2013 Ford Fusion is Autoweek's Best in Show award winner

Sometimes it's hard to be patient. Usually, we announce the Autoweek Editors' Choice awards for the Detroit auto show during the Autoweek Design Forum, and we will do so for the 2012 show on Thursday, Jan. 12, at noon Eastern.

But here's a head start: The redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion sedan is our pick for Best in Show. We're telling you this early because Ford was so excited that group design vice president J Mays came around on Wednesday to pick up the trophy from Autoweek editor Wes Raynal--and Ford couldn't help but jump for joy in 140 characters on its Twitter site.

Raynal said, "The Ford Fusion bucks the midsize-sedan trend of playing to the broadest common denominator. The Fusion delivers bold styling that projects a more luxurious message than we expected for its broad, family-car mission."

The winners in the remaining three categories--Most Significant, Best Concept and Most Fun--get their time in the spotlight on Thursday. Until then, take your best guess at the winners, and see if your instincts match those of the Autoweek editors.

GREGG MIDDLEKAUFF RECOGNIZED WITH PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

President of Middlekauff Ford Lincoln Mercury earns Ford 'Salute To Dealers' award

TWIN FALLS, ID - December 15, 2009 - In recognition of his outstanding corporate citizenship and contributions to the community, Gregg Middlekauff has earned a Salute To Dealers award from Ford Motor Company. He is one of four North American dealers who will receive the tenth annual tribute at a ceremony held February 12 preceding the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention in Orlando. Honorees were selected from among nearly 6,000 dealers across the United States and Canada for exhibiting unparalleled dedication to their communities. 

The list of Middlekauff's community activities is staggering in its scope, but is built around a single theme:  helping the youth of Twin Falls and the Magic Valley.  From being the president of the local Boys and Girls Club to providing thousands of dollars for student scholarships, to helping individual families in times of crisis and creating the Middlekauff Foundation, Gregg knows the future is in our children. 

"Gregg spends just as much time, if not more, working with charitable organizations than he does working at the dealership," wrote Conn Famuliner, Zone Manager for Ford Motor Company in his nomination of Middlekauff. "Twin Falls and the Magic Valley are a far better place to live because of Gregg Middlekauff and the example he sets for others." 

"The great thing about Gregg is he doesn't expect awards and will continue to give and support those in need simply because he doesn't know how to live any other way," continued Famuliner.  "He is a big man with an even bigger heart, and no one is more giving or more accessible to this community." 

Middlekauff Foundation sets the tone

The Middlekauff Foundation, founded by Gregg and his wife Sallee in 2000, supports many causes and children throughout the Magic Valley. The motto, "Change a child's life, Change the world" reflects their commitment to the youth in the area. "That is my primary area of focus - I try to do everything I can possibly do to point children in the right direction," said Middlekauff. 

Gregg's involvement extends far beyond his own foundation, however.  He also sits on the board of directors for the Southern Idaho Learning Center, an organization that works with children who have learning disabilities, once again contributing time and money assuring its success.  The entire Middlekauff family is involved in the St. Luke's Hospital Foundation for the construction of a new hospital.  Every year, Gregg helps the Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, assisting with their annual charity auction and fundraiser for performing arts students. 

Gregg's support of students and youth extends through high school and college as well.   He has provided scholarships for over 50 Magic Valley and surrounding area High School students and set up a matching scholarship fund for the Medford High School reunion.  The $20,000 raised last year will provide 10 years of financial assistance for five students.   

Middlekauff also sponsored a college scholarship for a local Miss Twin Falls Pageant winner, including providing a new car each year of college.   At the same time, he also provides a new car to a selected Boise State University student athlete, and has supported the College of Southern Idaho and their athletic department over the last nine years with donations totaling over $100,000. 

Middlekauff's community involvement is evident during times of individual need as well.  Recently, Gregg personally paid to have a video produced with a full film crew in the hopes of helping a local family get a new home on ABC's Extreme Home Makeover, lining up a contractor that would donate all the work.  He supported a family where both the mother and father died in one year.  He arranged for the funeral of another young child lost tragically in a car accident and set up a memorial fund for the family.   

In the end, Gregg firmly believes in the power of selflessness.  "When it's all said and done, I hope Sallee and I are remembered for a lot more than just selling cars." 
 

An Important Ford Motor Company Tradition

Salute To Dealers is conducted under the guidance of Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford's Board of Directors. The program was launched in 2001 to demonstrate the company's commitment to its thousands of dealer principals who step beyond their showroom doors to make a difference where they live and work. Each honoree will be recognized at a reception held on February 12, 2010 preceding the three-day National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in Orlando.  

Edsel B. Ford II and three other judges selected winners from a field of 69 nominees located in 31 states and two countries based on community service activities, length of participation and personal motivation. Regional representatives for all Ford Motor Company brands - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Volvo - submitted nominations.   

A painted portrait of each honoree will have a montage of philanthropic and volunteer activities that led to the award. Duplicates of the portraits will join a Salute To Dealers display in the lobby of Ford's World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan for year-round viewing.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Middlekauff Ford Managers and Staff,  Recently our Blue Healer dog disappeared in Twin Falls on Christmas day.  After over two weeks we learned that your personnel was feeding and housing dog.  We are indebted to your staff and so very grateful for what they did.  The newspaper ad your firm placed was the key to finding our dog.  Thanks you so much for your compassion and kindness.  We will extol your actions to all, and never forget your peoples kindness.  Olson Family

Joe,  Thanks so much for working with my mom Jeanette L., in trying to find the problem with her car.  She speaks very highly of you.  I appreciate you and was glad to meet you today.  Bonnie L

Hi Joe,  Here is a little thank you for taking us in almost at quitting time on March 6th when the alternator went out on our RV.  Thanks also to Ed for his work.  Trout Creek Montana, our home town, is the Huckleberry capital of Montana so I thought you would enjoy some candy from our home town.  It is nice to know there are still folks like you guys who are willing to go the extra mile to help out! Shirley & Don L.

Honda Motor Company Inc,  On November 12 I purchased a 2008 Honda Accord from Middlekauff Auto Group in Twin Falls, Idaho. The automobile has met all of my expectations and I am quite happy with it. I am writing to let you know that the folks at Middlekauff, particularly our salesman, Kerry Flynn, were good to deal with and a credit to your company. Kerry and the others were friendly and helpful but not at all pushy. Kerry gave us a rundown on all of the important features of the car and got us on our way with a full tank of gas. The deal was hassle free and a generally pleasant experience.   Just before Thanksgiving, my wife took a call from your company regarding the transaction. It was not convenient to speak at the time so she asked that the caller get back to us after Thanksgiving. Having not heard back, we wanted to let you know about the good treatment we received at the hands of Mr. Flynn and his employer. Jim J.

Joe,   I wanted to drop you an email and ask that you also forward this to Middlekauff management for me. I brought my 2002 Ford Explorer into your service department on a Saturday (Feb. 24) because as I was leaving Twin Falls for home (Hailey) I had car trouble and could not drive home (bad wheel bearings). You took care of us with the most outstanding customer service and friendliness that I have encountered in a long time. You got us on the way home in a loaner, and took care of my warranty calls and paperwork.  Something that could have been very stressful and inconvenient for us was actually an easy and pleasant experience. Thanks to you and our service department. As we told you we will be in the market for a truck soon for our other vehicle and because of the wonderful and professional way that you took care of us, we will be calling Middlekauff Ford first when we are ready to buy. Thank you again for everything. A great service department is a top priority for us when choosing where to buy our vehicles.  Best regards‑ Carla H.

Dear Joe,  We just wanted to thank you gain for all of your help when we were at your service center on the 10th, 11th and 12' of May. You and Lon were great and we left feeling that you did everything you could to get us on the road again. Unfortunately due to the out of pocket expense of the repairs we were unable to continue with our trip to Alaska and returned home.  Enclosed you will find a letter to our extended warranty company in regards to the small payout on the claim. We just wanted you to be aware of the situation in case RV Shield contacts you about the claim. We explained the time line as best we could remember it and the reason for our dispute with the pay out.  Again, we want to express our sincere appreciation for the friendly and courteous treatment that you extended to us while we were there. Chet & Judy R.

Dear Mr. Middlekauff;  I just wanted to take a moment and sing the praises of your service department and of Joe Gualco. Here is my story.  I live in Caldwell, Idaho, and on Sunday, March 11th, my daughter and I got up and thought we would have a mother/daughter night in Jackpot. We headed out bright and early and after we had passed Mountain' Home, noticed my car (a '98 Lincoln Town car) was not running correctly. We prayed, and slowly made it into Twin Falls. Of course, being Sunday,, the town was pretty much shut down. Having no options, we went to the Twin Falls airport, parked the car and rented from Avis to at least get us to Jackpot where we had a room waiting. Things went from bad to worse in Jackpot, losing my jacket, among other things. It was NOT a fun trip. After a sleepless night, we got up and waited for your service dept to open. We called and got Joe Gualco on the phone. I told him the situation, and he said it was a busy Monday morning as usual, but if we could get the car back to him, he would do his best. Once we turned the car into your service department, we settled in for what we thought would be the majority of the day sitting in your service department. Mr. Gualco made us feel better with humor and understanding, and told us where to eat, and even offered to have us shuttled to the mall to kill some time. We choose to walk to lunch, and when we arrived back, he informed us that the mechanics worked thru their lunch to speed things us and try and get us home before dark. It turned out to be a fuel pump, as well as a few other things. In the days of little or no customer service, I was surprised to find your organization willing to go above and beyond to help us. We couldn't believe anyone would work through lunch to get us quickly on the road for home. If it wasn't for Joe and your mechanic, the weekend would have beaten us for sure,,,, ha-ha. I will make sure and sing your praises to all who will listen, and when I'm in the market for a new vehicle, I will drive to Twin to do it!  Enclosed is some candy, would you please make sure this gets to the service department for them to enjoy, I wish it could be more.  Thanks again, Dawn M.

“Great! Everyone was very kind and courteous.  I dealt with four gentlemen during my purchase-each extended themselves to meet my needs!” Joyce W.

“That was the “Best” upfront honest car buying experience ever…” Dwight K.

“I have bought a lot of vehicles in my day and this was the best buying experience I have ever had…”   William P.

“The people at Middlekauff are very friendly and helpful.  I called about a shift problem and they ordered the part and picked up my vehicle and fixed it and delivered it. Great bunch of guys.”  William G.

“I drove in. They asked me what I needed, I told them and they got right on it and got it out in real good time.  Thank you.” Michael T.

“Middlekauff Service Dept. is great professional and reliable.  I completely trust them with my truck.”  David L.

Thank you Kurt!  Yes, it took so long to get the car. The boat sailed from 10/04 till 11/07. I picked up the car last Monday.  I am also planning to bring the car back to his original condition.  It is such a nice car, and I love the interior!  There are some things that needs to be done technically, but overall I am very satisfied. I hope you don’t mind when I mail you with some questions?  If so; I won’t.  I hope you can get in contact with the lady. If not; please tell me.  Have a nice weekend. Ruben