SELLING USED CARS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 June 1938, Page 9

SELLING USED CARS

NEW MARKETING PLAN. PROTECTION FOR THE BUYER. Not the least of the difficulties which face the motor dealer is the finding of a market for the used cars which he has “traded-in” on the sale of new vehicles. The more popular the new car for which the dealer holds a franchise, the more acute do these difficulties become. Facing this fact, and with the knowledge that many potential motorists are afraid of buying a used car because of the unknown history of the vehicle, Ford dealers throughout New Zealand, in co-operation with the Ford Motor Co. of N.Z., Ltd., have instituted what is known as the “R. & G.” plan of used car merchandising. Those mystic symbols, "R. & G.,” represent the two magic (in motordom) words, Reconditioned and Guaranteed, the renewal and repair of parts, and a written guarantee by the dealer. In short, the firms contend, it is certain protection for the buyer.

Under this plan all used cars are divided into these classes. First come the “R. & G.” Blue Seal cars, as nearly new as it is possible for any used car to be. They are, before sale, thoroughly reconditioned in engine, bearings, electrical system, clutch, transmission, steering, paintwork, upholstery, etc. They are the pick of the used car market, the next best to a new car, and are sold with a guarantee certificate, an owner’s service certificate, and a 5-day free exchange privilege. For the medium-price buyer, “Square Deal" cars and trucks are offered which, being of the average trade-in class, appeal to the majority. Though not up to Blue Seal standard, they have been carefully tested for defects and are honestly represented as to their condition. The “Square Deal” cars are also reconditioned, but should any repairs or adjustments be necessary within .30 days of delivery, the dealer will do them on a 50-50 basis, charging only half the regular price. They carry, too, the 5-day exchange privilege and an owner’s service certificate.

In addition, of course, there are older and lower-priced cars, which are sold as they are, but with the 5-day free exchange privilege and a 50-50 warranty. The reconditioning of cars under the “R. & G.” plan involves, of course, an enormous amount of extra work for Ford dealers, necessitating the establishment of a separate reconditioning department, as in the case of Gordon Hughan, Ltd., and Fagan Motors, Ltd., Wairarapa Ford dealers. Commencing in today’s issue, a spgcial campaign is being conducted for the next 14 days by these Ford dealers, both of whom operate the “R. & G.” plan in its entirety. *