FORD REDUCES PRICE OF COLLISION REPAIR PARTS

[Steve]

FORD REDUCES PRICE OF COLLISION REPAIR PARTS

BRENTWOOD, 21 April, 2004 – As part of a continuing drive by Ford to make collision repair costs as competitive as possible, customers can now save up to 22 per cent on the retail price of many genuine, fully warranted Ford collision repair parts for older Ka, Fiesta, Escort, Mondeo and Transit models.

Significant savings can be made on bumpers, front wings, door panels, bonnets, headlamps, radiators and radiator grilles – the parts most likely to need replacing after an accident – and the price reductions are applicable to vehicles registered between 1989 and 2000, depending on the model and part.

The reductions will help to ensure that loyal Ford customers continue to receive the best value for money when having their vehicles repaired. The models to which the price reductions apply account for over 60 per cent of Ford vehicles on the road today, so many motorists will benefit.

John Cooper, Director of Ford Customer service Division, commented: "Ford customers already benefit from some of the lowest repair costs in the industry. However, we’re determined to drive costs down even more, while continuing to ensure complete customer satisfaction. That includes offering customers the confidence and quality of genuine, fully warranted Ford replacement parts at the most competitive prices possible."

Research consistently indicates that customers prefer the quality assurance that comes from using Ford Original Equipment (OE) parts, not least because this removes any uncertainty regarding the continued protection of the remaining Ford total vehicle corrosion warranty of up to 12 years. The use of OE parts also ensures compliance with Ford’s rigorous safety standards.

Similarly, repairers prefer working with OE parts because they provide peace of mind to customers, are readily available, fit more accurately and easily, and therefore improve workshop efficiency and repair times for customers.

Keith Reed, Ford's Collision Repair Marketing Manager, said: "The aim of our collision repair pricing strategy is to make Ford genuine parts and Ford Accident Repair Centres the natural choice for all our customers. Ford’s recommended retail price reductions are intended to benefit insurers, bodyshops and Ford owners who have to pay for repairs out of their own pockets, which is often the case with older vehicles."