COLOGNE, Germany, March 24, 2020 – Despite the coronavirus crisis requiring that many people remain in their homes, for some drivers, companies and organisations, being able to travel by car or van sometimes remains essential.
Ford is helping to ensure that customers can still rely on their vehicles through rolling out a “No Touch” service. This ensures that cars and vans are thoroughly sanitised before being returned after repairs and servicing.
Although some Ford dealerships are now temporarily closed as governments respond to public safety concerns, many workshops are staying open, even in countries that are worst affected by the crisis. This includes Italy, where the initiative was first introduced earlier this month.
“We know there still are delivery drivers who need to transport everything from groceries to medical supplies, and customers who might be shopping or dropping off essential supplies to elderly relatives,” said Massimo Pasanisi, Ford Customer Services Division, sales director, Ford of Europe. “‘No Touch’ servicing provides customers the reassurance they can get necessary vehicle work completed with the peace of mind that their vehicle is sanitised afterwards.”
For the service, drivers wear disposable gloves and vehicle keys are sanitised as well as the interior. The steering wheel, gear stick and driver’s seat are all protected using disposable plastic covers that are removed when the vehicle is returned to the customer.
Included as part of the service is a video check that enables customers to clearly see and approve the work that is recommended – and how much it costs. The video check can be accessed through any compatible device such as a smartphone, tablet or computer. In those markets where customers receive a courtesy car, this too is sanitised prior to handover.
“No Touch” servicing has already been rolled out to many European countries including Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK. It will be extended throughout Europe this week.
Ford Credit
Ford Credit Europe offers a variety of ways to help vulnerable customers regardless of the situation. These include reduced payments, payment extensions, and payment holidays.
The company has also introduced additional special measures to help anyone leasing or financing their car through Ford Credit to offset the potential economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
These include extended payment arrangements, payment holidays, cancellation of late fees and charges, and flexibility on payment methods.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 190,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 46,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 61,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 19 manufacturing facilities (12 wholly owned facilities and seven unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
