As more buyers opt for quality second hand cars, Ford Ireland tells us that it and its network of dealers around the country have put in place a new used car programme called Ford Select (www.fordselect.ie ). It promises quality used cars that provides the highest levels of assurance to Irish customers.
“Let’s face it, second hand car sales have traditionally had an image problem,” says Ford Ireland chief, Eddie Murphy. “There was always a certain element of ‘hope for the best’ when buying a second hand car. Our new Ford Select programme is aimed at taking the worry out of second hand car sales.”
Ford tells us that in preparing the Ford Select programme, it and its dealer network identified five key concerns of an average second hand buyer, and at each stage built into the programme solutions that answer each of those concerns:
1. Untrustworthy claims of the dealer: It says that all Ford Select cars undergo a 101-point AA Autocheck audit providing independent third party verification as to the quality of the vehicle.
2. Mechanical problems with the car: All Ford Select cars come with a 12-month dealer guarantee.
3. Roadside assistance in event of break down: All Ford Select cars come with free 12-month AA Rescue Cover.
4. Past history of the car: Once a customer has found his/here ideal car on the Ford Select website, a full motorcheck vehicle history report can be downloaded for free (normally costs €35 ).
5. Financing the deal: Recently, availability of finance has been an issue for people seeking to buy a second hand vehicle, but as part of the Ford Select programme, easy, competitive finance is available via Ford credit.
The programme encompasses both Ford and non-Ford cars sold through participating Ford dealers.
Production milestone for Europe’s best-selling car
Ford's hot new Ford Fiesta has become the fastest-selling model ever to wear that famous name badge, with the 250,000th example coming off the Cologne assembly line today, just nine months after the car went on sale.
No previous Fiesta model has reached this milestone in such a short period of time.
In Ireland the car was named as Semperit Irish Small Car of the Year for 2009. With some 1,662 models sold in the first quarter, Fiesta has taken the number two slot in this year’s sales charts in Ireland, second only to its big brother, the Ford Focus. That level of success is replicated across Europe. In March European sales soared to 52,800, earning the Fiesta the title of Europe's best-selling car, according to UK automotive business consultancy, JATO Dynamics.
The Fiesta has also established itself as the best-selling model in the UK for the fifth consecutive month. In Germany, Fiesta had its best March since 1998.
"The new Fiesta has been a tremendous hit with consumers since it went on sale all over Europe," said Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland. "Customers are attracted to Fiesta by its design, the driving experience, and affordability of the car."
Since the very first Fiesta was launched in 1976, more than 12 million have been sold worldwide with some 160,000 sold in Ireland.
