A reader asked us to post this message on his behalf:
My question is one no one seems to want to talk about at Ford Motor Co. Fords newest parts program," Daily Parts Advantage ", seems like a fair and surprisingly well thought out program. I have always made it a game of sorts to try to figure out Fords eventual reasoning for such ideas, but this one has me puzzled. Would love to hear your comments on these plans.
I am the parts manager for a middle size dealership. Sales average 450k per month with a good steady wholesale business. Service drive rate sitting at about 86% with 4.2% no sale over 12 months inventory. Ford inventory stays around 480k. If I have been told correctly by a representative from Darell Hazels office, I still sit at getting an additional 3.5% on top of the 1% SOD given on the new plan. I have not seen the Ratio Sheet, as the rep called it, myself. This would still put me below the SOD I am getting now. So even though I have a clean inventory, service drive fill rate near normal and a purchase loyalty to Ford at around 55%, I feel like I have been stuck again. Do you see any downfalls in the program other than this?
Also the "Motorcraft Strategy" program seems like a good way to do away with the FAD's they have in place. 17% WINS on wholesaled parts is a no brainer! Why would I buy from the FAD we have been dealing with for the past 25 years? I have one FAD that will be powertrain parts only and another that will cover the motorcraft and chemicals. This leaves a gray area for certain parts that Ford will not tell me who will supply. as an example, RABS valves, basic #2B373, have been supplied by the Fad that will now be powertrain only and is not supplied by the PDC's or motorcraft.
I know I have vented to you just a tip of the problems with Fords parts division, but not getting anywhere with reps.
[This message has been edited by mbowers (edited 11-14-2001).]