Home » General News » Suffolk based AG Potters of Framlingham came up with the idea of a commercial vehicle version of Ford’s Spanish-built 4×4.

Suffolk based AG Potters of Framlingham came up with the idea of a commercial vehicle version of Ford’s Spanish-built 4×4.

FORD’S Maverick van has been launched as the direct result of an initiative by one of its dealers.

Suffolk based AG Potters of Framlingham came up with the idea of a commercial vehicle version of Ford’s Spanish-built 4×4.The marque’s dealer developed a prototype and is now carrying out Ford approved conversions that will be marketed and sold nationally through its network.
According to Potters sales director John Carr, Ford were already considering developing a Maverick commercial vehicle when he approached the car maker with the dealership’s prototype.
“They wanted to know how far down the line we were with our van, they asked to have a look at it and offered some advice on how to improve the design,” he said.
The dealership plans to build up a small stock of vehicles, but can also convert Mavericks supplied by other dealers.
Transportation costs will have to be met by any dealer receiving one of the van conversions.
Carr suggested that the British car maker’s willingness to turn over production of a low volume product like the Maverick van to an outside contractor signalled a wider industry move to embrace niche marketing.
“Like most manufacturers these days Ford are more interested in special editions and lower volume models. They will look at anything they think will sell,” he said, citing the Transit pick-up as an example of this.
A Ford spokesman said that the company might consider producing a Maverick van in-house if it proved sufficiently successful.
It is supplying Potters with factory built ‘van pack’ vehicles with rear seats and seat belts already removed.
These vehicles are offered Europe wide and converted for individual markets, such as Italy, where opaque side glass is fitted.
The van is based on the short wheelbase Maverick, powered by a 2.7-litre diesel engine and fitted with a semi-rigid load liner and double skinned plastic/metal side window blanking panels.
The Maverick van is sold with a full range of officially backed options and warranty provision.
by MARTIN GURDONmaverick van seized by dealerOUT ON A LIMB: Production of the Maverick van signals a move by Ford to embrace niche marketsFord puts 4×4 prototype on the road

Suffolk based AG Potters of Framlingham came up with the idea of a commercial vehicle version of Ford's Spanish-built 4×4.

FORD’S Maverick van has been launched as the direct result of an initiative by one of its dealers.

Suffolk based AG Potters of Framlingham came up with the idea of a commercial vehicle version of Ford’s Spanish-built 4×4.The marque’s dealer developed a prototype and is now carrying out Ford approved conversions that will be marketed and sold nationally through its network.
According to Potters sales director John Carr, Ford were already considering developing a Maverick commercial vehicle when he approached the car maker with the dealership’s prototype.
“They wanted to know how far down the line we were with our van, they asked to have a look at it and offered some advice on how to improve the design,” he said.
The dealership plans to build up a small stock of vehicles, but can also convert Mavericks supplied by other dealers.
Transportation costs will have to be met by any dealer receiving one of the van conversions.
Carr suggested that the British car maker’s willingness to turn over production of a low volume product like the Maverick van to an outside contractor signalled a wider industry move to embrace niche marketing.
“Like most manufacturers these days Ford are more interested in special editions and lower volume models. They will look at anything they think will sell,” he said, citing the Transit pick-up as an example of this.
A Ford spokesman said that the company might consider producing a Maverick van in-house if it proved sufficiently successful.
It is supplying Potters with factory built ‘van pack’ vehicles with rear seats and seat belts already removed.
These vehicles are offered Europe wide and converted for individual markets, such as Italy, where opaque side glass is fitted.
The van is based on the short wheelbase Maverick, powered by a 2.7-litre diesel engine and fitted with a semi-rigid load liner and double skinned plastic/metal side window blanking panels.
The Maverick van is sold with a full range of officially backed options and warranty provision.
by MARTIN GURDONmaverick van seized by dealerOUT ON A LIMB: Production of the Maverick van signals a move by Ford to embrace niche marketsFord puts 4×4 prototype on the road

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