If successful, Ford may roll out the program nationwide next year, says Mark Robinson, market manager of accessories for Ford Customer Service. Often a customer who buys a new vehicle also wants accessories. Typically, dealers use a local installer to add accessories because it can be done more quickly. Under Ford's plan, it will contract with a local distributor to stock Ford parts and provide home installation. But Ford has to persuade dealers to use the distributor instead of the local installer.
Some dealers say they like working with local installers.
Other dealers say Ford's program makes sense. This could be more convenient for customers. The aftermarket industry says Ford dealers may stick with a trusted local installer. Competition is nothing new. When the dealer chooses to do business, he often chooses to do it with another small business.