Ford names new Phl managing director

MANILA, Philippines - American automaker Ford Motor Co. has announced the appointment of a new managing director for its unit in the Philippines.

 Bertrand Lessard has been appointed Ford Philippines’ new managing director starting Aug.t 1.

 Lessard will replace Lance Mosley, who is repatriating to the US after six years in the Asia Pacific region.

 He will be responsible for continuing to drive Ford’s momentum in the Philippines, which included the company’s all-time best quarterly sales performance reported earlier this month.

 “Bertrand has a wealth of experience with Ford in markets around the world and his leadership will help us continue to grow our business and our brand in the Philippines,” said Ford ASEAN Region president Mark Kaufman.

 “Lance put tremendous attention to improving Ford’s after-sales support of our customers and the benefits of these efforts will be seen for years to come,” Kaufman added.

 Lessard was appointed interim managing director at Ford France in March 2016 and helped Ford maintain its firm position as the number two imported brand in the market, as well as oversaw the launch of the Mustang, which has become the country’s best-selling sports car.

 Prior to this, Lessard served as general sales director, of Ford France, where he oversaw an initiative to improve relations with the nationwide dealer network though enhanced process efficiencies and communications.

 Ford Philippines recently posted its all-time best quarterly performance, delivering retail sales of 8,922 vehicles in the second quarter.

 Ford said its all-time best quarterly sales was fueled by a record June performance wherein sales rose 17 percent year-on-year to 3,273 units behind the continued strong demand for the Everest, EcoSport and Ranger.

 For this year, Ford is looking to extend its winning streak in terms of posting record annual sales after the company finished 2016 with 33,688 units sold, marking its fourth consecutive year of record sales.

It also continued the expansion of its nationwide dealer network last year by opening three new dealerships, bringing its total to 43 outlets in key locations across the Philippines.