21 March 2018

Staff at the Manchester branch of Next have confirmed that Rockar will be selling Ford vehicles from its new in-store outlet.

Speaking exclusively to Auto Retail Network at the Geneva motor show two weeks ago, Ford managing director Andy Barratt hinted at the move: “We are working in that arena [online sales] but not ready to announce yet. In a couple of weeks we’ll have an interesting proposition.”

Ford will open a new-look five-car showroom in the newly-refurbished Next store in Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre.  Test drives will be available from the Arndale Centre, and new cars can be handed over there.  A new Ford team of 15 product experts and support staff are being recruited for Ford in Manchester Arndale, which is due to open in July.

At the same time Ford will launch an online car sales pilot for customers to specify, finance and order a new car for delivery to participating dealers, Ford in Manchester Arndale 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 received significant investment including new FordStores, Transit Centres and Mobile Service Vans.

“These premises will remain to serve the many customers wanting to make a special trip to a traditional dealer.  There is however also a growing appetite to browse for cars in other retail environments and online which we are meeting with these new 2018 ventures.”

Offering cars only, Ford’s display at Manchester Arndale will be changed regularly, and will initially feature the new 2018 ranges of Fiesta, EcoSport and Mustang models.  All complementary online offers will be supported by Ford Options, the company’s personal contract purchase scheme, and be supported by Ford’s usual warranty and roadside assistance term.

The move comes just one month after Hyundai handed the two franchises Rockar held over to Motorline, leaving Rockar with one physical location; its Jaguar Land Rover showroom in the Westfield shopping centre in London.

Tags: digital, Ford, Hyundai, Next, Rockar