How
well owners maintain their dealerships could soon determine what U.S. buyers pay
for Ford cars and trucks, USA Today said.
Under its Blue Oval Certified programme, Ford will charge dealers 1.25 percent
less for vehicles provided the dealer meets tougher new customer satisfaction
standards for cleanliness, appearance, service response and training, the newspaper
reported.
Dealers would be able to save over $250 on a vehicle costing them $21,000.
USA Today said that dealers would decide whether to pass the saving on or keep
it.
The newspaper added that General Motors and DaimlerChrysler are monitoring
the programme to decide whether to introduce similar schemes.
About 80% of 4,100 Ford dealers in the U.S. either have met the standards or
will meet them this month, USA Today said, adding that a small group of dealers,
backed by several state dealer associations, plans to fight the pricing plan,
arguing that it unfairly forces some dealers to pay higher prices for vehicles.
To view related research reports, please follow the links Automotive b2b – Strategic threats and opportunities in the automotive supply chain |
