Ford Rapid Fit Wins 'Car Manufacturer Fast-Fit' Award For Second Year

Ford Rapid Fit has won the ‘Car Manufacturer Fast-Fit Programme of the Year’ Award for the second year in succession. The trophy, presented at the 2005 AM Awards, is a major accolade for Ford’s fast-fit network, which provides while-you-wait servicing and maintenance for any make of car.

Rapid Fit scooped the AutoTrade ‘Fast-Fit of the Year’ Award five times in a row before AutoTrade magazine merged with Automotive Management to form AM. That makes 2005 the seventh successive year in which Rapid Fit has been voted number one - an unrivalled achievement.

Choosing the winner from four shortlisted finalists, a panel of industry experts gave Rapid Fit a perfect score. "It seems no-one can knock Rapid Fit from its perch," the judges commented. "Despite its success, Rapid Fit has no intention of resting on its laurels."

Rob Hutchinson, Ford Service Marketing and Rapid Fit Manager, who collected the award at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, said: "This unrivalled record of achievement is a credit to each of our 270 branches across the country. Our staff work hard to provide the highest levels of service at the most competitive prices, and the needs of our customers always come first."

Since it was launched by Ford in 1993, Rapid Fit has widened its customer base to cater for all makes of vehicle, providing the same high standards of service not only for a Ford but for any make of car. Since 1999 sales have risen by 48 per cent.

Rapid Fit maintains a strong focus on customer needs and evolves its services through a process of continuous improvement. The performance of the national network is constantly monitored in terms of customer satisfaction and profitability.

A wide range of fast-fit services is offered, including the replacement of tyres, exhausts, batteries and brakes, as well as work on steering and suspension. Scheduled servicing is available for Ford vehicles, along with ‘other-makes’ servicing and MoT testing at most centres. Only high-quality Ford parts are used with Ford vehicles, and technicians and staff undergo an industry-leading training programme. Prices are highly competitive and a free, no-obligation visual inspection is available on request.

Rapid Fit customers also benefit from special offers and promotions. For example, they currently earn two Nectar points with every £1 spent at participating Rapid Fit centres.