New Fords make big impression
D. Alex MacDonald Ltd. lot has much to offer drivers, no matter what type of vehicle they need
A black 1915 Model-T Ford sits in the showroom of D. Alex MacDonald Ltd in Summerside, displaying the finest achievements of its day with its wooden spokes, crank engine and kerosene lights.
Ford has certainly come a long way.
Reflecting in Model-T’s black paint is a bright red 2017 F-150 sitting in the adjacent corner of the room, completely different in almost every way, except for having four wheels and a Ford emblem stamped on the front of its iconic grill.
The F-series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for 51 years, built with the harshest demands in mind. The 2017 3.5 litre 10-speed F-150’s were flying off the car lots last year, and Sales Manager Nick Heer said customers will fall in love with the 2018s mid-model re- fresh with an updated exterior design.
“You can certainly tell the difference. The grill stands out, the transmission has been switched to a 10-speed transmission. And there is improved fuel efficiency, horsepower and towing.”
Heer said his customers have been raving about their trucks to him.
“There has been great feedback. The drive is smoother, even more so than last year’s aluminum bodies. It’s hard to believe they’re making them better and better every year but they’re always making them more efficient.”
Heer anticipates the brand new 2018 Ford Ecosport will make an impression on Summerside drivers.
Larger than a car but smaller than the Ford Escape, the fuel efficient Ecosport has been popular in Europe and is being introduced to North America to meet the growing demand for compact SUVs.
“It’s geared towards a second vehicle or younger generation for the price point and the size,” Heer said. “It’ll be sporty but it wouldn’t fit a larger family and the occasional passenger.”
The sporty design will catch the eye of those looking to upgrade from the Ford Fiesta or Focus or downsizing from an SUV while having the latest in technology with Ford’s Sync 3 touch screen infotainment center.
The 2018 Expedition has undergone a complete redesign. The eight-passenger SUV boasts impressive towing capabilities, a refined and spacious cabin, and luxury features in the Platinum edition including heated and cooled leather seating and 22-inch polished aluminum wheels.
Heer said the Expedition will make a big impression on the road.
“You’ll see some out and about this year for sure. We took one for drive last week and it was great, we’re excited to have it. It’s another option to walk people from the Explorer.”
Though the F-150 rules the roads, the Ford Rangers have been greatly missed by those looking for mid-size trucks.
Heer said the anticipation for the Ranger’s return is apparent with every call asking for updates on the 2019 release, and he’s just as excited to learn more about it as Ford prepares the roll out.
“Still no specs or pricing, but it’s coming.”