New program launches next year.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the automotive landscape for good, from how we buy cars to maintaining them. Customers no longer have to set foot in a dealership if they don't want to. Dealerships and automakers have adapted to this new reality by allowing shoppers to finalize pricing, arrange financing, and even negotiate trade-in prices from the comfort of their own homes. Dealer representatives will come to buyers' homes for test drives and final delivery. And now it appears Ford has fully embraced online shopping with a new program.
CarsDirect has obtained a dealership memo stating the new program is called Ford Express Buy whose goal is to make the buying and leasing process more similar to that of regular online shopping, such as on Amazon.
The automaker hasn't commented yet on this report but the new program's details sound interesting. Here's how it'll work. Ford customers will be able to shop dealer-price inventory online, then select payment options, and receive a trade-in value backed by Ford. They can select all options and accessories, apply and receive credit approval, and sign the paperwork remotely. Again, no need to go to the dealer.
If all goes to plan, the Blue Oval aims to launch the program in spring 2021 and every vehicle will be eligible, from the Ford Mustang to the always popular F-150.
By the middle of next year, Ford Express Buy will expand its financing and insurance options and add other convenience features. There's a strong likelihood this program will be successful because consumers have now gotten used to online shopping in general. A big purchase like a new vehicle can be stressful but doing so from home helps to ease the process.
Also just announced is a new program called Ford Blue Advantage whose sole goal is to make it easier to purchase certified used vehicles. All of Ford's 3,100 US dealers will participate. Both programs are part of newly appointed CEO Jim Farley's aim to appeal to tech-savvy shoppers and grab an even greater market share.
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