Our team at Planet Ford in Humble loves the new Mustang Mach-E and a great Holliday classic, so to have the two come together — bonus! You wouldn’t be more surprised about this latest Mustang Mach-E TV spot even if you woke up tomorrow with your head sewn to the carpet.
Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo reprise their National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation roles as CLARK and ELLEN GRISWOLD in an updated take on one of the 1989 holiday classic’s most iconic scenes – starring Mustang Mach-E.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=gmAU8MJoJU4
“It’s great to be back for another Christmas with my on-screen family and its rotating assortment of kids – and I have Ford and Mustang Mach-E to thank for paying me to do it,” said Chase. “I suppose you’re expecting some sort of riff on electric cars, but I can say with 85% certainty that this thing probably won’t cause any blackouts in your neighborhood when you plug it in.”
“My favorite side kick role is playing ELLEN GRISWOLD to Chevy’s CLARK, my one and only Sparky,” D’Angelo said. “But this year, the brightest spark is the Mustang Mach-E in the driveway! Please don’t tell him I said that. I’m already in trouble for bringing a different set of kids every time we go on a vacation.”
Catch the new short featuring Mustang Mach-E on the SNL Christmas Special Dec. 22.
Order your Mustang Mach-E in time for the new year at Planet Ford in Humble @ PlanetFord59.com.
Blake LeDoux from Kingwood, Texas is now at Army West Point. Planet Ford in Humble was proud to sponsor the Major Stephen Reich Memorial Golf Tournament.
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble and John Center, General Manager is proud to support our community, including our veteran organization. Recently, our team had the honor of sponsoring a hole at the Major Stephen Reich Memorial Golf Tournament.
It was one of our own, Blake LeDoux from Kingwood, Texas who shared the event and opportunity to support our heroes. Mr. LeDoux is an Army baseball player at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was a four-year varsity baseball player at Kingwood Park and JUCO baseball at Alvin Community College.
Major Reich, whom the tournament honors, was also a baseball player for West Point. He served four tours of duty in Afghanistan and sadly he was killed in action on June 28, 2005 during a mission to rescue a four-man Navy SEAL team, as depicted in the book and movie ‘Lone Survivor’.
According to Fox Sports, who had a 12-minute special on Major Reich, he was one of 16 troops aboard the helicopter attempting to rescue their Navy Seal brothers when it was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, killing all onboard. Reich grew up in Washington Depot, CT and was a three-sport athlete at Shepaug Valley High School before becoming a star pitcher for the United States Military Academy at West Point. His promising professional baseball career lasted only two games for a Baltimore Orioles farm team before the Army summoned him back to active duty.
On behalf of Mr. Centner and Planet Ford, we thank all who have served and their family. We are forever grateful for all you have done and do for our country. We salute you.
If you’d like to show your support for our service athletes, you may make a contribution to the Army Baseball Team Fund. It supports the Margin of Excellence, which directly impacts our ability to sow the seeds in developing leaders of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country. The Army Baseball Team Fund funds the following areas:
Facility Enhancements (Locker Room, Stadium, Team Room)
Player Development (Equipment, Leadership, Nutrition, Training Aids)
Recruiting
Team Travel (out-of-region and out-of-season competition, training trips, foreign trips)
Randall Reed’s Planet Commercial Service center is open for business
October 5th, 2020, the doors officially opened for business at Randall Reed’s Planet Commercial Service center at 19214 US 59, Humble, Texas 77338. October 1, World Class Automotive Group and Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble had a ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration at the new facility offering tours and a sneak peek at the all-new 19,820-square-foot, 30-bay facility.
Planet Commercial Service center provides dedicated commercial and fleet maintenance and repairs for all makes and models by certified technicians. “We would like to thank everyone — from Ford executives and city officials and chamber of commerce members to the community — that came out to help us celebrate our new world-class facility,” said Randall Reed, owner of Planet Commercial Service and World Class Automotive Group. “Planet Ford has been providing superior customer care for decades. Now, we will be able to help even more light to heavy-duty truck and commercial vehicle owners with all of their automotive needs.”
The new state-of-the-art commercial services include: Free pickup and delivery, exclusive light to heavy-duty commercial service advisors, highly trained commercial service technicians with expertise on all makes and models, 30-large bays with clearance to service any size commercial or fleet vehicle, DOT inspection and repairs, speedy service, complimentary wash and vacuum with each visit, and special pricing for all new fleets.
“This is an exciting day. Planet Commercial Service was designed and built with our customers’ every automotive need in mind, and now customers finally get to experience it,” said Jeff Stapp, Director of Fixed Operations for Planet Commercial Service and Planet Ford in Humble.
“We are so proud of all our new service center offers. Our commercial repair division boasts a fully stocked parts departments, rapid same-day services, and vehicle expertise on every make and model,” said Shelby Reed, President of World Class Automotive Group. “We understand our customers need these work vehicles and we’re here to help them get back to business fast.”
Randall Reed’s Planet Commercial Service 19214 US 59, Humble, TX 77338
Planet Ford is an award-winning power-house that has grown to be one of the largest independently owned commercial and fleet organizations for both sales and service. “This is a great addition to Planet’s automotive family,” said John Centner, General Manager of Planet Ford in Humble and Planet Commercial Service. “Planet Ford has been the go-to source for all commercial vehicles,” he said. “And, we are one of the largest, premium locations that can meet every service need.”
News Alert:Houston-area dealer opens state-of-the-art, 30-bay service truck shop for all makes.
World Class Automotive Group and Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble are proud to announce the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Randall Reed’s Planet Commercial Service center at 19214 US 59, Humble, Texas 77338 on October 1, 2020.
Planet Commercial Service provides dedicated commercial and fleet maintenance and repairs for all makes and models by ASE Certified technicians. During the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration, guests will have an opportunity to experience the massive state-of-the-art complex that is home to the all-new 19,820-square-foot, 30-bay facility.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our commercial truck services for the greater Houston area,” said Randall Reed, owner of Planet Commercial Service and World Class Automotive Group. “Planet Ford has been providing superior customer care for decades. Now, we will be able to help even more light to heavy-duty truck and commercial vehicle owners with all of their automotive needs.”
Planet’s state-of-the-art commercial services include: Free pickup and delivery, exclusive light to heavy-duty commercial service advisors, highly trained commercial service technicians with expertise on all makes and models, 30-large bays with clearance to service any size commercial or fleet vehicle, DOT inspection and repairs, speedy service, complimentary wash and vacuum with each visit, and special pricing for all new fleets.
“Planet Commercial Service was designed and built with our customers’ every automotive need in mind,” said Jeff Stapp, Director of Fixed Operations for Planet Commercial Service and Planet Ford in Humble. – “The commercial repair division boasts a fully stocked parts departments, rapid same-day services, and vehicle expertise on every make and model,” said Shelby Reed, President of World Class Automotive Group. “Our goal is to help customers get back on the road and back to business fast.”
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration October 1, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. 19214 US 59, Humble, TX 77338
Planet Ford is an award-winning power-house that has grown to be one of the largest independently owned commercial and fleet organizations for both sales and service. “This is a great addition to Planet’s automotive family,” said John Centner, General Manager of Planet Ford in Humble and Planet Commercial Service. “Planet Ford has been the go-to source for all commercial vehicles,” he said. “And, we are one of the largest, premium locations that can meet every service need.”
About World Class Automotive Group World Class Automotive Group is family-owned by Randall, Sherry, and Shelby Reed. The award-winning dealership group is comprised of locations throughout Texas including Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Planet Ford in Spring, Planet Lincoln in Spring, Planet Lincoln Dallas Love Field, Prestige Ford in Garland, Park Cities Ford in Dallas, and McKinney Volkswagen. In addition, the group owns Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers in Spring, Humble, Porter, Garland, and Dallas. For more information about Planet Ford in Humble, visit http://www.PlanetFord59.com. To learn more about World Class Automotive Group, log on to http://www.ReedHasIt.com.
At Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Texas, we are excited to introduce the 2020 Edge ST-Line model. It is a new choice for our SUV-loving customers. This is an ideal option for those who prefer the Edge ST’s bold style but prioritize value. Expanding the ST family by adding ST-Line will help even more customers find a Ford Edge that’s right for them in Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, Katy, Conroe and greater Houston.
“Edge ST continues to break new ground with terrific styling, powerful performance and smart technology,” said Craig Patterson, Ford SUV marketing manager. “But some customers want style and value and don’t need all of the horsepower. For them, Edge ST-Line hits the bull’s-eye – again.”
The Edge ST has been very popular with our customers nationwide. Since its 2018 introduction, sales have outperformed the previous Edge Sport model, with nearly double the number sold. In 2019 and 2020, nearly 13 percent of all Edge sales have been ST models.
With a starting price $5,165 less than Edge ST, Edge ST-Line shares the same aggressive looks and includes all of the smart driver-assist technologies Edge customers can enjoy – advanced features that help take the stress out of driving.
Edge ST-Line styling inspired by Ford Performance includes a unique ST-style grille with body-colored bumpers, black ST beltline molding combined with lower sport cladding, standard fog lamps and signature LED lighting. Black roof rack side rails, 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels and unique Edge ST-Line badging further enhance the look of the new SUV.
Edge ST-Line offers a fun-to-drive experience, and it comes standard with a 250-horsepower twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine featuring Auto Start-Stop, an 8-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel-drive capability.
Edge ST-Line comes loaded with technology including standard SYNC® 3 with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, Waze and Ford+Alexa™ compatibility, plus a wireless phone charging pad. Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist Plus technology – featuring Enhanced Active Park Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane-Centering and All-Wheel-Drive Disconnect – is optional.
You can get your new Edge at Planet Ford in Humble. Or to learn more about the Edge ST-Line, call (866) 844-5995 to learn how to be alerted when they are available at PlanetFord59.com.
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Texas is pleased to share that beginning today, Ford Motor Company has resumedproduction and operations in the United States. The company has implemented robust safety and care measures globally to help support a safe and healthy environment for the company’s workforce, including health assessment measures, personal protective equipment and facility modifications to increase social distancing.
Vehicle production returns after production attention had in part turned from vehicles to providing safety material support for healthcare as well as Ford dealership workers.
Ford, based in Dearborn, Michigan, designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 190,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company.
Are you ready to get your new Ford car, truck or SUV? Planet Ford in Humble on Hwy. 59 (serving Atascocita, Kingwood, Conroe, Katy greater Houston area) is here to help. Our dealership is open or shop and buy online anytime at PlanetFord59.com.
Ford new from Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble. The first Ford-built powered air-purifying respirators, created in conjunction with with 3M, are arriving to aid in protecting health care workers fighting COVID-19.
In March, Ford turned its attention from vehicle production to creating personal protection equipment (PPE) and working with 3M to build urgently needed PAPRs. Ford is now shipping those respirators that were created using design guidance from 3M and off-the-shelf parts, like vehicle ventilator fans and power tool batteries. In a separate effort, 500,000 reusable medical gowns distributed by Ford will soon be on their way to the state of New Jersey.
“Ford could not stand by while health care workers in this country placed their lives on the line to help others without even having proper protection,” said Jim Baumbick, vice president, Ford Enterprise Product Line Management. “That’s why we kicked off an all-out sprint to protect those who are so selflessly helping patients afflicted with this terrible virus.”
“We are dedicated to helping support and protect the health care workers fighting COVID-19,” said Bernard Cicut, vice president, 3M Personal Safety Division. “We thank Ford for partnering with us to quickly develop and deliver more of these critical health care supplies to the heroes working on the frontlines of this unprecedented health crisis.”
3M is a leading provider of personal protective equipment, including powered air-purifying respirators. Demand for 3M PAPRs is exceeding supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through partnerships with companies like Ford and others, 3M plans to increase capacity of its own PAPRs by ten-fold within the next several months.
Fast Track
Ford and 3M have worked closely with Ford’s automotive supply chain to progress the new PAPR from idea to product in fewer than 40 days.
Ford’s Product Development team moved quickly to design the new PAPR, combining vehicle air conditioning expertise with 3M’s knowledge of medical devices. Hand-drawn concepts of the Ford PAPR were created one day after starting the project. Ford’s engineers also leveraged vehicle seat trim expertise to design the PAPR hood. In parallel, Ford’s Advanced Manufacturing team rapidly prototyped the PAPR using 3D printing, while the Ford Purchasing team worked with suppliers to procure and produce components and the Ford Manufacturing team designed the production process. Assembly lines and production of PAPRs started within three weeks of the initial request.
The PAPR includes a hood and face shield to cover health care professionals’ heads and shoulders, while a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter system provides a supply of filtered air for as long as 8 hours. The air blower system – similar to the fan in the Ford F-150’s ventilated seats – is powered by a rechargeable, portable battery, helping keep the respirator in constant use by first-line defenders.
Approximately 90 paid UAW volunteers have assembled more than 10,000 PAPRs at Ford’s Vreeland facility near Flat Rock, Mich., with the ability to make 100,000 or more.
One of the proud UAW workers is Michele Strong, a team leader volunteering in Ford’s Vreeland facility. Now at almost 43 years with the company, Strong has worked in both Flat Rock Assembly Plant and the Rouge complex. Strong maintains a perfect attendance record – she wasn’t about to stop now.
“I’m proud of all of the vehicles I’ve help build over the years, but this is something totally different,” Strong said. “I’m up for this experience to help the world – to help the situation we’ve got. A lot of friends ask me, ‘Are you really going to do this?’ and I say, ‘Yes. It’s the right thing to do.’”
The 3M and Ford development team worked closely with the U.S. CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory. NIOSH provided timely guidance to encourage the development of PAPRs to help respond to the COVID-19 emergency. Ford has achieved temporary NIOSH approval under its limited-use protocol to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Over 10 companies from across Ford’s automotive supply chain are providing new and off-the-shelf parts for use in the PAPRs. Components include hood tops for the wearer’s head and shoulders, filters and fans for supplying filtered air, power electronics, switches, foam seals and more.
Shipping Needed Equipment
Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Wash., is the first customer to order and take delivery of the Ford-built PAPRs.
“We are very grateful to Ford and 3M for this shipment of air-purifying respirators,” said Steve Schaefer, senior vice president, Support Services, Virginia Mason Medical Center. “This important equipment will help ensure the safety of our patients, doctors, nurses and other members of the Virginia Mason care teams during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
3M will sell and distribute the newly designed Ford Limited-Use Public Health Emergency PAPR through 3M-authorized distributors to maximize speed and efficiency in deploying these technologies to heath care workers. Ford-built PAPRs also can be ordered directly from Ford.
3M will provide technical support for health care workers using the new PAPRs. 3M’s authorized distributors moved exceptionally fast to make these products available for order within days.
3M and Ford will donate any profits they earn from the sale of the PAPR to COVID-19 related nonprofit organizations.
Growing Gown Deliverables
Washable gown deliveries are rapidly growing as hospitals and medical services seek reusable protection for health care workers. The gowns have been self-tested to federal standards and are washable up to 50 times.
Ford suppliers are now producing 200,000 gowns a week, and more than 400,000 gowns have been shipped by Ford to medical workers around the country.
The state of New Jersey has also placed an order for 500,000 reusable gowns.
Project Apollo
Inspired by the go-fast effort in 1970 to help NASA’s disaster-stricken Apollo 13 astronauts, Ford’s Project Apollo team has undertaken a variety of efforts in the fight against COVID-19. The company is making and supplying critically needed PPE and health care equipment, including more than 12 million face shields, ventilators in collaboration with GE Healthcare, medical masks for its workforce, and washable gowns for hospital and medical workers.
At Planet Ford in Humble, we’re excited about the all-electric Mustang Mach-E. Our technicians are as well and soon many will be trained how to service and maintain the new Ford Mach-E without even needing to access a physical model. That’s right, and it’s thanks to a new virtual reality (VR) training tool from Ford and Bosch.
According to Dave Johnson, director of Ford service engineering operations. “Technicians will be immersed in a simulated and gamified world, meaning they won’t need to rely on actual Mustang Mach-E vehicles to learn about its components, including the electric SUV’s new high-voltage system.” He added, “This new virtual reality training tool allows technicians to understand the components and steps required to service these high-voltage systems, then confidently perform diagnostics and maintenance.”
So How Does It Work?
A Ford technician will learn how to diagnose and perform service related to the vehicle’s high-voltage system wearing the virtual reality headset. This training will include tasks such as removal and installation of the main battery as well as service and maintenance on the battery pack itself.
Now, Bosch is also developing future extensions where the technicians utilize VR to enter the vehicle and navigate through modules as if they were walking through rooms to learn the system. Navigating between modules enables the technicians to determine the issue to repair the vehicle.
“The virtual reality training solution is about new technology that builds efficiency,” said Geoff Mee, director of operations for Bosch. “By improving the diagnostic process, technicians are able to perform maintenance and make repairs faster and more easily.”
The virtual reality system can be used as an ongoing training tool, allowing technicians to learn niche skills in the Ford technical training program. Virtual reality training has the potential to attract new hires to the automotive repair world, rightly framing the profession as a high-tech, forward-thinking industry in which technicians can learn more efficiently in a state-of-the-art environment. Additionally, technicians can tap into the system from any location.
Bosch developed a proof of concept in 2019 for auto service training via VR, then market tested it with instructors, technicians and college students. Ford Motor Company is the first automaker to pilot the application in its service technician powertrain repair course, specifically with the all-new Mustang Mach-E, the company’s first all-electric SUV. Ford could expand the technology to train on additional vehicles in the future.
This VR training solution uses an Oculus Quest virtual reality headset from Facebook. Ford and Bosch are working with Oculus for Business to manage their fleet of headsets deployed to the Ford technician training program, as well as with PIXO VR. The company’s proprietary virtual reality content distribution platform enables scaling and iterating virtual reality training software and applications.
The Mach-E will soon be here and it is ushering in a whole new world of technology along the way. Stay tuned to learn more about our selection at Planet Ford in Humble and service options as well. If you need service assistance today, call (888) 386-6285 at or schedule at PlanetFord59.com.
Planet Ford in Humble is thankful for all those who are on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis. As you support our community, we want to show support for you and helping ensure all of your car-care needs are met with ease, convenience and savings.
$500 Appreciation Cash
First Responder and Medical Professional Appreciation Cash is exclusively available for active members of an eligible First Responder Association or Medical profession. Available toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2019/2020/2021 Ford vehicle.
Shop & Buy Online. We Deliver!
You are busy taking care of so many, we want to take care of you. You can select your vehicle online at PlanetFord59.com and we help take care of the rest – all without you needing to visit the dealership. Once you finalize your deal, we will deliver direct to you.
Free Oil Change*
Need vehicle maintenance but don’t have time? PlanetFord59.com has your back. Not only will we pick up and deliver at no cost, we will provide a free oil change* for all first responders and health care professional. It’s one more way we want to show our gratitude for all you do.
*Not available on Mustang Shelby GT350®, Mustang Shelby® GT350R, Mustang Shelby® GT500®, F-150 Raptor, Bronco and Mustang Mach-E. Must take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer’s stock. Limit of 5, for U.S. residents only. See dealer for complete details and eligibility. Free oil change on any make or model (excludes specialty vehicles). Must present coupon at time of write up. See coupon and/or dealer for details. Exp. 4/30/20.
With COVID-19 news changing daily, Planet Ford in Humble wanted to share some uplifting news of how the Ford Motor Company Fund is providing two new and unique opportunities for Ford employees around the world who are eager to give back while honoring stay-at-home recommendations. The end result will help communities and our kids.
This new COVID-19 Donation Match program is a combined effort between Ford Fund and Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford that will match $500,000 in donations to designated community organizations in the fight against COVID-19, raising a potential $1 million for groups battling the pandemic across the globe. Ford Fund is also launching a new “Read and Record” virtual volunteering project to create an online library of Ford employees reading children’s books for the 1.3 billion children and youth affected by school closings around the world.
“During trying times, Ford employees are used to being the boots on the ground – getting out, signing up and pitching in to help make a difference,” said Mary Culler, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Even now, while many are sheltering in place at home, our employees are looking for ways to help. These two new programs offer meaningful ways for employees to give back and join in the fight against COVID-19.”
Matching Donations to Make a Difference
Through the COVID-19 Donation Match, Ford Fund is giving Ford employees, as well as their families and friends, an opportunity to make a donation to support nonprofits and other community organizations in their efforts to meet coronavirus-related needs in more than 20 countries around the world.
GlobalGiving manages the program and is Ford’s longtime disaster relief and global grant-making partner. The program’s goal is to support community projects in locations that have both a significant level of emergency need and a substantial Ford employee presence. Projects focus on addressing hunger, shelter and mobility needs, providing educational resources, or delivering critical medical supplies and services to communities in need.
The $500,000 in matching funds, which include contributions from Ford Fund and Bill Ford personally, represent the strong commitment of both Ford’s philanthropic group and Bill Ford, who started the Ford Volunteer Corps 15 years ago and continues to champion the importance of volunteering and giving back.
Employees and others interested in donating can visit www.globalgiving.org/ford-covid-response to view a full list of participating countries as well as cities across the United States, and to learn more about community projects they can support. GlobalGiving will add new projects and additional details over the coming weeks, so employees are encouraged to check back often for updates.
Virtual Volunteers & Online Resources
Ford Fund has created a new “Read and Record” virtual volunteering project invites Ford employees from around the world to record and submit videos reading a children’s book in their own language. The effort is designed to provide Ford employees a way to give back from the safety and comfort of their own homes, and builds on Ford Fund’s ongoing efforts to increase literacy and promote a love of reading.
The online library will be catalogued by language, and multilingual employees are encouraged to read in languages other than English. Ford Fund plans to share the library with philanthropic groups that serve children and families.
To further assist employees, their families or anyone looking for things to do at home during the pandemic, Ford Fund is compiling COVID-19 related volunteer opportunities and providing a library of free online resources offered by many of its community partners. Available at www.fordfund.org/covid19, activities include virtual tours, downloadable worksheets, online tutorials, videos and more – all designed to help entertain, educate or inspire people of all ages. The site’s “How You Can Help” page also outlines ways employees can contribute to specific nonprofit needs for volunteers or donations of goods and supplies.
Ford Fund previously announced it is allocating more than $1.6 million in resources to help communities and local nonprofits throughout Southeast Michigan and across the United States address hunger, shelter and mobility needs related to COVID-19. Earlier this year, Ford Fund also worked with Ford of China to provide face masks and other protective gear needed during the initial breakout of the virus in China.
Healthcare Support
As Ford Fund concentrates on taking immediate action at the local level, Ford engineers, researchers and suppliers are designing and manufacturing masks, respirators, ventilators and other critical medical equipment and supplies for healthcare workers, first responders and patients fighting COVID-19. To learn more about the company’s recent news and efforts related to COVID-19, click here.
If you need automotive assistance, Planet Ford in Humble (serving Atascocita, Kingwood, Porter, Katy, Conroe, greater Houston) is here to help. Visit us online at PlanetFord59.com to get started. We’re all in this together.
