Ford Selects Grand Rapids, MI For City Of Tomorrow Challenge

July 10, 2018 · 4 min read

Borgman Ford Urges Grand Rapids & West Michigan Residents to Share Thoughts on Transportation

Borgman Ford has been serving the Grand Rapids and West Michigan community since 1960, and in that time we've had the unique pleasure of watching the city grow. In recent years, Grand Rapids has become a nationally-renowned destination for tourism, art, medicine, technology, and more. However, as more people flock here, the fastest-growing city in Michigan, issues with public transportation, traffic flow, parking, crosswalks, and other infrastructure have become more pronounced. The good news is, Ford is offering help.

We're happy to share that Grand Rapids has been selected to participate in the Ford City of Tomorrow Challenge. This summer, Grand Rapids residents are encouraged to share their ideas in this crowdsourced, grassroots effort towards improving the transportation and infrastructure of their city. A combination of public voting and a panel of judges will determine the top idea or ideas and will award up to $100,000 to implement them in a pilot program.

No one knows or loves this city more than its residents, and this is our opportunity to make a lasting impact on Grand Rapids for the better. Below, you can read more about the challenge with some excerpts from The Official Ford Media Center, or visit Challenges.CityOfTomorrow.com to join the discussion and share your ideas.

Help Your City Develop Seamless Transportation – Ford And Grand Rapids Work Together To Create The City Of Tomorrow

Ford Motor Company and Grand Rapids are working closely with public stakeholders as well as AT&T, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, PlanetM, and The Right Place to launch the Grand Rapids City of Tomorrow Challenge – a crowdsourcing platform for residents, businesses and community groups to propose and pilot solutions that improve mobility in Grand Rapids.

As urban populations surge and new technologies emerge, the ways people move around cities are changing. In Grand Rapids, for example, the use of public transportation continues to drop and most families have two or more cars, according to American Public Transportation Association. With Grand Rapids experiencing the largest population increase in Michigan percentage-wise, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there is a need to alleviate congestion and reduce transportation wait times.

Solutions to many mobility issues already exist in some form, but the City of Tomorrow Challenge creates a more inclusive process in which residents can express their ideas as they participate in working to ensure a future where people and businesses can thrive. By working with communities to crowdsource new mobility designs and innovations, and funding pilots to test the top solutions, the program’s goal is to help improve quality of life for Grand Rapids residents and visitors by providing dynamic mobility options that build on the existing transportation system.

"As our city grows, we want to ensure we are working with our community to make getting around Grand Rapids easier," said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. "We also want to strengthen confidence in our existing transportation systems. We have joined the City of Tomorrow Challenge because we believe Grand Rapids is a place where innovative ideas can improve mobility in our city."

Throughout the eight-month program, those who live, work and play in Grand Rapids are invited to explore dynamic mobility options, including making the city’s streets more walkable and bike-friendly, extending the use of and the information that transportation systems provide, and enabling smart transportation choices. The Challenge includes a prize of up to $100,000 to fund pilots that test the top solutions in a real-world setting.

"Grand Rapids is already on the forefront of transportation with our vision for mobility," said Josh Naramore, City’s Mobile GR-Parking Services manager. "With the City of Tomorrow Challenge, we can create a place that is a beacon of growth for years to come – a place where everyone can thrive."

To continue reading, visit Media.Ford.com.

How You Can Get Involved with the Future of Transportation in Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids, MI is and has long been a great place to live and raise a family, and Borgman is grateful for all that have chosen us for a New Ford Vehicle over the years. As this city we're all a part of continues to grow, Ford is allowing us to shape how our transportation systems grow with it. Whether you drive a Ford, take the bus, ride a bicycle, or walk to get around, your voice will be heard and who knows - maybe it will be your idea that's implemented at the end of the challenge!

To find out more about the Ford City of Tomorrow Challenge in Grand Rapids, MI, and to share your thoughts, visit Challenges.CityOfTomorrow.com. Should your transportation needs include a New Ford Car, Truck, or SUV, check out our Online Inventory, read about our famous Fair Trade Deals, or explore our Day Trader Program. Come and see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Sep 11, 2020 in Community Events

Ford Completes 50,000th Ventilator, Pledges To Produce and Donate 100,000 Masks

Borgman Ford is proud to represent a company that has stepped up to the plate during this COVID era to take care of their neighbors. As we shared earlier this year, Ford switched production to make powered respirators for front-line workers. Now with the completion of their 50,000th ventilator recently, they've again pledged to produce and supply 100,000 masks through 2021 to help communities all over, West Michigan included. more Read More In this recent story from Ford, you can learn more about what they're doing to produce these masks and the Michigan workers making it happen. Take a look below, including this short documentary called On The Line, which recently made its debut on YouTube! Ford Announces Goal To Donate 100 Million Masks; New Documentary Celebrates Workforce Response To COVID-19 Following completion of its 50,000th ventilator to help clinicians treat COVID-19 patients, Ford is pivoting to target production of 100 million masks through 2021 for communities across the U.S. with limited access to personal protective equipment. The company, currently manufacturing 2.5 million medical-grade masks a week for its employees and at-risk communities, is growing the number of mask-making machines by mid- to late-October to increase production and deliver on its goal. Ford is working with Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, to identify donation recipients across the U.S. through a network of nonprofit and state and local partners. The company is focusing on military veterans, schools, food banks and African American communities, among others. “As the pandemic continues, so does the spirit, grit and dedication of our Ford team and UAW partners to step up and contribute to help our country,” said Jim Hackett, Ford president and CEO. “Working together, we’re setting a goal of producing 100 million masks for families, children, individuals and communities who need them most.” You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com. Safely Shop for New Ford Vehicles at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI Here at Borgman Ford, we've taken many extra steps to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. Our showroom is open with surfaces sanitized regularly and all of our staff members wear masks when interacting with you. Our vehicles are also thoroughly sanitized after every test drive, and we encourage you to use our Online Tools to work out the majority of your deal before your visit. You'll still have full access to one of our friendly and courteous sales associates if you need help or have any questions. Take a look at our vast Online Inventory to get started, or Reach Out To Us if you have any questions. We've been driving the difference in West Michigan for 60 Years, and it'd be our pleasure to help you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle and budget.

May 20, 2020 in Community Events

Essential Workers Get The Works Free from Borgman Ford

Borgman Ford salutes our essential workers in West Michigan fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is our absolute pleasure to show thanks to them through a new program from Ford. Essential Workers can visit the Borgman Service Center now through June 30th and get "The Works" service package free for their vehicle. more Read More To reap the rewards of this program, all eligible customers must be enrolled in the FordPass Rewards Program and will receive enough points to their account to cover the cost of one The Works package. Though you must claim your points before June 30th, 2020, the points may be redeemed at a later date. To be eligible, customers must provide verification of employment such as a badge, pay stub, name tag, business card, an official letter stating essential worker status, or another form of verification that will align with a qualifying job category. With The Works, you will get everything you need to maintain the performance of your vehicle including tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, vehicle inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, filter check, plus a belts and hoses check. If you're not enrolled in FordPass Rewards, registration is easy. Simply visit this page and fill out the form. Soon, you'll be earning points for things you do every day, then using them for discounted services at the Borgman Service Center. If you have any questions at all about this program, FordPass Rewards, The Works service package, or anything else, please do not hesitate to Contact Us. Again, we extend our sincerest gratitude to West Michigan's essential workers. Thank you for all that you do, and it'd be our pleasure to serve you.

Jan 31, 2020 in Community Events

Join Borgman at the Michigan International Auto Show at DeVos This Weekend!

Come See Us At DeVos Convention Center through February 2nd, 2020 The Michigan International Auto Show is in full swing this weekend at DeVos Convention Center in downtown Grand Rapids, MI! Borgman Ford Mazda will be there all weekend to help West Michigan auto enthusiasts and casual attendees get acquainted with the 2020 Ford and Mazda lineup, so come on down and say hi now through Sunday, Feb. 2 and see what's new this year. We'd be happy to answer any questions you have about exciting vehicles like the 2020 Ford Explorer, 2020 Ford Escape, 2020 Ford F-150, the All-New Mazda CX-30, and more. Below, we've taken a few photos to show you what's in store this year, including some extras about the hotly-anticipated all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E. more Read More 2020 Ford Escape Titanium Featured here in a stunning blue, the newly-redesigned 2020 Ford Escape is sure to impress old and new fans alike with impressive amenities, plenty of headroom, and all the cargo space you can ask for in a small SUV. Test drive a 2020 Ford Escape today! 2020 Ford Explorer ST While there are other 2020 Ford Explorers on display here, we can't wait to show you their sportier, more capable, and meaner sibling: the 2020 Ford Explorer ST. With upgrades in horsepower, torque, and motorsport-inspired drive settings and gadgets, this SUV is sure to turn some heads! Test drive a 2020 Ford Explorer today! 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E While the prototype wasn't present Thursday night, Ford brought along plenty of information and even a fun interactive display for attendees interested in Ford's upcoming all-electric SUV. You can even sign up to reserve yours at Borgman right there at the show and we'd love to talk to people about what gets them excited about the new SUV. Learn more about the Ford Mustang Mach-E! 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 Arguably the most stunning of all the Ford exhibits, smack dab in the middle sits the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500. This 760 horsepower monster is parked beneath a monolithic Ford display with blue LED light pipes, inviting guests to gawk and admire the track-ready feat of Ford Performance engineering. 2020 Mazda CX-30 Should you decide to switch gears and head down the road toward the Mazda exhibit, you absolutely must stop and check out the newest addition to the Mazda lineup: the All-New Mazda CX-30 crossover SUV. This is the perfect choice of SUV for lovers of the Mazda3 in look, feel, and performance, but need to accommodate a growing family or simply want more space. Plus, the Soul Red paint job looks absolutely gorgeous. Test drive a 2020 Mazda CX-30 today! Need a Break? Play Some Built Ford Tough Cornhole Looking at the latest and greatest Ford Vehicles is a lot of fun, but if you need a break, sneak back behind the Mustang Shelby GT500 display and relax with a quick game of cornhole! See Something You Like? Visit Borgman After The Show For A Test Drive! This weekend, the Borgman Team will be at the show to chat with enthusiasts and offer information about the 2020 Ford and Mazda lineups and our only goal is to ensure people have a good time. However, if you see something you'd really like to drive, you're always welcome to stop by our showroom at 28th & Ivanrest in Grand Rapids to take it out for a spin. Just like at the show, our team is committed to making sure your questions are answered and will never pressure you into a sale. Come put our legendary Red Coat Customer Service to the test, and see why we're the Best in the West!