July 2004

Ford India, today announced the national roll out of 'CarGainz' - an innovative customer loyalty program in the automobile industry exclusively designed for the Ford vehicle owner. A customer loyalty programme that rewards servicing, maintenance of Ford cars and purchase of Ford gear from Ford authorized dealers and service centers. 'CarGainz' is a unique, first of its kind initiative by an auto manufacturer in India, and demonstrates Ford's strong focus and commitment to the customer.

Kicking off the Ford 'CarGainz' program nationally from Chennai today, Mr. Vinay Piparsania, Vice President, Marketing, Sales & Service said "Owning a Ford now is now even more rewarding! We want our customers to appreciate the long-term benefits and savings of the quality care Ford dealerships provide by rewarding customers for adhering to recommended service frequencies and maintenance schedules. 'CarGainz' is a unique customer loyalty program exclusively designed with the Ford owner in mind and is the first by any automaker in India".

CarGainz seeks to reward all customers who follow Ford guidelines on routine services through authorized Ford dealerships. This initiative also seeks to educate the consumer on the risks they incur by the use of non-genuine spare parts and unauthorized service centres. CarGainz will benefit Ford car owners immensely by encouraging them to maintain their car as per prescribed frequencies thereby getting the best performance from their vehicles and earning a higher value at resale. They can also redeem their earned points at the time of trade-in for the purchase of their next Ford car.

All Ford vehicle owners from November 1999 are entitled for enrollment into the CarGainz programme, under the membership of the Blue Oval Club. There are no fees for enrollment and owners would need to just sign the special enrollment form being mailed to them directly by Ford. New customers would be enrolled at the dealerships at the time of delivery of their Ford car.

There are three ways a customer is awarded redeemable points under the 'CarGainz" program.

Service Points: Every time a customer sends his/her car for service or repair, purchases spare parts, Ford accessories or the extended warranty package, service points would be awarded in proportion to the amount spent.

Bonus Points: When a Ford vehicle owner follows the Ford prescribed Periodic Maintenance Service, additional Bonus Points would be awarded.

Loyalty Points: Loyalty points are earned for continued ownership and availing of the prescribed Periodic Maintenance Service at authorized Ford service centers. Loyalty points however, can only be redeemed at the time of exchange for a new Ford vehicle.

Simultaneously, Ford India has also announced the 24-hour Roadside Assistance and a "Ford Emergency Help Line" to enhance the services being offered to its customers. While the 24-hour Roadside Assistance will cater to customer's emergency requirements anywhere in India through the dealership network, Ford India's National Help Line number will provide access to emergency support in any part of the country on a 24/7 basis (+91 98415 00333).

Mr. G. Srinivasan, General Manager, Ford Customer Service adds, "With a view to enhance our customer service even further, we have today kicked off the 24-hour Roadside Assistance program, to provide emergency support to customer's in case of a sudden breakdown or accident. Customer's need only dial up the phone number +91 98415 00333 and help would immediately be on its way! With both these initiatives being launched today, owning a Ford has just become even more rewarding".

Ford India is the only auto manufacturer in the country that has a certified and structured quality care program for ensuring dealership standardization, under the flagship brand of Quality Care.