FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford dealers, Lincoln retailers and Ford Motor Company, has launched a new e-commerce platform for dealer solutions called The Shop.

The Shop is a curated online shopping experience designed for dealers to meet the challenges of operating in the evolving retail automotive business landscape beyond the products and services that FordDirect already provides to dealers. The Shop, powered by FordDirect, will provide dealers with access to vetted vendors that include pre-negotiated prices for products and services that dealerships need. This will help dealers spend less time searching for vendors and negotiating rates and give them a seamless way to learn about offerings and enroll in new solutions for their stores.

The Shop will continue to add vendors that keep dealers ahead of the technological curve as well as offering dealership employees support and becoming a source to get everyday supplies at a lower cost.

FordDirect recognizes that dealerships face an increasing demand for day-to-day resources, including meeting customer expectations, complying with regulations, managing employees, updating technology, and planning sales events. The Shop is designed to create more efficiencies and cost savings so that dealerships can focus on core activities.

“As every facet of the auto industry transforms through technology, dealers tell us they are more challenged than ever to stay current while meeting their business goals. We didn’t just listen. We acted to provide a solution that meets their needs,” said Dean Stoneley, FordDirect CEO. “The Shop is now open to help Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers spend more time doing what they do best while also supporting FordDirect’s mission as a trusted partner and resource to find the best vendors in the market for all of their needs.”