Do we matter to Ford?

[Scott]

Originally Posted by S3SR

if the question was spose to be "Do we matter to FoMoCo?" then bloody oath we do...

The question was of Ford, not it's dealers. We have several dealers who take an active role in the forum.

[flappist]

Well there are two parts to this really, Ford Australia and FPV.

Firstly be aware that the nickname for internet forumites is "raincoats". There have been some very childish, stupid and derogatory posts on here over the years written by people who are not really interested in motor vehicles per se rather the "motor vehicle enthusiest lifestyle".

To make this clearer it is like comparing someone who dresses in muso clothes, has an mp3 full of downloaded songs and can tell you minute trivia about every band in history to someone who plays an instrument, writes music or sings.

Accordingly much of what is written here is ignored although this site is visited on a daily basis. Just post a pic of orion and see how long it is until the phone rigs at "chez russ" or "la maison du la minge".

Ford build motor vehicles for a wide market demographic and the majority of their products are not sold to enthusiests. Therefore this section is only slightly catered for intrinsicly with FPV charged with the majority of the task.
The most significant point here is that if Ford were not interested in the enthusiest market then FPV would not exist.

Do they take notice of some of the things said here?
Well GTs have stripes don't they?
Orange stripes became available on lightning strike.
The stripes are now in many colors and there are bonnet decals too.
There is a GT-P version of the pursuit (SP).
There is an R-Spec.
The BF GT got a badge on the grill.
The BF V8s got dual exhausts.
There will be a FPV territory.
There are limited release models.

Go back over the history on here and FF.septic and read what has been asked for.

Of course some things that have been asked for are silly and we, the enthusiests, are half the problem why some things have not happened.

Example, GTHO. If a GTHO is not a V8 and faster then anything else then the true believers will start a jihad so as the F6 has such a higher potential it is probably better that the GTHO isnt built. A turbo 6 GTHO would be even worse......
Of course the true believers will scream supercharger or whatever and 10000kw but then that car will be undrivable by the majority, will be involved in a several high profile prangs and give scruby and co all the ammo they need to do another Evan Greene and that will be the end of it all.

So FPV are walking a fine line. Listen to the people, listen to the scrubies, listen to the government and make performance cars that will go well and still last for 10 years and 250,000km while keeping the occupants safe and comfortable.

So do we matter and do they listen? The answer is YES. But like a parent with a babbling teenage child they have their bullcrap filters running at maximum most of the time.

[Bossxr8]

Very true now that you bring that stuff up, I guess cause its started so long ago that you forget that most of those things have started here on peoples wish lists.


As for people trying to separate Ford and the dealers, you can't, they are intrinsically linked, and the Ford dealers are the public face of Ford, which makes it so bad for the company because they are the ones who undo the good work that the company does by ****ing off the buying public. Ford have really tried to do something with the dealers, making all the dealerships look modern was one thing GP tried to fulfill to improve the companies appearances to the public, and they are trying to improve the dealers and service people to avoid the countless problems with them, but its a hell of a lot easier to improve the looks of a building then the mentality of a person, and that's the major problem. You can't change that overnight, but some of the arrogant knobs at Ford dealerships need to be given a swift kick to the balls to either shape or up or be unemployed. Time to get tough I think because if it keeps continuing there won't be anyone left who wants to buy them.

[Agent86]

Originally Posted by DJL351

Who promised? Ford or the dealer?


Ford, again, only build the cars. The dealer is meant to deal with the customer.



Oh well. Best of luck with the other manufacturers. When you find that perfect car, let the rest of us know!
.......Shortened....

Ok.

Dealers represent FoMoCo on a retail level.
We had issues with several of their public representitives.
We contacted Ford only to be told not our problem.
The Quality of the vehicles they build are in question. this related directly to Ford themselves.
This is what i was trying to point out.

To my view, this situation has shown that ford only care about turning out cars, rather than providing value for money and growing Brand loyalty.

Holden grow brand loyalty. This pays dividends for them as they ensure that 'most' of their customers dont get the basic dramas we were presented with.

Ok they are in the buisness of making money. good.
But without base level customer satisfaction, this shows how little regard they hold their customer in.

DJL, i love fords product ( the older models ). but their actios after sales, are crap. They need to take a lead from toyota, whom are currently doing quite well.

why? cause customers are treated with atleast a base level of respect.
They grow loyalty. This provides return customers.
If toyota had a RWD V8 to compete with holden and ford, i dare say lots of people would vote with their new car sales.

I know i wont find a perfect car. all i expect is a new car to have less problems than a 20+ y/o 300K klms old thrashed and abused one. is that too much to ask?

My point is this. dealers represent ford. their actions reflect DIRECTLY on ford. therefore, they can be bundled up as one and the same due to PUBLIC VIEWS. you and i know they are different, but does joe average? likley not

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

As for people trying to separate Ford and the dealers, you can't, they are intrinsically linked,

I say not.

If you get bad service at a Supermarket, do you blame Kellogs or Kraft?
After all you were buying their product when you received the bad service.

If a trim part is faulty in a Ford, should we not be upset at the company that produced the part for Ford?

[Scott]

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

Holden grow brand loyalty. This pays dividends for them as they ensure that 'most' of their customers dont get the basic dramas we were presented with.

Holden owners suffer the same if not worse issues with regard to quality as Ford owners. How many LS blocks were shipped back, how many recalls has the billion dollar baby had?

What Holden do seem to do (maybe I suffer from "the grass is greener") is give the punters what they want with regard to advertising, merchandise, one off special cars etc etc. These may seem petty and insignificant but go to the V8's and see how many Holden flags there are, have a look at monthly sales figures, talk to a pimple faced teenager about his dream car......

One thing, as you mentioned, that Holden are very, very good at is building a loyal fanbase.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by DJL351

If you get bad service at a Supermarket, do you blame Kellogs or Kraft?
After all you were buying their product when you received the bad service.

WTF?? How does that possibly relate to Ford & its dealers?

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

Dealers represent FoMoCo on a retail level.
We had issues with several of their public representitives.
We contacted Ford only to be told not our problem.
The Quality of the vehicles they build are in question. this related directly to Ford themselves.
This is what i was trying to point out.

No worries, I understand.

The point of my post was to show the difference, between 'Ford' and the dealer.

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

To my view, this situation has shown that ford only care about turning out cars, rather than providing value for money and growing Brand loyalty.

Value for money? Compared to? It is all relative.

As for Brand 'loyalty'... is there such a thing in the motor industry?

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

Holden grow brand loyalty. This pays dividends for them as they ensure that 'most' of their customers dont get the basic dramas we were presented with.

Sorry, but that is not true. Ask any of the early LS1 owners when they had oil and engine noise issues.

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

DJL, i love fords product ( the older models ). but their actios after sales, are crap. They need to take a lead from toyota, whom are currently doing quite well.

Toyota are not a machine. They are humans too. There will be issues with their dealers and products too.

[QUOTE=AceofSpades]why? cause customers are treated with atleast a base level of respect.
They grow loyalty. This provides return customers.
If toyota had a RWD V8 to compete with holden and ford, i dare say lots of people would vote with their new car sales.

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

I know i wont find a perfect car. all i expect is a new car to have less problems than a 20+ y/o 300K klms old thrashed and abused one. is that too much to ask?

No, but that 20+ y/o 300K klms old thrashed car was new 20+ years ago..... and I bet it had warranty issues.

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

My point is this. dealers represent ford. their actions reflect DIRECTLY on ford. therefore, they can be bundled up as one and the same due to PUBLIC VIEWS. you and i know they are different, but does joe average? likley not

This I too understand. Hence my posts to try and make people see them as two different 'things'.

Originally Posted by GTP006

WTF?? How does that possibly relate to Ford & its dealers?

If you buy a car and something goes wrong (at the dealer) why is it automatically Ford 'fault'.
Ford made the product, the dealer stuffed up.
Wollies stuffed up, Kraft made the cheese.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by DJL351

I say not.

If you get bad service at a Supermarket, do you blame Kellogs or Kraft?
After all you were buying their product when you received the bad service.

If a trim part is faulty in a Ford, should we not be upset at the company that produced the part for Ford?

The supermarket isn't owned by Kellogs or Kraft is it, nor do they only sell products from Kellogs or Kraft. Ever tried getting warranty work done on your Cornflakes.

[Dave_au]

Originally Posted by DJL351

If you buy a car and something goes wrong (at the dealer) why is it automatically Ford 'fault'.

Because the dealer acts as an agent for Ford, and is a representitive of Ford.

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The supermarket isn't owned by Kellogs or Kraft is it, nor do they only sell products from Kellogs or Kraft.

Neither are the dealers!

Ford tried twice to 'take back' (own) the dealers both here in WA and in NSW.
(anyone remember Perth and Sydney RJV) :
Try asking 6 dealers, that were doing their own thing, to adopt one ethos overnight..... <yuk>

People complained; dealers, staff and customers.


Some dealers (in WA at least) have more than one brand running from the same dealership.
(Parkland Mazda/Kia prings to mind the quickest)

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Ever tried getting warranty work done on your Cornflakes.

Yeah! They tightened the bottom of the box and lubed the flaps..... Told me to come back if it happened again. Went to Sanitarium in protest.

Originally Posted by Dave_au

Because the dealer acts as an agent for Ford, and is a representitive of Ford.

If there is a fault, for sure. But why should Ford be to blame for bad service from the parts guy or service advisor at the dealership?

Ford does not employ them. The dealer does.

[The_Ghost]

I think FORD care about taking as much money and sell as many cars as possible (which is good business to a point). But the striking thing I have noticed on this forum is before we worry about the decals and sexy bits, what about the common problems you see recurring in this forum about the MAKE of their cars. Yes some bits have been improved. Howvere how can the handbrake be a dud(squeeling not 4 everyone but most) in the AU. To find the same issue in the BA and some BF's( again from what I have read) Same with the clunking diffs : . If they cared about us I would of thought that these problems would be fixed by series let alone by the next model. But the handbrake and the diff dont sell the car cuz once you buy it then FORD claps and spits you to its dealers. (Kinda like donald trump and his apprentices, except I keep taking my car to the apprentice that need to be fired)(Up to my third dealer : )


Its not about purchasing a new car but if they saw the problems people seek answers to and fixed them maybe it would leave a liitle money left to enjoy some of the bells and whistles.


Hope this is in gist of the thread

I understand the whole dealer being agents. But ford still has to assume some responsibility it is still there product.

[Papa Smurf]

I gues sit is like the banks? they couldn't give a damn about small account holders, they are a hindrance to them.

Making money is foremost, bloody pity. :(

I understand the whole dealer being agents. But ford still has to assume some responsibility it is still there product.

So true, they make the car and it is THEIR warranty NOT the dealers. Too many people think that their car was MADE at the dealer or that the DEALER is part of Ford, not so.

[Agent86]

Originally Posted by DJL351

Value for money? Compared to? It is all relative..

By value for money, i mean a car that isnt costing money due to down time for repairs.

Originally Posted by DJL351

As for Brand 'loyalty'... is there such a thing in the motor industry?

Ask any toyota driver...

Originally Posted by DJL351

Sorry, but that is not true. Ask any of the early LS1 owners when they had oil and engine noise issues.

My point was in general. ask most ls1 owners and they are very happy. I know there was an issue as i am a car entheusist not one eyed in any way.
How many V6's have had notable problems ( exclude the new one that has just occoured on the ve, i class that as teething issues ).

i know several smaler car owners that chose holdens and they are all happy. havent heard a bad word yet.

Originally Posted by DJL351

Toyota are not a machine. They are humans too. There will be issues with their dealers and products too..

Yes, but my point is that they operate in a vastly differnt manner to the "Big Two".. Very customer orientated.

Originally Posted by DJL351

No, but that 20+ y/o 300K klms old thrashed car was new 20+ years ago..... and I bet it had warranty issues.

maybe, but no old undermaintained car has any right to be more reliable than a NEW car. this poor thing was caned by at least 3 p plate owners ( mrs included ). it only started geting maintenance when i started doing it.


At the end of the day. while every car wont be faultless, we the consumer should excpect and recieve care and attention WHEN the faults occour.

Can you imagine being told to GAGF cause youre new porsche's aircon has no gas? or maybe your new E320 Benz has swirl marks and chips in it prior to them delivering it?

Porsche, mercedes-benz and etc wouldnt let these cars be delivered in that condition, so why isnt its fords isssue?

if a member of the police force does something wrong by you, they should be answerable to the higher power.. this is the same with ford and ITS dealer network ( as they describe it. ) their description claims a level of ownership, thus responsibility.

Really, the motor industry in this country has a lot to learn. We the Aussie bogan consumers will only be played for fools for so long. I think ford are starting to feel the squeeze via car sales now.

If they are listening to us, why are people starting to buy other brands?

I believe that they should stop telling people what they want, and start listening to what people say they want.

Look at GM, the fans love the crap they spit out, cause its what they want.

Given what has happened, i will stuck with rebuilding my older cars. that way im in control of my quality assurance.

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

Can you imagine being told to GAGF cause youre new porsche's aircon has no gas? or maybe your new E320 Benz has swirl marks and chips in it prior to them delivering it?

Porsche, mercedes-benz and etc wouldnt let these cars be delivered in that condition, so why isnt its fords isssue?

Does Ford charge the same $$$$ as the two you have mentioned?

A base model A-Class 3door starts at $30+. Would you pay for $35K+ for a XR4?
(Even if it was flawless and top of it's class in terms of equip etc)

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

if a member of the police force does something wrong by you, they should be answerable to the higher power..

Yes, his employer!!!!

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

this is the same with ford and ITS dealer network ( as they describe it. ) their description claims a level of ownership, thus responsibility.

Again I stress. If it is a physical issue with the car, it should be fixed, Ford should cover it under warranty etc.
BUT, if a Salesman mouths off and calls you a name, that is a dealer issue!

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

I believe that they should stop telling people what they want, and start listening to what people say they want.

'People' are dumb. They do not know what they want.
85% of Private buyers know nothing about cars. My in-laws have relied on me for their last three vehicle purchases.

*Homer J Simpson vioce - They said something about Rack and Peanut steering

[Dave_au]

Originally Posted by DJL351

If there is a fault, for sure. But why should Ford be to blame for bad service from the parts guy or service advisor at the dealership?

Ford does not employ them. The dealer does.

It still doesn't matter, their still representing the Ford brand.

They are employed to sell or service products manufactered by Ford, they are Ford's connection or representitive to their customers, they are the point of sale and after sale contact for Ford.

And ultimately, car owners spend more time with these people than they do with the car yard sales men.

If Ford Australia chooses not scrutinize the actions of its dealers and the employees of the dealers, then it's ultimately Ford Australia's loss of retaining customers

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by Dave_au

It still doesn't matter, their still representing the Ford brand.

They are employed to sell or service products manufactered by Ford, they are Ford's connection or representitive to their customers, they are the point of sale and after sale contact for Ford.

And ultimately, car owners spend more time with these people than they do with the car yard sales men.

If Ford Australia chooses not scrutinize the actions of its dealers and the employees of the dealers, then it's ultimately Ford Australia's loss of retaining customers

Very simplistic view.

The resources that would be required to 'monitor' staff at the dealers, from Sales Staff, to the Car Cleaner, would be massive.

Maybe all recruiting should go through FoMoCo then?

[Agent86]

Originally Posted by DJL351

Does Ford charge the same $$$$ as the two you have mentioned?

A base model A-Class 3door starts at $30+. Would you pay for $35K+ for a XR4?
(Even if it was flawless and top of it's class in terms of equip etc)

Not the point, im talking about the delivery of a vehicle FROM NEW free of defects. should be a given for all.

Hell my $10,000 DIRT bike came scratch free. and its intended for a life of knocks and drops. i would accept some flaws on it for that reason.

Originally Posted by DJL351

Again I stress. If it is a physical issue with the car, it should be fixed, Ford should cover it under warranty etc.
BUT, if a Salesman mouths off and calls you a name, that is a dealer issue!

The dealers still represent the naiming company, therefore, it IS in their interests to address the issue

Originally Posted by DJL351

'People' are dumb. They do not know what they want.
85% of Private buyers know nothing about cars. My in-laws have relied on me for their last three vehicle purchases.

*Homer J Simpson vioce - They said something about Rack and Peanut steering

This attitude is exactly what im talking about. to a certian point, there needs to be customer input into what features a vehicle offers.

[irlewy86]

Originally Posted by DJL351

Very simplistic view.

The resources that would be required to 'monitor' staff at the dealers, from Sales Staff, to the Car Cleaner, would be massive.

Maybe all recruiting should go through FoMoCo then?

No but training should.

i.e Customer relations, product knowledge, etc.

Thus a consistent dealer network.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by DJL351

Neither are the dealers!

Yeah, I overlooked that. You're right, dealers aren't owned by the company.

The thing I don't get is the arrogant, smart salesmen. Don't they want a commision from a sale. Do they even think that treating a potential customer like an idiot is only going to cost them money when they go somewhere else to buy a car.

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

Not the point, im talking about the delivery of a vehicle FROM NEW free of defects. should be a given for all.
Hell my $10,000 DIRT bike came scratch free. and its intended for a life of knocks and drops. i would accept some flaws on it for that reason.

Again, I understand and agree.

But is that a brand issue or a Dealer issue? Could it be the slack salesman thinking 'they'll never notice!'
While you might have pride and respect for vehicles, the saleman may not.
Would you expect that Ford should send out one of their employees to go over every car before it is handed over?

Would agree, there could be a Merc dealer out there that might have missed the scratch too?

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

The dealers still represent the naiming company, therefore, it IS in their interests to address the issue

Half the staff at FoMoCo are airheads and should be fined for stealing good usable oxygen.
We once had a 'guru' from Melbourne come over, to show us "a better way".
He lasted a day and a half, before he cracked and went home.
(should have been there a week)

Originally Posted by AceofSpades

This attitude is exactly what im talking about. to a certian point, there needs to be customer input into what features a vehicle offers.

According to my own mother when buying their Turbo Terri(who has to put up with me and the old man and we are both Ford Bloods)
"I don't care! As long as it has four wheels, goes and stops, the rest you and your farther can sort out."

She is looking at an F6X too....... I've explained the difference between them and she just does understand or care for that matter.

Originally Posted by irlewy86

No but training should.

i.e Customer relations, product knowledge, etc.

Thus a consistent dealer network.

We are moving away from the topic again....

Agree 100%.

But again it comes back to time and money.
At the rate people come and go from the workshop alone, you could never keep up.

Ford do have a STARS program in place. (can not remember what it stands for)
The problem is the Techs don't real use it as the tool it is meant to be.
(it's a satalite tech 'school', where they can learn about the new models etc)

[Falcon_Phill]

Of course you matter to Ford. Right up until they hand you the keys to your new car.

[Dave_au]

Originally Posted by DJL351

Very simplistic view.

Disagree, it's a macro view looking at the entire sales cycle.

You are being very simplistic looking at the sales experience being simply limited to the dealership.

The average Joe Citizen does not see XYZ Ford dealership as an independent dealership, Joe Citizen sees the dealership as a Ford dealership.

And if Joe Citizen have had a sour experience with a dealership then chances are they will extrapolate this to the entire brand. One of the ways that car brands can differentiate themselves from their competition is by providing a seamless, integrated, friendly and honest approach to after sales service.,

The resources that would be required to 'monitor' staff at the dealers, from Sales Staff, to the Car Cleaner, would be massive.

Yet again, nonsense. Controlling dealers and dealer staff could be as simple as implementing and enforcing a key performance indicator based on customer complaints per month, number of late deliveries due to dealer issues, number of cancelled orders due to dealer issues etc. On the flip side, there could be bonuses for outstanding staff, or dealers.

Maybe all recruiting should go through FoMoCo then?

Well not so much as recruiting, but they could certainly take a look at how both Toyota and Lexus deal with their customers, which from all reports and my personal experience has been simply exemplary. Meanwhile, the same cannot be said for my experiences at Scotts Audi Artarmon, although I’m sure Lexus would be willing to thank them for their ability to turn my family off purchasing an Audi. And judging by the letters of thanks and appreciation as displayed in the local Lexus/Toyota dealer regarding their customers dealing with other dealers/manufacturers, the feeling towards some other brands is not exclusive to my family.

Likewise, for better or for worse I ended up with a 2003 model Magna Sports for a work car. The car is fine, and it’s a fairly honest fleet car. However the experience I have had with my local Mitsubishi dealer with both warranty work on the car and looking at other vehicles in the Mitsubishi range has not been as enjoyable. The ultimate result being I strongly doubt I would make much of an effort to visit one of the other 8 or so Mitsubishi dealers in the region next time I'm looking at a new car.

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by Dave_au

You are being very simplistic looking at the sales experience being simply limited to the dealership.

Can you purchase a car directly from Campbellfeild? No. Therefore the Sales Experience is TOTALLY dealership based.

The over all onwership, is not.

Originally Posted by Dave_au

The average Joe Citizen does not see XYZ Ford dealership as an independent dealership, Joe Citizen sees the dealership as a Ford dealership.

For sure..... as I've said already, 85% wouldn't know their a$$ from their elbow.

Originally Posted by Dave_au

And if Joe Citizen have had a sour experience with a dealership then chances are they will extrapolate this to the entire brand.

Agree again. Shame in most cases they have it wrong though.

Originally Posted by Dave_au

Yet again, nonsense. Controlling dealers and dealer staff could be as simple as implementing and enforcing a key performance indicator based on customer complaints per month, number of late deliveries due to dealer issues, number of cancelled orders due to dealer issues etc. On the flip side, there could be bonuses for outstanding staff, or dealers.

Enforcing? How? Ford have little to no control over the running of the dealerships.
In the same way Jims Mowing or Subway franchise. An owner must follow certain 'guidelines' but they have ultimate control over their Dealership(s)/Company.

Originally Posted by Dave_au

Well not so much as recruiting, but they could certainly take a look at how both Toyota and Lexus deal with their customers, which from all reports and my personal experience has been simply exemplary. Meanwhile, the same cannot be said for my experiences at Scotts Audi Artarmon, although I’m sure Lexus would be willing to thank them for their ability to turn my family off purchasing an Audi. And judging by the letters of thanks and appreciation as displayed in the local Lexus/Toyota dealer regarding their customers dealing with other dealers/manufacturers, the feeling towards some other brands is not exclusive to my family.

Likewise, for better or for worse I ended up with a 2003 model Magna Sports for a work car. The car is fine, and it’s a fairly honest fleet car. However the experience I have had with my local Mitsubishi dealer with both warranty work on the car and looking at other vehicles in the Mitsubishi range has not been as enjoyable. The ultimate result being I strongly doubt I would make much of an effort to visit one of the other 8 or so Mitsubishi dealers in the region next time I'm looking at a new car.

So you didn't by an Audi because of the product or the dealer?

Lets not throw the baby out with the bath water here....
If it was based simply on your experiance with one dealer, then you may have missed out. (from another dealer obviosly)

I had an issue with an (insert race here) taxi driver, he was a royal rude pain in the rear...... so therefore, all taxi drivers are the same!?!?!?!?!

[AUIII XR8 MAN]

While i feel we do matter to Ford, it's just they don't show it to us directly. Maybe posting up some info on what new when they releaise it to the genral media at the same time or what we should keep eye out on what might be coming up in the next, every now & than wouldn't hurt. It would just be showing us that they are thinking about us.

Originally Posted by DJL351

Can you purchase a car directly from Campbellfeild? No. Therefore the Sales Experience is TOTALLY dealership based.

This is why it's up to Ford as the parent company to make sure that all it dealers appear to be the same, act the same, treat you the same, as they are the only ones that have the right to sell these products new to the customer. Why do you think some fast food retailer have monopoly on the market. Because it they sell same product & treat the customer the same at every store. If other large company can do this why carn’t Ford?

Originally Posted by DJL351

Enforcing? How? Ford have little to no control over the running of the dealerships.
In the same way Jims Mowing or Subway franchise. An owner must follow certain 'guidelines' but they have ultimate control over their Dealership(s)/Company.

Do something wrong & watch the parent company come down on them like a tonne of brick. Keep it up & you’re out of the franchise group. Ford need to do the same.

[LTDHO]

No FoMoCo do not.

Well only enough to make money from us, to them we are a statistic.

I don't buy Ford products to provide them a profit, so we are even.

I would like to see FoMoCo management on the forums like the good ol' days.

[sleekism]

Originally Posted by AUIII XR8 MAN

While i feel we do matter to Ford, it's just they don't show it to us directly. Maybe posting up some info on what new when they releaise it to the genral media at the same time or what we should keep eye out on what might be coming up in the next, every now & than wouldn't hurt. It would just be showing us that they are thinking about us.



This is why it's up to Ford as the parent company to make sure that all it dealers appear to be the same, act the same, treat you the same, as they are the only ones that have the right to sell these products new to the customer. Why do you think some fast food retailer have monopoly on the market. Because it they sell same product & treat the customer the same at every store. If other large company can do this why carn’t Ford?


Do something wrong & watch the parent company come down on them like a tonne of brick. Keep it up & you’re out of the franchise group. Ford need to do the same.

You are 100% correct!

People are going on about it being "too hard" and "not Fords responsibility". Well if other brands such as Toyota and Mazda can do it then why can't Ford??

I have been treated like at the Ford dealerships. I was going to buy an XR6 at a local dealer and no matter how much pestering the dealer would not budge on price because this "was the lowest possible price". Later I happened to notice the same car in the dealerships advertisement in the paper for two grand lower than the "will not budge price".

At other times I have been completely ignored or flat out lied to about cars. ie.when enquiring about XR6's was told that the "V6 in the base model actually makes more power than the XR6 in the EL".

I know I'm not going to buy a NEW car until I finish my apprenticeship but how they treat me affects my perception in a few years time. On the fllipside the Mazda dealership was very nice and actually let me test drive the RX8 and MX5 though they new I couldn't afford to buy one. The one positive thing about Ford dealerships is that they are no worse than Holden dealerships but at least Holden dealerships have some people there who are passionate and know something about cars.

FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DEALERS!!!

EVEN BLOODY MACCAS KNOW ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE!! ALL THE WORKERS ARE DRILLED ABOUT BEING POLITE TO CUSTOMERS AND IF A WORKER IS RUDE THEY SEND THEM HOME! IF THE CUSTOMER IS NOT HAPPY EVEN IF IT'S THE CUSTOMERS FAULT THEY WILL REPLACE THE MEAL!
THEY HAVE INSPECTORS FROM HQ WHO COME ROUND AND IF YOU ARE NOT UP TO SCRATCH THEN THE FRANCHISE CAN BE REVOKED!

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by sleekism

People are going on about it being "too hard" and "not Fords responsibility". Well if other brands such as Toyota and Mazda can do it then why can't Ford??

As said in another post, I know the service manager at a Mazda dealer, the same s*** goes on there as it did when he was at Ford.

Originally Posted by sleekism

I have been treated like at the Ford dealerships. I was going to buy an XR6 at a local dealer and no matter how much pestering the dealer would not budge on price because this "was the lowest possible price". Later I happened to notice the same car in the dealerships advertisement in the paper for two grand lower than the "will not budge price".

So..... a dealer tried to rip you off. Try another dealer.

I didn't get the price I wanted to pay for the GT from dealer 'A' so I went and spoke to dealer 'b'. Their price was better, but I didn't like the way the saleman spoke to the misses, so I went to dealer 'C'. Price was same as dealer 'B' and the saleman was nice and explained everything to te boss.
I was also introduced to the New Car Sales Manager and DP.

Originally Posted by sleekism

At other times I have been completely ignored or flat out lied to about cars. ie.when enquiring about XR6's was told that the "V6 in the base model actually makes more power than the XR6 in the EL".

Again..... try another dealer.

Originally Posted by sleekism

I know I'm not going to buy a NEW car until I finish my apprenticeship but how they treat me affects my perception in a few years time. On the fllipside the Mazda dealership was very nice and actually let me test drive the RX8 and MX5 though they new I couldn't afford to buy one. The one positive thing about Ford dealerships is that they are no worse than Holden dealerships but at least Holden dealerships have some people there who are passionate and know something about cars.

Did you go to more than 1 Mazda dealer and see if they would let you test drive the cars?

Maybe you got one of the 'good' dealers that time around.

Originally Posted by sleekism

FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DEALERS!!!

NO THEY ARE NOT!

Originally Posted by sleekism

EVEN BLOODY MACCAS KNOW ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!

Really..... last time a walked in there, I was left waiting to be served while these 2 tarts talked about getting 'hammered' on the weekend.

When I questioned their 'customer service' and asked to speak to the on duty manager.... another tart, only a few years older appeared....
Sure enough, she just shrugged her shoulders and said 'and'.
(and that's why I don't eat their crap unless it's all that is around at the time)

Originally Posted by sleekism

ALL THE WORKERS ARE DRILLED ABOUT BEING POLITE TO CUSTOMERS AND IF A WORKER IS RUDE THEY SEND THEM HOME!

Sure, they most likely are..... but like any human, they choose their own path.
Some are most likely the friendliest people on the planet.... others will be at the other end of the scale.

Originally Posted by sleekism

IF THE CUSTOMER IS NOT HAPPY EVEN IF IT'S THE CUSTOMERS FAULT THEY WILL REPLACE THE MEAL!

Yeah, of course, forgot the Big Mac was in the same league as a motor vehicle.

I ordered my burger without pickle..... you didn't say that when you ordered, but, okay we'll replace it.

I ordered my BF in Blue..... that is blue sir.... it's not the blue I saw on that one.... that's a Focus sir..... AND!......well it doesn't come in that colour.
(true story!)

Originally Posted by sleekism

THEY HAVE INSPECTORS FROM HQ WHO COME ROUND AND IF YOU ARE NOT UP TO SCRATCH THEN THE FRANCHISE CAN BE REVOKED!

And so do Ford....... but it's not hard to tell when they are coming.

[Laminge]

This isnt a dealer satisfaction thread, can we keep it to topic

Obviously we cannot, oh well.

The admin team have made some headway, with some meetings scheduled later this month I will start a new thread.