FTE, Ford's new dealership concept due to launch in October this year, is set revolutionise the way cars are bought and sold in this country.

The FTE label is designed to put the passion back into motoring, introducing luxurious, high-performance cars that have never before been available in Australia.

One of the first products off the block will be the Cougar, a sexy, 2-door coupe with the styling and appointment of a luxury European sports car.

But just as exciting is the way FTE cars will be sold and serviced.

"We wanted to take the hassle out of buying a car. Today's professional person just doesn't have the time to chase around for information," Ford Special Vehicles Brand Manager Stephen Eyears said.

"Yet people need as much information as they can get for what is, after all, the second biggest purchase they probably make in life.

"With only 12 FTE dealerships around Australia, we are aiming to make the Internet a primary source of product, pricing and option information.

"This will take a lot of the hassle out of buying a car. Buyers will have access to all the details they need to make a purchase decision. They will be able to choose a dealer and add any accessories before making a secure transaction," said Mr Eyears.

Buying cars on the Internet has become a clear trend in the US. FTE customers will catch the wave here soon, with a special site that will enable customers to option, price, order and pay for their vehicles via their PC.

Customers can gather all the information they need from the site, which means they are better informed if they want to walk into the dealership for a test drive.

At the same time, dealers can concentrate on helping customers towards the ownership experience.

In this way, emphasis is put back on the quality of the product and the levels of service customers can expect both during and after the purchase of their vehicle.

Enthusiasts will also be able to track the production of their car via the site, with photographs available as their vehicle moves through the production process.

They will even be invited to visit the Tickford factory to witness the process first-hand and participate in the construction of their special vehicle.

After-sales service will reflect the new approach to customer service established at purchase. A specially-trained FTE technician at each FTE dealer will be allocated to each customer.

Each technician will become intimately involved in the ongoing servicing of the car, ensuring that their vehicle is kept in premium condition at all times.

"The whole approach to the development of FTE has been to refocus our business on the needs of the customer - in essence, to put them back in the driver's seat", Mr Eyears said.