I-CAR Australia CEO Richard Pratt today announced that it had reached agreement with Ford Motor Company of Australia, to develop and deliver model specific information sessions for the new model vehicles to be released by Ford in Australia during 2015.
“I-CAR was the successful tender for the program which will also involve facilitation of live Eeent launches of five new models due this year. Ford will be using its Ford Connect web based connection with its dealers across the country to ensure the most effective coverage to the entire collision repair industry via its dealership parts departments,” said Pratt.
Ford Customer Service Division General Manager Stephen Kruk added “Ford is very excited about this new initiative. We see this as a great way to ensure our customers can be confident that the integrity and safety of their vehicle is maintained after a crash repair. We want to ensure that the industry is equipped with the skills, information and network to deal with ever advancing technology and procedures. This initiative shows how serious we are about building relationships and providing ongoing parts support for our customers. Bringing together repairers, insurers, dealers and suppliers will deliver a customer repair experience that benefits everyone in the chain.”
Under the arrangement, Ford will provide I-CAR with the necessary technical specifications for the new models, including schematics and diagrams of the vehicle structures. It has already fielded enquiries from both repairers and insurers alike regarding the proposed new courses. At new vehicle launch, the courses will be available solely through the Ford Dealer
network. Ford is currently considering wider distribution following launch.
“This initiative by Ford is a further example of the seriousness with which the leading OEM’s view collision repair in maintaining the structural integrity of accident damaged vehicles. It is very much seen as an added benefit to the market, and is supported by the recent activity surrounding access to the manufacturer’s technical information and repair procedures” said Pratt.
