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Ford Launches Retail Network in San Diego

2 September 1998

Ford Launches Retail Network in San Diego, 'Auto Collection' New Name for Venture

    SAN DIEGO, Sept. 1 -- Ford Investment Enterprises Corporation
(FIECo), a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company , and a San Diego
dealer today launched the San Diego Auto Collection - the nation's second Ford
Retail Network.
    "We are extremely pleased to bring this new concept in automotive
retailing to the San Diego area," said Ross Roberts, president of FIECo.
"This move promises to give our customers the highest level of satisfaction
when they are buying or servicing their vehicles, and will help our dealers to
better face-off with our real competition as we move into the twenty-first
century."
    "Additionally, we are pleased to announce that 'San Diego Auto Collection'
is the official name for the Ford Retail Network being launched here today,
and 'Auto Collection' will be used in other markets in coming months.
    Chief executive officer for the San Diego Auto Collection is Ed Witt, who
is partnering with FIECo in the venture.  Witt, formerly a Ford dealer in
Wisconsin, will manage day-to-day operations.
    The San Diego Auto Collection involves Lincoln Mercury dealerships at
Mission Valley and Escondido as well as the market area once covered by three
additional San Diego Lincoln Mercury dealerships.  Following Tulsa -- which
was launched on July 1 -- it is the second of several Ford Retail Network
projects slated for launch in coming months in a number of U.S. cities.
    While the San Diego venture will involve Lincoln Mercury dealerships only,
the Ford Retail Network concept provides the opportunity for other local Ford,
Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda and Jaguar dealers to collectively establish single
business entities in partnership with FIECo.  The new company combines the
resources, inventories and the employee talents of all the dealerships
involved -- which ultimately benefits car and truck customers.
    "Our new approach to selling cars and trucks will include unique sales and
service outlets supplemented by neighborhood service centers providing
competitively-priced service to customers," Roberts said.
    "The sales centers will feature a large selection of both new and preowned
vehicles, no-haggle selling, salaried sales consultants, and a state-of-the-
art website that will permit customers to search the inventory from their home
computer.  Both new and used vehicles will be covered with a money-back
guarantee.
    "Neighborhood service centers will enhance the vehicle service process
with extended hours and no-appointment-necessary maintenance, warranty, and
light repair work performed at convenient locations.  Additionally, scheduled
maintenance and repair work can be requested through the San Diego website,"
he added.
    San Diego Auto Collection will employ about 120 people and generate sales
volumes in excess of $70 million during its first year of operation.