The 2020 Ford Ranger is a hallmark of a comfortable, midsize truck. It holds its own in the compact pickup truck segment, thanks to its powerful engine, roomy interior, and impressive towing and hauling capabilities. When it comes to your safety as a driver, this is the ideal car to settle for. The ranger comes with modern technology safety features, such as the automated emergency braking system and blindspot monitors.

5 Reasons Drivers Love the 2020 Ford Ranger

1. Ample Interior Space

The 2020 Ranger is one of the most comfortable cars to ride on, thanks to its large interior space. It can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers, with ample leg and headroom for taller people.

The driver’s seat is nicely shaped, comfortably padded, and centrally placed, making it easy for the driver to reach the controls and also see over the hood.

2. Economic to Fuel

Every driver’s joy is to cover many miles without the fear of the car’s gas running out. With the 2020 Ranger, this is possibly guaranteed.

The new Ford Ranger’s turbocharged engine runs on premium gasoline. On average, it consumes 22mpg (20 city/24 highway) with the all-wheel-drive and approximately 23mpg (21 city/26 highway) on rear-wheel-drive.

3. Impressive Engine Performance

The new Ranger joins the competition as a smooth operator and a tough customer when you need it the most. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 270 horsepower and 310 1b-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, giving it a smooth and quick acceleration.

The Ranger’s ground clearance is just epic; the rear-drive offers 8.4 inches of ground clearance while the all-wheel-drive has 8.9 inches ground clearance. What is more exciting is that the car comes with a terrain management system. The system tweaks engine responsiveness and transmission gearing, thus optimizing the Ranger’s performance on any terrain type.

4. Enhanced Safety Measures

The 2020 Ranger is among the safest trucks in the market right now. It scored four out of the possible five stars on the critical crash test conducted by NHTSA.

It comes with key safety features such as the standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking system, blindspot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and an active lane control system. The Ranger also offers cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights.

5. Capable Base Trim

If value and performance are what matter most to you, you will be delighted with the entry-level Ford Ranger XL trim. It’s less heavy than other models and gives drivers a respectable ride quality. The trim has a quicker and smoother acceleration compared to its more luxurious siblings in the Ranger lineup.

In conclusion, the 2020 Ranger is an excellent car that gives drivers a fulfilling and enjoyable driving experience. It boasts enhanced safety features, unmatched speed, spacious interior, comfortable handling, and economical fueling cost. Visit Crain Ford of Jacksonville and book a test drive. We will guide you through our impressive Ford car collection and help you choose your ideal Ford car.

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Located in central Arkansas’ Pulaski County, Jacksonville is known as the home of the Little Rock Air Force Base, which facilitates the largest C-130 training program in the world. But with a rich history, vast green spaces, and lots in-between, Jacksonville, AR has plenty to offer families on a day out.

5 Fantastic Kid-Friendly Outings You Can Take in Jacksonville, AR

Splash Zone Water Park

On a sweltering and humid summer day, Splash Zone Water Park is the only place your kids will want to be. Slides, plunge pools, diving boards, and water tunnels, it’s a dream day out. Sit back in the umbrella-covered lounge chair and let them splash and swim about to their heart’s content. Competitively priced, with seasonal passes and punch passes available, this is the sort of place you will return to again and again during a hot summer.

Reed’s Bridge Battlefield

For something a little more educational, visit Reed’s Bridge Battlefield, which was the scene of multiple skirmishes during the Civil War. A walking trail, a military cannon, and an 1860-era replica homestead give a sense of life during the war. The Battlefield also hosts unmissable biennial live reenactments of The Battle of Reed’s Bridge, where Confederates pushed back the Unions advances toward Little Rock.

Altitude Trampoline Park

The Altitude Trampoline Park is an amazing day out for kids of all sizes. Wall to wall with trampolines and high-energy equipment, this 26,000-square-foot facility offer various amenities. Performance trampolines with climbing walls, a Gladiator-style Battle Beam, and a Foam pit are just some of the activities on offer. Kids can also play Trampoline Basketball. It’s a slam dunk of a day out!

Dupree Park

Dupree Park is 160 acres of outdoor space that hosts many different activities, from a relaxing picnic to a variety of team sports. With floodlit baseball, softball, and soccer fields, this park is an ideal place all year round. With a wide range of other activities on offer in the form of a 10-acre fishing pier, a Disc Golf course, and a Horseshoe Pit, it’s the sort of place you’ll return to again and again. Parking, restrooms, a grill, and picnic tables make this a great venue for a family picnic.

The Museum of Military History

Jacksonville’s significant role in the war effort is honored with a museum built on the Arkansas Ordnance Plant grounds. Its mission is to educate visitors on both civilian and military officers’ roles during conflict and peace times. Over its 15,000 feet of museum space, it displays posters, uniforms, and other artifacts from conflicts like the Civil War and World War II. One notable and unique exhibit details the 1980 explosion of a Titan II nuclear missile near Damascus. It’s a truly excellent resource.

Taking the kids out for the day can be a bit of a military operation. So do it in a car you can rely on. Come on down and take a tour of our showroom at Crain Ford Jacksonville today.

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Produced with tough, smart, and capable features, the 2020 Ford F150 should be on every truck buyer’s must-see list. Expect best-in-class performance, payload, and military-grade frames. Challenging jobs on the toughest terrain are no problem for this truck.

Five Must-See 2020 Ford F150 Features and Specifications

ESOF System

The Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) system on the F-150 gives drivers two four-wheel drive options and two-wheel drive options. Platinum and Raptor models include automatic four-wheel-drive mode.

For more outstanding off-roading capabilities, add the Fx4 Off-Road Package. The Fx4 Off-Road Package locks the rear axle for enhanced wheel traction. There is no doubt that F-150 navigates tight spaces and off-road trails without issue.

10-Speed Automatic Transmission

All F-150 models owe their power and consequent performance to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The EcoBoost, V8, and diesel engines’ power translates to superior performance due to a transmission design optimized with wide-span gear spacing, drag-reduction actions, and three overdrive gears.

Smart Towing Features

Every truck buyer purchases a truck in part because of towing capabilities. The F-150 comes with a smart trailer tow connecter that alerts the driver should the truck experience connectivity, lighting, and battery issues.

Features and specifications available for additional purchases include Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). Pro Trailer Backup Assist synchronizes trailer and truck back up guaranteeing extra safety. BLIS lets the driver know when a vehicle is in a blind spot or alongside a trailer.

Additionally, smart material use begets smart towing. Another smart towing feature of the F-150 series is a lightweight military-grade aluminum alloy frame. The lightweight frame reduces the truck’s overall weight, effectively creating a best-in-class payload for comparable trucks powered by similar Ford 5.0L V8 engines.

Ford Co-Pilot360

The  Ford Co-Pilot360 comprises smart technologies intended to increase safety, promote defensive navigation, and confident driving. The BLIS system mentioned above, with six other assistive technologies, is a part of the Co-Pilot360 technology suite.

Other smart features include a lane-keeping system, pre-collision with emergency braking, adaptive high-beam headlamps and, a rearview camera.

Model Variety

Buyers of the F-150 have seven models from which they can choose. The entry-level F-150 XL model comes in four different styles. Each style has a headroom height of up to 40.8 inches. The XL passenger capacity ranges from three for the Cab style truck to five or six for the SuperCrew style truck.

Fuel capacity depending on truck style ranges from twenty-three gallons for the standard range to thirty-six gallons for the Raptor. Although other F-150 models do not significantly differ in specifications, they do differ in feature upgrades.

Regardless of what F-150 model you choose to purchase, the F-150 series offers some of Ford’s best in class vehicles. Crain Ford Jacksonville in Jacksonville, AR, specializes in Ford Vehicles. Contact Crain Ford to speak with a highly-trained service-oriented team about what features and specifications you are looking for in your next F-150 truck. 

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If you’re in the market for a new car and are looking for something with a sporty look, but that won’t be a drain on your bank account, you need to take a close look at the 2020 Ford Fusion. Offering gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, this car is where responsible, efficient driving, power, and style all come together.

3 Reasons to Test-Drive the 2020 Ford Fusion

1. Fuel Efficiency

There are some impressive gas mileage numbers available when talking about the hybrid and plugin hybrid versions of the 2020 Fusion. This particular car also turns expectations around in some ways. When most people think about mileage, they believe all cars get quite a bit more mileage on the highway compared to the city. The plug-in hybrid especially proves the opposite.

The partially electric models can get 43 miles per gallon on the highway and 41 miles per gallon in the city. This is because the car will charge a bit every time you depress the brake pedal. That’s why the mileage is so similar no matter where you’re going.

2. Safety and Security

The 2020 Fusion is equipped with all the top of the line technologies meant to keep drivers and their passengers safe while they get from Point A to Point B. The Lane-Keeping System, Blind Spot Information System, Pre-Collision Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control combine for one purpose: safety

Everything in this safety system will not only alert you to what’s coming, mostly crashes, but will also work to change your behavior if you aren’t reacting quickly enough. If the technology senses that you aren’t changing direction or applying the brakes quick enough to avoid hitting something, it will either hit the brakes (gently) for you or take over steering the car to keep you out of harm’s way.

3. A New Kind of Connectivity

The Fusion isn’t the only car to allow connectivity features. More than a few vehicles come packed with a mobile app that will let you do things like start or unlock the car. This Ford model stands out from the rest because you’ll actually be able to get rewarded when you do those things. The FordPass App keeps track of when you use it.

The more you use the app, the more rewards you’ll get. Get enough reward points, and you’ll get lots of free services, such as tune-ups and checkups, with no charge. To earn points, you don’t need to do anything too tricky. Just make a habit of checking in on the app and go from there.

If these features caught your interest, then it’s time to get a look at the newest Ford Fusion, up close and personal. Give us a call at Crain Ford in Jacksonville today and schedule a test drive. We think you’ll be quite impressed by what you see when you get behind the wheel.

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If it’s exercise or relaxation you’re after or just quality time with your loved ones, the parks in Jacksonville have just what you need. From educational spaces to sports and hiking trails, this city has an outdoor activity to suit everyone.

6 Popular Parks and Trails Near Jacksonville, AR

Dupree Park

There is so much to do at this 168-acre park that it will be impossible for you and your family to get bored. There is ample space to run around in and fly a kite or throw a frisbee. You and your friends can play baseball, football, softball, soccer, or disk golf.

Bring along your rod and fish in the lake, or go for a stroll on the paved 1.3-mile Sertoma Trail. There is a great dog park, covered benches, and three pavilions with electricity. When the hunger pangs get too much, grill a juicy piece of meat and have lunch under the trees.

Jimmie White Park

This is a beautiful setting for a relaxing afternoon with friends and family. Tall trees and rolling lawns surround the small lake and offer you the perfect opportunity to catch fish. Take a walk on the trails that snake through this 6-acre park and enjoy the scenery. This is the kind of park where you can bring a book and read or have a peaceful picnic.

Paradise Park

This 17.8-acre park, with its picturesque lake, is a fisherman’s haven. There is a boat launch and two piers to fish from. You can also go for a walk through the woods and over the pretty bridge on the 0.5-mile paved Wildlife Observation Trail. Birdlife is plentiful, so pack binoculars. There is a pavilion, picnic tables, and grills so you can enjoy a bite to eat.

Pleasure Park

Kids love to come to this park because of the colorful playground and the Splash Zone. There is a basketball court and enough open space in this 5.9-acre park for the kids to burn off energy. While your kids are having fun in the sun, you can relax next to the pool or grill a few hamburgers.

Stonewall Park

This is just the place to come to when you need a break away from your daily schedule to take in some fresh air and unwind. The park’s tree-lined trails are perfect for a jog or a walk. Sit down on one of the covered benches and just enjoy the fresh air. While you are there, visit the Howard Dunn Memorial.

Ron Newport Recycle Park

Although this park is an educational center for children to learn about recycling, it’s just as interesting to adults. Go on an educational tour of the recycling plant, visit the compost demonstration site, and the mulch area. The favorite feature in the park is the sculptures made out of recycled materials. Bring along a picnic basket and relax at one of the picnic spots.

Take a break from the rat race and come and enjoy the lakes, trails, and picnic spots in these beautiful and spacious parks. Visit Crain Ford today, where we give our customers the red-carpet experience.

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The 2020 Ford Explorer is one of America’s best-selling SUVs, and for a good reason. This vehicle boasts exceptional safety ratings making it one of the best cars for families. 2020 brought upon some new safety features, so let’s take a look.

5 Best 2020 Ford Explorer Safety Features

1. Post-Collision Braking System

All trim levels of the Ford Explorer come with standard Post-Collision Braking. This feature saves lives by reducing the impact of secondary accidents. Once the vehicle detects initial contact, it applies moderate brake pressure to prevent further damage from occurring.

2. 360-Degree Camera

The Ford 360-degree camera ensures that you never run into a blind spot, whether you’re backing up or changing lanes. The rearview camera kicks in once you put the car in reverse and offers both fixed and active guidelines to help with going straight and turning angles. The camera has colored lines to indicate how close you are to an object and the center guideline helps you line up with a trailer hitch for when you’re towing something.

3. Active Park Assist 2.0

If you upgrade to the ST and Platinum trims, you’ll have access to the Active Park Assist 2.0 feature. This helps you focus on shifting and braking while the car takes over your steering wheel to help you park. This safety feature prevents accidents by allowing you to focus more on incoming traffic when parallel parking or backing into a parking space.

4. Ford CoPilot360

At the center of Ford’s safety features is the CoPilot360. This is a suite of great technology to help make driving safer. With this package, you get access to the following features:

• Auto high-beam headlamps
• Rearview camera
• Blindspot information system
• Cross-traffic alert
• Pre-collision assist
• Dynamic brake support
• Lane-keeping system
• And much more

All of these features combined exist to make driving the Explorer a safer experience for you and your family. These features are all available on the base model and the XLT trims. If you upgrade to the Limited, ST, or Platinum trim, you’ll enjoy the following added benefits:

• Intelligent adaptive cruise control
• Evasive steering assist
• Voice-activated touchscreen navigation
• Active park assist 2.0
• Reverse brake assist

5. Side-Wind Stabilization

This incredible technology is new to the 2020 Ford Explorer, and it uses Electronic Stability Control to detect crosswinds and apply the right amount of braking pressure to each wheel individually. This process counteracts the wind gust, which keeps you in your lane and out of oncoming traffic. The side-wind stabilization feature is also helpful at preventing tipping and rollovers during storm winds. The 2020 Explorer offers a large suite of safety features that give this SUV a high safety rating across the board. The company brought it all to the table in 2020, and we think you’ll be very impressed by the added features, not only in safety, but in comfort, performance, handling, and power as well. and test drive a Ford Explorer for yourself. We have a large inventory of new and used vehicles waiting for you.

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Most of us are oblivious to the service offerings the car repair shops can provide. So when you start to look around for Ford repair, you may have no idea whether you’re getting a good deal or not. If you are worried about the cost of repairs, here are some easy steps you can take to make sure you’re getting a good deal when maintaining your Ford automobile.

Be Smart With the Most Basic Ford Repair

Oil is the lifeblood of the engine in your Ford. With that in mind does it makes sense to use cut-rate oil? Ford will always recommend both brands and types of oil to be used in your Ford automobile. Do not take the chance of doing significant damage to your engine by using the wrong oil. Make the smart choice to bring your Ford to a certified dealership to have your oil changed regularly.

Be Punctual With Tuneups

Let’s face it that we are all guilty of procrastination at one time or another. When it comes to the regular service on your Ford vehicle, it is vital that you stick to the schedule that is provided. Intervals at which maintenance should occur are set by Ford for specific reasons to maintain and protect the vital components of your Ford vehicle. Since many routine services are often covered under warranty, it is always best to visit a Ford dealership to take care of these important tasks. Better still, when you visit your local Ford dealership they will be able to tell you upfront what cost may be incurred for the maintenance in question.

Check for Specials and Discounts at Your Dealership

It might surprise you to learn that Ford dealership service departments often offer specials and discounts on selected maintenance and parts. That is why it is so vital to keep up on the schedule of maintenance that your car will require in both the short and long-term. In so doing you can keep an eye on your dealership’s service page to find discounts and specials that match up with any service needs you may have upcoming. Since the dealerships are doing this in an attempt to get your business, it never hurts to simply call them and ask about the services you need and what discounts they may be able to offer.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Since you are most likely not an auto repair professional, you may feel overwhelmed when hearing about the maintenance needs of your Ford automobile. By all means, do not be shy about asking as many questions as possible to truly understand what your Ford dealership is recommending. Remember that your Ford dealer is here to help to make sure that your Ford automobile gives you a long and worry-free life. Do not let the prospect of confusion and high costs deter you from getting regular maintenance on your Ford vehicle. Visit Crain Ford Jacksonville today to get the top quality service and parts your Ford deserves.

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Whether you come from a long line of Ford drivers or are new to the Ford family, the new Ford F150 will make you feel right at home. There is a reason that this pick-up truck has been the United State’s best-selling truck since 1977. Everything that you love about the Ford of the past is even better in the new 2020 Ford F150. It has power, capability, intelligence, and its just plain tough. This truck is the Ford of the future.

4 Top Features of the 2020 Ford F150

1. It’s Powerful

If you’re going to own a truck, you want to own a powerful one. You won’t be disappointed by all that the 2020 F150 has to offer. This truck has six V6 engines. The V8, diesel, and EcoBoost engines have a 10-speed automatic transmission and give drivers the ability to accelerate faster. The truck also offers drivers the ability to choose from different driving modes. These modes include snow/wet mode, eco select mode, sport mode, normal mode, and tow/haul mode.

2. It’s Tough

Using the word strong to describe the 2020 F150 is an understatement. Before its release, the 2020 F150 underwent a series of high-pressure tests to ensure that it could handle any and every task thrown at it and, spoiler alert: it can. The body and bed have a 12-sided design that is made from superior strength, military-grade aluminum and alloy.

3. It’s Capable

There is no competition when you compare the 2020 F150’s hauling capabilities to any other truck on the market. Whether you’re hauling cargo for work or play, the 2020 F150 will get you where you need to go. When you’re driving the new F150, you won’t spend 20 minutes trying to back up your cargo. The truck has an advanced backup camera that will make hauling your cargo easy.

4. It’s Intelligent

If you own a smart device of any kind, you won’t argue that it makes your life easier. Owning a 2020 F150 is no different. The new F150 is equipped with technology that gives drivers confidence as they travel to and from their destination. The truck features an eight-inch productivity screen, a system that targets rear blind spots including the trailer view, and a 360-degree split-view display camera. This truck has intelligence like nothing you’ve ever seen.

Whether you want to upgrade your current Ford or you want to join the Ford family, the new Ford F150 is the right place to start. Its features will spoil the experienced driver and make the inexperienced one feel like a professional. Visit Crain Ford of Jacksonville today and browse all of our options, test drive the new F150, and allow us to welcome you into the Ford family. Make the F150 yours and you’ll be able to see firsthand just why this truck is and continues to be the best selling truck in the United States.

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If you are visiting Jacksonville, AR and would like to spend some time in the city, there are a lot of awesome sightseeing places. From parks to lakes, Jacksonville offers great recreation spots to enjoy some quality time with friends and family. However, if looking for something other than parks, we have listed some of the best attractions in Jacksonville below that will surely make your trip a memorable one.

1. Jacksonville Museum of Military History

If you are interested in war history, this is a must-visit place for you. The Museum of Military History is one of the most popular attractions in Jacksonville, AR. The museum focuses on local and regional military history. It honors the Civil War’s crucial Battle of Reed’s Bridge that took place in Jacksonville. It also highlights the role Arkansas Ordnance Plant played in WW2 by making over one billion fuses and detonators. What a remarkable homefront effort!

The exhibits and memorabilia on display cover all major wars including the Korean War and Gulf wars. The admission fee is $3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and veterans, and $1 for students.

2. Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Heritage Park

Reed’s Bridge Battlefield is a landmark straight from the history pages. Battle of Reed’s Bridge was one of the battles in the Civil War that took place in Jacksonville. The heritage park is built on the part of the actual battlefield where Confederate soldiers stopped Union forces from reaching Little Rock in August of 1863.

The reenactment of the famous battle takes place every odd-year at this location. The live-event is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. Using period costumes, cannons, and 18th-century homestead replicas, the park offers a glimpse of what life was like during the Civil War – both on and off the battlefield. A perfect place to travel back in time!

3. Jacksonville Shooting Sports Complex

If you’re in the mood for some skeet shooting, head over to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation (AGFF) Shooting Sports Complex. The first-class public shooting range facility boasts of three skeet overlays, three lit fields, 14 trap fields, and two pavilions. There’s even a 3D archery range that lets you practice your archery skills on different clay animals.

A 25-shot round will cost $7 if you are a non-resident. For Jacksonville residents and veterans, the cost is $6 per round. If you are a student or coach with an AYSSP certificate, it’s $3.50 per round. The facility remains open from Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. Please keep in mind the range is closed to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, and official holidays.

Don’t forget to check out these wonderful places next time you are in Jacksonville. And if you’d like to check out great deals on new and used Ford cars, feel free to visit Crain Ford dealership in Jacksonville.

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Off-roading offers plenty of fun and a lot of adventure. If you’ve been thinking about getting into off-roading but you’re not sure where to start, this helpful guide will discuss some of the most important features your Ford will need to help it handle all types of off-road trails.

1. Skid Plates

Skid plates are one of the most crucial features your Ford will need to tackle off-road trails. After all, most of the dangers your off-road vehicle will face won’t come from the front, back, or sides — they’ll come from underneath. If you drive over a rock or log that’s more sharp and pointy than you expected, you could end up damaging your oil pan, transmission, or exhaust. Skid plates attach over these important components and add extra protection where you need it most.

2. All-Terrain Tires

Large tires look impressive and can more easily roll over large obstacles. However, they also make your engine work harder, and you might have to lift your suspension to accommodate them. Instead, go with all-terrain tires that can handle off-road conditions. All-terrain tires have the advantage of offering better traction and puncture-resistance, which are essential for off-roading. Plus, while they’ll still have a small impact on your vehicle’s ride quality and fuel economy, they’re not nearly as bad as large tires.

3. A Tire Deflator

Once you pick out the right type of all-terrain tires, you also want to look for a tire deflator. When you’re driving on regular roads, you’ll want to keep your tires at the pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver’s door. When you’re ready to hit the off-road trail, you should decrease your tire pressure to help maximize traction. A tire deflator can make this task much faster. Plus, don’t forget to bring along an air compressor so you can quickly and easily re-inflate your tires when you’re back on pavement.

4. Hill Descent Control

If you’re shopping for a new Ford for your off-road adventures, check out what type of safety features are offered. Hill descent control is a fantastic safety feature that will come in handy when you’re going down hills. This system can monitor the terrain you’re driving over. When it notices you’re heading down a steep hill, it can decide how much power goes to each wheel. This helps you maintain the speed you need so you can focus on safely maneuvering down the hill.

5. Tow Hooks

Getting stuck is a fact of life when you’re off-roading. That’s why you definitely want to have tow hooks on your vehicle. In addition to tow hooks, make sure you also have snatch straps and shackles in your vehicle. Having these tools handy will make it easier for you to pull another vehicle out of an obstacle or get yourself towed out of a tight jam.

If you’re ready to get into the fun of off-roading, you can make sure your Ford is ready for the adventure when you outfit it with these important features.

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