Ford Direct

In this issue...

What's New at FordDirect
Experience increased site stability and performance – Vehicle Locator now managed by FordDirect

Great News! Effective February 5th, 2012, the transition of online inventory services to FordDirect will begin with the D2D Vehicle Locator website. This is the first of many enhancements that will be made this year.

The February 5th Vehicle Locator transition will be seamless – with the same look, feel, login and user preferences as before. Even up-fit information and dealer trade flags will be migrated to the new platform. It’s as simple as updating any bookmarks you may have and you begin to experience the benefits of the transition.

Mark your calendar for February 4 – 6. It's time to visit FordDirect at NADA

You have been given an All Access Pass and are invited to a VIP experience at the FordDirect display in the Ford booth at NADA, February 4 – 6. FordDirect will be providing you with a private VIP Dealer lounge with refreshments, Internet access and a quiet place to meet with FordDirect representatives. You can also schedule a one-on-one meeting with your Regional Operations Manager to review your FordDirect services.

Dealer Spotlight
Happy New Year!! What New Year's resolution or plans do you have for your Internet department for 2012?

Comment on Success
Tasca Ford Lincoln, Cranston, RI and Seekonk, MA

EDITOR'S NOTE: Bob Tasca Jr. of Tasca Ford and Lincoln was quoted in an article on Bloomberg.com about the successful December U.S. auto Dealers experienced. We thought we would find out what role the Internet played in Tasca's sales so we talked to Bob Tasca III to find out.

FD: Bob, the Bloomberg article said Tasca sells about 400 cars and trucks a month. What role does the Internet play in those sales?

TASCA: It plays a huge role. We survey our customers after purchase and ask if they visit Tasca.com, which is a gateway to all our sites. Year-to-date 88% visited our site at some point in the purchase of their vehicle. That's huge. Tasca.com is our virtual showroom and we take as much care of it as we do our showroom.

FD: You have Ford and Lincoln franchises in two different cities. Do you have separate Internet departments and managers or how are they set up?

TASCA: We centralize everything. All of the leads come into one location. They're handled by a team of four people. They handle phone and Internet leads. We have a process of how we handle the incoming lead. The main goal is to set an appointment with a salesperson at the most convenient location.

Industry Update

Ford shares Facebook marketing results
And the next big ad battleground is…
All signs positive for paid search and video and Internet ad revenue
Get ready for mobile Facebook ads