Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Archie's Special Video's for the Month of September
We have a littl surprise for all of you Mustang Lovers! We've found some really neat commercials that were aired on national T.V.. Mustang Lovers will see some commercial history in the videos above. I have them in order. Have Fun..
Sincerely,
Mike Weiland
Archies Internet Mgr.
http://billingsford.com
http://archiesfordstore.com
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Ford and Archies Challenges Consumers to 'Swap Your Ride"

By: Jon Hewett Ford Communications Network
DEARBORN, Sept. 10, 2007 - Ford is inviting consumers to "Swap Your Ride" as part of a new advertising campaign that follows the experiences of competitive-make vehicle owners who did just that, agreeing to drive a Ford for one week.
Ford went undercover to find out what would happen if people who own other brands of vehicles were to get behind the wheel of a Ford.
In all, 90 competitive vehicle owners from New York, Dallas, Miami and Los Angeles agreed to evaluate one of 11 Ford vehicles, including a Ford Fusion, Focus, Mustang, Taurus, Edge, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Expedition, Expedition EL, F-150 or F-Series Super Duty during a week-long test drive.
The subsequent "Swap Your Ride" television commercials, which take their inspiration from the reality TV phenomenon, feature candid feedback from people who thought they were test-driving vehicles for market research.
"When consumers experience a new Ford vehicle for themselves -- especially when they haven't driven one of our products lately -- it's almost always an eye-opening experience," said Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Marketing. "In 'Swap Your Ride,' real people tell this story in their own words."
"Swap Your Ride" participants were asked before and after their test-drive experience whether they would be open to purchasing or leasing a Ford vehicle in the future. The results: Purchase consideration following consumers' week-long product evaluation doubled to nearly 80 percent.
Since the debut of the Fusion Challenge campaign with the help of Car and Driver in January, Ford broadcast, print and digital ads have emphasized the strength of its products versus the competition. "Swap Your Ride" is the latest to embrace that third party marketing approach.
"It really takes the credibility of a third party, in this case having actual people share their experiences, that we believe makes 'Swap' so effective," said Kim Cape, communications manager for Ford Division marketing and sales. "We're letting consumers speak candidly about our products."
The campaign is backed by an offer of up to $1,000 "Swap Bonus Cash" through Oct. 1 on most 2007 and 2008 model year vehicles in addition to all existing retail and lease offers.
The first of 28 "Swap Your Ride" television commercials, including Spanish-language ads, began airing this week. Print executions in USA Today and in major Top 25 market newspapers will debut Friday, Sept. 7.
The All New Ford Focus 2008
Two engines to choose fromThe ’08 Focus comes with a choice between two engines: the 2.0L I4 Duratec 20 and the Duratec 20E—which qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). In fact, the 20E is cleaner than some hybrid gas-electric vehicles. And because going green is on everyone’s mind these days, you should know that the 20E engine also yields just 20% of the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions of an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). That’s a huge advantage if you’re keeping tabs on your personal carbon footprint.
Redesigned suspensionThe suspension on the new Focus has been redesigned to further improve overall driving dynamics. The basic suspension features an independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink design out back for maneuverability and plenty of bump-absorption.
We know that’s way too much info for some of you and really not enough for others, so why don’t we wrap it up with: Focus gives you performance and handling that’s just plain tight.
PS: Don't forget about the Focus 100,000-mile/5-year Powertrain Coverage.* *60,000 mile/5-year Powertrain Limited Warranty and Extended Service Plan. Deductible applies in Florida. See dealer for details.

Hey Ford, What's Syn My Ride mean? CLICK HERE
Ford and Microsoft has teamed up to give you the ability to use your automobile as a tool! What does that mean?

Generation Y – which includes approximately 57 million people born between 1981 and 1995 – is the first group of car buyers that has grown up online, which means staying connected to friends and music while on the go is no longer a trend. It’s part of everyday life.
Dr. K. Prasad Venkatesh, group and technical leader with Ford’s Infotronics Research and Advanced Engineering department, says Sync puts Ford at the front of automotive connectivity, but the market is not standing still.
“The automotive user-experience, especially as it related to information services and entertainment, is in a state of rapid metamorphosis,” says Prasad. “Today’s user-experience is being defined by personalized digital content and information – anywhere, anytime.”
This content includes cassette players (which are on their way out, he says), CD players, DVD players, satellite radio, digital audio and video, text messaging, ring tones, games, navigation systems, e-mail, and others. There’s also telematics, such as roadside assistance or concierge services.
Ford organizes this content in three categories: built-in, brought-in and beamed-in.
“Given this new cast of actors and the maturity of enabling technologies, users now expect to sit in an automobile and have their brought-in devices and beamed-in services harmoniously integrate with the built-in interfaces in their car,” says Prasad. “The automotive user experience is being redefined.”
Enabling technologies include terms that seemed like science fiction just 10 years ago – just like such terms as high-speed Internet, USB, WiFi, TiVo and satellite are all becoming common in homes and businesses.
“Just as it’s unthinkable today to have a stand alone personal computer, perhaps the day is not far when the ‘move alone’ automobile will be considered an experience of the past,” says Prasad. “With the increasing presence of brought-in devices and beamed-in services, the effective computing and communication capability of the automobile is clearly on the rise.”
Even without brought-in and beamed-in elements, the computing and network communications ability of a vehicle’s built-in system is complex. A Ford F-150, for example, has 20 electronic modules, 50 sensors, 40 actuators and 3 networks. Luxury automobiles have more than 70 electronic modules.
Software and computing power are used for mission critical functions, such as safety and powertrain, plus comfort and convenience features, including climate control and heated/cooled seats.
As new versions of the software for Sync are rolled out, customers will be able to download updates from either a Web site or a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
“With such an increase in computing power inside cars in just the past few years, the computing and communication capability of tomorrow’s automobile might begin to approach what’s available in our networked office environment today,” says Prasad. “Right now, Sync effectively combines the car with a user’s cellular phone and portable music device, and it does so at a very affordable price point. We are speaking to the most connected and smartest consumers out there. With Sync as the foundation as we go forward, the possibilities for future user-experiences is limitless.”
Friday, September 07, 2007
Roderick Dotson from Baltimore Police Dept. Joins Archies
Roderick comes to Archie Cochrane Ford by way of Baltimore, Maryland. Roderick, has served our nation in The United States Marine Corps, and has worked in Baltimore City Government and the State of Maryland for 27 years serving it`s communities in a variety of ways. CLICK HERE to read on... Plus, listen to a song that he wrote and sang! It's really neat...
August Salesman of the Month

Joel Bechtold comes back to us after taking a month off and look where he is #1! Joel has been with Archie Cochrane Ford for several years. He's from the Baker area and all who know him love his laid back approach of dealing with customers. Joel has vast amounts of product knowledge and his customers count on him to know it. He's always excellent about finding his customers exactly what they need. Joel makes it a point in knowing what his customers need for the job. The last thing he wants is to do is sell the wrong vehicle. He prides himself in repeat customers and taking the leg work out of your research. Give Joel a try if you haven't found a salesman you can stay with for your first and future purchases.
You've seen him here before! Mitch Petty one of our best! He's just a fun guy to be around and I promise you that you'll experience an excellent sales experience. Customers just love this guy. Mitch just flat out makes the sales process easy! Why? He cares about his customers and takes his time. One thing that customers really appreciate about Mitch is that he stays in touch with everyone after the sale. He truly cares about his past sales and depends on them in the future. Once you've done business with Mitch, I promise you you'll stay with him. Mitch comes to us from managing the old "Garts Sports" He's a very talented person and we are extremely lucky to have him with us. For those of you that have done business with him, take a second and congratulate him. He deserves it...
Last but not least, Mr. Terry Johns places third! As quite of you know, Terry is awesome! Here's a guy that has been with Archie Cochrane Ford for 7 years. He continually places in the top three most every month and First for the year too. He's our top guy every year. It's really hard doing what this guy does for most sales people. For Terry, it's just part of his personality. Most salespeople only dream of being able to do what Terry has accomplished. He works hard but most of his sales process is just being himself. Terry is an honest, hard working, caring guy. Terry still does things the old fashioned way and his clients love it! Being able to rely on him at Archies is what people appreciate most. He's been here for a long time and they know that he'll be here for them whenever they just drop by. Stop on in and have a cup of coffee with Terry! If you get a chance, just congratulate him on a job well done. It's seldom salesman hear it from their customers, but these three guys really deserve it
Sincerely,
Mike Weiland
http://billingsford.com/
http://archiesfordstore.com/
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Top Salesman for the month of July 2007

It's official! The top salespeople at Archie Cochrane for July are:
Chuck Rouse-1st place
Tom O'tremba-2nd place
Terry Johns-2nd place
Mitch Petty-3rd place
What's it take to become one of these guys at our dealership? It takes a lot more than just selling the most vehicles. It takes determination, time, patience, and a will to commit everything that you've got into serving your customers. These guys are honestly some of the best guys we have and it's my honor t present them to you.
Chuck Rouse is one of those guys that is always willing to make something work out for his customers. Chuck has been in the business for a long time and knows that any fly by night salesman doesn't cut it in this business. He and the others listed here know that you have to move the extra mile to earn anyones business nowdays. With the internet and so many other tools a salesman has to stay sharp.
You've probably seen Tom O'tremba and Terry Johns before! Both these guys hustle and get things done. Click on their profiles above and learn a little about them.
Mitch Petty has only been here a year and has done an outstanding job for us at Archies. Mitch is a laid back guy that loves to get to know his customers. One thing I've personally noticed is that he's always customizing the car deal for his customers. Some people just like doing things their way and Mitch tries to accommodate his customers to where the feel least threatened. Car salesman aren't like they used to be folks. Come in and visit with these guys and you'll see for yourself. These guys follow up with their customers and most importantly, "take care of them"
Until Next Month!
Mike Weiland
Internet MGR.



