FORD RETAIL LAUNCHES NEW PARTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

Called @first parts solutions, the new parts distribution organisation is set to become a major UK logistics business in its own right, providing same day delivery for a significantly extended range of parts. The new organisation sees the complete integration of the parts operations run by Ford Retail's trading brands of Brunel Ford, Dagenham Motors, Heartlands Ford and Polar Ford. It aims to offer major benefits to the 55 UK dealerships and sites in the Group, the 6,500 independent dealership and workshop customers it serves, and Ford itself. Commenting on the launch, Ford Retail's chief executive Chris Hayden, said: “Integrating our country-wide parts operation into a single new entity is the final stage in bringing together the separate businesses into a unified company following the acquisition of the trading brands just a few years ago. Our two year goal for @first is to be recognised as the Number 1 parts distributor in the UK specialising in Ford and Mazda.” John Cooper, Ford of Britain's director of Customer Services, added: “@first will play an important role in supporting Ford's parts operations throughout the UK and, as one of our key 3D partners, will also enable the deployment of a national same day parts delivery service.” Operating as a business in its own right, @first will be managed by a new senior management team headed by Angus Brown. “We've taken a clean sheet in setting up @first, putting customer needs first and foremost. We have a great team and superb facilities which will enable us to deliver industry-leading on-time parts supply. Our aim is to consistently deliver beyond our customers' expectations”, commented Angus Brown. @first will focus on increasing market share and developing sales through five key channels: trade, retail, dealership internal workshops, Ford dealers and via the Internet. The new organisation will see four main distribution centres established in Yorkshire, East and West London, and Bristol. Linking to these will be eight strategically located hub sites with Ford Retail's existing local dealership sites becoming ‘service parts points'. In addition, Iveco customers will continue to receive parts support in London and Essex from Ford Retail's Iveco dealerships in Barking, Hayes and Chelmsford as part of the organisation.