Own a Ford dealership with a repair shop? Should your mechanics and body repair crew desire to the ability to repair the new aluminium F-150, then prepare to seek certification with a substantial price tag.
At a National Automobile Dealers Association meeting this weekend, the Blue Oval announced a certification program for Ford dealers with repair shops in order to be able to work on the new F-150s. The program — which includes tooling upgrades alongside training — will range between $30,000 and $50,000, though Ford will pitch in with $10,000 for each dealership's shop upgrade and certification.
The move goes against an earlier statement made by the automaker, which did not require dealer-owned repair facilities to be certified to work on the aluminum-bodied truck. However, the certification is in line with requirements from German automakers whose lineups include vehicles heavily utilizing the metal.
Dealers who opt for certification claim that by doing so, they would have exclusivity — and more business — around F-150 repairs such as the ones that might be required by the new F-150. Ford also hopes the strategy pays off for their dealer network's shops, as 80 percent of repair work performed on their offerings are done by independent repair shops.
Ford also outlined its strategy for making the vehicle easier to repair, with the trucks being built in a modular fashion that allows for a cheaper, easier method of replacing damaged components. Aside from ease of repair, Ford also aimed at keeping insurance premiums in line with the current truck, so as not to ward off buyers who feared excessive insurance costs.
from The Truth About Cars http://ift.tt/Jh8LjA
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