Page 4 - The Fort Report
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 Wheel Talk
  Randall Ford Relishes History, Embraces Future
Fourth Generation of Family Ownership Looks to Continue Long Legacy of Community Support
Advertorial
When Clyde Randall and Paul Sheridan partnered in 1908 to open a Ford dealership in Fort Smith, Randall couldn’t have imagined that four generations and 112 years later his family would still be serving the transportation needs of the region.
Randall bought Sheridan’s share of the dealership in 1934 when Sheridan wanted to start selling Studebaker vehicles, and his family has remained as the fourth longest- operating Ford dealership in America.
“Our family has experienced the ups and downs along with Fort Smith over the years, but as Ford’s new theme, ‘Built by America, Built for America’ recognizes, we are working side by side in our communities and in the country to assure the long term health of the company and our customers,” said fourth generation owner, Bradford H. Randall. “We’re proud of the legacy my family has created here in Fort Smith, and are positive about the future.”
Ford Motor Company stepped up in World War II to produce engines for the military, and this year with the COVID-19 pandemic, again
put nation above self by producing ventilators, face shields and other materials necessary to keep Americans healthy.
“Ford has always had the ability and the nimbleness to change courses quickly based on the needs of American people, and this year proved again that we will meet those needs,” Randall added. “That ability and willingness to change extends to the vehicles of the future that are being produced now, and the way we have adapted our sales and service processes in recent months.”
In order to address public concerns regarding social distancing and virus spread, the dealership implemented mobile auto service and contact free purchase and delivery of vehicles this past summer. Those two changes have gained popularity since being put in place, and Randall expects them to continue to grow.
“People can find their vehicle, buy it and have it serviced without ever having to visit the dealership,” he described. “Our website makes it easy. You don’t have to be extremely tech savvy to get it done.”
Ford’s new lineup of vehicles is also creating
Mustang Mach E is a sleek, stylish electric crossover utility vehicle with a 300-mile range, and a 0-60 time around 3 seconds. Randall Ford will have one in stock soon. Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
  The new Bronco Sport is an SUV built for the thrill seeker or the day tripper. It is a rugged vehicle that can be your gateway to the great outdoors. Photo courtesy of Fort Motor Company.
a lot of industry buzz, with new plug-in electric and hybrid models being introduced in the 2021 model year and coming soon to the dealership.
“Two of those that have received the most press are set to arrive any day – the Mustang Mach E electric crossover utility vehicle and the new Bronco Sport,” Randall claimed. “The Mach E will be one that people will want to test drive, and we will have a model available for that purpose.”
The Mach E technology will amaze drivers, with adaptive cruise control, smartphone- controlled engine start and door access, and a “frunk” – a front trunk in what is normally the engine compartment that adds storage capacity and convenience.
The Bronco’s reintroduction has garnered over 190,000 advance reservations, making it one of the most popular new vehicles introduced in Ford history. Its Sport model will appear soon in Fort Smith, and the 2-door and 4-door Broncos will arrive starting in May
or June of 2021.
Also set to arrive soon is the new 2021
F150 pickup. “This year there will be engine options for every customer, including gas, hybrid electric and plug-in electric models,” Randall stated. “And in the 4-door models, the front seats fully recline to provide comfortable sleeping space for driver and passenger during those long trips.”
As part of their community focus, during the holiday season, Randall Ford acts as a collection point for the Marines’ Toys for Tots gift drive. The dealership has, in past years, also supported Paint the Park Pink events and Animal Shelter fundraisers, and this year has committed to keep a stretch of highway clean and litter free through the Adopt-A-Highway program.
“We are committed to our community, and appreciate the community’s commitment to us for the past 112 years,” Randall concluded. “Together we’re a great team for the future.”
   SERVING THE RIVER VALLEY SINCE 1908
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December 2, 2020 | The Fort Report
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