Two Thumbs Up for the 2013 Ford Escape! #GoFurtherATL

I'm still 'over the moon' excited that I had the opportunity to partner with Ford to test drive the new 2013 Ford Escape! This SUV is not only fantastic, but features really awesome technology that made me feel safe traveling around the city with our two boys, Roland and Joshua. 

As a busy mom on the go, having a spacious and safe car is a true dream! When searching for a new car, safety should always be the top priority. 

Last month, was Driver Distraction Month which is driving while engaged in other activities such as, using a cell phone, texting, eating, or reading. Thousands of people die each year because people continue to use their cell phones while driving. The technology in the Ford helps you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Although, I didn't have a chance to pick you up for a ride in the 2013 Ford Escape, I wanted to share these great safety features:

• Do Not Disturb feature: When hooked up to SYNC, this new feature blocks incoming phone calls or text messages from a Bluetooth®-paired mobile phone, diverting calls into voicemail and saving text messages on the device for viewing later. But unlike turning the phone off, drivers can still make voice-activated outgoing phone calls and the SYNC 911 Assist™ feature can make a call in case of emergency.

• SYNC with MyFord Touch offers multiple ways for customers to manager and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel and touch screens. Upgraded system includes new look, making phone, navigation, entertainment and climate controls even easier to use 
  

Seeing the 2013 Ford Escape for the first time!

Ford Do Not Disturb on MyKey

• With Active Park Assist, parallel parking is virtually stress-free and hands free 

• BLIS (Blind Spot information System) with Cross Traffic Alert – displays an alert in the side mirror when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot. Cross-traffic alert warns if traffic is detected approaching from the sides, such as when Escape is leaving a parking space in reverse

• Curve Control – the first Ford SUV to automatically slow the vehicle when it is cornering too fast.

Doesn't that sound awesome to you? Plus the Escape has the hands free liftgate which makes transporting sporting gear and packages a breeze for moms-on-the-go. Our oldest son saw the trunk pop open on it's own and screamed, "magic."

Test drive a 2013 Ford Escape! There are several great dealerships in the area! 

Malcolm Cunningham

5675 Peachtree Industrial Blvd  Atlanta, GA 30341

(770) 455-7673

Wade Ford

3860 South Cobb Dr SE  Smyrna, GA 30080

(888) 341-1477

Allan Vigil Ford

6790 Mt Zion Blvd  Morrow, Georgia 30260

(877) 752-9953

Come back and share your experiences! For additional information, please visit: http://www.ford.com/suvs/escape/?hptid=fv-suv-rtn-sch-escape-img

Me & "Blueberry"

Ford Motor Company: Demonstrating Intelligent Vehicle (IV) Technology Event

Wouldn't it be great if cars could "talk to each other" to avoid accidents? Today Ford Motor Company offered future safety technology demonstrations featuring Intelligent Vehicle (IV) technology, at Atlantic Station.

Ford is in a partnership with the US DOT and other auto companies to develop the technology, but Ford is the first company to have prototype vehicles. IV technology uses advanced Wi-Fi to warn the driver impending danger.
For example:

• You're in traffic. The car that is 2 vehicles in front of you brakes, but the fellow immediately in front of you doesn’t. Intelligent vehicle technology warns you with an audible beep and flashing red lights reflected on the windshield. You avoid rear-ending the guy ahead of you.
• You stop at a traffic light…your light turns green, you look and begin to pull out…but a car that was obscured suddenly runs the stop light on a course to collide with you. You are warned (as above) with sufficient time to stop and avoid collision.
• Advanced Wi-Fi can combine with GPS systems via smart phones to help drivers avoid congested areas and find an alternate route.

I rode with the demonstrators, including Mike Shulman, Ford’s Global Driver Assistance and Active Safety technical leader, who explained the technology during the demonstration. This is technology that all manufacturers will be pursuing from the encouragement of USDOT.

This technology is real, and it's fascinating to observe. I'm thrilled that I had the opportunity to participate and attend this event. I'm excited about the great work that Ford is doing to protect drivers and passengers. This vehicle-to-vehicle technology should be on the road in the next 5 to 10 years.