Ford opens 200th full-service dealership in China

Changan Ford Sales Company, Ford Motor Company's joint venture in China, yesterday announced the opening of its 200th full-service dealership, completing a sales and service network that now covers the whole country.

"We're continuing with the rapid expansion of our authorized Ford dealer network in China to support our exceptional sales growth in the market, which has outpaced the overall industry for the past several years," said Nigel Harris, vice president of Ford Motor China and General Manager of Changan Ford Sales Company.

"In addition to providing an excellent product range, a professional dealer network plays a vital role in expanding Ford's presence in China. We will continue building a professional and industry-leading sales and service network to generate more local demand and enhance the sales satisfaction of our customers," explained Harris.

Ford Motor China recorded 47 percent year-over-year growth for passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the first quarter of 2008. Changan Ford posted a 54 percent increase in Ford brand passenger cars sales in the same period, making it one of the fastest growing auto manufacturers in China.

The new dealership in Chongqing reflects a doubling of Ford's full-service dealerships from the end of 2005, when Ford had 100 full-service dealers across China. These full-service dealerships offer sales, service, spare parts and survey capabilities. All Ford authorized dealers are trained in implementing "Ford Service," which is intended to improve customer relationships and a set of customer care experiences included as part of Changan Ford's free Roadside Assistance program.

Ford also requires dealerships to undergo certification for Ford QualityCare, a program established in 1987 to enhance customer satisfaction. The QualityCare program covers all details of customer service to standardize and improve quality and efficiency. As of today, 117 of China's full-service dealerships have obtained QualityCare certification.