General Motors and Chrysler did not renew contracts with many vehicle dealers across the United States. The owners of Freedom Ford, however, had no such worries.

Randy Haas and his wife, Nancy, have owned and operated Freedom Ford since they purchased it from Bill and Naoma McGlocklin in July 2005. About two years after purchasing the dealership, Randy and Nancy moved to their current location at 2161 W. Hwy. 70 in July 2007. The dealership remains the newest in the Gila Valley and the most state-of-the-art, including front-end alignment equipment and a lift for recreational vehicles and heavy-duty service trucks.

The Ford Motor Company has separated itself from the two other major American vehicle manufacturers by not accepting bailout money from the federal government and not having to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, according to Ford CEO Alan Mulally. By not accepting bailout money, Ford continues to be independent of the government and free of operating restrictions. Haas said Ford has weathered the economic downfall so far due to having a superior product and forward thinking by its leaders, especially Mulally, who was named the "Comeback Kid" by Fortune Magazine. Haas said Ford is the only truly American-owned and family-run major vehicle manufacturer left, and its family legacy continues with five members of company founder Henry Ford's family actively involved in operations. Ford's great grandson, Bill Ford, is one of them and serves as the company's president.

While many may know Ford for its trucks, particularly the multiple award-winning F-series (the F-150 was recently named the 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year,) it also touts a large line of cars and SUVs. According to its Web site, Ford boasts the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan in America – the 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid, which achieves an estimated 41 miles per gallon during city driving and 36 miles per gallon during highway driving. It also has the most fuel-efficient SUV in the world – the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid that achieves an estimated 34 miles per gallon during city driving and 31 miles per gallon during highway driving.

Ford is also one of three companies selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to be approved for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufactur-ing Incentive Program. According to its Web site, the partnership will accelerate Ford's development of advanced technologies for even better fuel efficiency and emissions. Some of the products to be developed by the partnership include multiple electric vehicles Ford plans on manufacturing within the next year or two.

Locally, Freedom Ford has a staff of about 18, and all of its technicians are Ford certified, according to Haas. He said his dealership is authorized to perform warranty and service work on all Ford-Lincoln-Mercury models. Haas said he and the Freedom Ford team are committed to taking care of their customers – with an excellent service department and good inventory – and to providing Ford Motor products to the Gila Valley for many years.

Freedom Ford also supports the community and has sponsored a scholarship to the FFA programs in Willcox and Safford for three years. Haas asked that locals interested in purchasing a new or used vehicle check out the local dealers first.

"Be sure to give your local dealers a chance before you buy out of town because we are the businesses that employ local people and support the community," Haas said, "and your tax dollars stay in the Gila Valley."