Ford expands sales and services network in India

Ford India has expanded its sales and services network in India by inaugurating facilities in multiple cities. Post this expansion, the count has increased to 304 outlets in 164 cities countrywide compared to 274 facilities in 146 cities a few weeks ago.

The new outlets are spread across cities including Faridabad, Noida, Sriganaganagar, Jhansi, Shillong, Dimapur, Hosur, Kochi, Sanand, Raipur, Nashik, Chandrapur and Panvel in India. The company plans to expand its after sales and service network to over 500 outlets by next year.

Ford plans to enhance the ownership experience with the help of the newly introduced Happy Pocket Service. The scheduled services within this initiative start at Rs 2,199. Through this, the workshop personnel offer a vehicle report card check which includes replacement of the oil filter, sump gasket, use of semi synthetic engine oil and Ford genuine parts. This includes the labour charges and a car wash, which the company claims to be at a competitively lower price. With the help of this service, the owner is also kept updated about the number of times a part has been replaced on his vehicle. The main highlight of the Happy Pocket Service is the price transparency, which the company claims no other car maker offers in the country.

Ford India also launched two new Quick Lane Services in Nashik and Kochi. This service reduces the waiting period for a customer during the servicing of his car. Ford believes that with the introduction of such services they will be able to provide the necessary help and satisfaction a customer would expect from a manufacturer.

Nigel Harris, President, Ford India, said, “One of our key priorities is to make the Ford brand even more accessible to new customers across India. With a growing footprint of 304 sales and service facilities in 164 cities, we are making it convenient for customers to experience and enjoy our great brand.

“By opening new dealerships and service facilities to offering affordable spares and innovative after-sales service initiatives like Happy Pocket service, we are committed to go further in enhancing the ownership experience and offer peace of mind and convenience to our customers in the region.”

Apart from these initiatives and services Ford India is focused on offering many other customer focused initiatives such as parts at sub assembly levels for repairs, pan-India Roadside Assistance, 90 minute-Quick Service Bays and Mobile Service Vans; the ultimate aim being to make the brand more accessible. Ford’s plethora of new initiatives has reflected on the sales of its cars as well.

Ford's focus on sales and services has improved considerably since last year. They launched the EcoSport last year which has been enjoying a good demand in our country. However, the waiting period for the vehicle still hasn't decreased. Now with the company adding new products to its portfolio, the manufacturer desperately needs to expand its services while extending its reach further in new places. With this expansion plan, the manufacturer seems to have struck the right chord and might be able to deliver the much expected services.