FORD Australia and Angle Auto Finance have launched an initiative under which Angle Auto will operate and manage car loans for Ford customers and dealers, giving customers another option for financing their new Ford.
Called Ford Finance, it replaces MyFord Finance.
The companies said in a statement that the Ford Finance offering “will be deeply integrated within the overall Ford brand experience”.
“With the majority of Australians financing their vehicle purchase, a key focus of this evolution is the customer purchase journey.
“Ford buyers can benefit from comprehensive online options, creating a streamlined application and account management experience.
“The goal is to create one connected customer journey that extends throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle, making financing simpler and more convenient than ever before,” the statement said.
Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson said Ford Finance was designed to create an easier pathway for Ford buyers to finance their purchases.“I think we all know that almost every car in Australia is financed, and we also know through our experience on our customer surveys and just talking to customers every day, that often the finance experience is the worst part of their car-buying experience; it’s the part that’s messy, it’s confusing and often there are multiple parties involved.
“What Ford Finance brings, though, is the ability to bring that all into the Ford ecosystem, aiming to make it seamless and transparent and far easier for the customer.
“So ultimately, when a customer buys a Ford car and they finance that with Ford Finance, they should end up having a better customer experience overall,” Mr Henderson said.
Mr Henderson said: “I think when you’re buying such a big purchase, for most people it is the second or first biggest purchase of their life, that should be a simple part. They should have confidence and security that they know they’ve made the right decision on the finance as well as on the vehicle.”
Ford Finance said its offering provides tailored solutions for different needs:
- For individual customers: Fixed rate consumer loans are available, designed to make financing a personal vehicle straightforward. Customers can benefit from personalised rates, flexible term options, and choices like balloon payments, guaranteed future value, or deposit adjustments. This allows each loan to be tailored to fit individual financial circumstances and preferences.
- For businesses: Recognising the vital role work vehicles play, Ford Finance offers commercial loans with flexible terms. These solutions are designed to help businesses manage cash flow effectively, whether they are expanding their fleet or upgrading existing vehicles. It’s about making it easy for businesses to power their operations with the Ford vehicles they need.
- A standout feature within the Ford Finance offering is the guaranteed future value (GFV) program. With GFV, customers gain peace of mind and flexibility at the end of their loan term. They have clear choices: they can keep their vehicle, trade it in for another Ford, or return it to their participating Ford dealer depending on program terms and conditions. This provides clarity and control over their vehicle ownership future.
Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO Andrew Birkic said the company was “really excited about joining forces with Angle Auto”.
“Finance is a really important part of the brand experience, and we believe it’s an extension of the product. We look forward to Ford Finance becoming an even stronger part of our story, giving customers a great option for their financing,” Mr Birkic said.
Angle Auto Finance CEO Aaron Baxter said that the Ford Australia and Angle Auto Finance relationship “introduces a comprehensive finance offering that supports both Ford Australia’s customers and its dealers. Ford Finance will deliver high-quality finance products and a seamless, supportive experience that’s distinctly Ford”.
“The new Ford Finance offering is really designed to turn each Ford dealership’s finance function into a powerful driver of incremental profit and incremental car sales.
“We want to launch a world class performance improvement program designed to really optimise Ford’s finance functions within the dealership,” Mr Baxter said.
The companies said that Ford Finance would create a dedicated Ford commercial team. It would create dedicated Ford Finance dealer managers and dedicated wholesale managers and would be offering “a faster turnaround and more customer-centric engagement model”.
Angle Auto Finance CCO Craig Neville said: “Through the online customer hub, customers can manage their quote, interact, change terms and customise their finance. That creates a better customer experience.”
Ford Australia director of CX and sales John Hatzimanolis said it was “really important for dealers to support the Ford Finance program.”
“Dealers are the primary point of contact for customers seeking finance, and their enthusiasm and knowledge about Ford Finance ultimately drives their decision.”
By John Mellor