THE managing director of Patterson Ford, ASHLEY WINTER, has been appointed chairman of the National Ford Dealer Council for two years.

The council members are elected by the 120 Ford main dealers in the UK to work with Ford Motor Company Limited.

It acts as the main consultation body with Ford, and is an important forum for discussing dealer network issues.

Patterson Ford, one of Tyneside and Tynedale's Ford main dealers, has a turnover of £190m and employs 330 people.

Paul Thomas, Ford managing director, said: "The dealer council is of great importance. It is a great forum that ensures that Ford and its dealer network are working together to achieve mutual success."