Ford Lio Ho sets up first car-modification center in Taiwan

Taipei, July 30, 2004 (CENS)--Taiwan's automaker Ford Lio Ho Co., Ltd. (in partnership with Ford of the U.S.) took the lead among local automakers to set up the first car-modification center on the island.

The car-modification center will operate under the Ford Quality Care after-sales service brand and is expected to generate additional revenue of NT$500 million (US$14.75 million at US$1: NT$33.9) per year to Ford Lio Ho.

According to Nigel Wark, Ford's Asia-Pacific customer service president, the Taiwan car-modification center is the first in Ford's global service network and the center's operation mode would be introduced to other nations in Asia in the future.

Ford Lio Ho's customer service president Chang Wei-chang said that more and more car owners in Taiwan want to show their personalized tastes on automobiles and his company decided to explore the emerging business after two years of preparations.

According to Chang, most local auto makers have recognized the strong potential in car-modification business, and Ford Lio Ho has served as a pioneer in the new business field among local automakers after intensive market evaluations.

Chang pointed out that Ford Lio Ho has rapidly and effectively built up the brand image and reputation for the "Ford Quality Care" service system in Taiwan over the past three years, and may rake in revenue of about NT$3.1 billion (US$91.45 million) from such business this year.

In response to Ford Lio Ho's move in the new business, such major counterparts as Hotai Motor Co. (Toyota), Yulon Motor Co. (Nissan) and China Motor Corp. (Mitsubishi) claimed that they would carefully watch the development before deciding on whether to follow suit.