At Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Texas all know that recycling helps the environment, but what happens to all those plastic water bottles once they’re recycled? Well if you buy a Ford, you are helping drive change in how we recycle!
Ford Motor Co. is being innovative again in their approach to helping the environment by using recycled plastic bottles for underbody shields on all cars and SUVs, and wheel liners on F-Series trucks.
Recycled Parts
The underbody shield is a large part on vehicles and if the company was to use solid plastic, the part would nearly three times as much which would cut into the aerodynamics.
“We look for the most durable and highest performing materials to work with to make our parts, and in this case, we are also creating many environmental benefits,” said Thomas Sweder, design engineer, Ford Motor Company.
Ford uses about 1.2 billion recycled plastic bottles per year – about 250 bottles per vehicle on average.
Picture This
You put a plastic bottle into a recycling bin that is collected with thousands of others to be shredded into small pieces. The pieces are typically sold to suppliers who turn it into a fiber, by melting the bottle and extruding it. Those fibers are mixed together with other various types of fiber in a textile process and used to make a sheet of material – which is formed into the automotive parts.
Unlike solid plastic, recycle plastic is much lighter, which is ideal for the manufacture of underbody shields, engine under shield and front and rear wheel arch liners that can help improve vehicle aerodynamics. Not only that, but these shields also help create a significantly quieter environment on the all-new 2020 Ford Escape.
“Ford is among the leaders when it comes to using recycled materials such as this, and we do it because it makes sense technically and economically as much as it makes sense for the environment,” Sweder said. “This material meets all of our robust specifications for durability and performance.”
Ready for your new SUV or truck that is hauling new recycling ways on board? Visit Planet Ford on Hwy. 59 in Humble (serving greater Houston, Kingwood, Atascocita, Conroe, Tomball) or shop online anytime at PlanetFord59.com!
Not only will we help repair the dents and dings from the storm, but our team is also here to help walk you through the process. Our repair shop works with all major insurance providers to help make the process as pain-free as possible.
If you’re simply ready for a new vehicle, we can help you too! Planet Ford in Humble has great deals New Ford or pre-owned vehicle? We also offer top dollar for trade-ins; and we are taking vehicles with hail damage from the recent storm, as well.
Certainly, this won’t be the last storm pelting us in Texas. So, if we can ever help, no matter the auto issue, simply reach out to one of our award-winning service team members.
At Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, we know great vehicles when we see them. That’s why we’re so excited for the all-new 2020 Ford Escape! The popular Escape is getting a makeover, and with that makeover comes new and exciting features that we can’t wait to share with you. We struggled to narrow down our extensive list of favorite features to just five, but we somehow managed and we’re here to present our list!
1. Escape Exterior Redesign The all-new 2020 Escape was influenced by some other Ford favorites. For example, the Mustang influenced the shield-shaped trapezoidal grille for the Escape. The Escape also borrowed some design elements from the famous Ford GT as reflected in the lower front end of the Escape.
Courtesy of Ford Media
2. Spacious Second Row
Designers with Ford wanted the second row of the 2020 Escape to feel like a second row, not second class. Thus, it was imperative to them to design it in a way that would maximize space for the rear passengers without impeding on the cargo space. Featured in the all-new Escape will be a sliding second-row seat. This provides rear-seat passengers ample legroom, knee clearance, and foot length to ensure a more comfortable ride.
Courtesy of Ford Media
3. Copious Cargo Space
When the second-row seat is fully forward, the rear cargo space in the gas-powered models increases approximately 6 inches to 37.5 cubic feet.
Previously, driving a hybrid meant that you would lose cargo space to the battery. That is no longer the case, as the hybrid battery is now under the second-row seat, thus leaving your rear cargo area open for your needs. Designers of the 2020 Ford Escape constructed the vehicle to accommodate a foursome of golfers in the front, with each individual’s golf set in the rear.
Courtesy of Ford Media
4. Diverse Drive Modes
The all-new Escape allows drivers to customize their driving experience to their desired mode or the conditions they may face. The five settings available are Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Snow/Sand driving.
Hybrid drivers can now experience the same benefits, as the all-new Escape offers four hybrid drive modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge. The all-new EV Charge mode allows drivers to continue to charge the hybrid battery as they are driving and save the electric-only miles for a later time.
Courtesy of Ford Media
5. Titanium Technology
The 2020 Ford Escape Titanium models now feature an all-new heads-up display, a Ford first in North America. The heads-up display projects pertinent information onto a 6-inch screen that protrudes from the dashboard in front of the steering wheel. This technology allows drivers to receive key information, such as their speed, without taking their eyes off the road.
Courtesy of Ford Media
For obvious reasons, we at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble (serving greater Houston, Atascocita, Kingwood, Humble, Conroe, Katy) are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the all-new Ford Escape. As we expect the 2020 Escape to arrive this fall, connect with us on social media to stay tuned to the latest news.
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble had a great day celebrating the 39th annual Good Oil Days. We were proud to be a co-presenting sponsor of the event that benefits the Humble Senior Citizen Center.
This event kicks off with a blowout street dance the evening before, and the morning after is filled with arts and crafts, good food and the famous senior plant sale. Kids had fun too, with the popular kids’ zone where they have their own games and activities.
The Good Oil Days Festival was created to celebrate Humble’s rich history in the oil industry as well as to bring business into the ‘hub’ of the city. Good Oil Days developed over the years into one of Texas’ premium family friendly festivals.
For more information on other community activities and events that Planet Ford in Humble (serving Greater Houston, Atascocita, Kingwood, Conroe) is a part of, visit planetford59.com/about/community.
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble invites you to join us next Saturday, May 18th at 4:00 p.m. for Armed Forces Day and help pack some care packages, bid on auction items, jam to Jake Worthington and see the B4T Bad Beast one of a kind Ekstensive Metal custom F-150 up close and personal!
Located at Duke’s Kitchen, 6303 FM 1960 W Humble, Texas the celebration will be benefitting the Boot For Troops foundation. Boots for Troops care packages are shipped to the United States deployed troops. You can come meet heroes, enjoy the patriotic drink specials, participate in the silent auction and help pack packages.
Country Music Singer: Jake Worthington
In 2014, Jake Worthington was named “Runner-Up” on Season 6 of the hit NBC TV Show “The Voice”. While on the show, Jake released three songs that reached top 20 on Billboard. Success from “The Voice” led to a Social Media presence that reaches nearly 250,000 people across the US.
In October 2015, Jake released his first EP debuting at #16 Billboard Heat Seekers and #44 Billboard Country Albums. The first single off the EP “Just Keep Falling In Love” reached Top 50 on The Music Row Chart and Top 30 on The Texas Regional Radio Report. The Video was featured on GAC, CMT, and many other outlets.
In the summer of 2016, he released his follow-up single “How Do You Honky Tonk” and hit the road on the “How Do You Honky Tonk” Summer Tour sponsored by Amspec, Cinch Jeans, and Ernie Ball. The tour featured 26 stops in 16 states.
In 2017, Jake released his sophomore EP “Hell of a Highway” featuring hit songs “Don’t Think Twice” and “A Lot of Room to Talk”.
About Boots For Troops
The mission at Boots For Troops is to uplift and empower the over-all morale and mental well-being of deployed service members defending our freedom. For questions regarding Boots For Troops please contact Michael Sosa here.
For more information on other community activities and events that Planet Ford in Humble (serving Greater Houston, Atascocita, Kingwood, Conroe) is a part of, visit planetford59.com/about/community.
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble is always proud to support our community and our military men and women at home and aboard. This week, we sponsored Boots forTroops ParTake for the Troops Golf Tournament 2019.
The tournament was held at Atascocita Golf Club on Monday, April 29, 2019. This event benefits Boots For Troops, whose mission is to uplift and empower the overall morale and mental well-being of the United States deployed troops.
Not only did the Planet Ford team sponsor the event, but some of our team members competed for the win!
Planet Ford Humble and Boots For Troops
Planet Ford has been supporting Boots For Troops and their effort to send care packages to our military men and women. The Planet Ford team gets together with Boots For Troops to help raise funds and items for their packing of custom care packages.
We are regularly assisting the building and creating solider care packages. Stayed tuned for more details to come. For questions regarding Boots For Troops please contact Michael Sosa here.
For more information on other community activities and events that Planet Ford in Humble (serving Greater Houston, Atascocita, Kingwood, Conroe) is a part of, visit planetford59.com/about/community.
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble was proud to be part of Chicks & Hogs 10th Annual BBQ & Brew-Off benefiting Family Promise in Lake Houston.
Planet Ford’s tent was called the Taste of Freedom tent and had a military theme that included a tribute table to POWs and MIAs. Our cook team, the Blue Smoke Cookers, won first place in “best beans” category!
Big Ford Winners
Congratulations to Phyllis and Ronnie Dacus. They are the winners of the 2019 Ford F-150 XL Crew Cab raffle.
The Family Promise Mission
Family Promise of Lake Houston provides a caring and positive environment for homeless children and their families while they design and execute a plan to break the cycle of homelessness in their lives. Using the energy of over 2800 community volunteers they are dedicated to families who seek to be accountable, resilient and strive for a better tomorrow for their families.
Gear Up For Next Year
We had a blast this past Saturday, but if you missed it, don’t worry! We hope to see you next year!
It’s no secret that Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble‘s favorite sports coupe is the Ford Mustang. That’s why it comes as no surprise to learn that the Mustang claims the title, “Best-Selling Sports Coupe in the World” for 2018! With 113,066 cars sold last year, the Mustang secured the title for the fourth year in a row.
Tech Talk
People love the Mustang for a number of reasons, such as the smart technology that includes the B&O™ Sound Premium System and the FordPass,™ Ford’s one-stop app that allows users to lock, unlock, and start your car remotely,* find parking ahead of time, and compare fuel prices at various stations along your route. The Mustang also features the new SYNC® 3, now pairing you with Alexa through the SYNC 3 AppLink.®** SYNC 3 and AppLink now allow you access to Voice Navigation, Traffic Information, over 50,000 Skills, and more, as well as bringing you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition to the smart technology, Ford is proud to have the Ford Safe and Smart™ Package available in the Mustang. This package includes:
Courtesy of Ford Media
Pre-Collision assist with Pedestrian Detection
Lane-Keeping System
Adaptive cruise control
Automatic emergency braking
Automatic high beams
Forward collision warning with brake support
Rain-sensing wipers
The Best-Selling Numbers
The Mustang’s global share increased half a point in 2018 from 2017, putting the Mustang at 15.4% global market share. This growth can be attributed in part to the all-new, hot-selling Mustang Bullitt.
The new 2019 Mustang Bullitt, courtesy of Ford Media
“We broke the mold when Ford launched the Mustang 55 years ago… Nothing says freedom, the wind in your hair and the joy of driving like Mustang; it’s an icon. The roar of its V8 on a spring day, there’s nothing better. No wonder it’s the most popular sports coupe in the world.”
– Jim Farley, Ford president, global markets
Global sales data are based on IHS Markit 2018 total new vehicle registrations for all sports car segments. U.S. sales are based on 2018 industry reported sales.
Are you ready to drive in style with a Mustang? Cruise on down to Randall Reed’s Planet Ford (serving greater Houston, Katy, Humble, Conroe, Atascocita) and save! Stop by and take your new ‘stang for a test drive at 19000 Eastex Frwy., Humble, Texas or shop online anytime at www.PlanetFord59.com.
*Remote start capability available with automatic transmission. **Requires available SYNC 3 AppLink version 2.2 or higher. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice controls. Certain Alexa functionality is dependent on smart phone and home technology. Amazon, Alexa, and all related logos and marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Our team here at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble is excited to announce the reveal of the all-new 2020 Ford Escape. Ford is reinventing the model that helped drive the popularity of the segment with the SUV’s best-ever performance, flexibility and smart new technology. So, you ready to “escape” to a better SUV?
The Ford Escape, which coincidentally debuted the world’s first hybrid SUV in 2005, brings back two hybrid choices for 2020:
standard hybrid
plug-in hybrid
“This all-new Escape brings a sleeker, sportier design with the capability to take you on just about any of your life’s adventures,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s president, North America. “With our class-leading hybrid powertrains, customers will spend less time at the gas station and more time on the road.”
Ford Escape Design
The all-new Escape is the most aerodynamic to date. Its sloped roofline, optimized liftgate spoiler and strake, and efficient underbody give it a refreshingly updated and futuristic look. Meanwhile, it loses more than 200 pounds from the current model, due in part to the extensive use of high-strength, lightweight steel.
To create a sportier look for the all-new Escape, designers turned to some of the most high-profile sports cars in the Ford showroom. The shield-shaped trapezoidal grille is inspired by the sixth-generation Mustang, while the lower front end borrows from Ford GT. Compared to the current model, the all-new Escape stands lower, wider and longer.
Ford Escape Power
Every model in the lineup, whether powered by one of two EcoBoost® engines or the all-new hybrid powertrains, targets an EPA-estimated range of at least 400 miles per tank.** The standard hybrid with front-wheel drive targets best-in-class EPA-estimated range of more than 550 miles.*
Best-performing Escape ever
New powertrains and transmission systems, a reduction in weight, improved aerodynamics and updated suspension system all contribute to one undeniable fact: this is the best-performing, most fun-to-drive Escape ever.
Gas engine-powered models as well as the standard hybrid are available with all-wheel drive. EcoBoost-equipped models get a new quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth, responsive shifting, while every Escape receives an all-new suspension and improved isolation with a new isolated rear subframe.
“This new vehicle performs like no other Escape before,” said Jim Hughes, Escape chief program engineer. “It’s quick, it’s responsive and, in staying true to the standard set by three generations of Escapes before it, it’s a heck of a lot of fun to drive.”
The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, available on Titanium, is projected to produce 250 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque using 93 octane fuel, while turning in a 0-60 mph time up to 10 percent faster than the outgoing Escape 2.0-liter. When properly configured, it is rated to tow 3,500 pounds.***
The all-new 1.5-liter EcoBoost, standard on S, SE and SEL, is projected to produce 180 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque using 93 octane fuel. When properly configured, it is rated to tow 2,000 pounds.*** To help conserve fuel, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost debuts cylinder deactivation, a Ford first for North America, which senses when one cylinder isn’t needed and shuts it down automatically. The system can activate or deactivate a cylinder in 14 milliseconds to maintain a smooth ride.
SE Sport and Titanium models come standard with Ford’s innovative fourth-generation hybrid propulsion system, which includes an all-new 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle hybrid engine and electronic continuously variable transmission. The front-wheel-drive hybrid model is projected to produce a combined system horsepower of 198, and a top speed of 85 mph in electric-only mode.
The plug-in hybrid variant, available on every trim level except S and SE Sport, projects a best-in-class EPA-estimated range of at least 30 miles in electric-only mode. Escape Plug-In Hybrid has a Level 1 / Level 2 AC charging port. Using a 110-volt Level 1 charge, the estimated time to fully charge the battery is 10 to 11 hours. Using a 240-volt Level 2 charge, charge time drops to roughly 3.5 hours.
Hybrid models feature four EV modes that allow customers to select the settings most suitable for their individual needs. This means:
In Auto EV mode, the vehicle decides whether to run on gas or electric power
In EV Now mode, drivers can operate on all-electric driving
In EV Later mode, drivers can switch to full gas-powered driving to conserve electric miles for later
In all-new EV Charge mode, drivers can continue to charge the battery while driving and generate electric-only miles to use later
So, you excited yet? Well, our team will continue the Escape reveal with its tech section up next. If you’re an auto-tech junkie, you’re going to fall in love with with what the all-new Escape has to offer. In the meantime, checkout the Escape Hybrid B-roll!
*Actual range will vary. Final EPA-estimated ratings available later in the 2019 calendar year. Class is Small Utility over 4480 mm length based on Ford Segmentation.
**Actual range will vary. Model designations are based on powertrain, drivetrain, and trim level combinations. Final EPA-estimated ratings available later in the 2019 calendar year.
***Horsepower, torque, payload, towing and EPA Estimated Fuel Economy Ratings are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
We have the best, award-winning team, at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble. Each month, we come together to celebrate special milestones, including birthdays and anniversaries. This month, we celebrated both January and February milestones and birthday. A few of the highlights, include:
January 2019 – Salesmen of the Month
Ronald Mitchison – New Cars
Bryan Vasquez – Pre-Owned Cars
January 2019 – Employees of the Month
Ricardo Hernandez – Service
Saul Juarez – Body Shop
John Eric Collier – Parts
February 2019 – Salesmen of the Month
Ronald Mitchison – New Cars
Chris Mason – Pre-Owned
February 2019 – Employees of the Month
Greg Watson – Service
Jorge Luna – Body Shop
Walters Vickers – Parts
Anniversaries in January
Judy Ramirez-Baird 10 Years
Juan Barcenas 10 Years
Blain Black 25 Years
Arturo Munoz 20 Years
February
Christopher Kramer 11 years
John Thomas 9 years
Rudolph Majette 4 years
Daniel Fraleigh 2 years
Jarrett Gandy 2 years
David McLain 2 years
Byron Nelson 2 years
Gregory McCabe 1 year
Michael Armstrong 1 year
Brian Robinson 1 year
Hervey Ayala Toscano 1 year
March
Stuart McKenry 12 years
Roger Lemmons 10 years
Jeff Stapp 10 years
Nicholas Lang 10 years
Donna White 10 years
Adalberto Urbano 10 years
Rafael Santiago 10 years
Victor Flores 3 years
Andy Fajardo 3 years
Luis Montemayor 1 year
Nathan Zuniga 1 year
Plus, a happy birthday to all of our team member celebrating this month. Planet Ford has a truly thankful to have such a wonderful and dedicated team. That is why our dealership is the highest award-winning dealership in the Houston area and a seven-time consecutive winner of Ford’s top award, the Triple Crown.
Want to experience the Randall Reed difference for yourself, we invite you to take the short drive on Hwy. 59 to the sign for savings, selection and award-winning service. www.PlanetFord59.com!
