The Shop is now open for dealers at Ford and Lincoln.
FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford dealers, Lincoln retailers and Ford Motor Company, announced Jan. 16 the launch of a new e-commerce platform for dealer solutions called The Shop.
The company’s e-commerce will provide dealers with access to vetted vendors that include pre-negotiated prices for products and services that dealerships need. Company officials offer this will help dealers spend less time searching for vendors and negotiating rates, give them a seamless way to learn about offerings and enroll in new solutions for their stores.
Online Offerings
“Because we already trust and rely on FordDirect for our digital needs that help us run our business, we look forward to The Shop becoming a place to find additional solutions outside of what’s currently provided,” said Brian Godfrey, President, Pat Milliken Ford and FordDirect Board Chair in a press statement. “FordDirect continues to provide innovation that makes a difference to our operation.”
Modeled after the best online shopping experiences, the following vendors at launch include:
- Better Car People, a comprehensive business development center (BDC) engagement platform;
- ComplyAuto, a leading dealership compliance software platform for privacy, security, safety/HR, F&I and more;
- OfferLogix, a soft pull credit pre-qualification service;
- Stella Automotive AI, One AI solution for a unified experience across all dealership channels;
- Velocity Automotive, Reconditioning Management Software, Automated Digital Vehicle Portfolios, or both;
- Volie, automotive call center software for BDCs;
- WarrCloud, a warranty processing technology platform; and
- Work Truck Solutions, commercial truck and van digital marketing and inventory merchandising tools
The platform will continue to add vendors that keep dealers ahead of the technological curve as well as offering dealership employees support and becoming a source to get everyday supplies at a lower cost
Helping Dealers
FordDirect official recognizes dealerships are facing an increasing demand for day-to-day resources, including meeting customer expectations, complying with regulations, managing employees, updating technology, and planning sales events. The Shop is designed to create more efficiencies and cost savings so that dealerships can focus on core activities.
Dean Stoneley, FordDirect CEO, explained the new offering comes after feedback from dealers who are more challenged than ever to stay current while meeting their business goals.
“ We didn’t just listen. We acted to provide a solution that meets their needs,” said Stoneley. “The Shop is now open to help Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers spend more time doing what they do best while also supporting FordDirect’s mission as a trusted partner and resource to find the best vendors in the market for all of their needs.”