Ford Australia is now offering a new service called Ford Pick Up and Drop Off, a complimentary vehicle pick-up and drop off solution for when customers’ cars need servicing or warranty repair during the COVID-19 emergency.
The initiative is designed to make life easier for Australian customers during this time so they can focus on other things, knowing their vehicle is serviced and ready when they need it.
“The Ford Pick Up and Drop Off service provides our service customers the reassurance they can get necessary vehicle work completed without leaving home, and the peace of mind that their vehicle is disinfected afterwards,” said Kay Hart, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “We’re pleased to be working with our dealers to find ways to ensure customers can continue to enjoy uninterrupted and safe services during this time.”
The service will initially be available at participating dealers until 30 June 2020 and incorporates three main elements:
- Pick up and drop off for a customer’s vehicle when they book in a service or warranty repair
- Disinfection of key touch points of the customer’s vehicle
- Wide availability of cashless payment options
“We’re pleased to be able to offer extra convenience and peace of mind to customers during this difficult time,” said John Cooper, Chairman of the Ford Australia National Dealer Council. “These new services build on the strict hygiene and sanitation processes we’ve built in across the network.”
The disinfection process will involve thoroughly sanitising the interior and exterior surfaces of the vehicle. Major touch points will include:
- All exterior and interior door handles
- Steering wheel (including buttons)
- Centre console
- Gear shifter/selector (dial or handle)
- Park brake handle
- Radio/HVAC areas
- Touchscreen
- Engine start/stop button
- Driver’s door armrest and centre console
- Window/seat/mirror controls
- Rear view mirror
- Seatbelt buckle and anchor
- Rear boot lid tailgate button/handle
- Bonnet and latch
- Fuel door
- Key fob
Ford Australia says the dealer disinfection process includes an alcohol-based cleaner that is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral agent, which quickly and thoroughly sanitises hard surfaces without damaging plastics, elastomers and rubbers. These measures are designed to help ensure that participating Ford dealership staff and customers are protected, as well as customers’ vehicle paint and interior trims.