COVID-19: Ford, Employees Find New Ways to Give Back

Posted on April 6, 2020 by sydavis

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.

Posted in COVID-19, Ford Gives Back | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on COVID-19: Ford, Employees Find New Ways to Give Back

Ford Teams Up with 3M and GE Healthcare to Manufacture Medical Equipment, Supplies

Posted on March 25, 2020 by sydavis

At Planet Ford in Humble, we wanted to share some recent Ford news. During the time with COVID-19 concerns, it serves as a good reminder that we are all in this together. The Ford Motor Company, joining forces with firms including 3M and GE Healthcare, is lending its manufacturing and engineering expertise to quickly expand production of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies for healthcare workers, first responders and patients fighting coronavirus (COVID-19).

In addition, the American automaker says they plan to assemble more than 100,000 face shields per week and leverage its in-house 3D printing capability to produce components for use in personal protective equipment.

“This is such a critical time for America and the world. It is a time for action and cooperation. By coming together across multiple industries, we can make a real difference for people in need and for those on the front lines of this crisis,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman. “At Ford, we feel a deep obligation to step up and contribute in times of need, just as we always have through the 117-year history of our company.”

Powering Air-Purifying Respirators

The Ford team is working with 3M to increase the manufacturing capacity of their powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) designs and working jointly to develop a new design leveraging parts from both companies to meet the surge demand for first responders and health care workers. This new respirator could be produced in a Ford facility by UAW workers.

To go as fast as possible, the Ford and 3M teams have been resourcefully locating off-the-shelf parts like fans from the Ford F-150’s cooled seats for airflow, 3M HEPA air filters to filter airborne contaminants such as droplets that carry virus particles and portable tool battery packs to power these respirators for up to eight hours.

Ford is looking at how it might produce these new-generation PAPRs in one of its Michigan manufacturing facilities, helping 3M boost production potentially tenfold.

“Working with 3M and GE, we have empowered our teams of engineers and designers to be scrappy and creative to quickly help scale up production of this vital equipment,” said Jim Hackett, Ford’s president and CEO. “We’ve been in regular dialogue with federal, state and local officials to understand the areas of greatest needs. We are focusing our efforts to help increase the supply of respirators, face shields and ventilators that can help assist health care workers, first responders, critical workers as well as those who have been infected by the virus.”

“We’re exploring all available opportunities to further expand 3M’s capacity and get healthcare supplies as quickly as possible to where they’re needed most – which includes partnering with other great companies like Ford,” said Mike Roman, 3M chairman of the board and chief executive officer. “It’s crucial that we mobilize all resources to protect lives and defeat this disease, and I’m incredibly grateful to Ford and their employees for this partnership.”

Ventilator Manufacturing

Ford and GE Healthcare is also are working together to expand production of a simplified version of GE Healthcare’s existing ventilator design to support patients with respiratory failure or difficulty breathing caused by COVID-19. These ventilators could be produced at a Ford manufacturing site in addition to a GE location.  

“We are encouraged by how quickly companies from across industries have mobilized to address the growing challenge we collectively face from COVID-19,” said GE Healthcare President & CEO Kieran Murphy. “We are proud to bring our clinical and technical expertise to this collaboration with Ford, working together to serve unprecedented demand for this life-saving technology and urgently support customers as they meet patient needs.”

Work on this initiative ties to a request for help from U.S. government officials.

Medical Respirators and Face Shields

Meanwhile, Ford’s United States design team also is quickly creating and starting to test transparent full-face shields for medical workers and first responders. The face shields fully block the face and eyes from accidental contact with liquids and when paired with N95 respirators can be a more effective way to limit potential exposure to coronavirus than N95 respirators alone.

The first 1,000 face shields will be tested this week at Detroit Mercy, Henry Ford Health Systems and Detroit Medical Center Sinai-Grace Hospitals. Roughly 75,000 of these shields are expected to be finished this week and more than 100,000 face shields per week will be produced at Ford subsidiary Troy Design and Manufacturing’s facilities in Plymouth, Mich.

Ford is leveraging its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Redford, Mich., and in-house 3D printing capabilities to manufacture components and subassemblies for use in personal protective equipment.

The auto company is evaluating a separate effort not involving GE Healthcare with the U.K. government to produce additional ventilators.

In China, Ford of China joint venture partner Jiangling Motors also has donated 10 specially equipped Transit ambulance vans to hospitals in Wuhan, where the coronavirus outbreak began. Ford is also reacquiring 165,000 N95 respirators from China that were originally sent by Ford to China earlier this year to help combat coronavirus.

Ford has also kicked off a working team to help hospitals locate and secure urgently needed surgical and N95 respirators. Ford has so far committed sending Henry Ford Health Systems 40,000 surgical masks while it locates additional supplies.

For companies and individuals who are interested in contributing to this effort,  they can submit their information here at www.fordnewideas.com.

Ford, along with the companies it is supporting, will provide additional updates as these special projects progress.

If you are need of vehicle assistance, from sales to service and parts, Planet Ford in Humble (serving Atascocita, Kingwood, Porter, Katy, Conroe, greater Houston) is here to help. We pick up and deliver so you never have to leave your home. Get started by calling 800-546-8066 or visiting PlanetFord59.com. 

Posted in Community, Ford Partners | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Ford Teams Up with 3M and GE Healthcare to Manufacture Medical Equipment, Supplies

Ford Offers Special Savings & Payment Assistance Programs

Posted on March 19, 2020 by sydavis

Shop Online & Buy Online! We’ll even bring everything right to your door! At Planet Ford in Humble, we’re here to help you get the car, SUV or truck of your dreams without ever having to leave your home. PLUS, right now you can get an AWESOME #TruckMonth sale deal & could defer your payment for SIX MONTHS*! We provide on-site test drives, free appraisals, pick up your trade & deliver a new vehicle direct to you.

New Ford Programs: Built to Lend a Hand

Plus, right now there are amazing savings, Ford offers and payment assistance programs. For example, for current customers, Ford Credit encourages its current customers impacted by the virus to contact them and discuss the potential delay of payments. They are here to lend a helping hand.

For new customers, Ford Credit is offering no payments for 120 days.* Ford’s program gives the option to delay the first payment for 90 days* and Ford will make the first three payments when purchasing select new Ford vehicles.* Also ask about 0% APR for 84 months* on New Fords.

Benefits of Buying Online

  • Shop Huge New & Pre-Owned Inventory Online
  • Apply for Credit Online
  • Start Appraisal Process Online
  • At-Home Test Drives
  • Free Appraisal & Trade-in Pickup
  • New Car Delivered to Your Door

*Based on distance and availability. Contact dealer for details. Exp. 4/1/20

Vehicle Service Matters: We Deliver!

  • Schedule Online
  • Pickup Vehicle from You at No Charge
  • Assess & Provide Car Care
  • Deliver Service Vehicle Back to You

*Based on distance and availability. Contact dealer for details. Exp. 4/1/20

Our Planet Ford in Humble team provides free appraisals, picks up your trade in and delivers a new vehicle right to your door. So, what are you waiting for?! Get started at PlanetFord59.com.

*Payment relief based on Ford making 3 mos. of payments for customer plus FMCC deferral up to 3 mos. for well qualified customers. Payment caps apply by vehicle. See Dealer for Details. Customers electing to defer their monthly payment may be responsible for finance charges during the deferral period. All questions regarding payment deferral should be directed to dealership’s financial office on 2019/2020 models. 0% APR for 84 Mos. is based on $0 down payment, payment of $11.91 per month for every $1,000 financed, regardless of down payment on 2019 Models. With very well-qualified approved credit through Ford Motor Credit. Not everyone will qualify for factory financing. Some restrictions apply. In lieu of any other factory incentives. 0% APR cannot be combined with Ford making customer payments. Excludes Super Duty and Raptors. Not available with some other offers. See dealer for details. Exp. 4/1/2020.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Ford Offers Special Savings & Payment Assistance Programs

Message to Our Customers

Posted on March 17, 2020 by sydavis

At Planet Ford in Humble, Texas, the safety and care of our customers and team members is always the top priority. While we have had no issues, due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and confirmed cases impacting Texas, our dealership is being proactive and wants to assure our community our dealership is taking extra precautions in response to coronavirus concerns. The World Class Automotive Group believes that protecting the safety and health of our employees, friends, vendors and community of guests is always of the utmost importance.

Our dealership group is closely monitoring and taking preventative measures to help ensure a healthy environment for our customers and staff. We will continue to actively monitor and share pertinent updated information.  Planet Ford is open for business to serve the automotive needs of our customers, and our team is taking the necessary precautions to protect those who visit our dealership.

  • Our dealership has enhanced routine cleaning procedures throughout our locations.  This includes disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as dealership door handles, tables, chairs and countertops. It also includes vehicle door handles and steering wheels.
  • Employees are reminded to be vigilant in exercising proper hand hygiene — covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding touching their face.
  • Our dealership team encourages both our customers and employees to avoid shaking hands and maintain a safe social distance as much as possible.
  • Hand-sanitizer has been distributed to all staff workstations. Additional sanitizing dispensers have been ordered and are being installed for the convenience of our customers.
  • Employees are prohibited from coming to the dealership if they are sick or generally not feeling well.

With the safety and well-being of our customers and staff always being our primary priority, our team will continue to monitor the situation locally and take the appropriate steps to ensure customers may continue to enjoy visiting Planet Ford for their car-buying, service, parts and collision repair needs.  

For more information about COVID-19, you may reference the following resources: 

We thank you for being part of our Planet Ford family and helping us taking the proper precautions to stay safe and support keeping our customers, team member and community healthy.

Posted in Community, Safety | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Message to Our Customers

Planet Ford Humble Provides Buddy Benches for New Caney ISD Elementary

Posted on March 5, 2020 by sydavis

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Texas are proud to be supported of the Buddy Bench, which is on the Oakley Elementary School campus in New Caney Independent School District.

The Buddy Bench has been showing up at schools across America after a  Pennsylvania boy had an idea for a “buddy bench” to help lonely kids find friends in the schoolyard. As a second grader in 2013, Christian Bucks saw some kids at school who didn’t have anyone to play with. So he convinced his Roundtree Elementary to bring in a buddy bench. Students who feel lonely can go to the bench so other kids can go by and invite them to play.

The Buddy Bench has turned into a movement, one Planet Ford is proud to be a part of. Even the first lady Melania Trump has taken notice and mentioned it during the launch of her “BE BEST” initiative back in May of 2018.

In this photo, Randall Reed, owner; daughter and co-owner, Shelby Reed, along with John Centner, Planet Ford in Humble General Manager present these well-crafted Buddy Benches they hope will help many kids for many play days to come. 

To learn more about this in movement in the New Caney ISD, visit their site at newcaneyisd.org. If you’d like to learn more about Planet Ford, visit PlanetFord59.com.

Posted in Community | Tagged , | Comments Off on Planet Ford Humble Provides Buddy Benches for New Caney ISD Elementary

Ford Showcased How Escape is Bigger, Smarter & Fuel Efficient in Commercials

Posted on January 30, 2020 by sydavis

At Randall Reed’s Planet Ford, our customers are always looking to get an edge, from their vehicle to great deals. Our award-winning team at Planet Ford in Humble is happy to help on both fronts. We’re excited to share that our Ford’tastic SUV drivers have even more great options. The new Ford Escape now offers more space, smart new driver-assist tech and an optional hybrid powertrain for class-leading EPA estimated fuel economy.

Chances are you’ve seen the new national ad campaign here in the Humble area for the all-new Escape. It looks amazing right? It features more space, smart new driver-assist technologies and a new hybrid powertrain option for class-leading EPA estimated fuel economy.

It’s being branded as “Built Street Smart,” and for a good reason. It offers a lot of smart options. Like what? Well, the improved cargo capacity†, advanced features and class-leading EPA-estimated fuel economy. “By far, our 2020 Ford Escape is our smartest, most capable Ford Escape ever, so the goal now is to educate the public on how we’re delivering as promised in terms of interior volume. The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid front-wheel-drive has class-leading EPA estimated mpg city and combined fuel economy* and an EPA estimated 582-mile range, plus our available cutting-edge driver-assist technologies,” says Chris Mosco, Ford Escape marketing manager.

Room to Spare!

With unrivaled flexibility, all-new Escape introduces new sliding second-row seats in the non-hybrid models that enable best-in-class second-row legroom** and as much as 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Estimates are In!

The small SUV raises the bar with an available hybrid model that has best-in-class EPA-estimated 44 mpg city and 41 mpg combined fuel economy.*

Thanks to its standard Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technologies, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Escape earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Also featured in the new ad campaign is the vehicle’s available Active Park Assist 2.0, once exclusively the domain of higher-priced luxury brands.

The 2020 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid are available today, with a plug-in hybrid-electric Escape arriving this spring. So make sure to watch out for that rolling into our showroom.

Ready to escape the other boring SUVs? The Ford Escape is an ideal options. Come and shop for a great deal at Planet Ford in Humble (serving greater Houston, Atascocita, Katy, Kingwood, Conroe) on Hwy. 59. Shop online anytime at PlanetFord59.com!

†Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. *Based on the 2nd row seat in the most rearward position. Class is Small Utility over 4480 mm length based on Ford Segmentation. **EPA-estimated ratings of 44 city mpg / 37 hwy mpg / 41 combined mpg. 2020 Escape Titanium Hybrid 2.5L/ FWD/CVT. 14.2-gallon tank. Actual mileage and range will vary. Class is Small Utility over 4480 mm length based on Ford Segmentation. 

Posted in All-New 2020 Ford Escape | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Ford Showcased How Escape is Bigger, Smarter & Fuel Efficient in Commercials

Teaser Video for the Bronco 4×4 Prototype Testing

Posted on January 16, 2020 by sydavis

Are you as excited as our team at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Texas is? We can’t wait for the new Ford Bronco 4×4. And while it may feel like it is taking forever, it seems some prototype important testing is underway. Take a look at video. Ford has teamed up with pro off-road racer Brad Lovell to test the Ford Bronco in Johnson Valley.*

So, while all of us are enthusiastically await the return of the Bronco 4×4, Ford engineers are hard at work making sure that it is ready to take on the wild. In fact, in the high desert of California, Ford experts are busy testing and proving out the all-new Bronco’s powertrain and rugged chassis, which is based on the company’s fully boxed, body-on-frame global T6 architecture, in an experimental prototype vehicle.

In the Mojave Desert’s Johnson Valley, home to such punishing motorsports series as King of the Hammers, the Bronco prototype is being pushed to its limits off-road in grueling conditions crawling up rocks and racing across sand.

The Ford Bronco was built exactly for this. The forthcoming sixth generation of America’s original “sports utility vehicle,” makes its world premiere this spring.

Ready for a new Ford? Let our team at Planet Ford in Humble (serving Atascocita, Kingwood, Porter, Katy, Conroe, greater Houston) is here to help! Take the short drive on Hwy. 59 to the Planet Ford sign for savings or shop online anytime at www.PlanetFord59.com!

*Experimental Bronco Prototype. Not final vehicle. Professional driver on closed course. Do not attempt. When off-roading, always know your terrain and use appropriate safety gear.

Posted in Ford Bronco | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Teaser Video for the Bronco 4×4 Prototype Testing

Huge Year-End Savings at Planet Ford in Humble

Posted on December 31, 2019 by sydavis

Holiday Hours

NEW YEAR’S EVE – SALES/SERVICE/PARTS/COLLISION: OPEN REGULAR HOURS 

NEW YEAR’S DAY – SALES: OPEN 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. SERVICE/PARTS/COLLISION: CLOSED

It’s the last day of 2019, so the days to save are coming to an end at Planet Ford in Humble. You’re invited to take advantage of some of our biggest specials of the year at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford (serving Atascocita, Kingwood, Conroe, Katy, greater Houston area). We have incredible, year-end deals on tons of Ford cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs.

Looking for a brand new vehicle? This is truly an ideal time to get your dream ride! We have big savings on many models, such as:

§ 2019 Ford F-250 XL Diesel

§  2019 Ford Escape S

§  2019 Ford Fusion S, and more!

Plus, we have great deals on a huge selection of our Certified Pre-Owned Fords and wide array pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs!

Need Service or Parts?

Even if you’re not in the market for a new vehicle, Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble is a one-stop-shop for service or parts for your current vehicle. Whether you need a quick oil change, brake service or simply parts for a DIY project you’ve been meaning to check off your list, we can help.

Make your New Year’s resolution with Planet Ford and take home the luxury vehicle of your dreams. Visit 19000 Eastex Freeway in Humble, Texas or shop online anytime at PlanetFord59.com.

Posted in End-Of-Year Clearance, Year-End Sale | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Huge Year-End Savings at Planet Ford in Humble

2020 Ford Expedition Limited with Off-Road Pkg. Most Premium Trail-Ready

Posted on December 18, 2019 by sydavis

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble loves sharing exciting news like this. Ford is offering its FX4 off-road package to the upscale 2020 Ford Expedition Limited for customers who want to travel further off the beaten path.

“There’s a growing trend in people looking to enjoy rugged terrain without having to give up the refinement, comfort or convenience of getting there,” said Devin McParlane, Ford Expedition consumer marketing manager.

The Expedition Limited FX4 off-road package brings off-road ruggedness and capability to the company’s seven-passenger SUV. Nearly 20 percent of Expedition owners use their vehicle for off-road adventures, with 45 percent taking their SUV hunting, camping or fishing, according to MaritzCX market research. And with an available heavy-duty trailer package, the standard-wheelbase Expedition Limited FX4 can tow up to 9,200 pounds – more than any other vehicle in its class.

FX4 includes athletic 32-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch metallic gray-painted cast-aluminum rims and premium off-road-tuned shocks. Seven underbody skid plates, including a new sand shield to protect turbocharger intercoolers, steel plates to protect steering gear, engine, transmission and transfer case, and a full-length guard for the fuel tank. A chin spoiler beneath the front bumper is shortened to improve approach angles for climbing over steep obstacles. Chrome-plated running boards with angular step bars add off-road protection and passenger convenience.

Combining performance and extended off-road competency, the Expedition FX4 powertrain features a 375-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed electronically controlled four-wheel-drive transfer case with neutral towing capability. A patented 3.73:1 electronic limited-slip differential and heavy-duty engine radiator further aid off-road capability.

An advanced Terrain Management System™ adds still more off-road prowess by automatically selecting optimal power transfer and engine control to give drivers greater confidence out in the wild.

Off-road capability, high-tech driver-assist features

Along with its enhanced off-road capabilities and extensive underbody skid plate protection, Expedition Limited FX4 brings upscale appointments. This includes a 360-degree camera system with split-view that offers driver and passengers a better view of surrounding terrain.

Premium leather-trimmed seating and rich wood accents are included as part of the Limited series, along with durable rubber floor liners front and rear to protect the interior. The cabin features the same FX4 badging that adorns the liftgate and front fender.

For 2020, Expedition gets standard Ford Co-Pilot360™ that features a host of driver-assist technologies including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and a rearview camera. The Limited model goes further with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist featuring Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, voice-activated touch screen navigation and optional Enhanced Active Park Assist. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ is also available to help take the stress off lining up a trailer or boat to make maneuvering more enjoyable.

The new 2020 Expedition Limited FX4 package is available for both the standard Expedition and extended-length Expedition MAX versions at Ford dealers now.

Are you ready for a new family friendly Ford Expedition right now? Take the drive on Hwy. 59 for a huge selection and great savings. Shop online anytime at PlanetFord59.com!

Posted in Ford Expedition | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on 2020 Ford Expedition Limited with Off-Road Pkg. Most Premium Trail-Ready

Ford and McDonalds Drive Thru for the Environment

Posted on December 9, 2019 by sydavis

The team at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble is excited to see how Ford and McDonald’s are driving change with a double shot of sustainability. The two companies have come together to find a way to convert coffee bean skins into vehicle auto parts.

Each year, literally millions of pounds of coffee chaff (aka the dried skin of the coffee bean) naturally comes off during the roasting process. Together, Ford Motor Company and McDonald’s USA said they can provide an innovative new way to use a significant portion of that chaff material. The companies found that chaff can be converted into a durable material to reinforce certain vehicle parts. By heating the chaff to high temperatures under low oxygen, mixing it with plastic and other additives and turning it into pellets, the material can be formed into various shapes.

According to Ford, the chaff composite meets the quality specifications for parts like headlamp housings and other interior and under hood components. The resulting components will be about 20 percent lighter and require up to 25 percent less energy during the molding process. Heat properties of the chaff component are significantly better than the currently used material, according to Ford. This is the first time Ford has used coffee bean skins to convert into select vehicle parts.

“McDonald’s commitment to innovation was impressive to us and matched our own forward-thinking vision and action for sustainability,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader, sustainability and emerging materials research team. “This has been a priority for Ford for over 20 years, and this is an example of jump starting the closed-loop economy, where different industries work together and exchange materials that otherwise would be side or waste products.”

McDonald’s is expected to direct a significant portion of its coffee chaff in North America to Ford to be incorporated into vehicle parts.

“Like McDonald’s, Ford is committed to minimizing waste and we’re always looking for innovative ways to further that goal,” said Ian Olson, senior director, global sustainability, McDonald’s. “By finding a way to use coffee chaff as a resource, we are elevating how companies together can increase participation in the closed-loop economy.”

The collaboration with Ford and McDonald’s is the latest example of the innovative approaches both companies take to product and environmental stewardship. The project also involves Varroc Lighting Systems, which supplies the headlamps, and Competitive Green Technologies, the processor of the coffee chaff.

Ford is progressing toward a goal of using recycled and renewable plastics in vehicles globally, with an increasing range of sustainable materials.

McDonald’s is on its way to sourcing 100 percent of its guest packaging from renewable, recycled or certified sources by 2025. In addition, McDonald’s is helping develop a recyclable and/or compostable cup through the NextGen Cup Consortium and Challenge. Both efforts are part of McDonald’s Scale for Good initiative, a global commitment to use its size and scale to drive meaningful change.

McDonald’s and Ford plan to continue exploring ways to collaboratively use waste as a resource, while furthering their sustainability goals.

Ready for your Ford? Visit Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble. We are a short drive on Eastex Freeway. Visit PlanetFord59.com to shop online anytime!

Posted in Environment, Ford Partners | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Ford and McDonalds Drive Thru for the Environment