Ford’s new allocation of Lincoln dealerships worries small-town dealers
By Steph, 23 Nov, 2010. 0 Comments
2011 Lincoln MKX
Ken Czubay, Ford's vice president of U.S. vehicle sales, service and marketing, says Lincoln dealerships in the top 130 U.S. markets will get about 85 percent of Lincoln's inventory. This move is putting small-town dealers on edge. The apportionment to bigger markets (higher than their usual share) is part of Lincoln's plan to cut its dealership roster and nudge dealers to invest in operations and improve customer service.
The new allocation is expected in 2011, for the 2012 model year at the latest. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Czubay said that Ford is working with small dealers to help them decide if they can manage to stay in business.
A rural Lincoln dealer says 12 percent of Lincoln production goes to rural markets. He adds that if 500 stay, that 12 percent is not enough to feed them. Lincoln spokesman Christian Bokich says about half of Lincoln's 1.200 dealerships are in small markets. [via autonews - sub. required]
Latest Auto Shows
