Essex Ford at Dunton - 1 Year On
Essex Ford (part of the Essex Auto Group) has just celebrated its first year on its new site at Dunton. The flag ship Ford dealership facility built on 5 acres is located at the head of the Ford Dunton Research & Development Centre at Laindon, Essex.
How has it been doing?
Philip Maskell, the Chairman of the Group is encouraged by results and tells "We have sold over 1500 new Fords in the first year with around half sold to Ford Employees and their families. We have developed closer working relationships with the team at Fords Research & Development Centre and been able to deliver value for money and first class service just at the end of their driveway".
What about used vehicles and after sales?
Maskell commented "We have also sold over 1000 used Ford cars and vans to the wider retail community - there is no doubt the new location has a wider geographic reach being only 5 minutes from the M25 motorway"
"In terms of After Sales, Essex Ford has also made strong progress with its 25 bay workshop and parts and accessory shop. We have built up the business as our customers have followed us from our old town centre site and new customers have discovered us because of our convenient location, easy parking and no nonsense service"
Loyalty Smart Card
Essex Ford have also launched its new Smart Loyalty Card issuing it free with every new and used car sale and free to any Ford employee or agency worker, based at Dunton, whether they drive a Ford or not. The card has big benefits including free car valets, service and parts discounts plus special offers on new and used vehicles.
"Our objective is to incentivise our customers to remain loyal but also seek out new customers. In the case of Ford employees at Dunton we aim to convince those driving a non Ford to come back to Ford - after all between us as the retailer and the excellence of the Ford product we have a strong case"
Customer Satisfaction
Essex Auto Group is a privately owned dealer group with 7 locations across South Essex employing 310 staff with just on 90 at the current Basildon site. Providing class leading service is part of the culture and Essex Ford has won the Ford of Europe Chairman's Award for Customer Satisfaction 3 years in a row from 2005 to 2008.
Tough times ahead
Maskell is in no doubt that with the car market down 15% in 2007 and set to fall further in 2009 it is going to be challenging times for Ford retailers. "We believe that with the new Ford products especially all new Fiesta and Ka combined with our excellent facilities and people we can weather the economic storm and continue to do a great job for Ford and our customers"
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