Ford dealers closing?

XplosiveR6 · 08-04-2008, 06:19 PM

Just noticed the other day, in Vermont, Melbourne. Etheridge ford have closed down and has now been taken over by a holden dealer. This too me is quite worrying, its bad enough that a ford dealer has shut down, but for the main competitor to have the cash to take over it isn't a good sign.
Whats your thoughts? Any other ford dealers that have closed down recently?

XR6_190 · 08-04-2008, 07:46 PM

Another one to close recently was Harrison Ford in Melton, Vic. Allegedly due to fraud issues. I'm not suggesting the two are related, but then again stranger things have happened.

It's sad to see it claimed by the dark side though.

**Elks** · 08-04-2008, 07:58 PM

Ethridge haven't closed they just stopped using two sites 5km apart.

The Ringwood branch is still up and running.

Conversely Patto's have closed there Ringwood sales operations and moved to Vermont.

one all.

Smoke Pursuit · 08-04-2008, 08:07 PM

Yep, one of the big QLD dealers is closing one of its yards... Hard times ahead it seems.

Yaw · 08-04-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSTerritoryGhia

Yep, one of the big QLD dealers is closing one of its yards... Hard times ahead it seems.

Which one?
It would not suprise me if its Byrne.

Jab · 08-04-2008, 09:25 PM

Daughter works for a large dealer, hope it's not hers ! Nah thinking about it, it wouldn't be that one.

Funny isn't it there a some you wish they would close for various reasons, but that said not good for any workers whom then find themselves looking for a job. Particularly in these times.

Jim.

csv8 · 09-04-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSTerritoryGhia

Yep, one of the big QLD dealers is closing one of its yards... Hard times ahead it seems.

Which one ???? There aren't too many in Brizvegas.

GS608 · 09-04-2008, 08:48 AM

could be anywhere in QLD though csv8

mrxy8 · 09-04-2008, 11:29 AM

On a happier note, Kaputar Ford here in Narrabri is doing quite well. they expanded into the lot next door to them and just a couple of weeks ago, they took over a private dealers yard here in town. They would have to be the biggest car dealer in town now.

MYVYSS · 09-04-2008, 12:15 PM

Knox ford is going thru a multi million dollar re furb and fit out...they should have two new showrooms open in a couple of days and then are re building the entire site..

I was there on the weekend test driving possibly my next purchase...Hello Territory

DanielXR8 · 09-04-2008, 01:00 PM

You would have to think that Ford Aust will be looking at closing some dealers at some point. Smaller market share means you need less dealers, so the remaining each gets a good portion of the remaining market.

Buying out dealers and closing them has been going on for a while now in the USA.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/b...g-dealerships/

I would think its only a matter of time before Ford Aust is told to reorganise the dealer network to make them more profitable and probably more compliant, given their track record.

Dan

csv8 · 09-04-2008, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrxy8

On a happier note, Kaputar Ford here in Narrabri is doing quite well. they expanded into the lot next door to them and just a couple of weeks ago, they took over a private dealers yard here in town. They would have to be the biggest car dealer in town now.

I thought the drought had killed country sales ???

**Peuty** · 09-04-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

I thought the drought had killed country sales ???

No so grasshopper. Rod Gibson Ford in Goondiwindi is booming.

Lightning Strike XR6 · 09-04-2008, 05:02 PM

Sunshine Ford are also doing a refurb.

They will be there for the long run.