As a music streaming service that offers users access to an unparalleled library of songs, albums and artists; new, old, massively popular or audaciously underground, it’s often a challenge to see if there’s something Spotify can’t find for you. As a downloadable desktop client for Windows and Mac, Spotify has revolutionized the way we listen to music in the home. As a mobile app, it’s changed the way we listen to music through those shiny white headphones. Now, with Applink integration, Spotify is going to change the way we listen to music in the car. Tick.

Of course, the in-car Spotify app will make use of all the new features of the architecture, affording drivers the opportunity to utilize playlists and songs, and use the complete range of controls with their voice. For an on-the-road music experience that’s as safe as it is varied, there’ll no longer be the necessity to multitask your eyes and hands to change song; simply uttering the words ‘shuffle’, ‘repeat’, ‘play music’, ‘now playing’ or any of the other  functions you’d expect from your analogue player will cause the app respond appropriately!

Pascal de Mul, Spotify’s global head of hardware partnerships, speaking at the Mobile World Congress said “Our partnership with Ford AppLink will enable music-loving drivers to enjoy access to Spotify’s huge catalogue of more than 20 million tracks safely, while on the road.” Meanwhile Ford’s CTO Paul Mascarenas commented “We are entering the age of the connected car”, and undoubtedly, as always, Ford are leading the way. Give us at Matlock Ford a call today to find out how you can get involved with the latest Ford vehicles, showcasing the most up to date technology available!

Naturally, this resonates most fervently with used car buyers, as new Fords often come with extensive guarantees and that renowned dependability that most modern vehicles come packaged with. Repairs and upkeep are elements that many buyers don’t take into account though; with so many things to think about when browsing for a used car, it’s an oft-forgotten aspect that could cost drivers a lot of money!

The differences across motoring manufacturers for parts or general repairs can be staggering, and in the event that something goes wrong, usually an unexpected occurrence, the last thing you need is to have to pay out a sum you simply can’t afford just to get your car going again. Indeed, popular motoring news website motortorque.com recently featured a Range Rover owner who was forced to shell out an unbelievable £13,000 to repair his vehicle.

With MoneySupermarket and Warranty Direct joining forces to conduct the survey, the pair managed to investigate over 50,000 insurance policies, creating a Reliability Index from the results. The study itself could well see the awareness of repair costs raised for those shopping for a used vehicle, potentially making Ford cars an even more attractive option. Indeed, the final figure for the average Ford repair cost came to just £223.92, whilst the infrequency of reported mechanical breakdowns also sent the manufacturer soaring into the top ranks of the results.

Here at Matlock Ford, we’re proud to bring you some of the most reliable used cars around, delivering a vehicle you can trust and drive in confidence, knowing in the unlikely event something does go wrong, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to fix! Give us a call today to find out more about our current stock!

Cloud Dancing

Yes introduced in the States, Amazon’s Cloud Player allows users to stream their music from the internet, and is integrated into everything you purchase digitally from the Amazon store itself. The Ford Sync AppLink adaptation then, allows owners to connect to the Amazon MP3 Android app running on their phone and thus access their complete music collection through the service! It even links in voice commands or dashboard audio controls, meaning drivers have the full functionality of the installed unit but can listen to music they don’t physically have with them!

Apps Alot

Ford’s most recent in-car development, the next level of dashboard entertainment, launched its developer SDK (Software Development Kit) last month which gives third parties access to the full prowess of the system, meaning they can utilize the full length and breadth of the installed technology and the ability for apps and the vehicle to communicate. With support for hands-free and Bluetooth as well as other cloud based services including directions and traffic reports, there’s no limit to how app creators could harness this new found playground. This has, nbaturally, caused a significant, rumbling response, and at the time of writing over three dozen AppLink compatible apps are already publically available on iOS and Android smartphones.

UK-Bound

The Consumer Electronics Show earlier last month heralded the first real official Ford development talk for AppLink wherein they launched the availability of the aforementioned SDK, and whilst the announcements were largely US-based, there was confirmation the tech would make its way to the UK ‘soon’. Keep your eyes glued to Matlock Ford for all the latest Ford news and remember, our new and used Fords could be exactly what you’re looking for in a vehicle, today!

Yes, ahead of the final figures from automotive data collection firm Polk, Ford have tipped the Focus to become the world’s bestselling global vehicle nameplate for last year! Q4 2012 runs to the end of September, and all sales from around the world, including variations and other territories count toward the final number. Reportedly Ford commented that the vehicle was on track to keep a tight hold of its prestigious position, garnered from previous years, for the 2012 period.

With the Fiesta covering the backend, in line to become the world’s best-selling B-segment car for 2012, and with Ford managing to shift an astonishing 2.2 Million cars in the US alone last year, on paper at the very  least, it’s been a beautiful , record-breaking year for the biggest motoring manufacturer about.

With the EcoSport, the all-new Mustang and everything else we’ll be seeing from the company in 2013 and beyond, including their recent developments with Ford Sync, and the App technology currently being tested in the Fusion, there’s little doubt that we’re bound to see yet more awards thrust in Ford’s direction in the months to come! Stay tuned to Matlock Ford for all the latest updates!

If you’ve seen the advert, you’ll know that one of the car’s greatest uses is its ability to allow you to pull off a stunning, athletic dive right through its body with the sliding doors pulled back. This is made possible, as many have long yearned, by the pillarless central reservation of the vehicle. Where most cars usually place a supporting column, the B-Max supplies nothing but fresh air, and as you can imagine, this makes for a significant difference to the spatial aptitude of its interior. You sometimes feel like you could run in there.

Of course, one of the first concerns arising from the idea of a vehicle with no mid-section support is safety. This is taken care of, however, by a clever system wherein the front and rear door structures lock together, establishing a confluent balance that supplies all the safety and durability you’d expect of a fully kitted out conventional pillar.

One of the most surprising achievements of the B-Max is its striking good looks, and beautiful drive. For a car that concentrates so much on space and movement, something it does bountifully, it ticks the boxes in these areas that rivals simply couldn’t factor in to the equation. With its Fiesta style innards, Eco engine and heightened driver side seating position, Ford have created a great looking, performance competing and incomparably spacious alternative to the Fiesta. Sitting uncomfortably and squashed up in the back seats is almost expected these days, and the B-Max is on hand to wipe that very slate clean!

Click through to our B-Max page for more on the wonders of this excellent vehicle, available at Matlock Ford!

Ford Sync is the latest in dashboard communicative and entertainment technology, and this latest component allows users to turn their vehicles into their smartphone! Regrettably, this doesn’t mean it shrinks it down to pocket size so you can carry your car around with you; what it does mean however, is mobile Apps can now be used through the in-car system.

Essentially, Ford are taking steps to ensure your vehicle can keep up with the fast moving world of smartphone and tablet technology, bringing the social, and life-improving benefits we now get from the unendingly clever depths of our mobile technology, to the dashboard.

The USA Today App involves a real human, no stuttering, monotone computer, reading you the news YOU want to hear. One dating app, BeCouply connects to the iOS or Android counterpart and tells you where to go on interesting days out for two; from horse riding, to cookery classes, the app will take you straight there, all via the sultry sound of your own voice.

With friends and family able to see where you are and where you’re going via social apps and an obviously bottomless cavern of opportunity for compatible third party applications that do all sorts of weird and wonderful things, Mascarena stated a marked strategic shift for future innovations, commenting “It really is so exciting to see the next phase of the evolution of the driving experience opening up before our eyes.”

Here at Matlock Ford, we’re pretty excited about the future too, so why not call in and see our excitable staff today, and learn about why Ford are the technological choice of tomorrow, today!

Naturally, the Fiesta Van is built in line with the high standards attributed to the hatchback counterpart, however it does of course have a number of specific advantages including; a 1.0 cubic metre load area, a rubber matted lining and a 276 litre boot. Unsurprisingly, these features come in place of rear passenger seating.

The options for alternative engines are bountiful, and one of the most notable additions is the Fiesta Van ECOnetic; a 94bhp diesel engine, claiming an average return of 85.6mpg – made for those long, cross country hauls to the next job. Similarly though, the ordinary 94bhp 1.6 litre and 74bhp 1.5 litre diesels also account for an enviable 76.4mpg or reportedly better on return! With a 1.25 litre petrol engine available as well, in typical Ford style, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to securing the car/van that does the job.

With the new Fiesta hatchback seeing a number of upgrades in the technology and safety department, the van receives all those extra as well, making for a fully-fitted and up to date system that ensures a safe, comfortable journey wherever you’re headed. MyKey is a fancy, programmable piece of tech that allows you to include a speed limiter, whilst Ford’s celebrated and ever-evolving SYNC system is also integrated into the dash. Active City Stop is also ventured into the bargain, a system that detects potential obstacles and accident prone instances and primes the brakes, whilst actually intervening if, in a dangerous situation, there is no response from the driver.

Finally, for cosmetic punctuation not often seen on a car/van of this calibre, you can also add in 17-inch alloy wheels, increasing the striking tones of the new Fiesta Vans facelift and ensuring looks, safety, space and efficiency are all boxes well and truly ticked in this new release! For the perfect used Ford Fiesta or the best choice in a range of new Ford cars, you’re already in the right place with Matlock Ford!

So just how do we measure the modern technological prowess of a vehicle? The Gadget Gauge? The Tech-ometer? The Computer Calculator? Nope, these days it seems we measure on numbers and quantity alone, as the Fusion, Ford have reported, has a whopping 70 on-board computers. Which is almost as many as we have in the office here. How will they fit them all in? Couple those with the 145 actuators, an astonishing 4,716 signals and 74 of those helpful little sensors, and you’ve got a fully autonomous computing machine that you can drive about!

Of course these computers create constant telemetry and relay data back to either the driver or other systems within the vehicle, and as such, the car produces over 25 gigabytes of data per hour. Take a quick journey up North and you’ll have filled the average home computer in no time.

Essentially though, Mascarenas is right, and we’re only eyeing the very tip of the iceberg in terms of technical limitations, and how we’ll all be driving in years to come. It was a mere five years ago, in fact, that Lexus raved about their achievement of packing 30 on board computers into their top-end machine; so much progression in such little time lays the ground for exciting possibilities tomorrow!

Naturally, Ford have always been at the cutting edge of in-car technology, from stereos to seatbelts, from steering to safety, no matter how old your Ford is, you know it’s kitted out with the best! Have a look for our used Ford cars and make sure you’re driving the best from Matlock Ford!

Right now the Henry Ford 150 Years website is live, and packed with information regarding the events and the things to look out for during the year-long celebration. Most notably of all perhaps, is the home coming of the World’s oldest Ford vehicle! Back in the hands of its manufacturer, we’ll undoubtedly be hearing more about the 1903 ‘Model A’ throughout the year of its 110th anniversary!

Bill Ford commented on the return of the vehicle saying ‘“The timing was perfect to bring this key part of Ford heritage back to the family as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of my great-grandfather’s birth and his vision to improve people’s lives by making cars affordable for the average family,” continuing “His vision to build cars that are reasonably priced, reliable and efficient still resonates and defines our vision today as well.”

The aforementioned website contains an interactive Ford Motor Company timeline, beginning all the way back in 1863 and packed with information right the way up until 2013, the fascinating read is a new effort to preserve the legacy of the company and spread the word on the trials and tribulations that have led to be not only one of the world’s greatest car manufacturers, but one of the most recognized brands full stop.

But why is the Model A so prestigious? Well, we’ll leave you to discover that all on your own – the full story is available at the Henry Ford 150^th website, however the red 1903 number was one of the few things that stood between the company staying afloat or disappearing altogether! How different the world would be today!

Whilst we haven’t had any 1903 Model A’s in in a while, we do, of course, stock some of the finest used vehicles from one of the world’s most revered  manufacturers, and what better time to buy the most reliable vehicle on the road? Celebrate 150 years today with Matlock Ford!  

Yes, today we learn of FMCSA’s contribution to the local community by way of a donated Ford Ranger! The happy receivers of the gift are collectively known as the Viva Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping primitively established settlements become fully fledged, economically sound and viable communities. The Ranger comes after two and a half years of committed support from FMCSA, helping out the Viva Foundation wherever they see a practical opportunity to during that time. Dean Stoneley, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for FMCSA handed the keys over himself, in front of a delighted collection of locals.

The elated Chairmen of the Viva Foundation, Leon Kriel, commented ‘it is a blessing that will allow the Viva Foundation to go further as it strives to develop underprivileged communities’, going on to say ‘we were in dire need of a vehicle, and we are extremely grateful to Ford for coming to our aid with a Ranger.’

The Foundation itself built and established The Viva Village, a base it uses to deliver a better quality of life to the residents nearby, ensuring there is adequate schooling facilities, special needs resources and after-school care initiatives for children. On top of this, from its base it provides 3500 meals per month to families via its confluent feeding scheme.

Knowing their responsibilities though, the Viva Foundation aren’t the only charitable outlet FMCSA are making, as they also deliver help and support to a whole range of projects throughout the area. MEDICOS Special School and SOS Children’s Village to name but two.

Getting into the festive spirit themselves, employees of FMCSA hosted a party for the SOS Children’s Village, and joined in on the celebrations!

Jeff Nemeth, FMCSA CEO said “It is a privilege to share in their joy, and while these initiatives are a small gesture on our part, it is a day the children relish. We are proud to be associated with the exceptional work performed by the Viva Foundation, the MEDICOS School and the SOS Children’s Village, they provide an invaluable service to the communities that surround our Plant and we are thankful to them for their hard work and dedication.”

Get in the festive mood yourself and have a browse through our used Ford cars!