Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2025-09-30

At Apple Ford, protecting your privacy is of the utmost importance. We are committed to safeguarding any personal information you provide to us, whether through our website, over the phone, or during a visit to our dealership. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share your information, and describes the rights available to Maryland residents under the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (effective October 1, 2025).

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

  • Personal Information: name, address, phone number, email, vehicle details, and other information you provide.

  • Financial Information: if you apply for financing or make a payment, we may collect your Social Security number, banking details, or other financial data.

  • Sensitive Information: under Maryland law, this may include precise geolocation, racial or ethnic origin, health or biometric information, or information about children under 18. We only collect this when necessary to provide requested services, and we do not sell sensitive information.

  • Non-Personal Information: IP address, browser type, browsing behavior, cookies/web beacons.

How We Use Your Information

The information we collect may be used in several ways:

  • Transactions & Services: to assist with purchases, service requests, financing, and related services.

  • Customer Service: to respond to inquiries and provide follow-up.

  • Marketing & Communication: to send promotional materials or special offers. You may opt out at any time.

  • Legal and Compliance: to comply with laws and prevent fraud.

  • Profiling/Targeted Advertising: we may use certain data to provide more relevant offers. Maryland residents may opt out of profiling or targeted advertising at any time (see “Your Rights and Choices” below).

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your data under the following circumstances:

  • With Service Providers: We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist us with services like payment processing, vehicle financing, marketing, or maintenance of our website.

  • Affiliated Dealerships or Partners: To provide you with better service, your information may be shared with affiliated dealerships or other business partners.

  • FordDirect: We work with FordDirect to provide us with advertising and related services, and analytics. This includes, but is not limited to, the deployment of tracking technologies on our properties that collect and provide information about you to FordDirect or our provision of your name, email address, and other contact details to FordDirect, including for advertising and related services and analytics. To the extent we disclose information to FordDirect, FordDirect may use that information in accordance with its own privacy statement. For details on FordDirect’s data practices, see: FordDirect Privacy Statement.

  • For Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information as necessary to comply with laws, regulations, or legal processes such as subpoenas or court orders.

You may request a list of the categories of third parties with whom we share your personal data.

Your Rights and Choices (Maryland Residents)

You have the right to:

  • Access: confirm whether we process your personal data.

  • Correction: request corrections to inaccurate data.

  • Deletion: request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal/contractual limits).

  • Portability: request a copy of your data in a portable format.

  • Opt-Out: opt out of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data, or certain profiling activities.

  • Appeal: if we deny a request, you may appeal. We will respond in writing within 60 days.

You can exercise these rights by:

  • Clicking the “Do Not Sell” link in the footer of our website; or

  • Contacting us at privacy@appleford.com or by mail at the address below.

We will respond to verified requests within 45 days (with one 45-day extension if necessary).

Use of Cookies and Tracking Technology

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to track your interaction with our website and to offer a personalized experience. This data may help us improve the site’s usability and functionality. You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings.

Security Measures

Apple Ford takes security seriously and has implemented physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect the personal information we collect. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without parental consent. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.

Note: under Maryland law, we will not use children’s data (<18) for targeted advertising.

Third-Party Links

This site may contain links to other websites. Apple Ford is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Changes to Our Privacy Policy

Apple Ford reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and the "Effective Date" at the top will be updated accordingly. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about our Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact us at:

Apple Ford

8800 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045

privacy@appleford.com