Watch out – there’s a new sheriff in town and he’s packing a high-performance engine, all-road capability and police-calibrated brake system. Meet the Ford F-150 Police Responder truck, the first of the industry’s kind. The F-Series of trucks are super sellers for Borgman Ford in metro Grand Rapids, so we know just how unstoppable the quality-built F-150 can be. Add to that rugged build a pursuit-rated capability of 100 miles per hours with a a powerful and efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine and Ford SelectShift® 10-speed transmission, plus four-wheel drive for all-terrain police performance, and let the chase begin. The truck offers 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque – more than any other pursuit-rated police vehicle.

Based on the F-150 FX4 off-road model, the Police Responder’s 145-inch wheelbase sits on a high-strength steel frame, and features Ford’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy SuperCrew body – giving it the largest passenger volume, payload and towing capacity of any pursuit-rated police vehicle. The truck features best-in-class front and rear shoulder and hip room, as well as rear legroom.

“Ford’s 2018 F-150 Police Responder is the perfect all-terrain law enforcement vehicle,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford’s police brand marketing manager. “Aside from its industry-first on-road pursuit capability, this purpose-built pickup can comfortably seat five, while providing capability in off-road patrol situations for officers in rural environments patrolled by sheriff’s departments, border patrol operations and the Department of Natural Resources.”

Additional F-150 Police Responder performance enhancements include a police-calibrated brake system with upgraded calipers and pad friction material, upgraded front-stabilizer bar for improved braking and handling and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. An upfit-ready interior features a column shifter with center-seat delete, heavy-duty cloth front seats with slim bolsters and anti-stab plates, vinyl rear seating and heavy-duty vinyl flooring for easy cleanup.

A high-output 240-amp alternator is included to support on-board electrical devices, along with a police-calibrated speedometer, and engine hour and engine idle hour meters. Underbody skid plates protect the truck from curbs and rough terrain. A standard class IV hitch gives F-150 Police Responder best-in-class towing capability of 7,000 pounds.

F-150 Police Responder joins the broadest lineup of law enforcement vehicles in the industry. From its Police Responder Hybrid Sedan – the first pursuit-rated hybrid police vehicle – and market-leading Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility, to the Special Service F-150 and Expedition, Special Service Police Sedan and Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle, Ford offers the right vehicles for a variety of law enforcement needs.

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Build & Configure a Ford Transit as Unique as Your Business

One of the most customizable vehicles that Borgman Ford Commercial offers to businesses in West Michigan is easily the New 2017 Ford Transit. Saying that it serves as a utility vehicle or a passenger van is a gross oversimplification, as the choice of three roof heights, three lengths, three engines, two wheelbases, and the sheer number of upfitting options allow it to be dialed right into whatever job you need it to do.

Below, we’ve pre-configured three Ford Transits to suit three distinctly different jobs that need doing around Grand Rapids and West Michigan: a Utility Van, a Shuttle, and a Delivery Van. Scroll down to see some of the features we selected to help you get started:

2017 Ford Transit Utility Van

This type of configuration is ideal for Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Cooling, Telecom, and more. Here’s what we put together:

2017 Ford Transit Van with medium roof height, 148″ wheelbase and 3.7L V6 Engine – The emphasis here was creating a van that’s large enough and powerful enough to haul all of the tools, parts, and other equipment from one job site to the next.

We added an ABS plastic partition between the cabin and the rear bay and included a lightweight, modular and smart shelving system from Knapheide called ShelfStaxx. They also make handy interchangeable boxes that lock into Shelf Staxx, helping with efficient equipment and tool organization. Hooks, lashing rails, shelf dividers, cable reel and hose holders further customize the space for better productivity. Beyond this, you can add ladder racks, roof racks for things like extra pipes, folding shelves, and more.

Check 2017 Ford Transit Inventory

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2017 Ford Transit Shuttle

Whether you’re providing a shuttle service across town or across the country, the 2017 Ford Transit performs admirably. Here’s how we built this one:

2017 Ford Transit Wagon with tall roof height, 148″ wheelbase with a body length of 264″. This is the largest configuration available for the Ford Transit which allows for up to 14 passengers plus a driver to stand comfortably inside the vehicle. It also provides best-in-class 100.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the last row, side curtain airbags, and standard aisle seating. We also added Ford SYNC 3 for intuitive navigation, connectivity, and entertainment for your passengers.

Check 2017 Ford Transit Inventory

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2017 Ford Transit Cargo Van

If you’re in the business of moving cargo or making deliveries, the 2017 Ford Transit does sterling service with ample space, power, and efficiency. See how we achieved this below:

2017 Ford Transit Van with medium roof height, 148″ wheelbase with a body length of 238″. We equipped the van with the Ford 3.2L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engine for added power and efficiency and chose the sliding side door for easy loading and unloading.

Adding a partition is a smart move for safety reasons, but it also reduces noise and isolates the climate control to just the cabin. Other handy upfits for cargo include collapsible shelving, non-slip flooring, cargo nets, hanging racks, bins, and more. We also added Ford Telematics by Telogis to help fleet managers monitor logistics, efficiency, and more.

Check 2017 Ford Transit Inventory

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Build Your Perfect Transit & Put It To Work in West Michigan

What role can a well-equipped Ford Transit fill in your motor pool? Whether one of the configurations above meets your needs, or simply gave you an idea of where to start, contact the experts at Borgman Ford Commercial to get started. We’ll work closely with you to build the ideal vehicle for your business at a price you’ll love. Come see why so many businesses in Grand Rapids and West Michigan choose Borgman Ford Commercial for all of their work truck and fleet vehicle needs!

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2018 Ford F-150: Coming Soon to Grand Rapids & West MI

Borgman Ford has been keeping a trained eye on the upcoming 2018 Ford F-150, and this latest bit of news reveals that the new Ford truck will the lightest, strongest, and toughest yet. Sometime this fall, the New 2018 Ford F-150 will arrive at Borgman Ford and Borgman Commercial, bringing with it 5 different engines to choose from!

This is especially great news for West Michigan businesses that are looking for more flexibility when choosing a truck, weighing out power and efficiency. Plus, if you’ve been keeping your fingers crossed for a diesel Ford F-150, those will arrive at our dealership in Grand Rapids next spring!

Below, we’ve included an excerpt from the news story from the Ford Media Center about the new truck’s engines, including a chart that compares their power to last the gen’s engines. Here are some details about the new engines:

For 2018, F-150 introduces an even smaller, more efficient 3.3-liter V6 that adds dual port and direct-injection technology to deliver more power and torque than the previous 3.5-liter V6, plus improved projected EPA-estimated gas mileage – a win-win for customers.

Aiding in light-weighting, the standard 3.3-liter V6 in the 2018 F-150 is projected to offer a 5 percent power-to-weight ratio improvement versus the steel-bodied 2014 F-150 equipped with 3.7-liter V6 – with better anticipated fuel efficiency and performance.

With advanced dual port and direct-injection technology, the all-new second-generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost® engine delivers a 25 lb.-ft. increase in torque, and at lower engine speeds compared to a traditional V8. Like the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost that debuted last model year, the 2.7-liter will be paired to a segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission for 2018.

The 5.0-liter V8 also is enhanced for 2018. This naturally aspirated engine brings significant upgrades including advanced dual port and direct-injection technology for 10 more horsepower and 13 ft.-lb. of torque. In addition, the engine features spray-on bore liner technology featured in the high-performance Mustang GT350, all to squeeze out even more weight from the aluminum block.

For the first time, the V8 is paired with a Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy will be announced closer to market availability.

F-150 adds an available all-new 3.0-liter Power Stroke® V6 diesel – designed, engineered and tested in-house – paired with the 10-speed automatic. The first diesel engine offered for F-150 will be available next spring.

2018 F-150*	3.3-liter port fuel direct-injection V6	2.7-liter EcoBoost V6	5.0-literTi-VCT V8	3.5-liter EcoBoost V6	3.5-literhigh-output EcoBoost
Horsepower	290 @ 6,500 rpm	325 @ 5,000 rpm	395 @ 5,750 rpm	375 @ 5,000 rpm	450 @ 5,000 rpm
Improvement versus 2017	+8	No change	+10	No change	No change
Torque	265 @ 4,000 rpm	400 @ 2,750 rpm	400 @ 3,850 rpm	470 @ 3,500 rpm	510 @ 3,500 rpm
Improvement over 2017	+12	+25	+13	No change	No change

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

Borgman Ford – Your Home For Ford Trucks in West Michigan

If you’re looking for a capable and dependable New Ford Work Truck in Grand Rapids, visit Borgman Ford at 28th and Ivanrest to browse our huge selection of Ford F-150 Pickups. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure that all of your questions are answered, and that you’re matched with a truck that’s suited for the job. If you’re shopping for trucks for your business, we invite you to visit our Commercial Vehicle Center for even more savings and benefits. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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So the saying goes in West Michigan: if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes. Sometimes it can be pretty funny, but when you’re driving along I-96 and some severe weather develops right over your head – not so much.

Because the beautiful weather in West Michigan can sometimes turn ugly out of nowhere, Borgman Ford has put together a list of driving tips from MyFordMag.com that can help. The best thing you can do in heavy rain is to pull over and wait it out, but just in case that’s not an option, here are 7 driving tips for navigating a bad rainstorm:

1. Slow Down

The first thing you should do is slow down. This will give you more control and more time to react to other vehicles, tree limbs, or other debris in the roadway. You will need both time and control when it’s raining heavily, as the road gets pretty slippery and visibility is limited.

2. The Start of the Storm Can Be Dangerous

When the rain first starts, moisture mixes with the oil on the road and makes everything slippery and dangerous. Heavy rains will eventually wash the oil away—but that’s when you have to worry about hydroplaning, which is when your car loses contact with the road and almost feels as though it’s floating.

3. Hydroplaning? Take Your Foot Off The Gas.

If you find yourself hydroplaning, keep calm, take your foot off the gas and steer in a safe direction. Avoid hydroplaning by slowing down, turning off cruise control and avoiding sudden braking and turns.

You’re more likely to hydroplane on non-grooved asphalt roads than ribbed concrete —particularly if there are tire ruts worn into the asphalt. Also, avoid any areas on the road where deeper water collects.

4. Do Not Attempt to Drive Through Deep Puddles

Puddles can hide some pretty big potholes, so try to drive around them if you can while being mindful of vehicles in adjacent lanes.

Do not drive in areas that are flooded or have moving water. Deep water can wreak havoc on your electrical system and engine. As little as a foot of water can float some vehicles, and two feet of rushing water can sweep vehicles away, including SUVs and pick-ups.

5. Turn On Your Headlights

With heavy rain comes dark skies, so turn on your headlights, but don’t use your high beams. The extra light will refract against the water droplets – making visibility worse. Plus, other drivers will thank you too.

6. Flip On Defrosters & Set A/C or Heat to “Fresh Air”

Turn on your defrosters to reduce fog on your windows, and set your air conditioner or heater to the “Fresh-Air” setting instead of “Recirculate.”

7. Keep Your Distance

Giving yourself enough time to react and stop is going to be key. Maintaining a safe following distance from the traffic ahead is a good practice anyway, but sudden braking can send you into a tailspin in heavy rain.

The spray from trucks or large vehicles can also obscure your vision, so keep your distance or try to pass them if it becomes safe to do so.

Whatever The Weather – Drive With Confidence

Being prepared is another important part of staying safe on the roadway – especially during heavy rains or other severe weather. If it’s been a while since your vehicle has been looked over, Schedule An Appointment with our Service Center to make sure your wipers, tires, brakes, and headlights are in good shape and working properly.

If you’re looking for a dependable, safe, and West-Michigan-friendly vehicle for your adventures, visit Borgman Ford today and check out our lineup of capable Ford Vehicles. Our friendly sales staff will answer any questions you may have, including any about the safety features that come with your favorite model. Come see what makes Borgman Ford the Best in the West!

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Inspiring Future Innovators in Michigan

Borgman Ford is proud to represent a company that puts so much effort into inspiring Michigan’s next generation of innovators. Recently, the Ford Motor Company Fund collaborated with Detroit Public Schools Community District and Experience Aviation to help students with the ultimate science project: building their own working 1965 Ford Daytona Coupe.

The objective was to get kids involved with STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and give them the confidence to pursue careers in those fields. Students built the iconic racecar from almost 1,000 parts and inside of a span of 18 weeks.

This article published on Media.Ford.com tells more:

More than 50 Detroit high school students gathered Friday to unveil a unique class project – a 1965 Ford Daytona Coupe.

The assignment – in which students assembled a working vehicle from nearly 1,000 parts – is the culmination of a learning experience created by Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with Detroit Public Schools Community District and Experience Aviation.

The hands-on project taught vital skills, and provided students an up-close look at how science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics come together in a modern work environment, increasing awareness of technology-based career opportunities.

“Ford is proud to be a part of a collective effort to help Detroit Public School Community District students prepare for careers in STEAM,” said Shawn Wilson, multicultural manager, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Students who are inspired to learn are better prepared to reach their full potential in academics and in life.”

Students from the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Breithaupt Career and Technical Center spent the past 18 weeks assembling the car. It features a Ford 306 engine that delivers 350 horsepower, a Ford TK5 transmission and a new independent rear suspension – all provided with support from Ford Fund. The car was designed by Factory Five Racing Inc.

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

Borgman Ford Serving Grand Rapids & West Michigan

Borgman Ford proudly serves Grand Rapids and West Michigan with capable and reliable Ford vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a family car, SUV, or truck, feel free to stop by for a visit. Our friendly staff maintains a no-pressure sales environment and will make sure all of your questions are answered. Looking for a cool new sports car for your next adventure? Check out Borgman’s lineup of Ford Performance vehicles here and visit us for a test drive!

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Borgman is pleased to share with Ford fans in Grand Rapids and West Michigan that the Ford Foundation is opening a new office in the Motor City. After moving from Detroit, MI to New York City back in 1953, the Ford Foundation was better-equipped to advance human welfare both within our country and across the developing world.

Now, after 64 years, the Ford Foundation is opening a new office in Detroit and has hired Kevin Ryan, a Detroit native, as the office’s program officer. This article by Chad Livengood and published on Crain’s Detroit Business tells more about the new location, Kevin Ryan, and what this could mean for Detroit’s future.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

The Ford Foundation is establishing its first presence in Detroit since leaving the Motor City in 1953 as it ramps up a major initiative to invest in affordable housing in the city where it was founded 81 years ago by Edsel Ford.

The New York-based international foundation announced Wednesday it has hired Detroit native Kevin Ryan from the New York Foundation to be its new Detroit-based program officer.

“[Ryan] will be working from Detroit and working with grantee partners there so we don’t have to have staff parachute in and out,” Ford Foundation President Darren Walker told Crain’s. “I think it’s important because having someone close to the ground, someone working in the city, is a more effective way to do our work.”

Ryan comes to Ford Foundation after 14 years at the New York Foundation, where he managed a portfolio of grants for New York City community organizations.

Walker’s decision to plant an employee in Detroit is the latest effort he’s made to rebuild the foundation’s ties to the city where its endowment was first generated from the estates of auto baron Henry Ford and his son, Edsel, who chartered the foundation in 1936.

In June 2015, Walker brought the foundation’s annual board meeting to Detroit, the first since 1948, following the Ford Foundation’s unprecedented $125 million contribution to the “grand bargain” deal that settled Detroit’s historic bankruptcy and shielded the city’s art collection from creditors.
The Ford Foundation’s Detroit program officer will be charged with overseeing the $15 million in grants the foundation is making in Detroit annually, the most of any U.S. city, Walker said.

That total is in addition to its $8.5 million yearly payment to the bankruptcy “grand bargain” fund used to boost Detroit’s municipal pension funds and shield assets of the Detroit Institute of Arts from ever being sold.

You can read the full article by visiting CrainsDetroit.com, or learn more about the Ford Foundation by visiting their website.

Stay up to date with Borgman Ford

Want to stay up to date on the latest Ford news and updates? Keep an eye on this blog for company news, vehicle reviews, and other helpful articles for Grand Rapids and West Michigan auto shoppers and enthusiasts. You can also sign up for our email newsletter here!

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Head to Head: Comparing the Ford F-150 and the Ford F-250 Super Duty for Tough Jobs in West Michigan

If you’re looking for a strong, capable work truck in Grand Rapids, MI, Borgman Ford has one of the widest selections of Ford work trucks in the area. However, there are many different configurations to choose from, and considerations have to be made based on what jobs the truck will be doing, any upfits you will need installed, and fuel economy.

Below, we’re putting the 2017 Ford F-150 and the 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty head-to-head to help you decide which is the better fit for your business or your summer project.

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Which Truck Has Better Engine Options?

The Ford F-150:

The 2017 Ford F-150 sports 4 different gasoline engines to suit a variety of different roles. First up is the highly-efficient 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with Automatic Start & Stop technology, following with the 3.5L V6, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and the 5.0L V8. The V8 may be upgraded to accept alternative fuels.

The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty:

The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty has two engines: The 6.2L Gasoline V8 and the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel. The 6.2L may also be upfitted to accept alternative fuels.

The Verdict:

Both trucks have purpose-built solutions to solve different problems. Those looking for more options and moderate power should seek the F-150, while those that need an absurd amount of torque or prefer to use diesel fuel should consider the F-250 Super Duty.

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Which Truck Hauls & Tows More?

The 2017 Ford F-150:

When properly equipped, the 2017 Ford F-150 is able to two up to 12,200 pounds conventionally, which is considerable for a truck in the “half-ton” segment. It can also carry up to 2,210 pounds on its back.

The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty:

Thanks to its fully boxed high-strength steel frame and other innovations, the 2017 F-250 Super Duty is capable of towing 21,000 pounds when properly equipped – even more with the 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch prep package. The Super Duty also can haul up to 7,630 pounds.

The Verdict:

There’s a clear winner here, and it’s the Super Duty. However, both trucks outperform others in their weight classes with smart towing accessories and driver-assist features – many of them are class-exclusives. The F-150 has the highest payload in its class, and the Super Duty takes home best-in-class towing, payload, and GCWR.

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Which Truck is More Fuel Efficient?

The 2017 Ford F-150:

All thanks to innovations and breakthroughs in weight savings, turbocharging, and engineering, the Ford F-150 will get anywhere from 18 to 24 miles per gallon, with a little more or less depending on load and driving habits.

The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty:

Pound for pound the 2017 Ford Super Duty outperforms the competition in terms of fuel efficiency, while at the same time beating them at power. That’s a winning combination, but not against the more nimble Ford F-150.

The Verdict:

The Ford F-150 wins this round, but it was close when compared to the Super Duty’s 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel.

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Which Truck is the right choice for my business?

The 2017 Ford F-150:

Packed with driver-assist features, engine options, and more, this truck will handily perform any task suited for half-ton pickups. It can haul a moderate amount of material to job sites, and there are some light upfits available. This truck is durable, incredibly versatile, and an ideal choice for an everyday service calls around West Michigan. If the need arises for some heavy lifting, it can definitely hold its own, but its greatest advantage over the Super Duty is fuel efficiency.

The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty:

Loaded up with new heavy duty parts for 2017, the Ford F-250 Super Duty had made excellent use of the weight savings from its aluminum-alloy body. Despite being fully engineered for abuse and capable of some impressive feats of strength, the Super Duty weighs in about 300 pounds lighter than its predecessor, which saves on fuel costs. The number of upfit options for the Super Duty is immense, with packages for snow plow trucks, utility vehicles, cherry-pickers, tow trucks, and more. The Super Duty is much more capable and customizable than the F-150, but the trade-off comes out of its acquisition and operating cost.

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Whether you need the versatility of a “half-ton” truck like the 2017 Ford F-150, or the sheer strength of a “three-quarter-ton” such as the 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty, visit the Borgman Ford showroom in Grand Rapids today! If you’re buying vehicles for a business, be sure to visit our Commercial Vehicle Center for more in-depth information about upfits and deals exclusive to our commercial customers. Browse our full Ford F-Series Work Truck Inventory and feel free to stop by for a test drive!

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Did you see that new Ford commercial where the New 2017 Ford Focus magically parallel parks itself? If not, you can watch the funny 30-second clip using the video player below. However, if you’d like to see this magic maneuver up close, come on in and try it out!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wIeQVvKjt_4%3Frel%3D0%26controls%3D0%26showinfo%3D0%3Fecver%3D1

About The Ford Active Park Assist Feature

Downtown Grand Rapids is a busy place these days and finding a parking spot can be a challenge. In some cases, you’re going to have no choice but to parallel park your vehicle. Since executing this maneuver is not universally accepted as “easy,” Ford’s Active Park Assist feature seeks to make it quick and simple for drivers. You can even have a little fun wowing your passengers like the guy in the video too.

When you switch the system on, sensors in your Ford will check the right side of the car for a suitable space and alert you if it finds one. When prompted, simply shift into reverse and take your hands off the wheel – your car will handle that part, all you have to do is control the speed. Once it’s done, it’ll let you know to shift into park. Easy peasy.

To test drive a New Ford vehicle with the Active Park Assist feature and to try it out for yourself, visit our showroom in Grand Rapids for a test drive! Our friendly staff will show you this and other neat driver-assist features that are available in New Ford vehicles. To see our full Ford inventory, Click Here!

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Tackle West Michigan’s Wilds in the New Ford Escape from Borgman Ford

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the unofficial beginning and end of summer, folks all over West Michigan load up their vehicles and set out for the open road. Many go camping up north, some spend a week at a cottage near a lake, others may drive up and down the West Michigan Lakeshore trying to find the perfect beach. Wherever your summer adventure might take you, the journey begins at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI – home of the versatile new Ford Escape.

The fun, capable, efficient, and safe Ford Escape is packed with features that make it ideal for long trips around the Great Lakes, but it also does sterling service as a family vehicle. The same features that allow it to ably navigate the dirt and gravel trails of the UP keep it steady in the winter, the cargo space for camping gear works just as well for the kids’ sports equipment or groceries, and the fuel efficiency that saves you money year round also helps keep Michigan beautiful.

Ready to make one memorable escape into the wilds of West Michigan? Read more about the new Ford Escape and feel free to visit the Borgman Ford showroom in Grand Rapids for a test drive!

• Powertrain
• Interior
• Safety Features
• Customize Your Ford Escape
• Start Your Adventure

The New Ford Escape Powertrain

Three Capable & Efficient Engines Built for Michigan

The new Ford Escape comes with your choice of three capable engines. First up, the 2.5L features independent variable cam timing (iVCT) provides just the right balance of power and efficiency. Whether you’re cruising 131 on your way up north or running errands around town, the engine will adjust itself to suit.

The standard engine of the Ford Escape SE and Titanium is the highly-efficient 1.5L EcoBoost iVCT. Don’t be fooled by the low displacement – this spirited engine makes clever use of turbocharging and direct injection to work smarter and not harder. It also features Auto Start-Stop Technology to reduce emissions, improve gas mileage, and keep Michigan beautiful for future generations of adventurers.

If you want a bit more “oomph” for your travels around Michigan or if you need to up your towing capability, you can opt for the 2.0L EcoBoost engine in your new Ford Escape. This engine’s twin-scroll turbocharger has two chambers and a pair of exhaust runners that work alternating shifts, delivering torque on demand with drastically reduced “turbo-lag.” Pair this with the Class II Tow Package and your new Ford Escape will be able to tow up to 3,500 lbs. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine also features the Auto Start-Stop Technology mentioned above.

One Versatile Transmission That’s Ready For Adventure

Wherever the road takes you in your new Ford Escape, you can go confidently knowing there is a highly-advanced and capable transmission that’s prepared for anything. During sunny days on the open road, the 6-Speed SelectShift transmission may be put into Sport Mode, which lets you bypass the automatic operation and enjoy the sporty feel of a manual. The new Ford Escape with EcoBoost also features race-inspired paddle shifters mounted on just behind the steering wheel.

When you’re approaching a curve a little too fast, the standard Curve Control system can help slow you down and then transfer torque to the wheels that have the best grip, and it doesn’t matter if the pavement is wet or dry. The system helps you maintain control by reducing understeer and forcing the front end to hug the inside of the curve. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control is also a standard feature and utilizes two gyroscopic sensors to monitor yaw and roll rates. This helps you maintain control of your Ford Escape whenever it detects wheel slip, understeer, oversteer or a rolling motion. It also helps maintain control in various road conditions such as ice, gravel or rain.

Tame Michigan’s Wild Side with the Intelligent 4WD System

To maximize your Michigan preparedness, you can add the Intelligent 4WD System to your New Ford Escape SUV. This advanced four-wheel drive system checks the traction and road conditions every 16 milliseconds. If it detects something, it transfers some torque from front wheels to rear wheels to maintain a balance of handling and traction at all times. Indispensable for Michigan’s wilder side where there’s no pavement, or during one of West Michigan’s lake-effect snowstorms. 

The New Ford Escape Interior

See West Michigan from the Stylish, Comfortable, & Newly-Redesigned Interior

Wherever you’re off to, the interior of the new Ford Escape aims to make the journey there as comfortable as possible, even when there’s five in your group. The 2017 Escape features an all-new center console with convenient media bin, a carefully-placed gear shifter, an easy-to-navigate center instrument panel, and a stylish 3-spoke steering wheel with available heat feature.

And, of course, there’s plenty of cargo space for your next adventure. With the rear seats down, you’ll have as much as 68 cubic feet of storage for all of your camping gear, coolers, tents, luggage, and whatever else you need to bring along. You could also fold down either of the 60/40 split rear seatbacks for more cargo space and still carry one or two rear passengers. With both seat backs up, you’ll still have 34 cubic feet of cargo space. If you’re loading up and have your hands full, you can simply wave your foot beneath the rear bumper to open the rear hatch with the available hands-free, foot-activated liftgate.

Stay Connected with Ford SYNC 3

When you upgrade your New Ford Escape with SYNC 3, you’ll enjoy all of the standard features of SYNC plus new hardware, new software, and a new easy-to-use design. SYNC 3 offers high-speed performance, enhanced voice recognition, a capacitive touch screen with swipe capability, available navigation with easy destination entry and pinch-to-zoom functionality, Siri® seamless integration, and automatic updates over Wi-Fi.

With a SYNC Connect-equipped vehicle, you can also use the FordPass app to track your vehicle’s location and remotely access vehicle features such as start, lock and unlock and vehicle status including fuel level and approximate mileage. You can even schedule specific times to remotely start your vehicle so it’s ready to tackle the West Michigan roadways as soon as you are. 

The New Ford Escape Safety Features

The 2017 Escape has earned the Overall 5-Star Crash Safety Rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is owed to features that help you maintain control, as well as help protect you in the event of an accident.

The first of these is the standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control & Curve Control, which is designed to slow you down when it senses you’re going too fast for a particular curve. Another feature is the standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which will alert you when your tires are underinflated. The new Ford Escape also features Ford’s Personal Safety System, with dual-stage driver- and front-passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and front seat-mounted side airbags. The new Ford Escape also features the Safety Canopy System with two-row side-curtain airbags.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support

This feature of the new Ford Escape goes above and beyond the standard cruise control.  The available Adaptive Cruise Control allows you to pick the speed and distance you want to keep from the vehicle in front of you. If the traffic ahead of you slows, the new Ford Escape will automatically adjust accordingly and later resume the preset speed when traffic clear. Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support keeps an eye out for potential collisions, and if you don’t react in time, the brakes will precharge and increase sensitivity, giving you full responsiveness when you brake. You can supplement this with other advanced driver-assist features such as Blind Spot Information System and the Lane-Keeping System. 

Customize Your New Ford Escape

Michigan-Ready New Ford Escape SE and Titanium Sport Package

You can accelerate the already adventurous style of your new Ford Escape with the Sport Appearance Package, which is available on SE and Titanium models.The Sport Appearance Package includes 19-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, halogen projector headlamps with black bezels, gloss-black fog lamp surrounds, LED signature daytime running lamps, black-tinted taillamps, unique black front fender grilles, gloss black painted upper grille with chrome inserts and surround, gloss black front and rear lower fascia, black roof rails, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter (standard on Titanium), and sporty V-shaped partial leather-trimmed seats.

Personalize Your Escape with Six New Wheel Choices

You can make your New Ford Escape truly yours with six stylish new wheel options.

• 17″ steel wheels with sparkle silver-painted covers
• 17″ sparkle silver-painted aluminum wheels
• 18″ ultra bright machined aluminum wheels
• 18″ sparkle silver-painted aluminum wheels
• 19″ machined aluminum wheels with luster nickle-painted spokes and pockets
• 19″ ebony black premium-painted aluminum wheels

Your Great Escape Across West Michigan Begins at Borgman Ford

Embark on your next big adventure across West Michigan in a New Ford Escape from Borgman Ford. To get started, simply drop by our showroom in Grand Rapids, MI and ask one of our friendly and courteous sales staff for assistance. We’ll make sure that all of your questions about the new Ford Escape are answered, and that you never feel pressured into a sale. We’ll go over the various features of the New Ford Escape with you, such as Ford SYNC 3 and the Enhanced Active Park Assist.  Please feel free to take one out for a test drive to experience the superior ride quality and comfort for yourself!

You can check our full inventory of new Ford Escape SUVs, visit our Manager Specials page for the latest deals, or Contact Us with any questions you may have. Remember that at Borgman Ford, if you find a better deal elsewhere, let us know and we’ll match it. We will not be undersold!

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Get new Ford SYNC 3 features with version 2.2

Borgman Ford is pleased to share that Ford drivers in Grand Rapids and West Michigan can now download the latest version of Ford SYNC 3. This update is available for Ford SYNC 3 vehicles 2016 or newer and comes with full support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These two suites bring the full power of your favorite Apple or Google apps into your Ford vehicle, with an interface that’s similar to your device and optimizations for keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The most exciting part of this update is that it’s the first one that may be installed via WiFi connection. If you prefer not to drive over to Borgman or use a flash drive to install software updates, Ford vehicles with WiFi connectivity can set up automatic SYNC 3 updates using their home WiFi network. The process happens completely in the “background” and once it’s set up, you don’t have to do anything else.

Of course, if you need help with your SYNC 3 updates, please feel free to visit us anytime and we will be more than happy to help.

You can read more about the exciting new Ford SYNC 3 update in this excerpt from the Official Ford Media Center:

Ford is making Android Auto and Apple CarPlay software support available to model-year 2016 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3. Customers with model-year 2016 Ford vehicles can update to the new SYNC 3 version 2.2 by downloading to a USB drive, visiting a dealership or automatically through a Wi-Fi connection.

“Our SYNC 3 software platform was designed to be easy to update so we can get our customers the latest and greatest features, functionally and security enhancements,” said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. “With over-the-air updates, we can deliver new features to customers in the background while they continue using their vehicles.”

Customers can update their software by visiting owner.ford.com to download and install with a USB drive, or by visiting a dealership. Customers with Wi-Fi-enabled vehicles and a Wi-Fi network can set up their vehicle to receive the update automatically.

To read the full anouncement, visit Media.Ford.com.

Looking to trade up to a Ford with SYNC 3 in West Michigan?

If you’d like help with SYNC 3 or you’re considering trading-up to a SYNC 3-equipped Ford vehicle, visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids and our staff will be more than happy to assist you. We’ll give you a tour of Ford SYNC 3’s features, walk you through connecting your Apple or Android device, and make sure all of your questions are answered.

Should you choose to upgrade to a Ford with SYNC 3, we will always give you a Fair Trade Deal on your current vehicle and ensure you get maximum savings on your new one. If you see a better deal elsewhere, let us know and we’ll match it! Check out our inventory and visit us today for a test drive!

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