Ford thinking dealerships
In addition to its raft of new models being introduced over the next few months, Ford is redefining the vehicle buying consumer experience with two new-format dealer stores in Auckland and Wellington.
The two new Ford Stores on the North Shore in Auckland and on Wellington’s waterfront, are designed to optimise the Ford customer experience and cater to what Ford sees as a rapidly changing customer profile and diverse set of customer expectations.
Managing Director Simon Rutherford explains that when it comes to the Ford Consumer Experience, the company and its dealers are transforming to meet and exceed customers’ expectations at all points.
The Ford Store by North Harbour Ford
The technology-led, custombuilt 2,000m² climate-controlled showroom, can comfortably house as many as 40 vehicles indoors.
“The concept behind the store revolves around the premise that visitors are not merely customers, but guests,” says Steve Fraser, North Harbour
Ford Dealer Principal. “We designed the Store specifically around this notion, aiming to redefine the guest experience through a range of innovations, including transforming traditional sales roles into brand ambassador roles, removing desks from the showroom and equipping staff with ipads rather than desktop computers.”
Supported by Ford New Zealand and Ford Asia Pacific, The Ford Store by North
Harbour Ford will include interactive and touchscreen technology allowing guests to build, customise and compare their own Ford vehicles.
Ford Link by Capital
City Ford
Located on the ground floor of Wellington’s new waterfront PWC Centre, the Ford Link will have a welcoming cafélike ambience, enjoying uninterrupted light and views of the inner harbour.
“The intention of the Ford Link Store was to create a retail experience that would appeal and be convenient to Wellingtonians working in the CBD or enjoying our waterfront,” said Matt Carman, Capital City Ford Dealer Principal.
Ford General Marketing Manager, Cameron Thomas, says the launch of the two new stores is part of the larger consumer experience initiative launched last year. “They send a very clear signal that Ford is changing the way we do business and improving the Ford customer experience.”