Ford Drops “Friends & Neighbors” Incentive After 4 Weeks

Ford Motor Co. has abandoned a broad discounts-for-everyone program in the U.S. after one month. On Dec. 1 it will return to more traditional year-end clearance incentives.

The heavily promoted “Friends & Neighbors” plan launched on Nov. 3 and was to end after Jan. 4. It offered all shoppers the same discount normally reserved for Ford employees and their friends and relatives. The program set no-haggle prices about $200 over the dealer invoice.

But Ford says it decided to shift to a new approach based on dealer feedback. Media reports suggest retailers favor a more targeted incentive plan.