Wednesday, May 30, 2018

I Was In An Accident, What Do I Do Now?


WESTLAND, Mich. -- Accidents. They happen to the best of us. In the shock of the moment, it can be difficult to gather your thoughts and do what you need to do to and recover, but that's why North Brothers Ford is here! While a lot of drivers may not think of the possibility of a major collision, it's important to have a game plan just in case. We hope you never have to use it, but here are some things you should know if you're involved in a car accident.


EXCHANGE INFORMATION

When you've determined that everyone else involved in the accident is okay, you should exchange information. In most cases, this includes license numbers, vehicle registration, and insurance info. Make sure you do not leave the scene of the accident until you've gathered everything you need to file a claim with your insurance company.



GET A POLICE REPORT

Once you've gathered information from all drivers involved in the accident, call the police so they can document the incident, and call an ambulance if needed. Getting a police report is important for insurance purposes. Make sure to point out any damage to your car to the responding officer, and make a personal note of their name as well as the report number.



TAKE PHOTOS

When you're in an accident, taking photos of vehicle and property damage as well as personal injuries can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful insurance claim. Memory is notoriously unreliable, and having documented evidence can help build a strong case to get you the full compensation to which you're entitled.



SCHEDULE A COLLISION APPOINTMENT

Once everything is said and done, schedule a collision service appointment with North Brothers Ford! If you haven't already contacted your insurance company, we can make the call together. While your vehicle is in our shop, we can also help you make arrangements to get a rental car. No job is too big for us, and we're committed to getting you up and running and back on the road!

While North Brothers Ford hopes you never have to use this information, it's still important to know what to do in the event of an accident. Exchanging information, getting a police report, and taking photos are all crucial to getting the compensation you deserve. In the shock of the moment, it can be difficult to calm your nerves and take care of business, but it is essential.

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Ford EcoSport Offers Next-Level Features at an Accessible Price for Young Drivers

Ford EcoSport Offers Next-Level Features at an Accessible Price for Young Drivers

WESTLAND, Mich. -- While there may be a gap when it comes to music and fashion, drivers of the Gen Z cohort (those born 1995) have at least one thing in common with their parents: SUVs.

Making up more than a quarter of the US population with nearly one-third having reached driving age, Gen Z is making quite an impact on the auto industry. Despite their reputation as ride-share enthusiasts, a recent study has shown that 92% of the Z generation plans to own or lease a new vehicle. As to what kind, the country's youngest drivers are ditching the subcompact car and gravitating towards the subcompact SUV.

“Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials – everybody wants their SUV, and Gen Z is no different,” says Ford US sales analyst Erich Merkle. “As more new small SUVs like Ford EcoSport become available, you’ll see the subcompact SUV segment continue to climb as a popular new car of choice for first-time buyers.” Merkle adds that sales of subcompact SUVs among 18-to-24-year-olds will surpass that of subcompact cars as early as next year.

In 2014, the 18 to 24 age group in the United States purchased 8,121 subcompact cars and only 443 subcompact SUVs. Flash forward to 2017, that same age group purchased 3,981 subcompact cars and 2,480 subcompact SUVs - that's a 541% spike in just four years.

The Ford EcoSport, which hit showrooms earlier this year, is the newest of nine vehicles looking to capitalize on Gen Z's growing affinity for the subcompact SUV. Fuel-efficient and with the cargo space desired by young drivers, the EcoSport comes at an accessible price for Gen Z to consider over the used car option for their first ride, with a starting price of under $20,000. On top of that, the EcoSport comes equipped with 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine that returns an EPA-estimated 28mpg combined rating and a range of up to 381 miles per tankful.


Ford EcoSport Offers Next-Level Features at an Accessible Price for Young Drivers


What else does the Gen Z cohort love about subcompact SUVs? As the "Connected Generation", technology is extremely important to young drivers. As a result, subcompact SUV designers strive to include more features like Wi-Fi, multiple charging ports, and smartphone app-compatible entertainment systems.

The Ford EcoSport comes with all that and more including compatibility with popular tech products like Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Additionally, FordPass provides remote access through a smartphone app, plus an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen, and is also available with a B&O Play premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

“To Gen Z buyers, connectivity is everything,” says Karen Sullivan, Ford EcoSport brand marketing manager. “Their car serves as an extension of their phone and their home, and we’re seeing an exciting response from these young customers to our all-new EcoSport.”

To top it all off, the Ford EcoSport provides cargo space Gen Z can't get out of a subcompact car, boasting 50 cubic feet behind the front row - nearly double that of a Fiesta hatchback - and 20.9 cubic feet behind the second row - much greater than the trunk space of a Focus sedan.

What's the best part about all of this? North Brothers Ford has the 2018 Ford EcoSport in stock! When considering a first car for your young driver, browse our selection of Ford EcoSport subcompact SUVs and schedule a test drive. While you're at it, pop into our service department and let our Ford certified technicians ensure that everything is A-OK before they hit the road!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Service Tips and Tricks from Our Ford Certified Technicians

Service Tips and Tricks from Our Ford Certified Technicians

WESTLAND, Mich. -- At North Brothers Ford, we're committed to making sure your vehicle is running at its best. Having regular inspections and keeping up with maintenance can prevent small issues from becoming big problems, which both saves you money in the long run and keeps you safe on the road.

In this blog, we'd like to share with you some service tips and tricks straight from our Ford Certified automotive technicians. While you're at it, why not schedule a service appointment to experience their expertise for yourself?



Service Tips and Tricks from Our Ford Certified Technicians

KEEP UP WITH SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

Oil changes, tire replacements or rotations, wheel alignments, brake inspections, wiper blade replacements, filter exchanges, and fluid fill-ups are all a part of routine and scheduled maintenance. Completing these services at the right time can eliminate unnecessary wear, damage, and even accidents that can result in costly repairs. Keeping up with routine service also helps to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. You can even set up a customized maintenance schedule with Ford for your specific vehicle to help you keep track of your vehicle's specific needs. 



Service Tips and Tricks from Our Ford Certified Technicians

KEEP A SERVICE RECORD

Keeping a service record helps to keep you on track and on time for future services. Our service technicians will always help keep track of your routine maintenance needs, like oil changes and tire rotations. How you do it is really up to you whether it's on your smartphone, mobile device, or personal computer. You could also keep a physical file folder at home with papers and receipts from past services. Either way, you'll be better equipped to schedule services at the right time and avoid missing important maintenance services. 

Service Tips and Tricks from Our Ford Certified Technicians

USE THE CORRECT FUEL AND FLUIDS


Each vehicle is built differently, and thus require different things to keep it running properly. When it comes to fuel, you should only fill up with the type your vehicle requires. Most times, you'll need to use Regular or Unleaded fuel, but if you have a performance-based car or heavy-duty pickup, you might require Premium or Diesel fuel. As for other fluids, there are many different kinds used throughout your vehicle including oil, power steering fluid, wiper fluid, etc. If you use the wrong kind, you can potentially cause damage to your vehicle's internal components, which can cost you more in repairs. Our service techs can tell you what your car's specific needs are, as can your owner's manual.


Service Tips and Tricks from Our Ford Certified Technicians

GO EASY ON YOUR VEHICLE


If you take care of your car, it'll take care of you. Driving carefully, as opposed to driving aggressively, can help you save on fuel and on service in the long run. Avoid frequent hard stops whenever possible, frequent "pedal to the metal" starting, and excessive speeding and idling. You can also fill up before your gas gauge hits E, avoid hitting potholes and curbs as best you can, and avoid taking frequent trips that are under 5 miles. It's especially important to take it easy on your car if the engine is new or under 1,500 miles. It's recommended to avoid exceeding 75 mpg, excessive idling, towing or carrying heavy loads, and pushing the engine to the higher rpm range. We also recommend letting your car warm up in the winter by idling for only about 30 seconds or up to 5 minutes maximum when the temperature is below zero. All of these recommendations will help your engine run it's best, help your car run longer, and help you save on fuel. Check out Ford's fuel saving tips online for more info. 


Service Tips and Tricks from Our Ford Certified Technicians

CLEAN YOUR CAR REGULARLY


The weather in Michigan can take a toll on your vehicle inside and out, but it's up to you to keep it clean and protected. Regularly washing the exterior can help avoid grime and road salt build-up, which can slowly become corrosive to the paint and exposed components over time if you don't wash your vehicle. We also recommend keeping the interior clean to protect the surfaces and materials from diminishing or deteriorating. If you choose to do vehicle cleaning at home, make sure to only use cleaning agents formulated for automotive uses!
Those were some service tips and tricks from our technicians. If you have any questions or are in the market for service, don't hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment online! At North Brothers Ford, we're happy to help you with anything you need to take care of your car.
North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Friday, May 18, 2018

5 Road Trip Tips For Your Excellent Adventure


WESTLAND, Mich. -- Summer is finally here in the Mitten State, and that means it's time to plan a road trip! There are plenty of adventures to be had on a road trip through Michigan, but there are a couple things you should know in order to ensure your travels are enjoyable as well as safe. North Brothers Ford is here with 5 helpful road trip tips to make it the best it can be!



5 Road Trip Tips For Your Summer Adventures

1. GET SLEEP

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about 100,000 vehicular accidents are caused by driver fatigue each year, resulting in about 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and a whopping $12.5 billion in collision repairs.

Before heading out on a long drive, it is essential that you get enough sleep the night before, at least 8 hours according to the National Sleep Foundation. If you're traveling with other people of driving age who have their license, plan to switch out driving duties. If you're going it alone, work a hotel stop into your itinerary.

2. INSPECT YOUR VEHICLE

Before you head out on your road trip, make sure your car is running at its best. This not only saves you money on the costly repairs that can result but is also essential to your safety. Here's a checklist of things to inspect before a long drive. If you're uncomfortable performing the check yourself, feel free to schedule a service appointment with Graff Mt. Pleasant! Our friendly and knowledgeable service technicians will be happy to answer any questions and make sure your car can handle the trip!


5 Road Trip Tips For Your Summer Adventures

3. FUEL UP

It might seem like a no-brainer, but about 800,000 drivers run out of gas each year on the road due to overestimating how much fuel they have left in their tank. The good thing about road trips is you'll mostly be cruising highways, which eats up less gas. However, Graff Mt. Pleasant recommends you do some preliminary research such as:

  • How many miles will you be traveling? Most GPS services will tell you when you're planning your route. You should also look into how many gas stations are on the way, the more the better.
  • How's your vehicle's gas mileage? Gas mileage tells you how many miles you can travel before your car uses a gallon of gas, and you can easily look this up online or in your owner's manual. Additionally, it's good to know how many gallons your gas tank can hold, which can also be found using the aforementioned sources.
Most importantly, if your fuel light comes on, DO NOT be a hero. Otherwise, make sure you have either roadside assistance or a no-spill gas can on board so you can hoof it to the nearest gas station.



4. HAVE SOME SOUND



A killer playlist is not only an essential part of the road trip experience, but it's also a good way to keep you alert while driving. Music helps to stimulate the brain and break up the monotony of driving, which in turns cuts down on fatigue and boredom. Audiobooks work too!
 


5 Road Trip Tips For Your Summer Adventures

5. CHEW GUM

During a long drive, chewing gum has actually been proven to increase circulation and improve alertness, which are both important things to have since you'll be sitting for long periods of time while piloting two tons of motorized metal.

Summer is road trip season in Michigan, and we hope you've found these 5 tips helpful! From all of us at North Brothers Ford, we wish you safe and happy adventures! Need a new ride before you head out? Check out our inventory of Ford vehicles and schedule a test drive!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Just In Case: A Guide to Road Trip Survival Kits

Just In Case: A Guide to Road Trip Survival Kits

WESTLAND, Mich. -- Ah, the open road. A place of freedom and discovery. A place where anything can happen; and we do mean anything. While road trips are most certainly a ton of fun, it's important to expect the unexpected, know how to handle it, and have the tools to do so at your disposal.

A well-assembled road trip survival kit can get you out of some sticky situations, and North Brothers Ford is here to assist you in building one.



Just In Case: A Guide to Road Trip Survival Kits

AUTO ESSENTIALS

In the event that your vehicle breaks down and leaves you stranded, the handy box in your trunk or hatch will thankfully be carrying the following auto essentials to get you back up and running:

  • Jumper cables (12-20ft. Make sure you have the right gauge for your vehicle)
  • No-spill gas can (2-5 gallon capacity)
  • Portable air compressor
  • Flat tire inflation canister (non-explosive)
  • Roadside flares/glowsticks
  • Reflective hazard triangles
  • Towing strap or chain
  • Emergency car battery charger
  • Spare tire (Make sure you inspect the condition and air pressure frequently)
  • Tire jack
Just In Case: A Guide to Road Trip Survival Kits

YOU ESSENTIALS

Say your transmission or engine fails or any other such catastrophe befalls you that requires you wait for roadside assistance, there are some other factors you need to consider. Things like weather, traffic, and location can affect how long it will take for help to arrive. If you are not prepared to wait it out, you open yourself up to a lot of dangerous risks. Here are some survival essentials you should keep in your car:


  • Blanket (Wool or heat-reflecting)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Extra water
  • Extra food (MREs have long shelf-lives, are well-packaged, provide exceptional nourishment, and can be eaten hot or cold)
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Pocket knife or multi-tool with a seatbelt cutter and glass breaker
  • First Aid kit
  • Change of clothes
  • Solar-powered device charger
Pre-assembled emergency preparedness kits are available from many places, are affordable, and usually have the things we've listed as well as other recommended items. Either way, keep your "you" essentials in a backpack or other durable and easy to carry bag so you're able to take your supplies with you in case you need to hoof it for help.

North Brothers Ford hopes you never find yourself in a roadside emergency situation, but things happen, and that's why we've assembled this guide to road trip survival kits. To lessen your chance of having to use your car emergency preparedness kit, schedule a service appointment with us to make sure your vehicle is running at its best before you hit the road!


North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Top 10 TV Moms

Top 10 TV Moms

WESTLAND, Mich. -- They make us laugh, they make us cry, they give us sound life advice; all from the comfort of our living rooms. We have our real-life moms of course, but TV moms are a whole other breed of their own, impacting not only the lives of their viewers but shaping culture and changing it for the better.

This Mother's Day, we at North Brothers Ford would like to share with you our Top 10 TV Moms.



Top 10 TV Moms

1. CLAIR HUXTABLE

Called the "greatest TV mom of all time", Clair Huxtable made her debut in 1984 along with the rest of her television family on The Cosby Show. Co-star and creator Bill Cosby stated that he always intended Clair to reflect the ways in which the roles of women have evolved in both the home and workplace. A feminist icon, she is not only a favorite TV mom in general but also one of the first to be a working mother, expertly balancing her role as matriarch of her family and a successful career as a lawyer. Her influence on African-American women and female lawyers in television is so profound that it has been dubbed the "Clair Huxtable effect".


Top 10 TV Moms

2. SOPHIA PETRILLO

Picture it: Miami, 1985. Sophia Petrillo won the hearts of viewers everywhere when The Golden Girls aired on NBC for the first time on September 14th. The spunky elderly mother of Dorothy Szbornak wasn't originally intended to be a part of the main cast, but when she showed up to the door shortly after her retirement home burned to the ground, she received such an overwhelmingly positive reception from viewers for her wily personality, quick wit, and biting sarcasm that she stayed on for the remainder of the series. Sophia is proof that age is just a number, maintaining a youthful sense of humor and zest for life well into her 80s. The relationship between her and Dorothy also teaches us that our mothers are more often than not our true best friends.


Top 10 TV Moms

3. JOYCE BYERS

The central matriarchal character of the recent television phenomenon Stranger Things, Joyce Byers is the single mother of Will and Johnathan Byers. While she is not well-off financially and is sorely overworked, Joyce still manages to maintain a loving and supportive home for her two sons. When Will mysteriously disappears at the beginning of the first season, she refuses to accept the possibility that he might be dead and does everything in her power to find him, regardless of other people in the town of Hawkins thinking she's crazy or bothersome. Joyce Byers is an example of a mother going to the very edge of the fringe for her kids, as well as a much-needed representative of functional single parenthood in the media.


Top 10 TV Moms

4. MORTICIA ADDAMS

During the 1960s, Morticia Addams broke the mold for TV moms as the mother of the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky Addams Family alongside her husband, Gomez. While Morticia is not short on looks whatsoever, her character proved that a woman has the ability to be so much more than her beauty, frequently working on new projects and always improving her skills. Given her unorthodox appearance and her loving yet eccentric personality, she's a mom who taught us to never judge a book by its cover and to always be true to yourself.


Top 10 TV Moms

5. JUNE CLEAVER

The pinnacle of "motherliness", June Cleaver brought all the qualities of the gentle-voiced, cake-baking, moral lesson-giving TV mom to Leave It To Beaver that kids during the years of 1957-1963 dreamed of having, and real-life moms dreamed of being. Looks always on point, June proved that moms could have style with her tasteful makeup, elegant dresses, high-heeled pumps, and signature pearl necklace. In an era where corporal punishment was still an acceptable form of discipline, June never raised a hand to either of her two sons and instead encouraged compromise and understanding.


Top 10 TV Moms

6. CAROL BRADY

The Brady Bunch was essentially the "it" family of the 1970s, with the radiant Carol Brady at the helm alongside her husband, Mike. Carol Brady was revolutionary as her character was one of the earliest in television to bring the concept of the blended family to the mainstream, proving that family is not dependent on genetics.


Top 10 TV Moms

7. ROSEANNE CONNER

Prior to the network debut of Roseanne in 1988, there had been shows featuring working mothers, but only as an adjunct to the father. Roseanne Conner changed that when she became the first TV mom to be the central character of a show. With her distinctive voice and attitude, she's also a departure from the genteel archetype of TV moms but instead was a fierce working-class heroine who was strong, hard-working, and not a victim of patriarchal consumerism.


Top 10 TV Moms

8. JULIA BAKER

Before the premiere of Julia on NBC in 1968, there were television shows featuring African-Americans in the central role, but usually in a servant capacity. Julia Baker broke the mold by becoming the first African-American woman on television to not only have her own show, but also not be portrayed in a stereotypical role. Julia was also one of if not the first representation of working single mothers on television, which was quite revolutionary given the time.


Top 10 TV Moms

9. MRS. WOLOWITZ

The mother of The Big Bang Theory's Howard Wolowitz is impressive because she's so memorable, yet we've never actually seen her. We didn't have to, as she made her presence known with her loud and obnoxious New Jersey-accented voice provided by the late Carol Ann Susi. Despite her over-protective and sometimes desperate ways, Mrs. Wolowitz was a loving motherly figure to both her son and his friends. She also proved that TV moms don't have to be seen to be memorable, as moms are inherently omnipotent beings as everyone knows.


Top 10 TV Moms

10. FIONA GALLAGHER

While she's not a "mom" in the traditional sense, Fiona Gallagher as the oldest sibling of her large but dysfunctional family stepped up to the plate to care for her younger brothers and sister, in the wake of absent and irresponsible parents. When Shameless begins, Fiona is in her early-20s, caring for her five siblings ranging from teenagers to an infant in the poverty-stricken environment of Chicago's South Side, and dealing with the antics of their alcoholic father. While she longs for a life like most young women her age and is not perfect, she is fiercely devoted to her siblings and takes her role in stride.

Those were our picks for our top list of 10 TV moms. While we have our real-life mothers, TV moms are a whole other breed on our own. They make us laugh at how relatable they are to our own mothers, they make us cry wishing our own mothers were still here, and they open our eyes so that we may glean wisdom from their stories. From all of us here at North Brothers Ford, Happy Mothers Day!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Friday, May 4, 2018

5 Reasons to Adopt Not Shop for National Pet Month

5 Reasons to Adopt Not Shop for National Pet Month

WESTLAND, Mich. -- Animals are a lot of things to us humans. They're friends, siblings, kids, and protectors. Most of all, they are living and feeling creatures who like us deserve to lead a happy and healthy life surrounded by love. In animal shelters across the United States, there are tons of dogs and cats waiting and hoping that someone like you will come along and give them their forever home.

Kicking off National Pet Month, North Brothers Ford wants to share with you 5 reasons why you should adopt and not shop, and encourage you to raise awareness to others.


5 Reasons to Adopt Not Shop for National Pet Month


1. SAVE A LIFE AND BREAK THE CYCLE

Lost, given up, or abandoned, every shelter animal needs and deserves a second chance. When you adopt a dog or cat from a shelter, you are giving another living being a new life and a forever home when they otherwise have been denied such.

This is especially important for animals who are unfortunate enough to end up in "kill shelters", which have a policy of euthanization to cut down on overpopulation. Each year, 8 to 12 million dogs and cats of any age have their lives cut short simply because there isn't enough room for them in the shelter and no one is coming to their rescue. By adopting a pet from a shelter rather than buying from a breeder or pet store helps to break this cycle.


5 Reasons to Adopt Not Shop for National Pet Month

2. HELP STOP CRUELTY IN MASS BREEDING FACILITIES

Unfortunately, there have been a rise in the number of commercial pet-breeding facilities, better known as "puppy mills" and "kitten mills", which produce millions of animals for sale in pet stores and public ads. At these facilities, female dogs and cats are forced to produce litter after litter, isolated in cages under extremely poor conditions, and are then later euthanized when they either become too old or too physically worn out to breed.

When you adopt from a shelter, you do not support these cruel practices and therefore help to shut this business down.


5 Reasons to Adopt Not Shop for National Pet Month

3. ADULT ANIMALS

Your lifestyle may be a little too busy to handle raising a puppy or kitten, but did you know that there are plenty of wonderful adult and senior dogs and cats up for adoption in shelters? Adopting an adult animal comes with many advantages such as already being housebroken, training in basic commands like "sit" and "stay", and having a developed personality for you to fall in love with.


5 Reasons to Adopt Not Shop for National Pet Month

4. MEDICAL CARE AND A LIFETIME RESOURCE

Many shelters and animal rescue groups often include vaccinations, microchipping, and even spaying or neutering in the adoption fee. On top of that, you gain a lifetime resource in the way of qualified shelter employees and volunteers who your new pal already trusts and will probably be more inclined to be handled by them than a new vet.


5 Reasons to Adopt Not Shop for National Pet Month

5. A FOREVER FRIEND

Of all the many reasons to adopt and not shop, the biggest one has got to be simply gaining a friend for life, for both of you. For the rest of your life, you'll get looks like that pictured above. Looks that say  "thank you for saving my life", "thank you for showing me that not all humans are bad", and "thank you for giving me a happy, healthy, and loving forever home".

This National Pet Month, North Brothers Ford strongly encourages you to adopt not shop if you're thinking of getting a dog or cat. Here we've given you five great reasons why you should, but we're confident that you'll find countless more every single day you spend with your new furry friend. While you're at it, why not schedule a service appointment to make sure your car is well enough to get your buddy home! Not to mention all the awesome adventures you'll take together!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

5 All-Stars of Mexican Culture You Need To Know

5 All-Stars of Mexican Culture You Need To Know

WESTLAND, Mich. -- While Cinco de Mayo continues to be ceremoniously commemorated in Mexico, it has become something of a cultural celebration in the United States, with people of all ethnicities showing their appreciation for all aspects of the Mexican culture. While many people of Mexican heritage have had a significant impact on the world, here are a couple who deserve special recognition for their game-changing, history-making contributions to the human race.

From North Brothers Ford, here are 5 all-stars of Mexican culture you need to know.

5 All-Stars of Mexican Culture You Need To Know

1. IGNACIO ZARAGOZA

Kicking off this list is the man behind Cinco de Mayo: Ignacio Zaragoza. On May 5th, 1862, General Charles de Lorencez led a force of 8,000 French soldiers into Mexico to occupy the city of Puebla, under orders from Napoleon III. Located halfway between the capital of Mexico City and the country's main Atlantic port, Veracruz, controlling Puebla meant a strategic advantage for the French in following through with Napoleon III's desire to set up a Mexican puppet regime. However, what the French weren't counting on when they marched into Puebla that day was a tenacious officer of the Mexican Army by the name of Ignacio Zaragoza.

Zaragoza and his army of 6,000 occupied Puebla's nearby forts and were poorly equipped and trained, and not to mention considerably outnumbered by Lorencez. The French Army, on the other hand, was considered the best in the world at the time, well-equipped, highly trained, and going undefeated for nearly 50 years. Those odds didn't quell the fiery spirit of Zaragoza and his men, however, as they ultimately forced the French to retreat and prevented them from marching on to the capital.

Zaragoza's victory not only helped to establish a sense of unity and patriotism amongst the Mexican people but also sent a message to the rest of the world that, despite not being as advanced in military and infrastructure at the time, Mexico was not to be underestimated. Additionally, some historians consider it the catalyst that started Mexico down the road to revolution, and eventual independence from Spain.


5 All-Stars of Mexican Culture You Need To Know

2. SELENA

Regarded as the "Queen of Tejano Music", Selena's immense contributions to both music and fashion have immortalized her as one of the most prolific entertainers of all time, whose legacy arguably set the stage for Latinas in mainstream music. Her father, a former Mexican-American musician, noticed her talent as a vocalist when she was six-years-old, describing her as having perfect pitch and timing. Selena was also a natural performer, feeling right at home on stage and holding the crowd in the palm of her hand with her radiant personality and interactive presence. With her band Selena y Los Dinos, including her brother on bass guitar and her sister on drums, Selena skyrocketed to stardom with her recordings of Tejano music compositions; a male-dominated, Spanish-language genre popular with Mexican-Americans.

She would later go on to release her debut self-titled album in 1989, with her brother taking on the role of producer for the remainder of her career. Her fourth album, Amor Prohibido, was nominated for a Grammy, won Record of the Year at the 1995 Tejano Music Awards, and was among the best-selling US albums in the same year. Selena also had an eye for fashion, designing all of the costumes she wore on stage and eventually her own commercial line, opening a boutique in her hometown of Corpus Christi and another in San Antonio, Texas.

Selena's life was tragically cut short on March 31st, 1995 when she was murdered by her close friend and registered agent, Yolanda Saldivar after it was discovered that Saldivar had embezzled more than $30,000 from both the boutiques and fan club. Dreaming Of You, the English crossover album she had been working on shortly before her death, was posthumously released in July of the same year selling 170,000 copies in a single day - a then-record for a female recording artist - and 331,000 in its first week.


5 All-Stars of Mexican Culture You Need To Know

3. FRIDA KAHLO

A gifted, self-taught painter and considered one of Mexico's most important figures of the twentieth century, Frida Khalo's work often reflected aspects of her frequently chaotic personal life, such as suffering a near-fatal and debilitating injury as a child (the effects of which followed her until her death), her struggles with childbirth, and her tumultuous marriage to Diego Rivera. Though tragedy marred nearly her entire life, Frida Kahlo's legacy and cultural impact are felt even 64 years after her death.

Khalo is an icon for women young and old alike in every part of the world, representing tenacity and strength in the face of overwhelming adversity whether social, political, or personal, and for these reasons is also iconic in the LGBTQ+ community. She is considered a forerunner in the emergence of feminist art, as well as the feminist movement in general.


5 All-Stars of Mexican Culture You Need To Know

4. RITCHIE VALENS

A rock & roll pioneer and forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Ritchie Valens' impact on and contribution to the music world is huge despite his tragically short life. Born Richard Valenzuela in the San Fernando Valley region of California to Mexican parents, Valens grew up on traditional mariachi and flamenco music, as well as R&B and jump blues. A naturally talented and self-taught guitarist and vocalist, he was known to seamlessly improvise new lyrics and add new riffs to popular songs at his live performances.

Valens got his stage name from his record label, who suggested he have a more "American-sounding" name in order to appeal to a wider audience i.e. cater to the racial and ethnic prejudice of the time in order establish a career. Valens reluctantly agreed but remained firmly planted in his Mexican roots, recording a rock & roll version of the traditional folk song "La Bamba", which held the number one spot on the US and UK singles charts in the same year. Despite not being a native speaker, Valens learned and performed the song entirely in the original Spanish to display his immense pride in his heritage. The success of "La Bamba" as a Spanish-language track in a predominately American genre effectively set the stage for Latin and Chicano rock and also sent a message to the largely prejudiced population that while they could change his name to sell records, Valens would never abandon his ancestry.

On February 3rd, 1959 regarded by many as "the day that music died", Valens along with fellow music greats Buddy Holly and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, perished in a plane crash mere minutes after take-off. Valens was only 17-years-old. Despite his brief time on Earth, however, his legacy as the first Latino to successfully crossover into mainstream music has inspired countless generations after him to do the same.


5 All-Stars of Mexican Culture You Need To Know

5. DIEGO RIVERA

One of Mexico's greatest artists, Diego Rivera is credited with catalyzing the muralistic art movement along with Jose Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros. A revolutionary who used his art as a tool of social and political activism, Rivera courted controversy frequently throughout his career. His work promoted populist philosophies, that is, supporting the rights and power of the people in their struggle against the privileged elite. These ideas of social and political change in favor of the working class directly influenced President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs which helped to get American citizens back on their feet after being ravaged by the Great Depression.

Rivera has strong ties to Detroit as well, having painted the mural that lines the walls of Garden Court at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which he himself called his masterpiece and favorite of his career. The mural, entitled Detroit Industry, was commissioned by Edsel Ford and William Valentiner. It depicts Detroit's manufacturing industry as well as others such as medical and chemical. In true Rivera style, the mural also depicts scenes that were considered "radical" and "blasphemous" at the time (such as workers of different races working side by side) which earned him a great deal of criticism. Little did the critics know, he was actually painting a window to the future, as the Detroit of today is one of the most racially and culturally diverse cities in the country.

This Cinco de Mayo, we hope you'll keep in mind these 5 world-changing all-stars of Mexican culture, and appreciate their game-changing contributions to history. While you're at it, North Brothers Ford encourages you to explore the Mexican culture even further and see all the amazing things it has to offer including delicious food, vibrant art, and beautiful traditions that set it apart from any other on Earth. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

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