Ford Ireland has launched a unique sales and marketing initiative to help small and medium-sized businesses weather the difficult economic climate.
The package of up to €10 million, which involves a repayment holiday until summer 2010 on all new Ford vans purchased, comes as commercial vehicle sales have been falling sharply in tandem with a slowdown in economic activity.
“Commercial vehicles are essential to the functioning of thousands of businesses around Ireland, and Ford has long been the main supplier of these vehicles,” says Eddie Murphy, managing director of Ford Ireland. “That need does not necessarily lessen in today’s climate, but the cash flow implications of acquiring a new van can be an obstacle.
“The ‘let’s keep Ireland moving’ programme will allow operators the comfort of a break in monthly repayments until summer 2010 - by which time we all hope the economy is back on track. We know this can mean the difference between make or break for profitable but cash-strapped businesses.”
Ford says the 18-month payment holiday is based on a business trading in a commercial vehicle, or paying a deposit, to the value of 50 per cent of the new van price. The programme, in conjunction with Ford Credit, will feature a dedicated website with a guide for small businesses on how to keep transport costs in check in difficult times, as well as details on the finance offer and the entire range of Ford vans.
There is no disputing that for more than 40 years the Ford Transit has been an ever-present in the evolution of the Irish economy, clocking up millions of miles through the infrastructural progress of the late 60s, the export drive of the 70s, the recessionary 80s, and the Celtic Tiger of the late 90s. With sales of more than 60,000 units over those decades, thousands of business customers, large and small, from myriad sectors, have chosen the vehicle to power their businesses.
“The Ford commercial vehicle has been part of the industrial landscape in Ireland for half a century,” says Eddie Murphy. “Its sales have mirrored the fortunes of our economy. Now, more than ever, we need to keep the country moving, and this initiative is Ford’s input to that challenge.”
