Reliable Ford Dealers

[Frank Hovis]

If you have a Linked-In account you can try to contact these two

Matt Bradley, President Ford ASEAN - http://media.ford.com/article_display.c ... e_id=37212
Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin - President Ford Thailand - http://media.ford.com/article_display.c ... e_id=37697

You could just guess at their email address of course mbradley at ford.com seems a good bet and either ywisadko at ... or vwisadko at ... (or the full wisadkosin)
If they don't bounce back you as undelivered there's a good chance the message was delivered.

If there are any ex-Ford workers on here they may be able to confirm that Ford standard email format is 1st character of first name first 7 characters of last name but you can try a number of variations.

Failing the direct route Matt Bradley is president of the American Chamber of Commerce Thailand
service@amchamthailand.com

Failing that you could become a cyber-terrorist and post your grievances on http://www.facebook.com/ford or http://www.facebook.com/amchamthai

[Frank Hovis]

Here they are in action http://www.zigwheels.com/gallery/news/f ... eo/15954/1

If you choose to contact them, bear in mind that these people are Presidents/Vice Presidents etc of large companies and that is their job, to be a president, not to work for a motor manufacturer, there's a good chance they don't know their big end from their ball joints.
I've not checked but it's likely that they've been VPs at various companies or different branches of the same company. They only know the buzzwords not the detail, so take a look at the Ford corporate website and pick out some handy phrases to turn around, like their 'Go Further' slogan, you have to 'Go Further' to get decent customer service and write your letter/email as a proper complaint listing everything that happened factually from day one without emotion, and now the service problem has prompted you to take matters beyond your local Ford dealer as you are concerned about maintaining your warranty. Then end your complaint with some sort of demand, probably that they advise you on what to do to resolve the mistrust issues.

Alternatively you could just drive your truck through the showroom, doing as much damage as possible, claim it as write-off on the insurance and go and buy a Toyota Vigo (from Cha-Am not Hua Hin).

Good luck, and if you go with the alternative can you let us all know when it will be happening as I'm sure you'd get a great turnout.

[Big Boy]

Still waiting for a response to my complaint. Probably more chance of snow in Hua Hin

This story has a double irony. I cancelled the work originally because I was due to be in hospital today and tomorrow. I had my operation this morning, and the hospital devised a way that I could go home straight away to save me money (yes, they can be human). Therefore, I'm not going to be in hospital tomorrow as planned.

I tried to re-arrange for Thursday this week. The hospital's cunning plan to save me money involved immobilising my leg with a plaster cast, which won't come off until Friday. Therefore, had we not fallen out, I would be contacting them to cancel/re-arrange again

[Big Boy]

For what it's worth, I've hastened today:

At the end of last week I wrote to you complaining about the treatment I have regularly received from Hua Hin Ford. I was requesting your mediation.

To date you have not even had the courtesy to acknowledge my complaint.

I would appreciate a response today before I escalate this matter further.

[PeteC]

Here you go BB.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews ... rket-today

"Ford opens first Myanmar dealership....."

[Big Boy]

Yes, it's an idea, but I'd need to find somebody with a Burmese licence to drive.

[Big Boy]

Think I just found it! Will see if any reply comes...

Me using the website's contact form has brought the response I expected - zilch!!

Did your endeavours produce anything more substantial? If yes, could I have the contact detail as well please?

Fortunately, I'm completely immobilised with this stupid dolly on my leg at the moment, so I'm not putting any miles on the clock. It's looking like a trip to Pethchaburi when I'm mobile again

Oh, how I wish somebody had warned me about how useless Ford are before I'd bought the car. I've been talking on the Ford Ranger Forum about this to a guy who's bought a Ranger in Phuket. He's been through the same problems as me - the difference is that he paid 40,000 Baht tea money to get early delivery. Corrupt as well as useless

[Big Boy]

Just posted the following on the main Ford Facebook site:

I live in Hua Hin, Thailand and have recently purchased a Ford Ranger, which is by far the best vehicle that I've ever owned.

Unfortunately, I have learnt to my cost that Ford, Thailand do not provide a complete package, and their after sales service is abysmal. I have tried using the 'contact us' form on the .co.th a couple of times, but am being ignored. My complaint (severely restricted by the 1000 character limit) was:

"I booked my car in with Hua Hin Ford for it's 10.000 Km service, a new rear bumper and a set of screws to re-fix my bonnet protector ( Ford fit are falling off) for 30 April.

I now know that I’ll be hospitalised on the 30th.

I drove to Ford to re-arrange the work. I was told that I would need to pay 10,000 Baht immediately or the work would not be carried out.

Why, when I originally booked the work, there was no request for money? I needed to put the work back by a couple of days, and it can only be considered if I pay 10,000 Baht up front. That is the same amount I had to pay when ordering a new car.

I was angry.

The purchase of my car was also beset by a string of untruths and disappointment.

This leaves me limited options for getting my car serviced in the future. Ford cannot offer me a complete package.

My car is fantastic, but your support team are abysmal. We have reached a serious impasse.

Please mediate, and advise your recommendations."

I have really reached an impasse, and need to get my car serviced soon. Can somebody please advise contact details of somebody who can mediate urgently?

[Big Boy]

My e-mail to CEO Ford:

Dear Sir,

I apologise for contacting you directly, but attempts to contact Ford in Thailand is falling on deaf ears. I am getting really desperate trying to find somebody at Ford who might listen.

I was less than enthralled with the purchase process, but because I had paid a deposit, I continued until I eventually received my Ford Ranger. I have driven many different cars in the past, but nothing compares to my Ford Ranger. I am delighted with my purchase. However, I am finding your after sales support to be less than accommodating. I have been ignored for some time now.

The contact that I have attempted in Thailand via the .co.th website (significantly restricted by the 1000 character limit) was:

"I booked my car in with Hua Hin Ford for it's 10.000 Km service, a new rear bumper and a set of screws to re-fix my bonnet protector (Ford fit are falling off) for 30 April.

I now know that I’ll be hospitalised on the 30th.

I drove to Ford to re-arrange the work. I was told that I would need to pay 10,000 Baht immediately or the work would not be carried out.

Why, when I originally booked the work, there was no request for money? I needed to put the work back by a couple of days, and it can only be considered if I pay 10,000 Baht up front. That is the same amount I had to pay when ordering a new car.

I was angry.

The purchase of my car was also beset by a string of untruths and disappointment.

This leaves me limited options for getting my car serviced in the future. Ford cannot offer me a complete package.

My car is fantastic, but your support team are abysmal. We have reached a serious impasse.

Please mediate, and advise your recommendations."

Fortunately, I am still immobilised following my hospital treatment, but expect to become mobile again tomorrow. I can’t afford to put many more miles on my vehicle without service. I would grateful if you could please arrange mediation in this matter.

[Big Boy]

Using Frank's contacts above, my final salvo for today:

Dear Sirs,

I am writing to you today as ASEAN Communications Director and Ford of Thailand Communications. Communication is something that is proving very difficult for me with Ford, Thailand. Your titles seem to put you as the correct persons to discuss my problems with. To date nobody is responding to my queries.

My initial enquiry was via the https://www.secure.ford.co.th/en/contact-us link on the Ford, Thailand website. A response was hastened. To date I have not even received an acknowledgement response. My initial enquiry (significantly restricted by the 1000 character limit) was:

“I booked my car in with Hua Hin Ford for it's 10.000 Km service, a new rear bumper and a set of screws to re-fix my bonnet protector ( Ford fit are falling off) for 30 April.

I now know that I’ll be hospitalised on the 30th.

I drove to Ford to re-arrange the work. I was told that I would need to pay 10,000 Baht immediately or the work would not be carried out.

Why, when I originally booked the work, there was no request for money? I needed to put the work back by a couple of days, and it can only be considered if I pay 10,000 Baht up front. That is the same amount I had to pay when ordering a new car.

I was angry.

The purchase of my car was also beset by a string of untruths and disappointment.

This leaves me limited options for getting my car serviced in the future. Ford cannot offer me a complete package.

My car is fantastic, but your support team are abysmal. We have reached a serious impasse.

Please mediate, and advise your recommendations.”

In my desperation to find a response, I have also contacted Ford CEO amulally@ford.com direct, and have requested help via the Ford Facebook page earlier today. I have also been discussing the Ford service on various Internet forums. Not surprisingly, I am not the only person in Thailand to be disgruntled with Ford.

I really love my Ford Ranger, but if Ford cannot provide an all-round service, I will have very little option but to turn to either Toyota or Isuzu when I trade my vehicle in at 3 years old. Ford have a fantastic product, but an abysmal support package. I desperately need somebody to mediate in my grievance, and to prove that Ford can offer the full package. A good starting point would be for somebody to start a conversation with me. Totally ignoring me is ignorant on the part of Ford, and does absolutely nothing to endear me towards the Ford product in future.

It would be nice if I could report a happy ending to those people watching around the world on various Internet forums.

[Big Boy]

I'm pleased to say that I've made a breakthrough - I knew if I annoyed enough people, somebody would intervene. Early days yet, and they are currently investigating with Hua Hin Ford. Watch this space.

Thanks to all who gave me leads on who to contact.

[VincentD]

Oh, how I wish somebody had warned me about how useless Ford are before I'd bought the car.

BB,
I hinted at the level of service on page 2 of 'Which pickup truck?', Quote: "The Ranger certainly looks tempting. Saw one on the road yesterday with red plates. Would be worth it if Ford have improved their spares/ supply chain. (From previous Ford ownership in Thailand)"

I also did add something a bit more damning on page 12 again, but I think you'd already forked out for it by then.

Do hope you get it sorted, though by now I would assume you've alienated quite a few locals. The other sad thing about Fords is their poor resale value.

[usual suspect]

If it's any consolation BB..While passing the Ford dealership at Nang Rong (Buriram)..I decided to swing on in & get their phone number..(Then, IF I got to p***ed-off with HH Ford I'd then get my truck serviced while up in the 'Boonies' visiting the Dragon's family) Good plan.
Well, my wife jumped out of the truck, tottered over to the dark-haired cute sales girlie (who met her halfway on the forecourt), then wifey explained in 1 sentance what was needed..Oh dear, it took 3 Ford personel a full 10 mins before 1 of them managed to write their No. on a scrap of paper..not even a business card could be mustered by them..Sometimes ah just shake ma head boy! T.I.T. 555!

[Big Boy]

Vincent,

Sorry - I obviously didn't/didn't want to pick up on your comments.

[Big Boy]

US,

The mediation is having some effect. They are trying to sweet talk me with some discounts (in other words they're cutting their profit margins). However, as a Farang in Thailand I'm getting more than I expected.

They're going to call me again tomorrow afternoon - I told them that I couldn't do anything until I get the cast off my leg (hopefully tomorrow morning). I think it's the best I'm going to get, and it might get me a little respect in Hua Hin Ford (or maybe a knife between the shoulder blades - TIT ).

Head Office were not pleased with the bad publicity, and I'm sure the local dealer is less than pleased at having his profit margin cut. He certainly won't want this happening on a regular basis.