Ford launches direct new car sales website and opens Manchester experience centre

Ford’s online sales website allows customers to specify, finance and order a new vehicle for delivery via participating dealers or the customer’s home, as well as trade in their current vehicle.

The Blue Oval brand revealed its plans to open a new showroom concept, underpinned with Rockar’s e-commerce online technology and to leverage Next’s retail footfall in March this year.

The FordStore, located on the lower level of the Next store, features digital display screens, five full-sized Ford display vehicles, a lounge library space, free wifi and phone charging points.

Customers can take test drives from the Arndale Centre car park.

As well as being able to part exchange their current vehicle using valuation data, customers can also see lead times based on factory capacity and pipeline stock.

There are 15 dedicated FordStore hosts trained by Rockar, on behalf of Ford available to help customers at the Manchester showroom.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “Ford recognises a growing appetite to browse for cars in other retail environments and online.

“We are excited to be able respond, through the partnership with Next, to the changing way consumers want to shop and interact with our brand.”

He added that Ford still has an “extensive dealership network, which remain to service many consumers wanting to visit a dealer for specialist assistance”.

The Arndale centre has over 42 million visitors every year, with travel connections including the Manchester Metrolink, Manchester Piccadilly rail station with lines into London, and NCP car parks. The Ford store is accessible on the lower level of the Next store with direct access from Corporation Street and Withy Grove.

Simon Dixon, founder of Rockar, said: “This is clearly a huge step forward for the car industry.

“This is the start of something huge; I think 2018 will see some big changes within the industry, as more and more car brands and dealers start to embrace online and omni-channel retailing.”