The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Results From Ford Direct

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 10, 2002; In its first full year of operations in all 50 states, FordDirect has accelerated at a speed that would leave sports cars in the dust ... going from 0 to 100,000 vehicles sold so far this year. And it's not slowing down yet, FordDirect dealers are on track to sell more than 120,000 vehicles by year's end, that's up from 31,108 units sold in 2001.

"FordDirect is the only dealer-owned, manufacturer partnership in the industry and our unique structure is working, better yet it's selling," said Devon Cohen, FordDirect CEO. "We've been able to combine the strength of the Blue Oval, with the selling expertise of dealers, with our technological and marketing experience into a muscle car that drives sales."

According to James O'Connor, Group Vice President for North American Marketing, Sales and Service, "FordDirect was established to enhance sales and gain market share and it has successfully grown from start-up to sales- generating machine. The joint venture we have with our dealers through FordDirect is showing great promise."

Uniting the manufacturer with the dealer in a joint venture with an entrepreneurial twist, FordDirect does things other automotive sites can't -- from building an extended, branded web presence on leading third party providers and Internet portals to cutting-edge technological applications that enhance the quality of leads across these affiliate partnerships.

Because of this marketing and technological expertise Forrester Research recently ranked FordDirect highest in several categories on their November 2002 "Building A Better Automotive Web Site" study. Forrester's research gave FordDirect top scores for comprehensiveness of content and ease for consumers to contact dealers.

"With their expanded web presence, FordDirect enables dealers to reach consumers earlier in the shopping experience and directs consumers interested in purchasing a Ford to their local dealer," said Jerry Reynolds, former Chairman of the Ford Dealer Council and Dealer Principal of Prestige Ford in Garland, Texas. "By handling affiliate partnerships, FordDirect allows dealers to focus on providing customer service."