The ARC

Dealer Login

At NADA Ford announces production hike, reduced number of Lincoln dealers

by mike karagozian

http://www.examiner.com/ford-in-national/mike-karagozian

Ford Motor Company announced an increase in vehicle production by approximately 13 percent, according to a report in Businessweek financial news. The announcement was made over the weekend at the annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention in San Francisco. In a separate report, The Detroit News reports the hike in first quarter production will increase to 555,000 units and could result in added production shifts to keep up with demand.
Lincoln to cut dealerships
That wasn’t the only news generated by Ford at NADA this weekend. According to Bloomberg News, Ford confirmed previous reports that the Dearborn automaker wants to reduce the number of its Lincoln dealerships in the major U.S. markets by 25 percent. That would, according to Bloomberg, reduce the number of Lincoln dealers to about 325.
The cuts are intended to help boost sales and profitability at remaining dealerships and discourage price cutting. By way of comparison, Mercedes Benz has approximately 325 dealerships in the U.S.
Lincoln dealers attending NADA learned what Ford expects of them if they are to retain their franchises. Among the requirements:
Dealers must offer perks such as service loaners
Franchise signs must say only Lincoln
30% of used inventory must be certified
Lincoln sales staff must be dedicated to Lincoln
What should Lincoln dealers expect of Ford? The company plans to re-invigorate the Lincoln brand with several new models over the next few years.
For more on Ford’s troubled Lincoln brand, read Ford Wants Separate Sales and Service Staffs for Ford-Lincoln Dealers, and Ford Tells Lincoln Dealers To Upgrade or Risk Losing Their Franchises.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: At NADA Ford announces production hike, reduced number of Lincoln dealers - National Ford | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/ford-in-national/at-nada-ford-announces-production-hike-reduced-number-of-lincoln-dealers


Related Articles

		Events that Work Finding an event that works for your dealership and your community. Read More



		Credit Unions: Membership Flagging, Loan Portfolio Growth in Decline New Company offers Aggressive, Pro-Active approach to Expanding Credit Union Auto Loan Portfolios Read More



		Rainbow Chevrolet La Place, LA Winner Announcement La Place, LA Rainbow Chevrolet would like to announce that the winning numbers for the 60” TV was produced during their recent sales event by lucky winner Jeanette Wingate Read More



		Stakes are high in reputation management "This is a huge game changer for reputation management, online or otherwise," says Eric Miltsch, Internet director for Auction Direct USA, a used-vehicle dealership in Rochester, N.Y. Read More



		La Place, LA Dealer Searching For Vehicle Winner Rainbow Chevrolet of La Place, LA already found their 60" TV Winner but promoters are still waiting for the Vehicle winner to claim their prize Read More



		Martinsville, VA Used Cars Sale at Nelson Ford Mazda to Benefit Local Residents Emergency Needs Grace Network coordinates emergency assistance resources by partnering with congregations throughout Martinsville and Henry County, and now an innovative relationship with Nelson Ford Mazda lets consumers contribute with normal purchases. Read More



		New Automotive Advertising Agency Rescues Car Dealerships from Choppy Waters The Automotive Relationship Consultants (The ARC) throws dealerships a lifeline with automotive marketing that blends digital and traditional media to generate buzz, make sales, and build reputation. Tampa, FL – Oct. 4, 2010 When the economy is slow and vehicle sales are sluggish, even the most robust advertising campaign may not deliver results... especially if it doesn’t use new media. That’s why The ARC was launched: www.theARCnow.com ... Read More