Ford Solutions — Life after the purchase

There comes a time in any car owner’s life when the honeymoon ends. After weeks spent deliberating on which car to get, not to mention months (maybe years) saving for the downpayment if not the whole amount that the dealer’s asking for the car, the time will come when parts need to be serviced, repaired, maybe even replaced. And while most cars usually come with a 2-year warranty, that normally doesn’t cover the little bits and pieces that need to be periodically replaced, such as oil filters and spark plugs. Scheduled maintenance aside, there’s insurance to think about, and the rare accident or two that could happen in the middle of the night.

Lately, of course, Ford Group Philippines has been on a roll with the success of the Mazda 3, the recent addition of its sister Ford Focus, and aggressive marketing strategies for its SUV lineup of the Everest, Escape, Expedition and Explorer. To address any "what if?" concerns by potential buyers about long-term Ford ownership, and probably to forever erase any bad memories of Ford’s pull-out back in the highly unstable 80s which left more than a few Telstar and Laser owners hanging, it now has "Ford Solutions". The latter refers to worry-free ownership plans that provide accident and/or loss coverage, quick-response Emergency Roadside Assistance, cost-effective vehicle maintenance, and comprehensive vehicle warranty protection. Intended as a one-stop shop of services for when a buyer signs up for financing through Ford Credit, Ford Solutions offers a hassle-free approach to vehicle maintenance and "rainy day" situations.

A Scheduled Service Plan, for example, is tied to the financing contract term. The pre-paid vehicle maintenance plan guarantees the use of genuine Ford parts and service; great news for owners that loathe thinking of where to source parts and where to have their cars fixed. Meanwhile, a Premium Extended Warranty extends the original vehicle warranty and covers all the mechanical and electrical components of the vehicle. For those worried about the car’s resale value, it’s also transferable to the next owner.

Also included is comprehensive vehicle insurance tied in with the Ford Credit finance contract. A first-to-market manufacturer branded insurance program, it covers own damage, theft, voluntary 3rd Party Liability, Compulsory 3rd Party Liability, and free Auto Passenger Personal Accident coverage as well. Better yet, it includes a free Loss of Use allowance, automatic repair authorization, a guaranteed use of genuine Ford parts in all repairs, and even a free Finance Gap, which covers the shortfall between the outstanding balance of a customer’s financing and the amount paid by Ford Solutions Comprehensive Insurance in the event of a total loss.

Finally, if a customer’s Ford ever breaks down, he or she can avail of Emergency Roadside Assistance. The package includes towing, a flat tire change, battery jump start, fuel delivery, relay of urgent messages, information on emergency facilities, and arrangement of alternate transport and medical evacuation via a 24/7 service call center. Available since this Monday (August 15) at all Metro Manila and Visayas Ford Dealerships, Ford Solutions Worry-Free Ownership plans will be available for the Ford Escape, Everest, Expedition, Explorer, and Focus.