By now, there’s a strong possibility that you’ve heard about the worldwide microchip shortage, and you might be wondering how it affects you directly. Well, the implications of the shortage are far more reaching than you might realize, affecting everything from gaming consoles to used Ford sales. Nowhere has the fallout from this worldwide shortage been more apparent than in the automotive industry. While microchips are an integral part of many consumer goods that we rely on, the vehicles that are manufactured each year are more complex than ever, and microchips are a necessary component when it comes to their production. Because of their shortage, certain makes and models will be produced in smaller numbers and, in some cases, not at all.
However, that doesn’t mean that owning a vehicle with some of the technological and innovative attributes of recent years is out of reach. As one of the leading manufacturers on the market, Ford has always been on the cutting edge of what’s new and exciting. It might be time to explore why buying used might be the best way to get a new Ford model. By taking advantage of used Ford sales, you can make a profound investment in your quality of life.
Something Old, Something New(er), Waiting Here for You!
One of the aspects of shopping for a used car is moving past the stigma that’s been reinforced with negativity over time. We tend to think of anything that’s “used” as being of less than average quality. Nothing could be further from the truth. The automotive industry is one that implements changes every year for the benefit of the average consumer. A used Ford will possess the same dedication to quality as a model that was just plucked off the assembly line. The recent years have been one of prosperity and innovation for the Ford Motor Company, and that same innovation is here for you to take advantage of as you explore the most recent Ford models to find their way onto the used lot of your local dealership.
Ford SYNC Technology Introduced in 2008
A result of a collaboration between Ford and Microsoft, the introduction of SYNC for the 2008 model year was a breakthrough in hands-free technology. SYNC was customized for each Ford vehicle. While the basic principles of the manufacturer remained intact, each one contained enough subtle differences to allow for separation. SYNC could be considered your “one-stop-shop” for driving assistance. Offering news, directions, and integrating SiriusXM and music played via Bluetooth or USB, SYNC had all the advantages and could be operated by voice, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road ahead. This software continues to be updated, with many newer used models having the SYNC 3 version.
The Dragon’s Fire Burns Hot!
While Ford has proved itself efficient at crafting large motors that are powerhouses of performance, its technological achievements have also demonstrated that big things come in small packages. Affectionately known as ‘The Dragon,’ this turbocharged 3-cylinder engine proved that you can do more with less. Designed to power compact cars and subcompact SUVs, the Dragon 1.5L engine has been providing reasonable power and efficiency ever since it first debuted in 2014. With engine options like this, Ford has changed the way people conceptualize performance from a smaller-sized engine.
Adapting to Change
It was back in 2006 when Ford debuted its adaptive cruise control, which is now a part of their Co-Pilot360 suite of driving assistance features. This is much more than a manufacturer simply offering another feature. As ABC News reported in 2018, “The Detroit-based manufacturer teamed up with Vanderbilt University to launch an adaptive cruise control system called Co-Pilot360 that has the potential to eliminate stop-and-go traffic.” Ford’s innovation was ambitious and sought to take driving assistance to the highest levels of efficiency.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works along the same lines as the cruise control feature that many automobiles came equipped with—maintaining a certain speed for long stretches of driving. However, ACC takes it a step beyond expectation. Utilizing the technology of radar and cameras, ACC not only allows you to set your vehicle at a certain speed but also initiates the necessary changes depending upon traffic patterns. More recent Ford vehicles have technology known as “Speed Sign Recognition.” Another remarkable innovation from the manufacturer, this will adjust your engine’s speed to correspond with the speed limit.
Hill Descent Control
Another advantage of the Ford Co-Pilot360 program is Hill Descent Control. If you plan on finding a used F-150 or Explorer, keep an eye for this essential innovation for both towing and traveling on the path less traveled. When you’re away from paved roads and have to navigate down a hill, think of this as next-generation braking and assistance. As you travel downwards, this driver assistance technology helps you maintain the desired speed and apply the brakes whenever necessary. As you learned in science class, momentum builds quickly when unobstructed. While this technology doesn’t rewrite the laws of physics, it does make your off-road adventures a bit safer.
Automatic Emergency Braking
This technology, which is another part of Ford’s plentiful features, was first developed by our Swedish friends across the pond in 2009. A part of the Co-Pilot360 program since 2018, this might be one of the most important safety features to be employed by the modern driver. This is why we’ve saved it for last. The recent pandemic and current microchip shortage have both proved that life is full of unexpected occurrences, and while we do our best to adapt and overcome, the road ahead is always one of uncertainty.
Automatic Emergency Braking is utilized in a similar fashion to the adaptive cruise control that can be found on several vehicles within the Ford fleet. Utilizing sensor-based technology, the path in front of your vehicle is monitored closely, and any unexpected changes, be they pedestrians or other vehicles you share the road with, are dealt with by applying the brakes. While this in no way replaces the habits of a responsible driver, it does help safeguard against the unexpected that continues to occur.
Taking Advantage of Used Is an Excellent Option for You
It seemed like it was only yesterday that the global pandemic hit, and there was much to be done in adjusting to a new world that seemed alarming. Yes, the world can be a scary place sometimes, and the best thing we can do is find ways to adapt to the sudden changes that life decides to cast upon us. As all of us experience the fallout that comes from a worldwide microchip shortage, we all have to prepare ourselves to make the necessary changes and sacrifices to adapt.
There are plenty of used Ford vehicles that are available for purchase, and taking advantage of a used vehicle at your local dealership can ensure that you’re still receiving that high standard of quality that you’ve come to expect. Today, we’ve examined some of the unique attributes created by necessity, which, after all, is the mother of invention. Taking advantage of these innovations is as easy as purchasing a used Ford. For over a century, the manufacturer has led the way in providing affordable options to consumers. And if history has taught us anything, it’ll continue to do so for many years to come, despite the challenges that get thrown its way.
