2016 Mustang among most popular new arrivals at Friendly Ford

The 2016 models have been arriving at Friendly Ford for several weeks. Every model, ranging from passenger vehicles to trucks to sport utility vehicles, is now represented by Ford's continuing push to provide the most up-to-date and modern automotive offerings.

The 2016 Ford Mustang has been among the dealership's most popular new models. Engines include the standard V-6, the 3.7 Ti-VCT V-6, the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, the 5.0L Ti-VCT V-8 and the 5.2L Ti-VCT V-8.

Standard equipment on the 2016 Mustang includes four-wheel vented disc anti-lock brake system, front independent double ball-joint MacPherson struts with stabilizer bar and rear suspension featuring integral link with stabilizer.

In addition, the 2016 Mustang's exterior includes automatic headlamps with wiper activation, LED tail lamps with sequential turn signals and side view mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors.

"If you want a 2016 Mustang and you see it on someone's inventory, you had better buy it," said Chris Montalvo, finance/contract manager for the dealership. "Other new models that have been well-received include the Fusion, which is also a good seller."

The delivery of new model year vehicles usually lasts for the good part of a year.

"It's an intense and sometimes complicated process," said dealership sales manager Steve Crevling. "For everything to flow smoothly, the car business requires a high level of teamwork and pride that is required in the delivery of new vehicles.

"You oftentimes never know when the trucks will arrive carrying the new fleet of vehicles, so the team needs to be ready at all times.

To keep the process flowing properly, Friendly Ford counts on 14-year employee Dan Ryan to spearhead the process and follow through with the work necessary to move new vehicles from the truck before they are placed on the dealership grounds.

The 68-year-old Ryan is the first one to drive the new vehicles. He was the first to drive a 2016 50th anniversary Mustang along with 2015 F-150.

"Dan has a really cool job," Montalvo said. "He makes sure everyone in the dealership knows that the new models are here."

A native of Bakersfield and a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Ryan arrives early every morning to meet the challenges of keeping the dealership inventory updated. With each delivery of a 2016 vehicle comes the process that starts once the vehicle has been unloaded.

Ryan said deliveries include anywhere from four to nine vehicles. Fusions and Fiesta come from Phoenix. while some other vehicles come from Canada and Mexico.

"It's really a thrill to see what Ford has changed in its new vehicles," he said. "I put in 10 to 12 hours a day. I sometimes get loads at weird hours, and I also barbecue every Saturday during our sales.

"I can honestly say that I cannot imagine working anywhere else."

Further information regarding Friendly Ford can be found by calling 702-870-7221 or by visiting www.friendlyfordlv.com. The dealership was opened in 1970.