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Jed Boal ReportingWhile the job cuts mean tough times in manufacturing towns, Ford dealers here in Utah say they welcome the restructuring. They hope the changes enable them to compete at a higher level.
No panic today at LaPoint Ford in Murray
Tom LaPoint, LaPoint Ford: "We're optimistic about where Ford's going. We're excited that they're paying attention to their business."
This Utah Ford dealer has his focus on the future.
Larry Cutler, LaPoint Ford General Sales Manager: "Imports have been constantly gaining ground on us. It's time we restructure the program and get lean and mean."
The dealers sell the cars and trucks Ford builds on the line. They are excited about the opportunity to sell more cars the customers demand.
Tom LaPoint: "We'll have a new model that we'll be introducing every six months between now and 2010."
That could help repair the lagging sales of SUV's. The Escape Hybrid sells well and the company will introduce versions of the Explorer and the F-150 truck.
Larry Cutler: "It's our number one seller, and that's what we hang our hat on here."
Tom LaPoint says he and other dealers got the news at their winter meetings and all were eager to move forward.
Tom LaPoint: "Very positive as far as we're concerned. The health of the mother company is critical for our dealer body to be healthy."
The local dealer says sales have picked up in recent months. The Ford history and brand loyalty have helped the company cruise for years. LaPoint believes most Ford car and truck customers will not be discouraged by restructuring up the line.
Tom LaPoint: "I think the consumers see it as a positive, that the company is paying attention to their cost structure."
Customer incentives increase in times of tough competition with better rebates and better interest rates; that means lower payments for the customer.
