Despite the fact that it's offering consumers declining numbers of models from a disgruntled dealership network, Ford of Canada insists that it's on the verge of expanding and growing its business in a way that will "make our customers' lives easier."
After deciding not to offer Canadians the new Mercury Villager and Sable models or the upcoming Lincoln Blackwood luxury pickup, Ford of Canada has now dropped the Ford Crown Victoria from its retail lineup, though the Ontario-built large sedan will be sold as taxis or rental and cop cars.
That leaves the country's 577 Ford dealerships (the Mercury dealer network is gone, folded into the Ford chain) with 13 models for consumers to pick from.
And many of those dealers are not happy with the Oakville-based company, as recent surveys by Canada's national dealer association show (Ford is near the bottom in most areas) and as a suit by four dealers unhappy with how former Mercury stores are now operating as Ford stores and therefore competing against them proves.
Still to be determined are the results of Ford of Canada's efforts to trim dealer numbers and build superstores in certain markets that they have more control over. The first such store is now operating in Quebec City and Oakville wants to open more.
All in all, it can't be good for consumers if the company and its dealers and aren't getting on.