Following the success of the showroom upgrade programme and of the Ford Store programme, we were tasked once more to deliver a completely new concept, called Ford Signature, sponsored by Elena Ford directly and the Ford Global team based in the US.

Ford Signature is a new global design for a vibrant, innovative and digitally connected retail environment. It links the in-store and online Ford experience and provides a ‘Best-in-Class’ automotive purchasing experience for the customer.

The new design allows for optimal vehicle presentation, positioning the vehicles as ‘heroes’ within the showroom. Immersive, inviting spaces and supportive digital technologies are provided, which put the customer in control and encourage them to explore and discover.

Ford Signature encompasses an update of showroom exteriors, as well as customer facing interior areas, to create a seamless customer journey.

Ford of Europe and the Ford Global Team appointed us as the main supplier to support and guide the Ford Dealer Operations Managers in all 24 countries and their dealers on this exciting journey.

We have developed, tested and improved furniture designs and adapted it to the European standards where required. We have undertaken a very strict price review with the Ford Global Team and Ford of Europe to make sure that the Ford dealers would receive the best products and the best services at the most competitive prices.

This project has been a real team effort, with support provided from our APS Multilingual Account Management Team, the APS Multilingual Customer Service Team, the APS Product team, the APS Logistics and Transport teams and the APS Installation team and we are all extremely proud to carry on supporting Ford and its dealers on this new inspiring journey will see all the Ford network fulfilling the Signature concept over the next 7 years.

As the automotive customer journey is constantly evolving, we discovered a need for a more immersive experience in Ford’s showrooms – a customer-led approach that improved the decision and sales process.

Think

Behind a driving force of changing customer expectations Ford required a solution that would improve customer service and signposting within their dealerships, creating a more immersive experience. It was vital that the end result had the ability to evolve and grow as well as fit in any dealership.

Create

We were tasked with facilitating a premium showroom upgrade programme across Ford’s European dealerships; managing communications, manufacturing, procurement, logistics handling and implementation for materials, such as free-standing walls and furniture.

Deliver

We created 4 fully interactive customer ‘zones’ in each showroom, along with over 1,000 pages of self-guided, multilingual documentation and videos for dealers. Due to varying dealer sizes, we produced modular ‘kits’ that would work in any dealer environment across Ford’s 3,500 locations.

“APS’s end-to-end management approach has delivered some great flexibility for us and our dealers and customers have been really impressed with the service.”

Manager Retail Experience, Ford of Europe

Think

Mitchells & Butlers came to APS after recognising a gap in the market for a quick turn around steak restaurant. Our task was to create a completely new restaurant name and brand identity as well as to design all of the supporting launch collateral that would ultimately help them really stake a claim in the crowded restaurant market.

Firstly, we needed to come up with a name – and out of a long list of suggestions, we hit on Son of Steak. From there we set about creating a refreshing personality that would inform the design, menu, and style of the restaurants, based on key insights on who the target audience would be.

Create

Working with the Son of Steak chefs, we directed a photoshoot that would capture the food, environment and feel of the restaurant. We also developed a strong tone of voice for a variety of multi-channel communications to enable the restaurant to attract customers with a little disruption.

Deliver

This complete top-to-bottom rebrand was handled on time and to budget, which allowed the first Sons of Steak restaurant to open as scheduled in Birmingham. The launch of the new brand was met with a huge amount of positivity by both Mitchells & Butlers and the people of Birmingham.

Discover

For a number of years, we have worked with Philips to produce and mail their referral marketing communications, delivering between 100-200k customers pieces per month across their lifeline, well-being and professional healthcare divisions.

Design

Philips asked us to look at innovating their existing direct mail packs, as it was felt that they had become outdated in their creative execution and customer impact.

Deliver

We suggested a new design each month, including a tactile and eye-catching pop-up self-mailer, something Philips had not previously tried before. The mailer had a soft touch coating to add interest when picked up by the respondent.

Develop

Harnessing our extensive vendor base, we were able to deliver production cost savings of over $3.5k, as well as giving Philips new options for their direct mailing. Through their monthly A/B testing, we are working with Philips to use insights gained to further improve response rates.