Ford Labor Day Sales Event

For some of the best savings on a new Ford, be sure to stop in to Murphy Ford from now until September 5th for our Labor Day Sales Event. We value how hard our customers work. During our sale you can purchase a new Ford with No Money Down*, No Interest for 5 Years*, and No Payments for 3 months*. Plus, you can receive $1,000 Bonus Cash on select Ford Models.

If you are looking to purchase a 2011 Ford Edge , this is absolutely the BEST time to do so. Ford is offering up to $3,500 in rebates if you are looking to purchase the Edge. You can also lease a new Edge for as low at $199 a month for 24 months.

That is not all. If you are looking for something less expensive or just would like to own a later model vehicle, we can help you out with that too. We are having a massive inventory reduction sale on pre-owned vehicles. Several of our vehicles are actually selling under Kelley Blue Book value. No reasonable offer for a vehicle on our lot will be refused. We are also paying top dollar for late model trade-ins. Before you purchase, you can view a vehicle history report of any vehicle in our inventory for free.


We realize that our customers work hard for their money and that is why we will work hard for you. We are proud to offer Ford vehicles to our region. Ford Motor Company and their hard workers helped build and shape America. For this reason, it is not surprising that Ford is America’s Best Selling Brand. No matter what your automotive needs, stop in to Murphy Ford and let us help you!

*Offer only available on select Ford models. Must finance through Ford Motor Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. 60 payments paid over 62 months at $16.67 per monthly payment per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment. Ford Credit Bonus Cash requires Ford Credit financing. Not all buyers will qualify.

What does Silver Alert mean?

Have you ever driven anyway and noticed one of those electronic highway signs that flash news and traffic updates? Have you ever seen one of those signs flash “Silver Alert” and wonder ‘What in the world does that mean’? That was my reaction this morning when driving into work. I was driving to Murphy Ford and on I-295 South I noticed that message. I will admit before I Googled the phrase, I had no idea what it meant. Now I am happy to report what I have learned.

A Silver Alert is a public notification program in which law enforcement officials issue and broadcast public notices when an adult (usually seniors) with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, goes missing. The alerts are announced using several different mediums including television, radio, and electronic highway signs. Although this is a highly adopted system, this is not a national program like an Amber Alert. An Amber Alert is a similar alert system that is enacted when a child 17 years of age or younger is believed to have been abducted.

Currently, 29 states have Silver Alert or similar programs in place (one of them being NJ). Although Pennsylvania does not have an official Silver Alert program in place, earlier this year the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS) was created. Unlike the Silver Alert, this system does not just limit alerts to older adults. Warnings will also be issued if young children wander away from their guardian(s). The Pennsylvania State Police are responsible for developing and operating this program.

So now if you’re driving and you see these messages, hopefully you will remember what they mean and act on them. Do you think that the Silver Alert or the MEPAS are effective systems?

Check out this article from 6 ABC Action News about how Silver Alert helped locate a missing 75-year old woman.

2012 Ford Vehicle Model Year Update: Part 2

This is the second installment of our 2012 Ford Vehicle Model Year Update (Part 1). Part two will feature the 2012 Transit Connect and the 2012Ford Escape.



2012 Transit Connect

With the comfort of a car and the utility of a truck, the Ford Transit Connect is the perfect vehicle for small businesses. Ford classifies the Transit Connect into three different categories: efficiency, capability and versatility. While Ford has not announced when the 2012 Transit Connect
will be available, we will be sure to let you know as soon as we get them in stock. Here is what you will find new in the 2012 Transit Connect:

•AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) is now standard on all wagons and vans:
    -The roll motion sensor helps to keep the tires stable and on the ground to reduce sliding
•Taxi Package:
    -Cloth seating surfaces now available
    -Optional blower kit
•Best in Class Fuel Economy of any Cargo Van:
    -21 mpg city/27 mpg hwy (van)
    -22 mpg city/27 mpg hwy (wagon)
•Ample Cargo Space:
    -129.6 cubic ft. (van)
    -118.7 cubic ft. (wagon w/the 2nd –row seat folded)
    -78.4 cubic ft. (wagon behind the 2nd row seat)
•Payload Capacity:
    -Up to 1,6000 lbs
    -GVWR (Gross vehicle weight ratings)
    -Wagon: 4,965 lbs
    -Van: 5,005 lbs
•Vertical Cargo Walls and Bulk Heads with bins & upfits available to mix and match
•Customized Graphics for Business Needs. Visit fordcommericalgraphics.com

2012 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is the most fuel efficient SUV in Ford’s product line. Since the Mercury Mariner is no longer in production, the Escape is the perfect fit for current Mariner owners looking to get into a new vehicle. The 2012 Ford Escape is already on our lot and waiting to be test driven. Here is what you will find new in the 2012 Ford Escape:

•EPA est. 23 mpg city/28 mpg hwy
•2 New Exterior Colors:
    -Black
    -Toreador Red Metallic
•Escape Hybrid-Best Fuel Economy of any SUV in America (2011 EPA-estimated 34 mpg city/31 mpg hwy
•Optional 17” Chrome Wheels
•3,500 lb towing capacity

2012 Ford Vehicle Model Year Update: Part 1

It’s that time again! No, actually I am not referring to Back to School season. I am referring to the flood of 2012 Ford model year vehicles released on the market and Model End Clearance Sales. When customers hear “Model End Clearance Sale”, they usually associate it as the best time to purchase a new vehicle. With the excitement and frenzy of trying to scoop up the remaining current model year vehicles (which usually have generous discounts and/or rebates), the features of the next model year can be overlooked. In this post, I will outline everything you need to know about the new 2012 Ford Fiesta, Transit Connect, Escape, Taurus and Flex. Part one will include the Fiesta, Taurus, and Flex.

2012 Ford Fiesta

Even though the Ford Fiesta was first introduced in 2011, the car is already a customer favorite. For many younger buyers, this car is the perfect choice given the technology and attractive price. With the success of the Fiesta, it is no surprise Ford wanted to try and improve the vehicle even more. The 2012 Ford Fiesta has not arrived at our dealership but we are expecting it very soon. Here is what you will find new in the 2012 Ford Fiesta:

• 4 New Exterior Colors:
    -Blue Candy Metallic w/ tinted clear coat
    -Violet Gray Metallic
    -Race Red
    -Black
• 2 New Interior Styling Packages:
    -Two-toned black and race red leather
    -Two-toned black and oxford white leather
    -Fiesta logo on seats with contrast stitching
• Premium Sport Appearance Package:
    -This package includes black mirrors, black grill surrounds,     black headlamp surrounds, black LED auxiliary lamp     surrounds, and polished aluminum wheels
• Fuel Efficiency:
    -The Fiesta SE w/SFE can achieve up to 40 mpg hwy/29 mpg city

2012 Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus is Ford’s largest full-size sedan and it is also the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick for 2011. The Taurus’ design has seen some changes over the years. Ford is trying to appeal to a younger demographic while still having the familiarity that older generations have grown to love. The 2012 Ford Taurus is already available at our dealership. Here is what you will find in the new 2012 Ford Taurus.

• Integrated Blind Spot Exterior Mirrors are Standard
• 4 New Exterior Colors:
    -Ginger Ale Metallic
    -Dark Blue Pearl Metallic
    -Cinnamon Metallic
    -Black
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Collision Warning with Brake Support
• BLISS
• Push Button Start
• 102.2 cubic ft. of passenger volume
• 20.1 cubic ft. of cargo capacity

2012 Ford Flex

The Ford Flex is truly a unique crossover. This vehicle has a sleek look and can fit 6-7 passengers. Again, we haven’t heard from Ford when the 2012 model will be available. Once they do arrive, here is what you will find new in the 2012 Ford Flex:

• 5 New Exterior Colors:
    -Black
    -Cinnamon Metallic
    -Dark Blue Pearl Metallic
    -Ginger Ale Metallic
    -Mineral Gray Metallic
• One Touch Powerfold & Tumble 3rd-row seat w/ tailgate feature (only available on series equipment groups)
• Best in Class for 2nd –Row Leg Room
• 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine

Favorite Car on the Lot Series

In a series of videos, get to know which cars on the lot at Murphy Ford are some of the employees' favorites.

In this first video, see which car Sales Consultant LaShinda Clark likes best and why. Here is a hint, it starts with Lincoln and ends with a "s".




See more of our videos at our YouTube channel

How are Highways Numbered?

Do you ever wonder how the state and interstate highways are numbered? As I was driving into work today I got to thinking, why the 95 in I-95 or the 295 in I-295? I remember learning about a national system of highways in school but couldn’t remember the specifics about how the numbers were chosen. Are they chronological? Are they random? Do the numbers actually mean anything? These questions inspired today’s post.

Brief History

What we know today as the interstate system in North America actually dates back to 1930’s. Before then, there were no federal funded transcontinental roads. Instead of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there was an organization known as the Bureau of Public Roads (BPR). In the late 1930’s the BPR conducted a study which showed that using toll networks for national highways would not be feasible and recommended that a toll-free network be constructed. There were several legislative acts after this that called for the construction of national highways but none of them provided funding. The funding problem was solved when President Dwight D. Eisenhower enacted Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. The interstate system was originally called The National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. It has since been changed to the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways.

What do the Numbers Mean?

When The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 was enacted, construction and spending standards were developed. Part of what Congress had to figure out was how to actually name and keep track of each of the highways. Basically the numbers break down like this:

For Interstates:

Odd numbered interstates run north to south
-Lower numbered interstates are in the west (ex. I-15 running from CA to MT)
-Higher numbered interstates are in the east (ex. I-95 running from ME to FL)

Even numbered interstates run east to west
-Lower numbered interstates are in the south (ex. I-10 running from CA to FL)
-Higher numbered interstates are in the north (ex. I-90 running from WA to MA)

For Routes/U.S. Highways:

Odd numbered routes run north to south
-Lower numbered routes are in the east (ex. Route 9 running from CA to WA)
-Higher numbered routes are in the west (ex. Route 99 running from DE to Canada)

Even numbered routes run east to west
-Lower numbered routes are in the north (ex. Route 22 running from OH to NJ)
-Higher numbered routes are in the south (ex. Route 66 running from CA to IL)

Local Numbers

If you live in the tri-state area (PA, NJ, and DE) you are probably familiar with I-95, I-295 and Route 322. I-95 is a main interstate and it is also the longest north and south running route. I-295 is considered to be an “auxiliary route”. This is also known as a bypass because it branches off of I-95 but eventually connects back to it. 322 is actually a spur of Route 22. What this means is that Route 322 acts as a branch onto another road but does not usually reconnect with the major interstate. Majority of the time you can tell the difference between a spur and a bypass because of what the first digit is in a three digit highway; spurs are usually odd and bypasses are usually even.

There is actually much more information available about the highway systems in general. Hopefully this post made sense of some of the numbers you see every day while on the road. If you would like to learn more, please check out some of the resources below that I used while writing this article.

Federal Highway Administration

How Stuff Works

This blog post was written by Kelly Woods for Murphy Ford

Ford Partners with SunPower for Focus Electric Green Initiative

Recently it has been announced that Ford Motor Company and SunPower Corp have partnered together to help further Ford’s ‘Drive Green for Life’ program. As we have previously reported, Ford has created an electrification strategy that involves introducing five electric vehicles to the North American market by 2013. Ford’s partnership with SunPower important for future Focus Electric owners.

By teaming up with SunPower, Ford will be able to offer Focus Electric owners a solution for energy consumed while charging their vehicle. SunPower Corp. specializes in designing and manufacturing solar panels systems. SunPower has developed a solar panel rooftop system specifically for Ford Focus Electric owners that will generate over 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity every year (accommodating owners who drive roughly 12,000 miles per year). This will provide owners with “enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging.” This will then reduce the total cost incurred to a Ford Electric owner.



When the Focus Electric is introduced to the first 19 test markets in North America later this year, SunPower will be ready. SunPower has over 400 qualified dealers that are hand picked and trained to sell and install the solar panel systems. Car dealerships will notify local SunPower dealers to set up the installation process with customers.

Customers looking forward to the C-Max Energi’s release will be happy to know that the plug-in hybrid will be compatible with the solar panels.

What do you think of this partnership? Do you think many Focus Electric owners will take advantage of this technology?

This Ford Motor Company update has been provided by Murphy Ford Lincoln

Lincoln Exclusive Summer Sales Event

Join Us For Our LINCOLN SUMMER EXCLUSIVE SALES EVENT

Right Now You’ll Find:
- Attractive Leases on Every LINCOLN
- 0% APR for 60 months**
- Rebates & Dealer Savings up to $4,000*** on a new LINCOLN

It’s a Limited Time Engagement with Special Offers,
But Only if You HURRY in to Murphy Ford Lincoln

Expect nothing less from this SMART LUXURY Brand!




**0% APR for 60 months is available on the 2011 Lincoln MKS, MKZ, MKT, and Navigator. ***$4,000 rebates are available on the 2011 MKT in lieu of 0%/60. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. For all offers, take delivery by 9/6/11.