Open House at Saline's Briarwood Ford Showcases Fusion

Saline's Briarwood Ford joined Ford dealerships around the country in holding an open house called “Go Further with Ford Night” on Thursday.

The event at Briarwood featured live music, snack trays and popcorn. Participants could also register for a chance to win a Ford Fusion and compete to win a trip to Hollywood.

“Unfortunately in Michigan opening day for deer hunting season isn’t the best time, but it’s a national thing,” said Steve Whitener, owner and vice president of the dealership. Attendance was low, but those who came had a fun experience.

Pat Lord of Milan checked out the new Ford Fusion and registered for a chance to win one. She also participated in the American Idol competition.            

Contestants watched a performance on a computer then were filmed critiquing the performer. The amateur judges will be judged and the winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to an American Idol show.

Laurel Federbush of Ann Arbor played harp for the first hour including both classical and popular music. For the remainder of the evening, music was provided by five teens from the Saline Fiddlers.

“Tonight’s little reception is basically just to build more awareness for just this one Fusion model,” Whitening said pointing to the royal blue 2013 Fusion parked in the showroom. “It’s new from the ground up, the design, the interior, everything virtually is new on the car.”

Whitening said that the Fusion together with the Escape constitute 50 to 55 percent of total sales volume at Briarwood. This occurs because of especially attractive prices and leasing arrangements available to Ford employees for these cars.

Currently, the new Fusion model is just trickling in, but Whitening expects increased stocks in 30 to 45 days.

“They’ve been selling just about as fast as they come in,” Whitening said. As a result there were only three Fusions on hand at the open house, one in the showroom and two outside for test-drives.

“The other component tonight is that Ford let dealerships pick a charity that they wanted to support, Whitening said. “We picked Motts Children’s Hospital and for every person that registers tonight, Ford will donate $10 to Motts Hospital and Briarwood will donate an additional $10.”