Can you af-Ford it?
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FORD is rationalising its heavy commercial dealer network, and will decide within days which 45 dealers will handle the bulk of business for its Transcontinental and Deutz-engined Cargo ranges.
At one time the company had 108 dealers for the Transconti, which is now built by Sandbach Engineering on a contract basis, but it is streamlining this network in line with the market for the heavier vehicles.
A Ford spokesman explained that efforts are now being made to ensure that the Transconti and Deutz Cargo are as profitable for their dealers as other vehicles in the Ford range. Dealers are being selected on a geographical basis.
Ford is also considering the possibilities for a new factory in Portugal, which would help meet EEC demand for the company's products once that country joins the EEC. No decision has yet been taken about which Ford products would be built there, and whether they will include commercials.