Ford Dealers Form E-Commerce Joint Venture
28 August 2000
Ford Dealers Form E-Commerce Joint Venture, Powered by Trilogy, to Bring Customers Direct Online Purchases Over the Internet
DEARBORN, Mich.--Aug. 28, 2000--New Company Positioned to Offer Customers Best Purchasing Experience
On the Web, Armed With Support of Dealer Network, World's Largest
Inventory and Proven E-Commerce Technology
The Ford Dealer Council, representing the 4,200 Ford dealers across the U.S., announced today the formation of an independent Internet-based enterprise, FordDirect.com, that will offer customers direct purchases of Ford brand cars and trucks online. Trilogy (Ford's partner in the joint venture that develops and operates all of Ford's customer-facing e-commerce initiatives) has been selected by FordDirect to provide the expertise and execution to create a new e-commerce platform that will transform the consumer buying experience.
FordDirect's website will allow customers to configure, select, price, finan ce and initiate the purchase and schedule the delivery of a new car or truck all online within minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The transaction will be facilitated by a local Ford dealer chosen by the customer, who can provide the necessary off-line support both during and after the sale. FordDirect.com will offer the largest representation of Ford Division dealers available online.
The new commercial enterprise will be jointly owned and supported by participating Ford Division dealers and Ford Motor Company with an independent management team appointed by the venture's board of directors.
"This is an unprecedented partnership between an automotive dealer body and a manufacturer," said Jerry Reynolds, chairman of the national Ford Dealer Council. "No other automaker can claim this level of cooperation with their dealers. We are breaking through the channel conflict that is sometimes caused by the Internet and giving our customers a great new experience," Reynolds said.
Reynolds continued: "Consumers have sent a clear message. The Internet has become a major force in buying new cars and trucks and in the ownership experience that follows. Now, we have responded. FordDirect will address the selection and service shortcomings of today's existing online auto sites by bringing superior geographic coverage, accurate information, and the broadest range of services directly to consumers at the point-of-sale. We combine the off-line strengths of Ford and the dealer body with the convenience of the Internet to create the ultimate 'clicks and bricks' customer experience."
"With an ultimate focus on providing superior product and service to our customers, Ford and its dealers are striving for e-commerce leadership," said Jim O'Connor, vice president of the Ford Division. "Working with Trilogy, we've already deployed customer-facing websites for all seven of our consumer brands. Today, the Ford Dealer Council, along with Ford and Trilogy, is announcing a revolutionary new company through which we can deliver the trust, convenience, and value online shoppers are looking for via the Internet," continued O'Connor.
"Today, the Ford Dealer Body and Ford Motor Company are demonstrating their leadership and vision to become the premier online force in today's trillion dollar automotive industry," said Chris Porch, president of the Ford / Trilogy Joint Venture. "The Ford / Trilogy joint venture has provided the technology and resources that will assist this dealer led venture (FordDirect) in revolutionizing the automotive industry by creating the most robust, complete experience available for auto consumers on the Internet."