88 Ford dealerships opened in a single day!
88 dealerships opening in a single day, seems impossible? Not really. Last Thursday, China witnessed the inauguration of this many number of Ford dealerships in a single day. This record initiative, easily depicts the multifold growth story from the American auto major in China, which is world's fastest growing car market. Ford China's sales showed 39 percent over-all growth to 4,61,473 vehicles, with 53%, 67%, 28%, 29%, and 32% respective sales figures for first five months of 2014.
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Taking the total number of showrooms to 750, the majority of these outlets are in the non-metro cities that will help the company to firm its foot for the future economic development and day-by-day increasing vehicle demand. Almost three-quarters of the total outlets is run by a local Chinese joint venture- Changan Ford Automobile Company. The inauguration ceremony was even attended by Ford's CEO Alan Mulally, who is about to quit in few weeks. He flew specially in to oversee the opening of one shop, the Shanghai Jiuhua West Dealership.
“With the growth momentum we have going right now, we expect to exceed 800 dealer points in China by the end of 2014,” said Marin Burela, president and CEO of Changan Ford.
Contrary to such rapid growth, Ford entered late in the Chinese market, but now is on a growth chariot and is expanding by leaps and bounds to become a leading player. Expansion in the dealership network is also a part of strategy on marking its lead in smaller cities and in the central and western parts of the country, which are still on a developing note.
Is the manufacturer ready for this brisk expansion or growth, over this Ford said, “We are more than ready. Among other approaches, Changan Ford delivers technical training in partnership with 19 top vocational schools and universities across China through a “School to Work” program.” it added, “This rise in sales has both underlined the need for dealer network expansion and attracted new dealers to the Ford brand.”
Even in India, Ford has witnessed steep rise in the sales, thanks to the Ecosport. Last month, the American manufacturer sold 6,053 units as against 4002 units last year, thereby witnessing a growth of 51%.
