Customer Announcement ... Don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere!
We wanted to let you know, as you may have read in the press, that Ford have chosen to dramatically cut the size of their UK Sales Dealer Network; deciding to dramatically shake up their operations, with many cars such as KA, Fiesta and from 2025, Focus no longer being produced.
We currently hold 2 Franchise Agreements with Ford - a Retail Dealer (Sales) agreement and an Authorised Repairer (Service, Repairs and Warranty) agreement.
Ford have decided that they now only want new vehicle sales to be represented in the UK by larger Dealerships. Along with every other smaller Retail Dealer, despite our 77 years of trading and around 50 years of loyalty to Ford and multiple-award winning service, we have been instructed that this will be Cuff Miller’s final year selling brand-new Ford Cars.
We will be continuing to offer quality nearly-new and used vehicles for the foreseeable future and new cars up until 31st December 2024.
Our Ford Franchise for Service, Parts, Aftersales and Warranty will remain unchanged – we can continue servicing, repairing and caring for your vehicle and carry out warranty repairs exactly as we always have done.
We have complied a Q&A list, if there is anything not covered then please just ask – the foundation of our success is trust and honesty.
Questions and Answers –
Why are you announcing this now?
In short, we prefer to be upfront with our customers, and let you know first hand.
We appreciate many of you would also like the opportunity to purchase a new car from us in 2024, whilst there is opportunity to do so.
What will the effect be on staffing?
No staff will be made unemployed and there will be no effect on our service and repair team. Paul will continue to provide the very best levels of customer care and attention in our Sales Department, ably assisted by Teresa.
If I’d like to order a new car, when is the last time I can place an order with you?
We would advise to do this ASAP. However, if you order a new car from us and it doesn’t arrive by the end of 2024, arrangements will be made for delivery via an alternative Dealership for you to collect it from and complete the transaction.
What about Motability Customers?
We will be working with Ford to identify the nearest possible sales point. However, we will still be able to do all the service and maintenance of it like we always have done.
How does this affect me if I've recently bought a new car from yourselves?
It doesn’t. We can still provide Ford Servicing and Warranty work and help with any questions on your finance package. When you come to the end of your finance term or are ready to change again, just call in to see us and we'll advise on your options to keep the car or renew it.
Why are Ford doing this?
Good question. Unfortunately, we are not permitted to offer our qualified and expert opinion on the matter and have not been consulted by Ford.
How do Cuff Miller feel about this?
We are naturally disappointed. We've been very successfully partnered with Ford since 1975, selling tens of thousands of cars whilst maintaining the very best levels of Customer Service. Whilst Ford must do what they think is right, it still hurts that despite our loyalty and commitment we are being cast aside from the Sales franchise. Along with the rest of the Ford Retail Dealer network, this was not our choice, nor were we given any other option.
How many Dealerships does this affect?
Whilst we are unaware of precise numbers, ultimately, around “half the Dealer network” is the number frequently quoted by Motor Trade press articles on the matter.
What is the future for Cuff Miller?
We have been in business for 77 years, and we certainly intend to continue for at least another 77 years, and 77 years after that. We are currently in discussions with other Manufacturers with vehicle ranges that best represent what our customers demand, considering the options the reduced Ford range now offers.
In the meantime, we will continue to sell high quality pre-owned vehicles, offer servicing for most makes and models; repairs and warranty work on Ford vehicles and models and of course great value unleaded and diesel Esso fuel.
Cuff Miller has seen a great deal of change and challenges over the last 77 years, from recessions to a pandemic and everything in between. Two constants however, are the loyalty and trust of you, our customers, and the loyalty and dedication of the team that works here. Between us all we have, at time of writing, over 262 years of experience and just three of our staff have over 100 years….! I thank you sincerely for your custom, but most importantly, your kind support.
I am fiercely proud of what we have worked so hard to build and I have absolutely no intention to let these changes jeopardise our future – watch this space for what’s next for Cuff Miller.
Thank you.
James Baxter
Dealer Principal