FordDirect Opens E-Commerce Platform for Ford, Lincoln Retailers

FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford dealers, Lincoln retailers and Ford Motor Co. launched an e-commerce platform for dealer solutions called The Shop. The curated online shopping experience is designed for dealers to meet challenges of operating in the evolving retail automotive business beyond the products and services that FordDirect already provides to dealers.

The Shop, powered by FordDirect, provides dealers with access to vetted vendors that include prenegotiated prices for products and services that dealerships need so they spend less time searching for vendors and negotiating rates. It also provides a seamless way to learn about offerings and enroll in solutions for their stores.

The Shop will continue to add vendors that keep dealers ahead of the technological curve and offer dealership employees support and a source to get everyday supplies at a lower cost. Modeled after the best online shopping experiences, The Shop includes the following vendors:

• 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
• Work Truck Solutions, commercial truck and van digital marketing and inventory merchandising tools

“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. FordDirect continues to provide innovation that makes a difference to our operation,” said Brian Godfrey, President, Pat Milliken Ford and FordDirect Board Chairman.

FordDirect recognizes that dealerships face 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.

“As every facet of the auto industry transforms through technology, dealers tell us they 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 FordDirect CEO Dean 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.”

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today