Ford's UK operation has announced a new retail partnership with the Next chain of women's fashion stores "to increase representation of the [auto] brand".

Recommended Buyer's Guides

It will open a "new look", five car showroom in the refurbished Next store in Manchester's Arndale shopping centre.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Test drives will be available from the centre, and new cars can be handed over there. A new team of 15 product experts and support staff are being recruited for the outlet 'Ford in Manchester Arndale' which is due to open in July.

At the same time, the automaker will launch an online car sales pilot for customers to specify, finance and order a new car for delivery to participating dealers, the new Arndale outlet or to a home address anywhere in the country.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "We have the most extensive dealership network which has already received significant investment in new FordStores, Transit Centres and mobile service vans to offer customers specialist retail, van and service assistance.

See Also:

"These will remain to serve the many consumers wanting to visit a dealer. There is also a growing appetite to browse for cars in other retail environments and online which we are meeting with these new 2018 ventures."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Arndale display will be changed regularly, and will initially feature new 2018 model lines including Fiesta, EcoSport and Mustang. All complementary online offers will be supported by Ford Options, the company's personal contract purchase (PCP) scheme, and be accompanied by the automaker's usual warranty and roadside assistance terms.