Patterson Ford’s managing director, Ashley Winter, has been appointed chairman of the National Ford Dealer Council for two years.

The council members were elected by the 120 Ford main dealers in the UK to work with Ford. It acts as the main consultation body with Ford and provides a forum for discussing dealer network issues.

Patterson Ford, Tyneside and Tynedale’s Ford main dealer, has a turnover of £190m and employs 330 people.

Winter says: “The national Ford Dealer Council works with Ford to review and develop policies and strategies impacting upon the Ford UK dealer network which we represent.

Together with Ford, we are committed to finding the best ways for Ford dealers to maximise customer loyalty and to improve franchise value as well as Ford market share.

“The council and Ford meet regularly and these meetings provide an excellent opportunity for communication on key issues, thereby strengthening the relationships between Ford and the dealer body."