QUICK LANE TIRE & AUTO CENTERS THRIVING DESPITE CHALLENGING ECONOMY


Quick Lane Service Center
  • Quick Lane® Tire and Auto Centers offer no-appointment, while-you-wait service for all makes and models.
  • Despite challenging economy, Quick Lane remains the fastest-growing network of tire-related auto service retailers in the country, with more than 520 stores nationally.
  • Success of Quick Lane is attributed to strong customer focus, versatility in servicing all makes/models, factory-trained technicians, and the backing of Ford Motor Company.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2009 – With the busy summer driving season ramping up as the July 4th holiday approaches, Quick Lane® Tire and Auto Centers want to keep drivers rolling with their no-appointment, while-you-wait service for all makes and models.

According to AAA, more than 37 million drivers are expected to hit the road across the country this July 4th holiday weekend, so ensuring proper vehicle maintenance is critical to achieving a trouble-free road trip.

Quick Lane offers routine vehicle maintenance such as oil and filter changes, and light repair services like brake repairs and tire replacements. Quick Lane is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

"While the economy remains challenging, we continue to see growth in our business," said Jeff Chiero, Dealer Principal at Court Street Ford in Bourbonnais, IL (metro Chicago), whose Quick Lane business is up nearly 30 percent year-over-year. "Since we are able to service all makes and models, we're also seeing an increase in business from customers looking for an alternative to their dealer who may no longer be in business."

Some dealers, including Chiero run their Quick Lane on their existing dealership campus, while others elect to build a stand-alone store at an offsite location.

Bryan Marcotte, Dealer Principal at Marcotte Ford in Holyoke, MA (western Massachusetts) agrees Quick Lane has increased his revenue and attracted new customers to his dealership. Revenue at his Quick Lane is up more than 55 percent year-over-year.

"Our Quick Lane business is thriving and we're attracting new customers every day as they look for a trusted service source," said Marcotte. "With all of the changes going on with dealers closing their doors, customers can come to Quick Lane and know that we will remain a strong presence in the community, with the ability to service their vehicle, no matter the make or model."

In 1997, there were only two Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centers in the United States. Today, there are more than 520 across the country. The high level of growth is a testament to Ford's vision in developing Quick Lane as a separate business and unique brand that offers auto service customers the best of both worlds: convenience with confidence.

"The business model for Quick Lane works. Take care of the customer and provide them with a great service experience and they will continue to come back," said Darryl Hazel, president, Ford Customer Service Division. "We continue to be impressed with the growth of Quick Lane across the country and are confident customers who get their vehicles serviced at one of these facilities will find a service partner they can trust."

For more information about Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centers and to find a location near you, visit www.quicklane.com.

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About Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centers
Quick Lane® provides all the services your car or truck needs most, at over 520 stores nationwide. All our services are performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. You'll never need an appointment and you'll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends. Plus, we'll take care of any make or model, using quality parts from trusted brands like Motorcraft® and name-brand tires from Goodyear, Continental, Michelin and more. Give us a try and you'll see why life is better in the Quick Lane.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.