Blog

(New York, NY, February 15, 2020) – The nomination of Natalie Tindol, dealer principal at Tindol Ford Subaru ROUSH in Gastonia, North Carolina, was named one of four regional finalist for the 2020 TIME Dealer of the Year award today. Tindol is one of a select group of 49 dealer nominees from across the country that was recognized at the 103rd annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas on February 15, 2020. The announcement of this year’s annual award was made by Susanna Schrobsdorff, Executive Editor, TIME, and Doug Timmerman, president of Auto Finance for Ally Financial. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. Recipients are among the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Tindol, 54, was chosen to represent the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition – one of only 49 auto dealers nominated for the 51st annual award from more than 16,000 nationwide. “Growing up in the car business created a sense of appreciation of the hard work, integrity and dedication that my father, Earl Tindol, demonstrated daily,” nominee Tindol said. “And by watching his efforts in the community, I learned the value of making a difference in the lives of others.” Tindol did not plan to enter family business, which was founded in 1974 when her father acquired the Ford dealership in Gastonia. After earning her BA in recreation administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1987, she headed to Florida to work in a resort with the goal of becoming a cruise director. “I worked in the dealership to earn some extra money and soon realized that the car industry was much more than just cars,” she said. “Instead, it was helping the people that bought the cars as well as the employees that worked hard at the store to make that happen. It was about making a difference in other people’s lives.” For the next eight years, Tindol experienced every position and every department in the dealership. She was promoted to general manager in 1995 and, when her father retired in 2002, she took over the business. “I bought the store and never looked back,” she said. “With the help of countless people, my dreams have come true, as I am the cruise director of our store. I have fun helping our community, and I try every day to do things that make a positive difference for others.” Tindol is active in both her state and local dealership associations, having served as chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer of the Greater Charlotte Automobile Dealers Association, as well as chair of the group’s annual Charlotte International Auto Show from 2011 to 2013. “The proceeds from this event allow us to deliver more than $300,000 each year to nonprofits in our area, including the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, food pantries, shelters and many others,” she said. “These funds make a huge difference in the lives of countless Carolinians.” Also, Tindol was one of the founders of the North Carolina Hometown Heroes program, created by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association, which honors first responders and members of the military. “We have hosted several events and dedicated an entire wall in our showroom for these heroes to sign their names in honor of their service to others,” she said. A member of the Gaston County Education Foundation since 2000, Tindol is proud of the group’s support of teachers. “We fund more than $50,000 in teacher grants each year,” she said. “The difference that this funding will make in the generations ahead may create the largest impact of all.” Tindol has served on the board of the Gaston County YMCA since 2014, where she is also a group fitness instructor. She was troop leader for the Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Council for more than 13 years and even brought members of her troop to Costa Rica to deliver school supplies and improve schools thanks to a grant from the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association. For her community involvement, Tindol has won numerous awards but was most proud to be named a Salute to Dealers honoree by the Ford Motor Company in 2017. This prestigious award recognizes dealers that utilize their resources and time to help those in need. “To be one of only six honorees from across the globe is extremely humbling,” she said. “Through it all, the gratitude I have for my father in allowing me the opportunity to lead our dealership and employees, is the foundation for all that we have done in the community.” Dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. The award is sponsored by TIME in association with Ally Financial, and in cooperation with NADA. A panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists will receive an additional $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner will receive an additional $10,000 to give to charity. In its ninth year as exclusive sponsor, Ally will recognize dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 to each nominee’s 501(c)3 charity of choice. Nominees will also be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com. “The award applauds the incredible effort each of these dealers put into their businesses and their communities,” said Doug Timmerman, President of Auto Finance at Ally. “They are influential business leaders and admired ambassadors for worthy causes. It’s an honor for Ally to recognize their generosity and impact in cities and towns across America.” Tindol was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Robert Glaser, president of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association. She and her husband, John Davis, have four children. About TIME USA LLC TIME is a global multimedia brand that reaches a combined audience of more than 100 million around the world. A trusted destination for reporting and insight on the people, places and issues that matter, TIME captures the events that shape our lives. TIME’s major franchises include the TIME 100 Most Influential People, Person of the Year, Firsts, Best Inventions, Genius Companies, World’s Greatest Places, and more. With 45 million digital visitors each month and 40 million social followers, TIME is one of the most trusted and recognized sources of news and information in the world. About Ally Financial Inc. Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a leading digital financial-services company with $181.5 billion in assets as of September 30, 2019. As a customer-centric company with passionate customer service and innovative financial solutions, we are relentlessly focused on "Doing It Right" and being a trusted financial-services provider to our consumer, commercial, and corporate customers. We are one of the largest full-service automotive-finance operations in the country and offer a wide range of financial services and insurance products to automotive dealerships and consumers. Our award-winning online bank (Ally Bank, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender) offers mortgage-lending services and a variety of deposit and other banking products, including savings, money-market, and checking accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Additionally,we offer securities-brokerage and investment-advisory services through Ally Invest. Our robust corporate finance business offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies. For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures. About the NADA Show The annual NADA Show brings together more than 20,000 franchised dealers and their employees, industry leaders, manufacturers and exhibitors to learn about the latest auto industry tools, trends, products and technologies.

We would like to congratulate our very own, Natalie Tindol, for winning the North Carolina Dealer of the Year award. This puts her in the running for the 2020 TIME Dealer of the Year Award which will be presented at the annual NADA conference. Out of 16,000 dealerships across the country, only 49 nominees are selected each year. Natalie was selected for the state of North Carolina. The TIME Dealer of the Year award recognizes exceptional performance and outstanding community service that is an inspiration to us all. By presenting this annual award, TIME, Ally and NADA honor new-car dealerships across America and their tireless efforts to improve their communities and the world around them. We want to thank our entire Tindol Team, clients and our community for your continued support every year. The National Award will be given on February 15th, 2020. We all want to wish Natalie luck and thank the entire team for making North Carolina proud.

The Built Ford Tough lineup of F-Series trucks have once again achieved the accolade of being America's Best Selling pickup. Not only has this tradition continued for 43 years, but F-Series pickup trucks have also been the Best Selling Vehicle in America for the past 38 years. Tindol Ford carries a large selection of new Ford F-150, F-250 and F-350 trucks that are Built Ford Proud. The 2020 Ford F-150 features a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame, providing the foundation for available best-in-class* payload and up to 13,200 lbs. of available towing. Whether your are on the job in Charlotte or spending the weekend at Catawba River, the Ford F-150 has all the power and capability you demand in a pickup. Call our team at 704-867-8341 to schedule a test drive or shop online at tindolford.com and browse our selection of Ford F-150 Trucks for Sale in Gastonia, NC. *Max payload on F-150 XL Regular Cab, 8’ box, 5.0L, 4x2, Heavy Duty Payload Pkg. Not shown. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR. See label on door jamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. Max towing on F-150 XL SuperCrew ®, 6.5’ box, 3.5L EcoBoost ®, 4x2 and Max Trailer Tow Pkg. Not shown. F-150 LARIAT, SuperCrew, 5.5’ box, 4x4 shown. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers. Towing and payload are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.

The holidays are a time for gathering with family and exciting trips. Your local Ford ROUSH dealer wants to make sure you get to these places with enjoyment and safety. With a wide inventory of Ford models, we have plenty of options to best fit what you are looking for when making their next holiday trip around town or for a getaway. Our professional team at Tindol Ford ROUSH has compiled a list of the best Ford models for your holiday travel plans. Ford Expedition When it comes to bringing everyone in the family along with a trip, the Ford Expedition delivers with spacious seating for eight people. This SUV model gives your family the chance to bring one vehicle and all your cargo to your holiday destination. Your local Ford dealer wants to show you how the new Expedition furnishes best-in-class second- and third-row seating so you can stretch your legs out for those long getaway drives. The Ford Expedition offers outstanding versatility with up to 121.5 cu.ft. in different seating configurations. Ford Explorer The newly redesigned Ford Explorer optimizes your capabilities. The available 3.0L EcoBoost engine brings 365 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque for outstanding performance. The new Ford Explorer seats up to seven people with enough space to carry all your essentials. The Cargo Management System provides extra storage pockets on the sides and under the floor. The Ford Explorer can become your home away from home with the innovative tools you need for a smooth adventure. This SUV model benefits from having an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot for your electronic devices. Ford Escape The Ford Escape comes completely redesigned with outstanding fuel efficiency and prime capabilities. The 1.5L EcoBoost® turbocharged engine will give you 27 MPH in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The Ford Escape truly puts your life in motion with seating for five in the spacious cabin. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, second-row sliding seats with a 60/40 split-fold-down, the 10-speaker B&O™ Sound System from Bang & Olufsen, and Panoramic Vista Roof® all come new to the Ford Escape. The SUV model also offers five selectable drive modes for a customized journey. Each of the five driving modes are Normal, Slippery, Sport, Eco, and Deep Snow/Sand. Ford Fusion With spacious seating for five, the Ford Fusion makes plenty of room for your essentials for your holiday getaway with 16 cu.ft. of trunk space. The latest Ford entertainment technology gives you a home experience for your journey. The holiday season can bring severe weather and bad road conditions, but the new Ford Fusion offers peace of mind with key driving assists. The intelligent all-wheel-drive sensors will balance the torque between your front and rear wheel for increased handling and maximum traction. The Electic Power-Assisted Steering performs outstanding at high and low speeds. The system also can help your driving when crowned road surfaces and crosswinds are detected. Ford F-150 Give your family a holiday trip through the hills and woods with America’s most beloved truck for the last 40 years, the Ford F-150. While known for being the perfect truck for the job site, the F-150 offers outstanding comforts and amenities for a family holiday trip. The new F-150 comes with seating for six. The FordPass Connect™ with Wi-Fi hot spot is a great tool for an entertaining ride. The innovative Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist system comes standard on all Ford models to help you navigate through winter weather conditions. It includes BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, a rearview camera, and Pre-Collision Assist With Automatic Emergency Braking. Come in for a visit at Tindol Ford ROUSH and our expert staff can give you the keys to test drive one of these amazing Ford models that can become part of your next holiday adventure, along with showing you the rest of the vehicles we have in stock. Celebrate the holidays in style!

Congratulations to our amazing owner Natalie Tindol on being named a nominee for the Ally TIME Dealer of the Year Award! Each year Ally, TIME and the NADA team up to celebrate the many ways auto dealers are doing it right in their industry and giving back with contributions to their community. Natalie will represent North Carolina in the prestigious Time / Ally Dealer of the Year program as part of the NADA Convention in Las Vegas in February. Tindol, a former chairman of NCADA as well as the current chair of the dealer owned Dealers Choice Mutual Insurance company, was selected by a panel of North Carolina dealers to represent North Carolina. Mr. Earl Tindol, Natalie's father, was a Time Ally National Finalist in the program in 1981 and was recently recognized as part of the 50th anniversary program this past June. Natalie has worked at the dealership since 1987 and became the dealer in 2002. She was named one of Ford's six international "Salute to Dealers" as part of her commitment to support her local community.

October is breast cancer awareness month. We wanted to share with you a very special Mustang that sits on our showroom floor. This 2012, Shadow Black, Mustang (Gwinnivere) started out as a birthday present from Les Dutcher to his wife Michelle. Michelle has been an advocate of cancer so she decided to add a set of pink stripes to her new Mustang. Tragic news strikes and Michelle found out she has breast cancer. With her now being a patient and an advocate, Michelle and Les began showing their Mustang at local car shows. Thankfully, she won her battle with breast cancer but their journey has only just begun. Their 2012 Mustang would then become dedicated to everyone who has been affected by cancer. After a few signatures were added to the exterior of the Mustang and a fresh new set of pink wheels, Gwinnivere as we now know was born. After years on the road, traveling across the country to spread cancer awareness and hope to those affected, it was time to trade her in. Les and Michelle took Gwinnivere to Tindol ROUSH Performance to get a new 2015 ROUSH RS. The team at Tindol decided to carry on the tradition Les and Michelle had started just a few short years ago. They are honored to continue spreading hope and relief to thousands of individuals who have been touched by cancer's devastating grasp. We invite you to visit the Tindol Ford showroom in Gastonia, NC to see Gwinnivere and read the words of hope covereing every inch of this inspirational Ford Mustang's interior and exterior.

Thank you to everyone who attended our 27th Annual Custom Car Cruise In. We raised $8,345 for the Piedmont Council Boy Scouts! The event was held on a beautiful early Fall day in Gastonia, NC, and we had hundreds of classic and custom cars on display at Tindol Ford ROUSH. Our annual Cruise In is always held on the first Saturday in October, and this year's event featured over 300 custom cars. Visitors received free Sundrop, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Music & Prizes!!! The HOTWIRED Band entertaied everyone and the Animal League of Gaston County hosted an on site a pet adoption. We also gave away awesome raffle prices every hour. As the World's #1 ROUSH Mustang and ROUSH F-150 Dealership, we had several ROUSH Performance vehicles on display, as well as awesome cars of almost every make and model. Now, of course, we are already looking forward to next year's Cruise in at Tindol Ford in Gastonia! We hope you can join us!

Spending a Saturday afternoon of pampering is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a hectic work week, whether you're a mom trying to manage a long list of tasks or you work in an office and have a long commute. A facial, calming music, and a massage can help you get the self-care you need. Here are some of the best wellness and day spas in Gastonia, North Carolina, that have been vetted by other locals. Chic Nail & Spa Chic Nail & Spa is located at 116 S. South Street right near Center City Park. While the salon primarily focuses its offerings on traditional manicures and pedicures, it does have some notable spa services. This includes eyebrow waxing, massage, and deluxe skin treatments. The staff members are known for going out of their way to be helpful and friendly. Body Balance Day Spa Located at 2346 E. Franklin Blvd., Body Balance Day Spa offers massages, pedicures, manicures, and hair salon services. While some customers say this spa is hard to find, they claim that it's well worth the effort to find it. In addition to spa services, the spa has a gift shop with jewelry, candles, and other small accessories that you can shop for before you leave. more Massage Envy - Gastonia Massage Envy - Gastonia is located at 2290 E. Franklin Blvd. Although it's part of a national chain, you can still expect friendly customer service and the opportunity to develop relationships with your service providers. You can get a massage, which the spa is known for. You can also get a facial, skin care treatments, and advice. Ella's Therapeutic Bath & Spa If you're looking for true Southern hospitality from an independently owned day spa, consider going to Ella's Therapeutic Bath & Spa. It's located at 707 S. Avon St. The spa's owner is known for treating customers with added gifts such as wine, fruit, and flowers. It's an excellent place to go for a romantic couples massage. There is also a sauna on-site, where you can enjoy the gentle heat and sweat out impurities from your skin. Harmony Medical Spa If you'd prefer to receive skin and anti-aging services from a medical practitioner, consider Harmony Medical Spa at 2391 Court Drive, Suite 110, near the CaroMont Regional Medical Center. There are so many services to choose from, including facial peels, collagen stimulation procedures, Kybella's double chin treatment, and hair restoration. There are also surgical solutions available to get you the results that you're looking for. Harmony Medical Spa also offers a weight-loss program, erectile dysfunction wellness program, and hormone replacement, in addition to massage therapy. The right day spa for you depends on what services you plan on getting. Some of the day spas on this list have a limited number of spa services, while others have more robust offerings. All of the day spas on this list have delivered high-quality services to customers who felt compelled to leave positive online reviews.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0 | Cropped from original

Classic cars draw in car enthusiasts from all around for a chance to see them. Many car collectors would love the chance to own more classic cars. As one of the leaders in the automotive industry, Ford has an extensive history of making iconic car designs. As a result, Ford's history includes many classic cars. Here is a look at five stunning classic Ford models. 1961 Ford Lincoln Continental In the past, Lincoln was a part of Ford and was responsible for many classic cars. When we think about classic cars, many people think of large flat-sided boxy designs such as the 1961 Ford Lincoln Continental. It helped save the Lincoln brand after several years of poorly received designs. Its notable features included a boxy design with a flat hood and convertible top. It also had suicide doors and whitewall tires. It became the basis for many other car designs around its time. Shelby 427 Cobra The Shelby 427 Cobra also became a template for many classic cars that came after it. It was designed to be small and sporty with high-performance stats. To build it, Ford partnered with well-known designer Carroll Shelby, developed a new chassis, and installed a new V-8 engine to get the level of performance he wanted. The Cobra has a well-known curved body design that stands out from anything before it. more 1955 Ford Thunderbird (T-Bird) Widely regarded as the first luxury Ford option, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird set high standards for vehicles. Many people remember it fondly as the T-Bird, and it has become a cultural and vehicle icon. The T-Bird is often used in movies and in books as a landmark piece for the '50s, and it's easy to see why. Its design offers attractive flares and adornments to help it stand out. The T-Bird stands out among its competitors. 1953 F-100 The predecessor to the current F-150 line, the 1953 F-100 is widely regarded as a beautiful truck. It's much smaller than its modern counterpart but still helped many people across the country get things done. There are still 1953 F-100s in existence. Many of them have been turned into hot rods, given their smaller and lighter design. However, there are still some in collections that are unmodified and restored to the height of their looks and performance. 1948 F-Series The truck that changed Ford's history was the 1948 F-Series. After World War II, Ford designed a truck that could get things done but was designed to be more comfortable than any of the previous models. It's one of the first times Ford focused on comfort in truck designs, incorporating many of the comfort features from other vehicle options. As a result, it became the basis for the F-Series of trucks that exist today. The F-Series of Ford trucks is among the most sold vehicles in history. Ford has a long history of making stunning vehicles. Many of the classic models that still exist have made their way into collections around the world. However, there are some that have been fixed up and put back on the road. You can find them at car shows around the country. Image by Michel Curi via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Finding fun stuff to do with your kids is a great way to not only spend some time out of the house but also get in some quality time. Whether your kid is all about learning or they need space to burn off some energy, Gastonia, North Carolina, offers parents plenty of different kid-friendly options in and around town. Here are our top four favorite spots to bring the kids in Gastonia. Schiele Museum of Natural History The Schiele Museum of Natural History is an excellent pick for family outings that are both super cool and educational. If your kid has an interest in natural history, from dinosaurs to geology to the nature around them, this museum is a great pick. We strongly recommend the Dino Safari exhibit, as well as the 18th Century Backcountry Farm. The planetarium is also a neat experience that offers a unique look at the incredible universe we live in. The museum is located at 1500 East Garrison Blvd. General admission tickets for adults are $7 and for kids age 4-17 they're $6. Kids under four are free. more Carolina Speedway The Carolina Speedway is a super fun place to bring your kids if they're a fan of car races. Hosting a number of events throughout the year, ranging from amateur to professional events, the Carolina Speedway is a family-friendly option that's also easy on your wallet. Camping is available for the big races if you want to make an event of it and of course, concessions are sold on site. The Carolina Speedway is located at 6355 Union Road. Ticket prices depend on the event. Be sure to bring hearing protection! Adventure Landing Offering fun both indoors and out, Adventure Landing Gastonia is packed with excitement. The sprawling indoor arcade has everything from classic games to modern adventures, with over 29 different games to choose from. You can even win tickets from some of them and ultimately choose your own prize! There is also a super fun mini-golf course for an outdoor challenge, plus batting cages. Adventure Landing is a great choice for a family outing and is also a popular birthday party spot. Adventure Landing is located at 2600 East Franklin Blvd. Keep an eye out for their frequent promotions and coupons. Martha Rivers Park Looking to spend some time outside? Martha Rivers Park is a popular family destination thanks to its unique castle-themed playground and generous recreational spaces. The playground covers a full acre and was designed by local children to be one of the most fun in the area. Enjoy a family game of tag or just kick back and relax while your kids play. There are soccer fields, as well as baseball diamonds, that can be used when games aren't scheduled, plus paved walking trails for interested guests. Martha Rivers Park is located at 1515 Neil Hawkins Road. These four Gastonia destinations are all great choices when planning outings with your kids. No matter their interests, there's always something to get them excited and keep them interested.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0 | Cropped from original

The focus of most car companies has shifted toward being eco-friendly. Even the biggest trucks are making the move to more efficient engines and electric vehicle designs. Ford developed the EcoSport to spearhead its move to more eco-friendly vehicles, and the results are worth taking a look at. The EcoSport is packed with features that make it a good option for most drivers. Here are four reasons you need a 2019 Ford EcoSport. Bring Everything The engines in the Ford EcoSport are designed for efficiency without sacrificing power. They may not be the quickest ones available, but the three- and four-cylinder options have the power needed to bring everything with you. The three-cylinder engine option is more efficient and can tow up to 1,400 pounds. If you need a bit more than that, there is a four-cylinder option that tows up to 2,000 pounds. That's enough for small off-road vehicles or watercraft. That way, you can bring all the things you want for a fun vacation. Entertain Everyone Taking a trip in the Ford EcoSport can be a lot of fun, too, thanks to its infotainment system that can entertain everyone. It comes with Sync 3 system that comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can connect your smartphone and have access to many of your apps. If you use Waze to navigate, SYNC 3 is a helpful feature to have, since it's specially designed to integrate seamlessly with Waze. Plus, you can play your music using Bluetooth to make the trip even more epic. more Be Prepared for Anything If you're going to take a trip, then you want to be prepared for anything. That includes rough terrain that you could get stuck in. Fortunately, the Ford EcoSport can be equipped with all-wheel drive with any trim level. With AWD, you are less likely to get stuck in the mud or the snow. If you live in an area that is prone to rain, mud, and snow, then having an AWD system is a must for safe traveling. Stay Connected Everywhere Another important feature is the ability to stay connected everywhere. Just because you're traveling, it doesn't necessarily mean you can get away from work. So, take advantage of the Ford EcoSport's available 4G LTE hot spot to stay connected. Through FordPass Connect and AT&T, the hot spot will keep all your Wi-Fi-enabled devices connected. FordPass Connect has numerous remote functions as well. If you travel a lot for work, these are invaluable tools to have around. You may think that because the Ford EcoSport is designed to be eco-friendly, it's lacking in features and style. But it's still a good option for families and travelers. It's packed with the features that make Ford vehicles enjoyable and versatile. Stop by your nearest Ford dealer to see the new EcoSport in person. It's the best way to get to know the EcoSport and see if it is the best vehicle choice for you.   Image via Ford.com | Cropped from original