DEARBORN, Mich., May 17 (UPI) -- Ford Motor Credit Co. said Monday in Michigan it will transform its sales operations to create 78 multi-brand branches in the United States and Canada.
The move is expected to take two years.
Regional sales offices for those brands will also be combined, resulting in 11 new regions instead of the 18 currently, said the wholly owned subsidiary of the Ford Motor Co.
The new branches will house sales activities for all Ford Credit brands, including Ford Credit, Volvo Car Finance, PRIMUS, Jaguar Credit, Land Rover Capital Group, Mazda Credit and Commercial Lending Services.
An estimated 30 percent of the 3,100 employees who work at Ford Credit branches will be asked to relocate or change positions as a result of the transformation.
"To remain competitive, we need to respond to dealers and consumers who require improved service and flexibility," said Mike Bannister, chairman and chief executive officer.
"A common business model will give our sales operations the structure and scale they need to provide superior service. It will also help us accelerate technology improvements in areas like standardized credit applications and electronic credit decision."
