FORD has launched a new retail experience in the refurbished flagship Next store at Manchester's popular Arndale shopping centre.

The new store, the first of its kind, provides an alternative environment for consumers to browse, finance and order vehicles directly from Ford Motor Company, outside of the traditional dealer network.

The new FordStore opens with five vehicles on display, including the latest Mustang and all-new Ford Fiesta ST, and Ford says it offers customers a relaxed environment to explore the brand's range.

Interactive displays instantly visualise the colour, trim and specification of a chosen vehicle, and the store also offers mobile phone charging stations and free Wi-Fi.

Ford ‘hosts' are on hand to guide customers, assisting with vehicle configurations and support with test-drive bookings via the newly launched online sales service.

Available nationwide, and developed with specialist supplier Rockar, Ford's online sales website allows customers to specify, finance and order a new vehicle for delivery via participating dealers or the customer's home, as well as trade in their current vehicle.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chief Andy Barratt said: "Ford recognises a growing appetite to browse for cars in other retail environments and online.

"We are excited to be able to respond, through the partnership with Next, to the changing way consumers want to shop and interact with our brand.

"We have the most extensive dealership network, which will remain to serve the many consumers wanting to visit a dealer and for specialist retail, van and service assistance."