The snow has finally arrived in Grand Rapids, and the Borgman Service Center is here to help keep you on the road all winter long. There are a few things a lot of West Michiganders do when winter arrives, such as change over to snow tires, check their emergency kits, and more.

Rust & Corrosion Protection

This month, the Borgman Service Center is showcasing two other options available for the upcoming winter: professionally-installed rust protection, and smartphone-enabled remote start. These both make driving in our winter wonderland easier and are great gift ideas too! Read more about each below. Borgman Ford maintains a relationship with Great Lakes Chemical in Grand Rapids, MI. They are our trusted partner for professionally-applied treatments and coatings such as Diamon-Crystal for windshields, paint protectors, rust proofing, and more. Many of our customers choose one or more of their services when they buy a vehicle from us, but it’s not unheard of to have our service department handle it for you too.

Remote Start Systems

During the winter your vehicle’s body panels, subframe, suspension components and more are exposed to rock salt and other ice-melting solutions. Road commissions use these to chemically melt ice on roadways, and completely necessary for ensuring they’re as safe as possible. Salt mixes with the water in the ice to lower the freezing point, but it also makes the water more conductive. This faster transfer ions is what accelerates rusting, and it’s even more pronounced in salt substitutes. The underside of your vehicle gets the worst of it, and runaway rust can cause problems in your suspension, exhaust, and even brake lines! Frequently visiting the car wash can help, but adding an extra layer of protection to your vehicle will lock out salt water, stave off costly repairs, and dramatically extend the life of your vehicle.

The Borgman Service Center will be happy to handle the application of the latest in rust protection technology. We’ve teamed up with Great Lakes Chemical for this and other services. With their advanced process, there’s no need to drill holes into parts of your vehicle to apply the treatment, and it will not interfere with your manufacturer’s warranty. Using a specialized applicator, the technician will coat structural parts on the underside of your vehicle, as well as other areas that are prone to rust such as door sills. They will also “fog” the inside of your doors, quarter panels, trunk lid and seam, hood, and more. To for more information and a quote, visit the Borgman Service Center. Since the advent of fuel injection on the 90s and advances in motor oil, allowing your vehicle to warm up before driving it on cold mornings isn’t as necessary as it used to be. That being said, the jury is out on whether the extra emissions from idling outweigh the efficiency gains of a warm engine while you’re driving. At the very least, giving your vehicle about 5 minutes or so to warm up allows the climate control and defrosters to do their job, which makes you safer and more comfortable while driving.

Quality Service & Upgrades For Your Vehicle in West Michigan

There’s still the added inconvenience of waiting for the vehicle to warm up in the morning, after work, or while out and about during the winter. To make your experience with your Ford as convenient and enjoyable as possible, the Borgman Service Center offers Ford’s Remote Access kit and will be happy to install it on a compatible vehicle. This kit allows you to start your vehicle via your smartphone and includes other convenience features too, such as mobile alerts from the anti-theft system. To learn more and to see what solutions are available for your vehicle, visit the Borgman Service Center. Whether you’re thinking of adding upgrades to someone’s vehicle as a holiday gift, or need a vehicle health checkup before winter hits, visit the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids, MI for affordable offers and unparalleled customer service. We’ll review which solutions are compatible with the intended vehicle and lay your options out for you, but will never pressure you to buy. If you need a pre-winter check up, our trained technicians will carefully inspect your vehicle’s systems for cracked hoses, leaks, and other worn components – replacing them with the highest quality parts available at an affordable price. Visit our Service Center page and make your appointment online today. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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Here’s the Truck Weekend Lineup on HISTORY®:

Ford F-Series And History Launch Six-Hour Programming Event – ‘Truck Weekend In America’

Calling all West Michigan Ford Truck Fans! Be sure to tune in this weekend (or set your DVR) for “Truck Weekend in America” on the HISTORY® channel and presented by Ford. Borgman Ford is pleased to share this two day, six-hour programming event all about Ford trucks, including a tour of the factory, custom builders, truck vs. terrain competitions, and more. Check out the programming lineup below!

• “Truck Night in America” – Saturday, 8 p.m. EST
• “Truck Hunters” – Saturday, 9 p.m. EST
• “Born Tough: Inside the Ford Factory” – Saturday, 10 p.m. EST
• “Truck Night in America” – Sunday, 8 p.m. EST
• “American Restoration: Truck Edition” – Sunday, 9 p.m. EST
• “Trucks Transformed: Custom Culture” – Sunday, 10 p.m. EST
• “Rescue Trucks” – Sunday, 10:30 p.m. EST

A recent article published by Ford tells more – take a look at some excerpts below: Beginning Saturday, November 10, the HISTORY® channel and Ford F-Series are launching “Truck Weekend in America” – a six-hour prime-time programming event that puts the automaker at the center of original storytelling throughout the weekend. This first-of-its-kind collaboration highlights Ford’s truck legacy of toughness, heritage and performance.

Ford F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 41 straight years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 36 straight years.

“More than a century ago Ford put America on wheels, and today our trucks are a vital part of the way people work, play and live,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. “‘Truck Weekend in America’ is a tribute to the passion of our engineers as well as our customers, and to both the history and the future of the pickup truck.”

Borgman Ford: Grand Rapids’ Home For Built Ford Tough Trucks

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com or get a sneak peek of Truck Weekend here. Whether you’re inspired by the awesome lineup of Ford Trucks on the HISTORY® channel this weekend or want to drive something tougher than the West Michigan winter, Borgman Ford has over 100 different F-Series pickups to choose from. Take a look at our lineup and stop by our showroom anytime to test drive some of your favorites.

Our staff will be more than happy to help you compare the capabilities and options of two or more trucks on our lot to find the one that’s right for your needs, tastes, and budget. However, we will never pressure you into a sale, and will take the time to explain everything in front of you before you make a decision. If you see a better deal on a New Ford Truck somewhere else, show us and we’ll match it. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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While Borgman Ford is always interested in what Ford sends to SEMA and sharing the cool cars with West Michigan, this year we wanted to share this story that warmed our hearts. The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, an organization created by two parents to honor their late son, received a brand-new 2019 Ford Explorer support their care programs.

There are a number of ways the organization supports kids undergoing treatment for cancer, both physically and mentally, and one of them is something called Diversion Therapy. This is exactly what it sounds like: planned activities to help take patients’ minds off of their circumstances. In this case, they were working on upgrading the Ford Explorer with a hoard of donated parts from aftermarket companies. This adventure-ready SUV was taken to SEMA this year and will be auctioned afterward – with the proceeds going toward survivor support programs.

Check out the video below and read all about it in these excerpts from the Official Ford Media Center!

Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Kids Customize a Ford Explorer

This past summer Ford donated a brand-new 2019 Ford Explorer Sport to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for the kids to customize into an eye-catching show vehicle. The high-performance Explorer will be part of the Ford display at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. It features a custom leather interior, performance engine upgrades, a custom outdoor theme body wrap, Yakima rooftop rack and kayak mounts.

“Some kids got to work on the upholstery, some on the racks and some on the lights,” said Johnathan Myren, Austin Hatcher Foundation’s Industrial Arts Director. “It serves as a diversion from the things they’re going through, and we see progress in terms of their cognitive function and fine motor skills.”

A number of aftermarket suppliers donated parts and services for the build, including BFGoodrich®, Yakima, RIGID® lights, Paragon Wheels, Borla® Exhaust, Hypertech, Traxda and Wizards Products. Wastegate Technologies and Wrap Artists created and installed the custom wrap, with Top Notch Customs LLC and Fully Loaded Interiors providing powder coating and custom leather interior.

“I have to thank Ford Motor Company for allowing us to participate in this project,” said Jim. “It’s been awesome to see the kids working on this, and to hear the excitement in their voices when they finally got to see the finished product.”

To read the full article and to learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, visit Media.Ford.com.

About Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

Borgman Ford has always been a family owned and operated company serving West Michigan. Since we opened our doors in 1960 and every day since we operate on the golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. That’s why we’re proud to represent Ford, a company heavily invested in creative, philanthropic efforts.

If you’re searching for a New Ford or Pre-Owned Vehicle in West Michigan, visit us any time to see our selection. Our staff will make sure all of your questions are answered, but will never pressure you into a sale. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Grandville High School to test drive a New Ford!

During the Ford Drive 4 UR School Event on Saturday, October 20th, lots of people in the community came over and took a New Ford out for a spin. For every person who did, Ford pledged $20 to the band program, and an extra $10 if they went out again in the New Ford Fusion. Your support really made a huge difference!

To date, Ford “Drive 4 UR” events have helped schools and community organizations all across the country raise over $35 million dollars for their associated causes. For more information, visit FordDrive4URcom.

Thank you again to everyone who came out and made the Drive 4 UR event a huge success. The weather cooperated with us for most of the day, and met so many nice people. We loved seeing some familiar faces stop by too! Together, we really made a difference to further music education in the Grandville community.

We hope to see you all again next year, and Go Dawgs!

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Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids is cheering on Ford after their huge celebration in Wayne, MI this week. This event marked the start of production on the 2019 Ford Ranger, a hotly-anticipated revival of the popular midsize pickup truck.

Ford Celebrates Production Start Of All-New 2019 Ranger Midsize Pickup And A New Era For A Storied American Factory

This celebration marks not only the Ford Ranger’s return but the beginning of a new generation of Ford vehicles, as the upcoming 2020 Ford Bronco will be produced here as well. Ford invited plant employees, journalists, UAW Union representatives, and others to drive pre-production Ford Ranger trucks around an obstacle course in the parking lot. It looked like a lot of fun too – check it out in the GIF below and read on for some excerpts from Ford’s Official Media Center! For Michigan Assembly, a sprawling 369-acre plant in Wayne, Mich., which opened in 1957 building station wagons, the start of Ranger production marks a new era. The factory is set to build two high-profile vehicles again in the Ranger and all-new Bronco as American appetite for pickups and SUVs continues to grow.

Ford has invested $850 million to build exciting new vehicles at Michigan Assembly Plant, including the all-new Ranger for North America and the highly anticipated new Ford Bronco, scheduled to begin production in 2020.

“The revitalization of the Michigan Assembly Plant and renewed production of the Ford Ranger is another exciting chapter in our state’s comeback story,” Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said. “This is also an opportunity to look toward its promising future with production of the all-new Ford Bronco on the horizon. I thank our partners at Ford for investing in Michigan and contributing to the Motor City’s legacy as the automotive capital of the world.”

Ranger is designed for today’s midsize truck buyer who blends city living with off-the-grid adventure. The midsize pickup will deliver utility, capability and technology those customers want and need.

“We have been waiting for this day for a long time,” said Michigan Assembly Plant Manager Erik Williams. “The Ranger is back home in the U.S., and our employees at Michigan Assembly Plant are thrilled to be able to build it for our customers.

Pre-Order Your New Ford Ranger at Borgman Ford Today!

Read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com. If you want to be one of the very first in West Michigan to drive the All-New 2019 Ford Ranger, visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today and get your order in! Our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff would be happy to show you through the ordering process and help you determine which configuration of the Ford Ranger is right for you. One of the benefits of ordering early is you get to pick and choose features, colors, fabrics, and more. Plus, when the 2019 Ford Ranger arrives in West Michigan in February, yours will be one of the first in line, reserved, and ready to roll.

Beat the rush and pre-order your 2019 Ford Ranger at Borgman Ford today. Check out our Ford Ranger info page to read more about the truck, and then Contact Us or visit to get yours into the queue. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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We imagine a good number of West Michigan Ford Performance fans know what carbon fiber is, or at the very least what it looks like. It’s commonly found as a trim option in Ford vehicles with sport packages because of its widespread use in motorsports. Though purely aesthetic in this case, carbon technology has seen widespread use in aerospace, performance racing, and more recently in consumer goods because of its ultra light weight and incredible durability.

The ‘carbon’ in carbon fiber is simply graphite (the same stuff that’s in pencil lead,) which is just trillions of sheets of carbon atoms stacked on top of each other. A single, one-atom-thick sheet of perfectly-arranged carbon atoms is called graphene, and it’s been one of the holy grails of nanomaterial since it was first isolated in 2004. Though the potential applications are immeasurable, it hasn’t seen many practical applications because it’s difficult and expensive to produce. Recently this has begun to change.

Ford has recently managed to overcome those hurdles. With the help of Eagle Industries and XG Sciences, Ford found a way to introduce graphene into various coatings and foams used under the hood of Ford vehicles, boosting their strength and heat dissipation. Long story short, it was a rousing success and soon West Michigan Ford drivers will enjoy quieter vehicles with better-protected engine components. It is expected to go into production this year and will be included in the New Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang with more vehicles to follow.

Cell Phones, Sporting Goods, And Soon, Cars: Ford Innovates With “Miracle” Material, Powerful Graphene For Vehicle Parts

An article on the Official Ford Media Center tells more about how it was developed – check out some excerpts below! It’s in cell phones and even some sporting goods – and soon, for the first time in automotive, it will be under the hood in Ford vehicles. Ford Motor Company is announcing the use of graphene – a two-dimensional nanomaterial – in vehicle parts.

Dubbed a “miracle material” by some engineers, graphene is 200 times stronger than steel and one of the most conductive materials in the world. It is a great sound barrier and is extremely thin and flexible. Graphene is not economically viable for all applications, but Ford, in collaboration with Eagle Industries and XG Sciences, has found a way to use small amounts in fuel rail covers, pump covers and front engine covers to maximize its benefits.

“The breakthrough here is not in the material, but in how we are using it,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader, sustainability and emerging materials. “We are able to use a very small amount, less than a half percent, to help us achieve significant enhancements in durability, sound resistance and weight reduction – applications that others have not focused on.”

In 2014, Ford began working with suppliers to study the material and how to use it in running trials with auto parts such as fuel rail covers, pump covers and front engine covers. Generally, attempting to reduce noise inside vehicle cabins means adding more material and weight, but with graphene, it’s the opposite.

Shop High-Tech New Ford Vehicles at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

Keep reading on Media.Ford.com. If you’re searching West Michigan for a vehicle with the latest tech, both under the hood and in the cabin, visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today! With nearly 400 New Ford Vehicles to browse, there’s a vehicle here that suits your needs, tastes, and budget. Take a look at our New Ford Inventory and stop by anytime to go on a test drive! If you want to put one through the paces of your daily routine, ask us about our Day Trader Program and swap rides with us for a full day.

If you have any questions, our friendly and courteous sales staff is here to help. Learn more about Borgman’s Fair Trade Deals and come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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2019 Ford Ranger Production Begins December 2018 – Arrives in West Michigan in February

The wait is almost over: the 2019 Ford Ranger goes into production very soon and pre-orders are now open at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids! If you’d like to be one of the very first in West Michigan to drive the all-new Ranger, visit today and talk to one of our experts about features, trims, and pricing. The 2019 Ford Ranger will begin to ship to dealers in February 2019.

All-New Ford Ranger Is Adventure-Ready With Best-in-Class Payload, Gas Engine Torque And Towing Capability

If you’d like to know a little more about the New Ranger, the Official Ford Media Center recently posted an update about just how capable and tough the new truck really is. Learn more about the payload, towing, and power of the mid-sized pickup in the excerpts below: It’s almost here. As the 2019 Built Ford Tough Ranger nears production, Ford announces its all-new midsize pickup for North America will deliver best-in-class payload, gas torque and towing capability.

“Think of Ranger as the biggest and most capable backpack for your gear,” says Rick Bolt, Ford Ranger chief engineer. “With 1,860 pounds of maximum payload, Ranger can haul nearly a ton of gear to enable your next adventure.”

Anchored by a high-strength steel frame and robust solid rear axle with Hotchkiss suspension, Ranger can conventionally tow more than any gas engine truck in its class – 7,500 pounds when equipped with the tow package and a trailer brake controller.

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Pre-Order Your New 2019 Ford Ranger at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

If you’re one of the many truck fans in West Michigan eagerly-awaiting the arrival of the New Ford Ranger, visit our showroom in Grand Rapids to place your order. Doing this now will ensure that your new truck will be among the first to arrive in Grand Rapids, and is built to the exact configuration you’d like. Our friendly and highly-knowledgeable staff would be happy to assist you.

Take a look at this 2019 Ford Ranger Fact Sheet. If you’re looking for a Ford Tough Truck today, Borgman Ford has one of the largest selections in the West Michigan area, and our team can match you with one that fits your needs and your budget. Take a look at our New Ford Truck Inventory and if you see something you like, ask about our Day Trader Program and test drive it for a full day. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Deduct up to $1,000,000 in 2018 Equipment Purchases

This time of year, many business owners throughout West Michigan will be meeting with their accountants to discuss 2018 taxes. In some cases, they find some money left on the table in their Section 179 deductions. When this happens, many will come to Borgman Ford Commercial to expand their fleet and make sure their 2018 deductions are fully-utilized.

What Is The Section 179 Deduction?

Section 179 is a part of the IRS Tax Code that allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of equipment from their taxes, as long as that equipment is purchased and put into service during that tax year. This deduction was added to help small to medium-sized business grow, better-serve their clients, and stimulate the economy. For more information, talk to your accountant, tax preparer, or visit IRS.gov.

Can I Use Section 179 For Work Trucks & Vans?

Yes you can, but just take note of a couple of things: For 2018, the deduction limit is $1,000,000, and the vehicle must be ready for work and in your motor pool by December 31st, 2018. The business must be the owner of the vehicle, and there are limits and guidelines regarding personal use.

Do I Have To “Pay In Cash” To Get The Deduction?

Nope. Actually, it can be more profitable to lease or finance your new commercial vehicle because the amount you deduct will almost always be more than your cash outlay for the year.

What is the Best Source of Information About Section 179?

There is a wealth of information on the IRS website including articles and downloads of all the forms you need. However, the best people to talk to are your accountant and your tax professional, as they’ll know how all of this applies specifically to your business’s finances.

Ready To Add Ford Work Trucks & Vans To Your Fleet?

Remember, many other businesses in West Michigan are going to be reviewing their deductions as well, so beating the 4th Quarter rush is key!

To get started, check our Ford Commercial Inventory, our job-ready Work Truck Inventory, or visit the Borgman Ford Commercial Vehicle Center to explore your options with our highly-knowledgeable staff.Call Scott Gibbons (616) 706-3205, Tod Tobin (616) 710-2209, or Contact Us by email today!

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The Borgman Service Center is committed to serving all of your automotive needs. This includes ensuring your vehicle’s safety features are performing their absolute best.

Being able to see clearly through your windshield is pretty important, especially since rain, snow, and foggy mornings make driving conditions a little more dangerous. The problem is, it often isn’t something we think about until it becomes an issue.

Choosing The Right Wiper Blades

There are two fairly simple and inexpensive approaches you can take to ensure maximum visibility during a West Michigan rain or snow storm. In this Borgman How To, we’ll be taking a look at high-quality wiper blades and windshield treatments, comparing them, and helping you determine which is right for you. Windshield wiper blades seem simple, but there are a few things to consider here, including the material the blade is made from and the construction of the assembly. Some wiper manufacturers will use natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or coated rubber on their blades. While there isn’t a huge difference in performance, synthetic rubbers like silicone will last much longer than natural rubber but will cost more. Blades coated with Teflon or graphite present a happy medium – costing somewhere in the middle while granting the benefits of silicone blades. Other blades might use a mix of natural and synthetic rubber too.

The construction of the blade assembly also plays a part. Lightweight frames will make your wiper motors happy, while clever designs will create downforce as air moves over them, which keeps them effective at high speeds. The frame also ensures that the pressure on the blade stays even across its full length – preventing streaks.

Diamon-Fusion Windshield Treatments

Choosing which wiper blade is best for you is purely a preference versus cost question. For example, Motorcraft makes three different types of wiper blades. One that’s an excellent all-season wiper blade, a more premium wiper blade with specialty coatings and wear indicators, and a wiper designed specifically for winter. While having operational wiper blades on your vehicle is an absolute must, windshield treatments like Diamon-Fusion coating are elective. Whether or not you think they’re necessary is entirely your call. However, it’s worth noting here the major benefit of having your windshield coated: you’ll use your wipers less, especially during those “will it actually start raining or won’t it?” moments.

Droplets of water “stick” to your windshield because the surface of the glass isn’t perfectly smooth – at least not on a microscopic level. This texture gives the droplets a surface to hold on to in a sense, so what Diamon-Fusion does is help smooth these out. After treatment, raindrops bead up and roll right off the windshield while the vehicle is moving. This eliminates the need to constantly adjust your wiper interval during intermittent rain.

The coating is 100% transparent, improves windshield clarity, and is guaranteed to never yellow or blister. It guards against chips and haziness and helps reduce nighttime glare too. For more information, visit us and ask about Diamon-Fusion application and other services provided by our friends at Great Lakes Chemical.

Some will opt for the DIY approach with these treatments, and that’s fine. In our experience though, these often need to be reapplied every few weeks. The Diamon-Fusion treatment is much more permanent, and has the benefit of their proprietary formula and professional application.

Which Solution Is Best For West Michigan Drivers?

Determining which of the above solutions is best is based entirely on your preferences. Our job is to show you what’s available for your vehicle and help you make an informed decision. During the fall and going into winter, we generally feel that customers see more value in premium wiper blades than in the late spring and summer.

The tradeoff to consider with wipers is that inexpensive ones cost less to install, but will make more noise and wear more quickly. The more premium blades are quieter and will perform better for longer. Adding a windshield treatment will protect your windshield glass and help your blades last longer, but should be thought of as a supplement rather than a solution.

No matter what your automotive needs may be, the Borgman Service Center is here to help. Stop by for a visit or Schedule Your Next Appointment Online. We’ll listen to your needs, make sure all of your questions are answered, and help you make informed decisions about your vehicle. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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The New 2019 Ford Edge ST has started rolling into West Michigan, and Borgman Ford can’t wait to see auto enthusiasts get behind the wheel of this thing. Boasting 335 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, the Edge ST screams up to 60 mph in under 6 seconds and has proven to be the fastest ST-badged vehicle to date.

To celebrate the launch of this exciting sports SUV, The Official Ford Media Center has put together a 7-minute mini-documentary about the Edge ST and the ST brand in general, broken into 3 videos on YouTube. We’ve embedded them for your convenience below, or you can head over to Media.Ford.com to see each accompanying write-up. Enjoy!

   

New 2019 Ford Edge & Edge ST: Now Available at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids

West Michigan SUV shoppers and enthusiasts alike can find the latest and greatest iteration of the Ford Edge at Borgman Ford! The 2019 Edge has just started to ship, but we’ll be getting more and more inventory in the coming weeks. You can see our 2019 Ford Edge Inventory online, or please feel free to Contact Us if you’d like to custom-order exactly what you want. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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