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Ford Launches New Auto Care Facility

25 September 1998

Ford Launches New Auto Care Facility; Holmes Tuttle is the First Ford Dealer to Open Second Facility

    TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 24 -- Putting usually is practiced on
the golf course -- but at the new Auto Care center launched here today by Ford
Motor Company in conjunction with Holmes Tuttle Ford, customers can
sharpen their short game on a putting green while their vehicles are being
serviced.
    Located in Rancho Vistoso, this new Auto Care facility is the second
service center in Tucson to be opened by Holmes Tuttle Ford.  The dealer
opened the first Ford Auto Care facility in the nation in 1992 in the Midvale
Park-area of Tucson and is the first dealer to open a second center.
    In addition to a putting green outside the facility, customers will enjoy
convenient six-day-a-week service, a comfortable lounge and 10 service bays
where they can watch their vehicles being serviced and interact with
technicians.
    "This newest Auto Care is another step in Ford's effort to improve the
service delivery system for our customers," said Mike Lombardi, Business
Development manager, Ford Customer Service Division.  "Auto Care centers have
generated high levels of customer satisfaction and have been successful in
winning back Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners from the independent
aftermarket," he added.
    At Ford's other Auto Care centers, customer satisfaction levels indicate
overall satisfaction ratings of 9.7, based on a scale of 1-10.  "Our data
indicate that about 65 percent of the business has been recaptured from
independent service facilities," said Lombardi.
    Auto Care centers are service-only facilities that are owned and operated
by local Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers.  These stand-alone facilities are
located in high-traffic areas near shopping districts and office areas.  Full
vehicle maintenance is offered, including light warranty work, as well as
other light repairs such as tune-ups, alignments, brake repairs and oil
changes.
    The new Ford Auto Care facility is designed to blend with the architecture
of the Rancho Vistoso community.  The facility has a southwestern motif with
design features and colors that present an attractive and friendly atmosphere.
    "We're bringing the service function of the dealership to customers'
neighborhoods," said Stan Newton, executive vice president of Holmes Tuttle
Ford.  "Auto Care's focus is about how and where customers receive the service
they need -- conveniently and efficiently.  We're excited to be opening our
second facility in the Tucson area."
    In addition to the two Auto Care service centers in Tucson, Ford has Auto
Care facilities in Nagatuck, Conn.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Topeka, Kan.; and
Irvine, Calif.