 1: Get directions

Rely on SYNC for detailed directions. Simply say “Services” to dial into the voice-activated network, and then “Directions.” Then, just speak your destination. The system provides spoken, turn-by-turn directions over the audio system. It can also access a location you’ve already programmed.

Step 2: Find a place without an address
If you’re heading to a business but don’t know its exact address, just say the name, and SYNC will point you in the right direction. You can even search for a type of business near your current location, and SYNC will offer the closest options.

Step 3: Get the lay of the land

Bypass traffic, avoid road closures, and get the lowdown on detours with personalized updates. Just say “Services” and then “Traffic,” and you’ll receive a real-time report broadcast over your vehicle’s audio system. You can also set personalization features to text you traffic alerts for destinations that you program in beforehand. Knowing about potential hazards beforehand can save you time and aggravation.

Step 4: Stay connected

Stay connected with personalized weather conditions and forecasts, news updates, and sports reports — all using easy voice commands. You never know what might affect your route.

Step 5: Stay safe in an accident

Stay safe. In the event of an accident, SYNC automatically contacts 911 when the airbag is deployed so the vehicle’s occupants can communicate with the emergency operator.

Step 6: Drive with confidence Wherever you’re headed, set out secure in the knowledge Ford can help you get there — quickly and safe!

Ford F-150, Edge, Explorer To Get EcoBoost Engines

2010-04-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Ford said Monday it will add its popular turbocharging system — EcoBoost — to three more engines by the end of 2010, with the F-150 also getting the blower for its V6.
Ford also said that by 2013, it expects to be producing approximately 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally, about 200,000 more than originally expected.
Plans call for an EcoBoost engine to be available in 80 per cent of the company’s global nameplates and 90 per cent of North American nameplates. About half of the 1.5 million EcoBoost engines are expected to be sold in North America, while the rest are to be sold in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific regions.
The next three EcoBoost engines include:
1.6-litre four-cylinder that will be offered in the European C-Max people mover.
2.0-litre four-cylinder for the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV and Edge CUV.
3.5-litre V-6 for the F-150. Ford engineers have upgraded the 3.5-litre V-6 for rear-wheel-drive applications. The EcoBoost F-150 is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy along with the power and towing capability of a V-8.
“We are trying to get in front of the pack in leveraging EcoBoost for fuel economy,” said Dan Kapp, Ford’s director of powertrain research and advanced engineering. “It’s going to be a trend in the industry, and we can’t rest on our laurels for one minute. We are going to keep wringing more efficiency out of EcoBoost.”
The three new engines will increase the number of global nameplates available with EcoBoost to 11. EcoBoost is available now in the Ford Flex and Taurus and Lincoln MKS and MKT.
EcoBoost technology combines direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and cut vehicle weight, while giving drivers the performance of a bigger engine.

Ford brings back "Swap Your Ride" with 0% financing, $1,000

2010-04-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

Ford has some good news if you've been eying its products and happen to drive a vehicle from another manufacturer. The company's "Swap Your Ride" campaign is back in full swing, and will run wide open until the end of next month. All you have to do to qualify for zero-percent financing and a $1,000 trade-in bonus is simply hand over the keys to your old set of wheels.

Expect to see a new slew of ads featuring Mike Rowe on your television promoting the incentives soon. And come visit us here at Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury to Swap Your Ride!!

LET YOUR VOTE BE HEARD!!

2010-03-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury invites you to let your vote be heard!. Cast your vote for the best-selling midsize sedan: Ford Fusion

Alan Mulally interviewed by Joe Courrege at Randall Reed's Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury

2010-03-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

Alan Mulally, President & CEO of Ford, provides insight on the brand's growing success.

Ford Announces – Receive $1000 Extra for Your Import Trade-In

2010-01-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

Customers that currently own or lease a 1995 or newer Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Scion or Acura car, truck or SUV who trade-in or have a lease expiring by June 30, 2010 will receive $1,000 toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2009 or 2010 model Ford, Lincoln or Mercury car, truck or SUV. Call us for complete details.

More Accolades For Ford

2010-01-18T07:54:00.001-08:00

Ford vehicles are chosen over all other makes by Americans every day and it's simple to see why. Below are some of Ford's most recent accolades:

- The Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, is the Motor Trend Car of the Year and named to Car and Driver magazine’s "10Best" cars for 2010 list

- The Transit Connect was named the Truck of the Year by the Detroit News

- The EcoBoost V-6 and Fusion Hybrid 2.5-liter I-4 engines were named to Ward’s 10-best engine list

- The Ford F-150 is closing in on its 33rd consecutive year as America’s best-selling vehicle

- Get your sneak preview of the Mustang Unleashed at www.youtube.com\fordmustang

CNBC's Winners & Losers of 2009

2009-11-27T08:14:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

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 MotorTrend Car of the Year: Ford Fusion

2009-11-21T08:50:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-14T16:58:00.001-07:00

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

2009 Ford Focus has it all – safety, fuel economy and technology and now a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2009-07-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Ford's smallest North American car, the sporty two-door Focus, has a new award to add to its list of reasons to buy – a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Features that helped the 2009 Focus earn the rating include six standard air bags, standard ABS and available stability control. With fuel economy up to 35 mpg, Focus also will be among the first vehicles to offer MyKey™, which encourages safer teen driving by allowing parents to program limits like top speed and radio volume when their teen is driving.

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

2009-07-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

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 Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury 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 Ford Lincoln or Mercury vehicle.

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

Or CLICK HERE to research your trade with Ford.

With many Ford Lincoln and Mercury 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 Ford Lincoln or Mercury discounts. Contact us today to get your best deal at 888-542-8955.

Congratulations Ford... 106 Years as an American Icon

2009-06-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Click on the image below to read the article.

Randall Reed’s Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury Participates in the Ford Advantage Test-Drive Program Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

2009-05-07T16:56:00.001-07:00

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, Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury and Ford are providing the opportunity to help raise up to $1 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure,® part of Park Cities’ 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 Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury.
2.) Certificates are also available for download at www.FordCares.com.

Consumers should bring the certificates to Park Cities, 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. Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury will match donations – up to a total of $1,000.

Please join us at Park Cities for the Ford Advantage Test Drive for the Cure event.

Car shoppers turn increasingly to Ford. It's gaining notice by avoiding bailout help.

2009-04-09T13:16:00.001-07:00

BY BRENT SNAVELY • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • April 9, 2009

Evidence is mounting that the few customers who are shopping for new cars and trucks in this tough market are increasingly turning to Ford Motor Co. because it hasn't asked for federal aid and is perceived as healthiest of the Detroit Three.

Craig Lahti, 32, of Wixom grew up in a "GM family" but purchased a Ford Focus last month.

"It was largely due to the fact that they've managed their business affairs better, in my opinion," Lahti said. "Not only ... did they not take the loans, but just seems that they are heading down the right road."

General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have accepted $17.4 billion in federal loans and are now struggling to meet the terms mandated by the federal government in order to receive additional funding. Ford, in contrast, decided in December not to ask for federal loans, even though it reported a record $14.6-billion loss for 2008.

Since then, Ford executives and dealers have been pushing the message that "Ford is different," which seems to be resonating with customers.

Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Ore., said his research shows that the percentage of people who list Ford as a top brand to shop increased 12 points during the first quarter of this year compared with last year.

"It indicates that Ford really dodged a bullet," Spinella said.

Spinella said Ford is mostly attracting buyers who previously preferred to buy GM and Chrysler vehicles, but are worried about the possibility of those companies filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Last Friday, Tustin, Calif.-based AutoPacific said only 3% of Americans participating in a recent online survey were unaware that GM and Chrysler had received billions of dollars in federal loans. It also said 72% of respondents were more likely to buy a Ford vehicle.

Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said the number of visitors who shopped for Ford vehicles during the first three months of the year increased 12% compared with the same year-ago period. Meanwhile, the number shopping for GM and Chrysler vehicles declined 19% and 15%, respectively, during the same period.

Despite the positive research about Ford, the company continues to struggle. In March, Ford U.S. sales of new cars and trucks declined 40.8% compared with the same month a year ago. Industry-wide sales, by comparison, showed a decline of 36.8%.

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

2009-03-31T15:31:00.001-07:00

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

Park Cities Ford Achieves Ford Motor Company's Highest Honor - The 2008 President's Award

2009-03-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Park Cities Ford is proud to announce the distinction of being awarded Ford’s 2008 President’s Award. Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury is the largest and most prestigious Ford Dealer in metropolitan Dallas.

Ford Motor Company's President's Award is reserved for only the best. Every year, this award is given to dealers who provide their customers with a first-class experience throughout the life of their Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle.
The President's Award recognizes Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealerships that have made a commitment to consistently deliver exceptional sales, service and vehicle ownership experiences to their customers.

"We are very proud to receive this kind of recognition. I couldn't be more proud of our entire staff. They're the reason we were able to achieve this award." says Randall Reed, President of Park Cities Ford Lincoln Mercury. "Making sure our customers are happy is what everyone at Park Cities Ford strives for. It takes real teamwork to make it happen. From the person who answers the phone to our Sales Consultants, Technicians, Office staff, Parts and Body Shop staff, everyone plays a part in providing our Superior Customer satisfaction.”

Ford Benefits as GM, Chrysler Stumble

2009-03-06T14:58:00.001-08:00

FEBRUARY 20, 2009
By MATTHEW DOLAN
(See Correction & Amplification below.)

Ford Motor Co., which hasn't taken a dime of government bailout loans, is benefiting from the troubles of its two cross-town competitors in Detroit, General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC.

GM and Chrysler are required to seek cost concessions from the United Auto Workers union under the terms of their federal loans. That allowed Ford to open parallel talks with the UAW, which has a history of working out the same conditions at each company.

This week, Ford and the UAW reached an agreement to cut pay for laid-off workers, ease work rules and eliminate wage increases tied to the cost of living -- two days before GM and Chrysler reached the same deal.

At the same time, while GM and Chrysler have been hit with a steady stream of negative news -- including growing concern they may need to file for bankruptcy protection -- Ford has been having more success at luring away its competitors' customers. Ford's share of the U.S. retail market rose in each of the past four months, while GM's and Chrysler's fell, Ford said.

In January, 45% of Ford buyers turned in cars or trucks of other manufacturers, up from 38% in August, according to Edmunds.com, an auto-shopping Web site. Meantime, the "conquest rate" for GM's Chevrolet was 43% last month, down from 49% in August, and for the Chrysler brand, the conquest rate was 60% last month, down from 67% in August, according to Edmunds. "That's a sign that there is something definitely going on for Ford," said Jesse Toprak, an analyst at Edmunds Inc.

For some domestic-car buyers, the bankruptcy talk has been enough to cause them to defect to Ford. John Grassi of Warren, Mich., recently turned in his leased Dodge Grand Caravan minivan and replaced it with a Ford Fusion.

"The future of GM and Chrysler certainly played a part in my decision," said Mr. Grassi, 50 years old, who works for Warren's parks and recreation department. "Ford seems to be the most sound in terms of staying solvent. I mean, you look at your warranty and you want that warranty to be good." Still, Ford has many challenges.

Edmunds's Mr. Toprak said the company is "weighed down" by the perception of many consumers that it is in the same boat as GM and Chrysler. All auto makers are suffering from the recession and credit crunch, which have sent sales plummeting. In January, Ford's sales were down 40%. And the company continues to post huge losses, including $5.5 billion in the fourth quarter, which are eating up its cash.

Ford isn't assuming its trend of recent market share increases will continue. "This market provides limited opportunities.

You can't will yourself to higher sales," said Ford sales analyst George Pipas.

Ford has told the federal government it doesn't need loans for now, mainly because it raised about $23.5 billion in 2006 by mortgaging almost all of its plants and assets. The company said it had $13.4 billion in cash as of Dec. 31. Its credit lines dried up in January.

So far, GM has won $13.4 billion in loans from the Treasury Department, and this week asked for as much as $16.6 billion more in a revitalization plan it was required to give the government. Chrysler has received $4 billion and has asked for $5 billion more.

The UAW concessions reached this week could save the auto makers hundreds of millions of dollars a year -- for Ford, a windfall from its rivals' struggles. The union agreement "was styled in such a way to benefit all three companies," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said in an interview Thursday with Detroit radio station WWJ.

The terms of the government loans also require GM, Chrysler and the union to work out a way for the companies to put less cash and more stock into trust funds to cover the cost of health care for retired union workers. That has opened the door for similar talks at Ford, although no agreements have been reached yet.

The terms of the government loans also require GM, Chrysler and the union to work out a way for the companies to put less cash and more stock into trust funds to cover the cost of health care for retired union workers. That has opened the door for similar talks at Ford, although no agreements have been reached yet. Ford also is believed to be seeking concessions from its bondholders and dealers, also required by the loans given to GM and Chrysler.

Ford has been less forthcoming about the state of these negotiations. But Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally said during an earnings call last month that "I really believe from the ongoing conversations that we are having with all the stakeholders and the U.S. government that as we go through this and we continue to take the actions that we need to take that we will not be disadvantaged."

Meanwhile, Ford seems to have made headway with customers as both GM and Chrysler nearly ran out of money over the past few months. In Centerline, Mich., Bob Thibodeau said he's noticed more owners of other makes shopping at his Ford dealership. "We have certainly seen a lot more cross-shopping in recent months like we've never seen before," he said.

Ford also may be seeing more customer traffic because it just launched a redesigned version of its F-150 pickup truck, the top-selling vehicle in the country, and its finance arm is healthier than the lenders GM and Chrysler work with, GMAC LLC and Chrysler Financial. Write to Matthew Dolan at matthew.dolan@wsj.com Corrections & Amplifications

Ford Motor Co. had $13.4 billion in cash as of Dec. 31, 2008, but still had $10.1 billion in lines of credit. A previous version of this article implied that its last credit lines had also been drawn down by that time, a move that did not happen until January.