Lester Cranfill was about eighty years old when I met him, about six four and two hundred and fifty pounds he was a big man and a stout broad shouldered old truck driver.  Yet in so many ways his constant grin and his demeanor always made me feel like he was a big kid. I met him because he loved to drive and he drove cars for us when we would sell a car that was at another dealership, we would call Lester and it never seemed to matter to Lester where it was, Arizona or ten miles away in Winston Salem his response was always, “I’m prayed up and packed up and ready to go.” Those words I herd from Lester hundreds of times to me sort of defined Lester.

Lester loved to drive and the further the trip the better, as far as he was concerned and when he said those words he meant them. He had a ditty bag that was always packed up. All those years of truck driving he knew about favorite truck stops and restaurants all over the country and where ever we would send him he would tell us, “Oh Boy, now I get to go ‘Old So and So’s they have the best (fill in the blank) in the country.” I’m telling ya Lester was a truck drivin man.

The prayed up part was for real as well, Lester became a member of our men’s group there in a small town in North Carolina called Mocksville, where we meet to this day. There is a seat that no one will ever sit in because we all know that’s Lester’s seat. I never met a man who prayed like Lester. Simple honest and clear to the point with the Lord, but the thing that impressed me the most about Lester’s prayers was that Lester always prayed that God would put someone in his path that day that he could witness to. That was a prayer the Lord would answer for Lester constantly. Lester was always telling us about how he picked up stranded drivers, met someone in the grocery line, and sat next to somebody else at a diner and each time he would share his powerful testimony.

Lester was kinda brought up on the wrong side of the tracks in Mocksville. He grew up smoking and drinking and fighting. As big as Lester was I don’t think I would have wanted any part of that. My understanding was that on Depot hill, (where the bars and whatnot were back in the day) that Lester kinda had a reputation similar to Bad Bad Leroy Brown. He married early to a saint, (believe me), named Lucile, a truly wonderful lady. Yet, in his younger years, Lester would tell you, he didn’t treat her well and would get drunk and start problems.

One of those night’s he went to pick up another beer and although Lester was not at all religious at the time, he herd a word from the Holy Spirit, “Lester don’t pick up that beer, this is your last chance!”. The way Lester told it, that night he gave his heart and life to the Lord and everything changed. Lester became a member and eventually a Deacon of Turntine Baptist Church.  The drinking and fighting no longer part of his life he became more and more like Jesus.

His relationship to Lucile was of the most unique things about Lester. countless times Lester would come into our meetings all sleepy eyed and tell us how he had sat up with Lucile and talked till three or four in the morning. I would ask, “Lester what in the world could you talk to Lucile about till four in the morning?”

“Oh Robby, I just love that lady and I could talk all night to Lucille.” Lester would tell us, but we never got the details. Lester loved his family, children, and grand children with a deep abiding love that taught us all.

Then the day came when I got a call that Lester was in the Hospital with a heart attack. Painfully Lucile was on a trip to help another family member and was hours away. I rushed over and met his grandson waiting in the emergency room. Soon the doctor came out and told us that Lester was in the middle of a massive heart attack and they were rushing him into emergency surgery. The doctor told us that Lester would be wheeled down the hall and we may be able to speak to him. Moments later here he came.

Although he must have been in unbelievable pain from the heart attack you could see that, ‘Big Kid’, grin of his from way down the hall. I will never forget what he said nor how he said it. “Robby, I’m prayed up packed up and ready to go!” Lester’s last words to me and his grandson, confirmed his trust in his Savior, said in Lester style, like he was headed for a vacation somewhere, and that he was, shortly to be on the ultimate vacation.  

The Lord told me I would be speaking at Lester’s Funeral and he told me to get Lester’s ditty bag. Sure enough Lucile came to me and asked if I would speak and she looked at me like I was crazy when I asked to see Lester’s ditty bag. I told her that Lester had always told me he was prayed up and packed up and ready to go and I wanted to illustrate that at his funeral. When I got home and examined the contents I have to admit I was shocked. Not at the Bible I was certain to see or the picture of his son and him standing by the big truck they both once owned. What shocked me were the diapers. I found out from his family that Lester had prostate cancer surgery years ago that had left him in a bad way. At this point I had known Lester for about eight years and I had never herd him ever complain of any pain or anything for that matter. Lester was all about helping anybody any time with anything with no mention of his pain.

I had the honor of speaking at this saint’s funeral and I guess at this point you know what I said and how I illustrated it with Lester’s ditty bag. He was “prayed up packed up and ready to go!”

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Mr. Allen Swift ( Springfield , MA.)

Mr. Allen Swift ( Springfield , MA.) received this 1928 Rolls-Royce Piccadilly P1 Roadster from his father, brand new - as a graduation gift in 1928.

He drove it up until his death last year…..at the age of 102 !!!

He was the oldest living owner of a car from new. Just thought you’d like to see it.  He donated it to a  Springfield  museum after his death.

It has 170,000 miles on it, still runs like a Swiss watch, dead silent at any speed and is in perfect cosmetic condition. (82 years)

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Bethesda, MD – July 26, 2010 – With the average cost of a new vehicle creeping closer to $30,000, spending a fraction of that money on making your current vehicle last longer makes good financial sense, reports the Car Care Council. By simply budgeting the equivalent of just one new car payment, consumers could cover an entire year’s worth of basic maintenance.

“In the early 1970s you could buy a house for $30,000, and the average vehicle cost $3,900, but they didn’t last anywhere near as long as they do today,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The average age of passenger vehicles on the road today is 10.6 years, the oldest ever. With proper routine maintenance, the typical vehicle should deliver at least 200,000 miles of safe, dependable, efficient and enjoyable performance, according to the Council. Consumers spend an average of $706 a year on vehicle repair and maintenance, according to IMR Inc.

“Hanging on to your current vehicle allows you to redirect money you would spend on a new car to pay off credit card debt, college loans and other bills or beef up savings or even take a road trip vacation,” White said.

The average price of a new vehicle this year increased by $1,057 or 3.7 percent to $29,217, and used car prices rose 5.5 percent, according to Edmunds.com.

The Car Care Council is a national non-profit organization providing information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign that promotes the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.

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• Lincoln is making automotive history with the launch of the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, offering luxury customers a premium hybrid sedan at the same base price as its conventional gas sibling, with an MSRP starting at $35,180

• The new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid offers modern luxury car buyers all the indulgence of a premium midsize sedan and all the environmental benefits of a world-class hybrid at an amazing price

• The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America with an EPA-certified 41 mpg – 6 mpg better than the hybrid from Lexus, the HS 250h. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid also offers more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features, and at a better price than the Lexus HS 250h

dearborn, Mich., July 22, 2010 – Lincoln’s new MKZ Hybrid – the Dearborn, Mich., July 22, 2010 – Lincoln’s new MKZ Hybrid –most fuel-efficient luxury car in America – will be a standout in the marketplace for another unique distinction when it goes on sale this fall: It will be priced the same as its conventional gas sibling.

“Lincoln is about delivering luxury standard,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford and Lincoln Marketing. “Whether it’s our new MKX with standard MyLincoln Touch^™ technology or the no-cost choice of a gas or hybrid powertrain with the Lincoln MKZ, we want to give customers premium amenities with unexpected value.”

When the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid goes on sale this fall, it will have an MSRP starting at $35,180, including destination and delivery. The pricing is identical to the 2011 Lincoln MKZ gas model and below the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, the MKZ Hybrid’s nearest competitor.

Lincoln is the first automaker to offer luxury customers a premium hybrid vehicle with an MSRP that matches its conventional gas sibling.

The decision to offer the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and gas models at the same price point is another example of the Lincoln brand’s philosophy of bringing luxury standard to customers. From standout product design, and class-leading technology and powertrains that deliver top performance and fuel efficiency, Lincoln is changing the game in the luxury market.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid redefines future of American luxury

The new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a game-changing vehicle that offers modern car buyers all the indulgence of a premium midsize sedan and all the environmental benefits of a hybrid vehicle at an amazing price.

Building on Ford’s reputation as a world leader in electrified technology, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses the company’s second-generation hybrid technology – the 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle
I-4 hybrid engine – named one of Ward’s 2010 “10 Best Engines.” The system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver optimal performance and fuel economy.

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid delivers a 41 mpg fuel economy rating in the city, topping its only near competitor – the 2010 Lexus HS 250h – by 6 mpg. It also trumps the Lexus with more passenger space, more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features.

The following features come standard on the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. They are either not offered at all on the Lexus HS 250h, or are available at an extra cost:   

• SmartGauge^™ with EcoGuide – Ford’s highly successful interactive technology provides real-time information to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency, and coaches drivers on how to optimize hybrid performance. Lincoln takes SmartGauge to the next level of engagement by giving drivers enhanced positive feedback on long-term fuel efficiency and driving performance through the “growth” of virtual small flowers on the system’s right-most screen. Lincoln’s white flowers, inspired by apple blossoms, remain permanently unless long-term fuel economy is reset.

• Genuine wood trim – In addition to their exquisite appearance, the Swirl Walnut and Olive Ash wood trims offered in the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid are eco-friendly as well. The veneers come from well-managed forests, as defined by strict environmental, social and economic standards, and from other rigorously controlled sources.

• Bridge of Weir leather-trimmed seats – The world-renowned luxury leather from Scotland is unembossed, allowing the natural beauty and character of the grain to shine through. The leather is milled for up to 12 hours to ensure a buttery, soft hand, and Bridge of Weir uses a chromium-free tanning process, which makes it easier to recycle.

• Lincoln SYNC^® – The Lincoln-exclusive voice-activated communications and entertainment system provides an omnipresent link to contacts and information. In addition to Bluetooth^® phone, audible text and MP3 player capabilities, Lincoln customers also can access Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist^™.

• 10-way power passenger seat – The seat is designed to accommodate a diverse group of passengers. Memory functions enable passengers to fine-tune and recall positions.

• Power driver memory seat settings – The driver seat memory feature helps ensure personal seating preferences anytime, with the touch of a button.

• Heated and cooled front seats – This uniquely engineered system delivers exceptional heating and cooling comfort.

• Reverse sensing system – This system senses what drivers might not see behind them and relays an audible alert if objects are near, which increases in frequency the closer a driver gets.

• Keyless entry keypad – This Lincoln-exclusive feature provides secure entry at a driver’s fingertips. A personal combination holds a memory for driver preferences. So if an owner is out for a run and doesn’t want to take the keys along, the vehicle can be opened with the touch of a few buttons.

• Easy Fuel^® (capless fuel filler) – This Lincoln-exclusive feature uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank screw cap. That means no more fumbling to remove and tighten the cap and less fuel odor on a driver’s hands.

• Personal Safety System^™ – This Lincoln-exclusive suite of seven protection technologies work together as a system to help protect vehicle occupants. The system includes dual-stage front airbags and an occupant classification system to sense whether the passenger seat is occupied. It tailors – or suppresses – airbag deployment to help provide an appropriate level of protection. It also features the Ford Belt-Minder^® system to remind front seat occupants to buckle up.
• MyKey^™ – This Lincoln-exclusive feature allows parents to program a key to limit speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency. It also encourages seat belt use, provides earlier low-fuel warnings, and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 mph.

• Integrated spotter mirrors – The traditional sideview mirrors are designed with a secondary convex spotter mirror in the top outer corner, which provides a view of the driver’s blind spot. When traffic enters the driver’s blind spot on either side of the vehicle, it is visible in the secondary convex mirror, alerting the driver of obstacles.

• Acoustic laminated windshield – This windshield features a layer of sound-absorbent vinyl sandwiched between two sheets of glass, which enhances interior quietness.

“Customers are very enthusiastic about the MKZ Hybrid and we think they will be even more excited to learn they sacrifice nothing to be able to go green in style,” said Felice. “We’re launching a world-class hybrid that beats all competitors, and at an introductory price that is sure to draw the interest of new customers to Lincoln.”

# # #

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com. 

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Like driving with your hand resting on your gear shift in a manual transmission, this practice unfortunately can wear out your transmission gears and the shifter rail.

Another that costs drivers billions annually and keeps many a mechanic and part store in business. Is people continuing to drive with there Low oil pressure or high temperature light on.

More seriously, than those that tear up your car there are other driving mistakes that can tear you up, your loved ones and others.

This common driving mistake is now reported to be a factor in over 25% of all crashes. This same mistake will cost society over 230 billion dollars this year. Engaging in this mistake will make you four times more likely to get into crashes that will injure yourself and others.

What’s the Mistake?  Don’t touch that dial!!!! It’s a distraction… It’s reported that people who change their radio dial from the Christian Car Guy …no I’m just kidding but by now you may have guess I’m talking about ‘Distracted driving’.

A few weeks ago we did a show on bumper stickers and I think this one kind of said it all”

“Honk if you love Jesus…Text if you want to meet Him”

But now there is coming technology to help and today on the Christian Car Guy Show we have Matt Howard. An experienced and successful software entrepreneur, Matt Howard conceived of ZoomSafer in September 2008 following a distracted driving incident in which he nearly killed a nine year old boy.

 Together with his co-founders, Michael Riemer and Michael Costello,

Matt has developed patented software to ensure safe and legal use of mobile phones while driving. 

Featured in The Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, US News & World Report and Inc. Magazine – ZoomSafer detects when you’re driving and automatically applies customized-safe-driving policies to help you focus on the road and be less distracted.

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Long Term Transportation Plan

Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

On it goes; people don’t have a plan and stick with it.
By the way 72 x 425 you pay back $30,600.00
vs. 350 x 60 you pay back $21,000.00
You just upped your pay back $9,600.00 one third of the total price
seemed so easy just $75 a month.

Proverbs 11:14 Where [there is] no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety.

Solution:
Develop your own long term transportation plan

How many miles a year?
How many years of ownership?
Total of payments
Total maintenance over the life of the car
Total Insurance
Total fuel cost
Yearly investment . Example: #1

Vehicle: 2008 Chevrolet Impala program car original price $15,000 15Kmiles

How many miles a year? 15k miles a year 165,000 total miles with 15k originally

How many years of ownership? 10 years

Total of payments? 60×300 =                                          $18,000.00
Total maintenance over the life of the car

$900 in oil changes
$2,400 in major services
$1,200 in tires
$3,500 in repairs
Total maintenance =                                                       $8,000.00

Total Insurance for 10 Years =                                        $3,000.00
Total Fuel cost for 10 Years =                                        $25,000.00

Registration and Taxes for 10 Years =                              $3,000.00

Total Cost of Ownership for 10 years                             $57,000.00

Depreciated to Zero
Yearly investment =                                                                   $5,700.00

Example #2

Buy the Same Car New and Keep it only 5 years original price after discount and rebates $22,000

How many miles a year? 15k miles a year 75,000 total miles
How many years of ownership? 5 years

Total of payments? 72×400 =                                        $28,800.00
Total maintenance over the life of the car

$400 in oil changes
$800 in major services
$500 in tires
$900 in repairs
Total maintenance =                                                         $2,600.00

Total Insurance for 5 Years =                                            $1,500.00
Total Fuel cost for 10 Years =                                          $12,500.00

Registration and Taxes for 10 Years =                               $1,900.00

Total Cost of Ownership for 10 years                               $47,300.00

Equity to Trade                                                                $3,000.00

Loan Balance with one year left to pay                              $3,500.00

Current Market Value (selling it Yourself)                           $6,500.00

Total Investment less Current Equity                                $44,300.00

Yearly investment =                                               $8,860.00     

Savings in keeping the car for another 5 years=  $15,800.00   

Phil 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   

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Until I herd R.C. Sproul a few days ago talk about the ancient runners and how they would bring news of a battle.

I immediately recalled the strange happenings around the two messengers who brought the news to David about the final battle with Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:²⁷ “So the watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man, and comes with good news.”

Further study of the passage even shows how undaunted Ahimaaz was to deliver the message and how he even out ran the other runner. “¹⁹ Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run now and take the news to the king, how the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” ²⁰ And Joab said to him, “You shall not take the news this day, for you shall take the news another day. But today you shall take no news, because the king’s son is dead.” 21 Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” So the Cushite bowed himself to Joab and ran. ²² And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” So Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, since you have no news ready?” ²³ “But whatever happens,” he said, “let me run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.”

It would appear from the passage that Ahimaaz was the good news messenger, while the Cushite was, at best, the not so good news messenger.

With all this in mind let’s have another look at all those good looking feet passages.

Isaiah 52:7 (New King James Version)

7 How beautiful upon the mountains
      Are the feet of him who brings good news,
      Who proclaims peace,
      Who brings glad tidings of good things,
      Who proclaims salvation,
      Who says to Zion,

      “ Your God reigns!”

Nahum 1:15 (New King James Version)

15 Behold, on the mountains
      The feet of him who brings good tidings,
      Who proclaims peace!
      O Judah, keep your appointed feasts,
      Perform your vows.
      For the wicked one shall no more pass through you;
      He is utterly cut off.

Romans 10:15 (New King James Version)

15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
      “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,^[a]
      Who bring glad tidings of good things!”^[b]

Ephesians 6:14-15 (New King James Version)

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

The sad part is, that it’s too easy to see those who are running like the Cushite, sometimes me. I hate to think that someone watching from a long ways off would see the slow defeated gate of a bad news messenger with the way I bring the good news. Can you imagine having to run to tell the King his son was dead, how you might run with that message verses, “Good news not only is your son alive he will be for eternity with all of us in heaven”.

To have the enthusiasm of Ahimaaz is how ‘I can shod my feet with the Gospel of Peace’. Running to tell of the ultimate peace with God that we can live with Him forever, what better message could make us want to run?

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I find it interesting that the first thing that Ford’s New ’Curve Control’ does in order to save you from crashing is; to slow the vehicle down .  Slowing you down up to ten miles per hour in one second, (braking in a curve was never advised when I took drivers Ed.). 

Fortunately with the Lord we have an even more advanced system He deploys when we are going too fast in a curve.

A number of years ago we had just Started our Chrysler store in a small town in North Carolina and we had gotten off to a great start and selling more cars than I thought we would, and sales were growing. It appeared we would be way ahead of all goals. We just had one full time sales person and I and my two partners were selling as well. Personally, at that point I suppose that I accounted for about half the sales. So when it appeared my Lymphoma had come back, (in my brain this time). Things slowed down very quickly from a sales stand point.

I had an unbelievable bad headache that when they did a CT scan found inflammation in the ménages of my brain. So I was set up for a brain biopsy, (something you don’t ever want to have if you can get out of). The good news was that they found no cancer and I was on my way back I thought in a few days. That’s when God deployed curve control in my life.

When the surgeon did the biopsy on me he put a titanium plate in my head to cover the hole. That plate carried a staff infection and within a few days I found myself back waiting on another surgery to remove the plate, with a new kind of headache, I now know was called a brain abscess. A pain more intense than any morphine or other pain medication they gave me would even make a dent in. Yet this is where God deployed one of his servants. Romona Seachrist, she was a neurosurgery nurse who was also in my Sunday school class at church. While they were waiting to rush me in for emergency surgery, Romona, simply was just there waiting by my side, but for me it was like God himself telling me, “I’m right here with you.” She never said a word, she was just there and I can’t even explain how comforting that was in the pain onslaught I was dealing with at the time.

When I came out of the surgery the real battle for my life ensued, day after day the infection spread, I would go and have an MRI across the hospital my only escape from the room. On my return another new bag of another anti-biotic each time with the hope that this would be the one that would work. Finally the day came when the nurse hung a bag of Vancomycin, a strong Annti-biotic, as she hung it she told me that this one was the last chance I had to stop the abscess. One chance was all God needed to save me again. Just as with the Lymphoma and the crushing between two cars, I was left with a few scars but no serious disability, basically whole again.

When it was over, the whole ordeal had taken about six months, while God had me in ‘Curve Control’. The dealership had gone from selling about forty cars a month to about twenty five. I couldn’t help but wonder, “what was God doing slowing me down just when we were staring to roll?” That answer came that August when by the end of the month having only sold about thirty five cars we started to run low on working capital. It became glaringly obvious that had we continued to sell cars at the rate we had during the months I was ill we would have run out of money. It takes a great deal of working capital to sell any volume of cars, and being new to this size of volume we would not have been prepared, The sales had to come more gradually as God helped us do with me being down for the eight count.

God not only slowed me down, He also taught me a number of things I have never forgotten. Such as; when a friend is in truly intense pain, be it physical or emotional, it is a great comfort to them for you to just be there, no words are necessary. Certainly I learned 2 Corinthians 12:10 (New King James Version) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  The most memorable of course is that, “with God all you need is one chance.”

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DEARBORN, Mich., June 28, 2010 – Ford Motor Company today introduced a new innovation – Curve Control – designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles when taking a curve too quickly. 

Tony Rendi, Ford's Manager of Brake Control.

Curve Control debuts as standard equipment on the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer going into production later this year, and will be offered on 90 percent of the company’s North American crossovers, sport utilities, trucks and vans by 2015.  

The technology senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly – a situation found to contribute to about 50,000 crashes each year in the U.S. – and rapidly reduces engine torque and can apply four-wheel braking, slowing the vehicle by up to 10 mph in about one second.   

“Too many accidents stem from drivers misjudging their speed going into curves and freeway off- and on-ramps,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Ford’s Curve Control technology senses a potentially dangerous situation and reduces power and applies brakes more quickly than most drivers can react on their own.”      

Curve Control is effective on dry or wet pavement, and is expected to be particularly useful when drivers are entering or exiting freeway on- or off-ramps with too much speed. When a vehicle enters a curve too fast, the system responds to the driver’s steering input by rapidly reducing torque and increasing brake pressure to help keep the vehicle under control.

The patent-pending system works by measuring how quickly the vehicle is turning and comparing that with how quickly the driver is trying to turn. When the vehicle is not turning as much as the driver is steering – also known as “pushing” – Curve Control activates. The system applies the precise amount of braking required on each wheel to enhance the individual wheel braking of the traditional stability control system. 

Based on Ford’s exclusive AdvanceTrac^® with RSC^® (Roll Stability Control^™), Curve Control uses sensors to measure roll rate, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering wheel angle, and runs calculations based on those inputs 100 times every second.

“Ford is developing technologies such as Curve Control and radar-based collision warning systems that can prevent crashes from happening in the first place,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice president of Engineering for Global Product Development. “These new active systems designed to prevent accidents are the perfect complement for Ford’s leading passive safety systems – such as advanced airbags and high-strength vehicle structures – that protect occupants when a crash is inevitable.”

Curve Control is one of several new driver assist and safety technologies to be offered on the all-new Explorer. Other technologies include next-generation adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, state-of-the-art pressure-based airbag technology, the industry’s first inflatable rear seat belts and intelligent four-wheel-drive terrain management system.

Real-world benefits

Ford safety researchers found through analysis of government crash data that approximately 50,000 crashes annually in the U.S. involve driving too fast on a curve.

According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, freeway ramps “are the sites of far more crashes per miles driven than other segments of interstate highways.” In that 2004 study of more than 1,100 urban freeway interchange crashes, vehicle speed was noted as a “primary crash contributor.” About half of those interchange crashes occurred when at-fault drivers were in the process of exiting interstates and another 36 percent occurred when drivers were entering interstates.

“While we strongly encourage our customers to drive at safe speeds, systems such as Curve Control can be useful in unexpected situations,” said Ali Jammoul, Ford chief engineer, Chassis Systems.

Ford’s safety leadership record continues to grow

Ford has been awarded more five-star U.S. government ratings and Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other automaker. 

In 2009 Ford introduced radar-enabled adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, and BLIS^® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert. These technologies – introduced on the new Ford Taurus and Fusion – help drivers avoid potentially dangerous crash situations by using radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warning the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts.

On the 2002 Explorer, Ford launched the industry’s first rollover-activated side curtain airbags – called Safety Canopy^® – as well as Roll Stability Control technology that goes beyond traditional stability control systems by measuring the vehicle’s roll rate to enhance vehicle stability.

Ford also introduced some of the industry’s first pressure-based airbag technologies that help deploy side airbags up to 30 percent faster on the 2009 F-150 and 2010 Taurus.

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 Dear Friends,

Dennis Rainey

Close your eyes and try to picture this scene: blue skies, warm sun, the vast expanse of the ocean, holding your spouse’s hand as you slowly stroll the decks of the beautiful Monarch of the Seas cruise ship.  For the first time in history, FamilyLife is setting sail with Premier Christian Cruises, and Barbara and I want to invite you to join us February 14-18, 2011, for the “Love Like You Mean It™” Marriage Cruise.

But I’ve saved the best for last…Barbara and I will be joined by popular marriage experts Bob Lepine and Crawford Loritts.  Additionally, you’ll enjoy insights from Kirk Cameron and Shaunti Feldhahn.  Our speakers will show you exactly how to pursue a marriage that really works.  And if that’s not enough, there will be warm Christian fellowship and entertainment by musical guests Michael O’Brien, Big Daddy Weave, Point of Grace and more.

Barbara and I would love to welcome you aboard the “Love Like You Mean It™” Marriage Cruise.  Whether you’re feeling challenged in your marriage, or just want a better plan for the rest of your lives, I know this cruise will help you make real progress.  What better time, and what better place, to focus on the most important earthly relationship you have…your marriage.

Love like you mean it,

Dennis Rainey

The Christian Car Guy Robby Dilmore

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