| February 16, 2010 |
Ford Announces Dealer Sustainability Program
Ford has partnered with Rocky Mountain Institute, a leading energy-efficiency organization to consult on new technologies and architectural design principles, at three dealerships in diverse climates.
The 'Go Green' dealer sustainability initiative will be integrated into the Ford's existing architecture to help dealers improve energy efficiency and lower operating costs.
The program was rolled out today at the 2010 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention.
Dealers interested in participating in the 'Go Green' Dealership Sustainability Program will first receive a comprehensive energy assessment from sustainability experts at Ford. After the thorough assessment is completed, Ford and the dealer will collaborate on energy-saving options available and will tailor a program to meet the needs of the dealer. This will be for dealers with existing facilities as well as those constructing new facilities.
Dealers who participate in the program will be able to take advantage of several benefits, including guidance on available State and Federal tax credits and incentives, as well as access to technical expertise and resources to assist with selection of energy-efficient products and equipment.
Ford is finalizing details to initiate a pilot program with three dealers located in Florida, New York and Nevada.
"We applaud Ford for their ongoing energy-efficiency efforts around the world," said Amory B. Lovins, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Scientist, Rocky Mountain Institute. "This initiative will have a positive impact participating dealers decrease their consumption of energy. Implementing these cost-effective solutions will also improve dealer's bottom line over the long-term."
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Comments By Readers
Lee,I tohguht my piece made it clear that the complex state franchise laws made it all but impossible for the U.S. to go this route, even though Ford, under CEO Jacques Nasser, tried to get around the restrictions, in several more company-friendly states, by using company-owned stores to test online-direct sales programs. That's the strategy in the UK, though I wonder if some franchisees will eventually be allowed to participate (or ask to be participants).Any dealer anywhere in the world who believes the Internet is not important is a fool and I believe that those are the dealers who eventually will be driven from the business. But I continue to believe that unlike most other retail purchases, the final step in the car buying process will continue to be at the showroom for most buyers in most markets for a long time to come.Paul A. EisensteinPublisher, TheDetroitBureau.com
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