Transmission:Automatic
Body Type:Pickup Truck
Vehicle Title:Clear
Engine:4.0L V6
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Dealer
Condition:
Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at
least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
...
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): 1FMEU51E48UA59988
Year: 2008
Make: Ford
Model: Explorer Sport Trac
Cab Type (For Trucks Only): Crew Cab
Trim: XLT V6 4x4 Sunroof Tow Package Tonneau Cover
Options: Sunroof, 4-Wheel Drive, CD Player
Drive Type: 4X4
Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Side Airbags
Mileage: 55,888
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Sub Model: XLT V6 4x4 Sunroof Tow Package Tonneau Cover
Exterior Color: VAPOR SILVER CLEARCOAT
Interior Color: PREMIUM BUCKET
Warranty: Vehicle has an existing warranty
Number of Cylinders: 6
THANK YOU FOR VIEWING OUR BEAUTIFUL, 100% CARFAX CERTIFIED, 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT 4.0L V6 4X4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN VAPOR SILVER CLEARCOAT PAINT WITH PREMIUM BUCKET CLOTH SEATS AND ONLY 55,888 MILES! WE ARE A NISSAN-FORD DEALERSHIP IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND WE ARE OFFERING THIS EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT V6 4X4 AT A SPECIAL, DISCOUNTED 'BUY IT NOW' PRICE ON EBAY FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME. PLEASE VIEW THE COMPLETE LISTING INCLUDING 24 PHOTOS ALONG WITH A DETAILED VEHICLE DESCRIPTION ALONG WITH THE CLEAN CARFAX REPORT. WE ALSO INCLUDED A 3 MINUTE YOUTUBE VIDEO SHOWING THE VEHICLE INSIDE & OUT. PLEASE CONTACT SCOTT LONG @ (866)467-8395 OR (814)659-1908 OR EMAIL TO LAUFORD@AOL.COM WITH ANY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU FOR VIEWING AND BE SURE TO VIEW ALL OF OUR EBAY LISTINGS ALONG WITH OUR 100% PERFECT FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS CUSTOMERS!
YOUTUBE VIDEO
WARRANTY
SINCE THE FACTORY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, WE ARE INCLUDING A FREE 3 MONTH / 3,000 MILE LIMITED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY AND IS VALID FROM THE PURCHASE DATE. WE ALREADY COMPLETED ALL RECOMMENDED SERVICE INCLUDING OUR 160 POINT INSPECTION AND COMPLETED A FRESH OIL CHANGE AND NEW STATE INSPECTION FOR THE NEW OWNER!
CONDITION
WOW, WHAT A SHARP, VERY CLEAN & BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT 4.0L V6 4X4 IN VAPOR SILVER CLEARCOAT PAINT WITH 55,888 MILES. IT HAS BEEN BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED AND INTERIOR IS CLEAN AND WAS A NON-SMOKER'S VEHICLE. BODY IS CLEAN AND FREE OF ANY MAJOR DINGS, SCRATCHES OR DENTS. TIRES ARE ABOUT 80%. I WOULD PERSONALLY RATE THIS FORD A 9 ON A 1-10 SCALE. I COULD ONLY FAULT THIS EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FOR HAVING A SOME STONE CHIPS AND A FEW SCRATCHES. I ALSO INCLUDED A 3 MINUTE VIDEO WALKAROUND OF THIS FORD AND I ALWAYS POINT OUT ANY BLEMISHES I CAN FIND. THIS FORD IS A CLEAN TITLE VEHICLE WITH A CLEAN CARFAX WHICH WE INCLUDED WITH THIS LISTING AND THE ENTIRE HISTORY REPORT CAN BE EMAILED UPON REQUEST. OVERALL THIS IS A EXTREMELY CLEAN AND WELL MAINTAINED FORD. I PERSONALLY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND TEST DROVE THIS EXPLORER SPORT TRAC AND IT FEELS LIKE NEW. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A CLEAN, BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT V6 4X4 WITH ALL THE TOYS IN A GREAT COLOR, THIS IS YOUR NEW TRUCK! JUST SERVICED AND READY TO GO! BE SURE TO VIEW ALL 24 PHOTOS ALONG WITH FREE CARFAX REPORT! ONLY 55,888 MILES!
CARFAX SUMMARY
2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT VIN: 1FMEU51E48UA59988 Body Style: 4 DOOR WAGON/SPORT UTILITY Engine Size: 4.0L V6 FI SOHC Drivetrain: 4 WHEEL DRIVE
Original Manufacturer's Warranty: Basic Warranty Expired Please confirm remaining factory warranty and extended warranty options with your dealer!
The original manufacturer's warranty includes: 36 months or 36,000 miles
Information excerpted from the CARFAX Vehicle History Report and/or Safety & Reliability Ratings; see full reports for additional information, glossary of terms, source attributions,disclaimers & limitations. Go to carfax.com for complete Buyback Guarantee terms and conditions.
The top 5 reasons why our customer's travel hundreds and even thousands of miles to purchase from US instead of their local dealer:
1. Each of our vehicle's go through a multipoint 160 point inspection, and each vehicle has a unique description which I do personally on every vehicle.
2. Each vehicle has all service performed up to factory specifications before it leaves our lot.
3. Deal directly with a Manager and eliminate the salesperson! NO BACK & FORTH! I specialize in handling ALL Ebay transactions and I personally inspect the vehicle and take all photos & videos. Most of our customers have never purchased a vehicle through Ebay or over the internet and I am dedicated to walk you through the entire process from start to finish and make it a smooth and easy transaction.
4. We are set up to cater to the eBay buyer, and our main focus is selling cars in this market.
5. Each vehicle has a 100% Satisfaction guarantee! Check our 100% perfect feedback on ebay! (Ebay Seller since 2002!!!)
FREE AIRPORT PICK-UP: If you decide to fly in and drive your new vehicle home, we offer free airport pick-up from either of our local airports which are the JohnstownCambriaCounty airport or the Pittsburgh Int'l airport. Please ask for details.
NO ADDITIONAL FEES: we waive all vehicle prep fees and dealer fees for Ebay members only. This will save you up to $500 over what other dealerships may charge you. The only additional fees will be your state sales tax, documentary, and plate fees for this purchase. You only pay sales in your home state. No additional fees is one of the many reasons we have sold cars in all 50 states.
SALES TAX: You will only pay sales tax in your home state. You will only pay sales tax in Pennsylvania if you are registering the vehicle in PA. If you are financing with one of our banks, we collect and submit your state’s tax for you. If you are paying cash or handling your own financing, you will not pay sales tax to us, you are welcome to do it yourself. If you are out of state, you will only pay $146.20 total which includes the title, documentary, and 30 day temporary plate.
HOURS:
Monday – 9am – 8pm
Tuesday – 9am – 8pm
Wednesday– 9am – 5pm
Thursday – APPOINTMENT ONLY – CALL AHEAD (814)659-1908 OR EMAIL LAUFORD@AOL.COM
Friday – 9am – 5pm
Saturday – 9am – 4pm
Sunday - CLOSED
Please call Scott Long at814-659-1908to schedule an appointment OR check availability today!
VISIT US: IF YOU WISH TO COME AND VISIT OUR DEALERSHIP IN PERSON, PLEASE CALL AHEAD AT 866-467-8395 OR (814)659-1908 TO MAKE SURE THE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE AND WHICH DEALERSHIP THE VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT AS I WORK OUT OF ALL OF OUR LOCATIONS. Please call to confirm vehicle has not already been sold, vehicle's can sell at any moment.
EBAY PRICE POLICY:Our Ebay pricing policy is VALID ONLY WITH SCOTT LONG, Ebay & Internet Manager - this helps eliminate confusion with our normal sales staff and guarantees you the Ebay price.
TRADE-INS ACCEPTED: in most cases we accept trade-ins and we can appraise your trade-in before you make the trip to our dealership. Please call Scott Long 866-467-8395 or email to lauford@aol.comfor an appraisal. Here is what I need to evaluate your vehicle:
Year, Make, Model (see example) 2005 Toyota Camry LE 4 Cylinder
VIN # (need full 17 digit vin#)
Mileage (estimated mileage upon arrival)
Condition example: (brand new tires 3,000 miles ago, paint has minor cosmetic flaws and a small ding on driver door, interior was a non-smoker)
Color example:(silver)
Options example:(fabric interior, moonroof, remote starter, power seat)
History example:(1-owner, clean carfax, no accidents, just had new brakes & rotors installed last month)
DIGITAL PHOTOS ARE A PLUS! (5-10 photos are greatly appreciated)
Payoff amount, monthly payment, and bank example:($8,500, $280 a month, First National bank)
METHOD OF PAYMENT: FINANCE, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIER'S CHECK
ABOUT US
WE ARE A FAMILY OWNED AUTO GROUP IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA ESTABLISHED IN 1984 IN CAMBRIA, SOMERSET, AND WESTMORELAND COUNTY. WE HAVE 7 LOCATIONS AND SELL 12 DIFFERENT MAKES BRAND NEW INCLUDING FORD, LINCOLN, NISSAN, TOYOTA, SCION, BMW, CHRYSLER, JEEP, HYUNDAI, DODGE, RAM TRUCK, EQUUS AND MANY MORE PRE-OWNED MAKES AND MODELS. THIS VEHICLE IS ALSO FOR SALE LOCALLY ON OUR LOT AND WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO END THE EBAY LISTING AT ANYTIME, MOST EBAY LISTINGS END BEFORE THE LISTING COMES TO AN END WITH A PHONE CALL! PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, THIS IS NOT A BIDDING AUCTION, THE ‘BUY IT NOW’ PRICE IS OUR LOWEST RESERVE AND CAN SELL AT ANY MOMENT SO PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE END! WE ALSO OFFER EXTENDED WARRANTIES, FINANCING, SHIPPING & DELIVERY AND OTHER FINANCIAL PRODUCTS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PRICE QUOTE ON ANY OF THE ABOVE, SIMPLY CALL MY DIRECT LINE @ 866-467-8395(LEAVE A VOICEMAIL IF YOU DO NOT REACH ME, I NORMALLY RETURN PHONE CALLS WITHIN 15 MINUTES IF I CAN NOT BE REACHED IMMEDIATELY). WE KNOW HOW SCARY IT CAN BE TO BUY A CAR ON-LINE, SO BUY WITH CONFIDENCE AND READ OUR PREVIOUS FEEDBACK FROM OUR EBAY CUSTOMERS; WE HAVE A 100% SATISFACTION RATING! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ENTIRE EBAY PROCESS OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK ME ANY PARTICULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VEHICLE AS I PERSONALLY WALK AROUND THE VEHICLE WHILE SPEAKING WITH YOU. I AM HERE TO MAKE THIS TRANSACTION AS EASY AS POSSIBLE FOR YOU. I SPECIALIZE IN EBAY SALES AND I HAVE PERSONALLY COMPLETED OVER 1,500 VEHICLE SALES ON-LINE. BELOW IS MY PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS, CELL PHONE NUMBER & FAX NUMBER, ONCE YOU CLICK THE ‘BUY IT NOW’ I WILL NEED A CURRENT INSURANCE ID CARD AS WELL AS A COPY OF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE TO COMPLETE PAPERWORK. THIS CAN BE SCANNED AND EMAILED, OR YOU CAN FAX A COPY TO MY ATTENTION. A $500 CREDIT CARD DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED TO SECURE THE VEHICLE AND ONCE DEPOSIT IS ACCEPTED THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN OFF THE LOT AND RESERVED UNDER YOUR NAME.
LOCATIONS OF SOME OF OUR EBAY CUSTOMERS WHO MADE THE TRIP TO OUR DEALERSHIP HERE IN PENNSYLVANIA:
KEMPTON, PA
DONORA, PA
RURAL VALLEY, PA
THOMPSON, PA
PITTSBURGH, PA
JOHNSTOWN, PA
STOYSTOWN, PA
CAIRNBROOK, PA
DEVON, PA
NEW CUMBERLAND, PA
BEAVERDALE, PA
HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA
SOMERSET, PA
FRIEDENS, PA
OSTERBURG, PA
ALTOONA, PA
BUTLER, PA
ROYERSFORD, PA
BLAIRSVILLE, PA
CONNELLSVILLE, PA
BOOTHWYN, PA
ALIQUIPPA, PA
GETTYSBURG, PA
CLYMER, PA
NEW CASTLE, PA
LOWER BURRELL, PA
AVONMORE, PA
VANDERGRIFT, PA
MIDDLETOWN, PA
ORAOPOLIS, PA
CONFLUENCE, PA
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
ELKTON, MICHIGAN
WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA
ST. ALBANS, VERMONT
ELBRIDGE, NEW YORK
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
EDINBURG, VIRGINIA
BRIARCLIFF, NEW YORK
OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE
CLARENCE, NEW YORK
SELTJARNARNES, ICELAND
BETHPAGE, NEW YORK
FREMONT, OHIO
SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
NETTETAL, GERMANY
FREDONIA, NEW YORK
STANDISH, MAINE
ELLICOTT, MARYLAND
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE
COLONIAL BEACH, VIRGINIA
CUMMING, GEORGIA
GOLDEN, COLORADO
CHARLESTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
CAZENOVIA, NEW YORK
BELLA VISTA, ARIZONA
VALPARAISO, INDIANA
CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND
EUREKA, MISSOURI
AUSTIN, TEXAS
APPLE CREEK, OHIO
BAYSIDE, NEW YORK
HAVANA, FLORIDA
FAYETTEVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA
STE FOY, QUEBEC
CHESTERFIELD, MICHIGAN
BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN
HAMPTON, VIRGINIA
CORNING, NEW YORK
ST.JAMES, NEW YORK
MOUNTLAUREL, NEW JERSEY
COLUMBIA, MARYLAND
VILLA PARK, ILLINOIS
WEST BURLINGTON, IOWA
TORONTO, ONTARIO
FORT WASHINGTON, MARYLAND
SYLVANIA, OHIO
FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT
HOMER GLEN, ILLINOIS
NEWPORT, NEW YORK
WEIRTON, WEST VIRGINIA
PORTLAND, OREGON
MAHOPAC, NEW YORK
SENECAVILLE, OHIO
LAKEVIEW, NEW YORK
VERMILION, ALBERTA
TAPPAN, NEW YORK
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
LOUISA, VIRGINIA
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
EDGEWATER, MARYLAND
HAMDEN, CONNECTICUT
BRAINTREE, MASSACHUSETTS
SOUTH OZONE PARK, NEW YORK
LINCOLN, MASSACHUSETTS
CORNELIUS, NORTH CAROLINA
MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
TROY, OHIO
POMPTON PLAINS, NEW JERSEY
HAMBURG, NEW YORK
FROSTBURG, MARYLAND
ROGERS, ARIZONA
TYLER, TEXAS
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
AMELIA, OHIO
LITCHFIELD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
ROSSMOOR, CALIFORNIA
TITUSVILLE, NEW JERSEY
BELFORD, NEW JERSEY
LAKE OZARK, MISSOURI
OOLTEWAH, TENNESSEE
PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE
WILTON, CALIFORNIA
ROCHDALE, MASSACHUSETTS
NEW FOUNDLAND, NEW JERSEY
BRUCETON MILLS, WEST VIRGINIA
EUSTIS, FLORIDA
HURRICANE, WEST VIRGINIA
WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT
INDIAN TRAIL, NORTH CAROLINA
ELKHORN, WISCONSIN
CIRCLESVILLE, OHIO
RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY
COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VIRGINIA
HAMLET, INDIANA
LAKE HELEN, FLORIDA
OXFORD, CONNECTICUT
LANCASTER, PA
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
CARY, NORTH CAROLINA
MERCER, PA
WASHINGTON, PA
MISSIONVIEJO, CALIFORNIA
ROCKTON, ILLINOIS
FREEPORT, PA
SPOTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA
POLAND, OHIO
LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
SALEM, OREGON
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
BLOUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
DALLAS, TEXAS
TORONTO, ONTARIO
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
PHILADELPHIA, PA
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
OAKHURST, CALIFORNIA
TACOMA, WASHINGTON
OGDEN, UTAH
TOPEKA, KANSAS
CLARKSBURG, TENNESSEE
COLUMBUS, OHIO
GREENSBURG, PA
BRIER HILL, PA
BELAIR, MARYLAND
HANOVER, MARYLAND
ELIZABETH, PA
MULBERY, FLORIDA
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
KITTANNING, PA
THOMPSON, GEORGIA
BARGERSVILLE, INDIANA
BAD HERSFELD, GERMANY
GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND
WINAMAC, INDIANA
NORMANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
BEND, OREGON
MCMURRAY, PA
EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY
NORTH EAST, PA
SMETHPORT, PA
DUBOIS, PA
BOONES MILL, VIRGINIA
WHITEDEER, PA
MIAMI, FLORIDA
MANHEIM, PA
PERRINEVILLE, NEW JERSEY
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA
IRWIN, PA
CLINTON, MARYLAND
BEAVER DAM, WISCONSIN
BOWIE, MARYLAND
KERNERSVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – CANADA
KESWICK RIDGE, NEW BRUNSWICK – CANADA
LEESBURG, VIRGINIA
OKEMOS, MICHIGAN
FLEMINGTON, NEW JERSEY
FRANKLIN, PA
WAYNESBURG, PA
FAIRFIELD, OHIO
SPRINGS, PA
JACKSON, MICHIGAN
VESTAL, NEW YORK
CLARION, PA
IJAMSVILLE, MARYLAND
HIGHLAND VILLAGE, TEXAS
MIAMI, FLORIDA
UNIONTOWN, PA
CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA
BANNER ELK, NORTH CAROLINA
MOUNT UNION, PA
YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN
NEW CASTLE, PA
GALLOWAY, OHIO
WAVERLY, IOWA
AURORA, OHIO
SANTE FE, NEW MEXICO
SPARKS, NEVADA
HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA
VENETIA, PA
CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE
RICHMOND, MISSOURI
EDSON, ALBERTA – CANADA
ELMIRA, NEW YORK
BARTLETT, ILLINOIS
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
DES MOINES, IOWA
OIL SPRINGS, KENTUCKY
FREEPORT, PA
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY
HINCKLEY, OHIO
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
CURWENSVILLE, PA
PALMYRA, VIRGINIA
CHARLEROI, PA
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
LACROSSE, WISCONSIN
HUDSON, OHIO
MONROVIA, MARYLAND
CLARKSSUMMIT, PA
EAST NORWICH, NEW YORK
GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
WESTERVILLE, OHIO
PLATTSBURG, NEW YORK
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
BRIDGEPORT, WEST VIRGINIA
BELL BROOK, OHIO
HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA
HUBBARD, OHIO
LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO – CANADA
DUNCANSVILLE, PA
PURGITSVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA
GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND
KINNELON, NEW JERSEY
ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA
DUMAS, TEXAS
LAKE CITY, PA
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN
PINEY FLATS, TENNESSEE
ROMNEY, WEST VIRGINIA
IMLER, PA
MIAMI, FLORIDA
WATERFORD, PA
DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN
YUKON, OKLAHOMA
CENTEREACH, NEW YORK
FLORAL PARK, NEW YORK
HINCKLEY, OHIO
AHOSKIE, NORTH CAROLINA
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA
BAYONNE, NEW JERSEY
EAST CONCORD, NEW YORK
HARWICK, PA
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
DANBURY, CONNECTICUT
TOLEDO, OHIO
MARCOISLAND, FLORIDA
DUBAI
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA
JUST TO MENTION A FEW IN THE PAST 11 YEARS!
I PERSONALLY SOLD OVER 1,500 VEHICLES OVER THE INTERNET IN ALL 50 STATES AND 13 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES!
WE SHIP CARS NATIONWIDE!
L@@K AT WHAT OUR PREVIOUS EBAY CUSTOMERS HAVE SAID ABOUT US!
Ford Motor Company has a dual-class stock structure of Class A and Class B shares. The roughly three billion Class A shares are for the general public like you and me, while the roughly 71 million Class B shares are all owned by the Ford family. Each Class A share gets the shareholder one vote, each Class B share is worth 16 votes, the result being that Common Stock holders control about 60 percent of the company while the Ford family controls 40 percent even though it holds far fewer shares. The only way that could ever change would be if the Fords sell their Class B shares, but even so, Class B shares revert to Class A when sold outside the family, so they'd have to sell a whole bunch of them. A contingent of Class A shareholders think the dual-class system is unfair, and for the past few years a vote's been held during the annual shareholders meeting to end it. It has failed every time, as it just did again during the meeting held this week. A smidge over 33 percent voted to end the dual system, outvoted by the 67 percent who are happy with the way Ford is going - unsurprising in view of a corporate turnaround that will be part of business-class curricula for years to come. On the sidelines, Ford elected Ellen R. Marram to the post of independent director, the first woman to hold the job. The former Tropicana CEO and 20-year Ford board member replaces retiring board member Irvine Hockaday who helped bring Alan Mulally to the CEO position.
Most domestic automaker assembly plants traditionally take a couple of weeks off during the summer. The shutdowns give each plant time for much needed repairs and maintenance, and in some cases, help better align production with demand. Not this year, though, as demand for many models is outstripping what Ford, Chrysler and General Motors plants can produce. Ford has announced that it will shorten its annual summer shutdown for most North American plants from two weeks to one. The shorter shutdown will increase the carmaker's annual North American production by 40,000 units on top of the 200,000 extra units that it was already planning to produce this year versus last. Automotive News reports that Ford produced 2.8 million vehicles on this continent in 2012, and that output this year has already increased 13 percent through April. Chrysler, meanwhile, is also operating at full tilt and plans to run some plants through the summer with no shutdown at all. Those not getting a break include Jefferson North where the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are assembled, Toledo North that will assemble the new Cherokee, and Conner Avenue, home of SRT Viper production. Other assembly plants will be down for a single week, while all of Chrysler's engine and transmission plants except one in Indiana will continue operating with no shutdown this summer.
Details about the next-gen Ford Mustang are scarce, and there's even less information out there about the upcoming replacement for the Shelby GT500. Previously rumored to drop the Shelby name and wear the GT350 moniker, the highest-performance Mustang has just been spotted testing near Ford's SVT operations. Despite being cloaked in heavy camouflage, we can instantly tell this prototype is different from other Mustang spy shots we've seen in the past. Aside from the Shelby-spec wheels, quad exhaust outlets (previous spy shots show only two) and beefier brakes, this car also has air intakes on the hood and front fenders. These elements help to neither prove nor dismiss rumors that the next SVT Mustang will be naturally aspirated. It also looks like Ford is may be planning some changes to this car's rear suspension, as there is some extra camouflage added beneath the rear end of this prototype. As a bonus, these spy shots also give us our first look inside the new Mustang, revealing a new steering wheel (with more buttons) and a glimpse of the dual-pod instrument gauges. Check out past spy shots of the 2015 Mustang showing off its new face and driving around town.