Ford Retail, Europe’s largest Ford dealer group, has appointed Jon Harte as managing director to lead its dedicated parts business, @first parts solutions, following the retirement of Angus Brown in December.

In his previous role as operations director, Harte was instrumental in setting up and developing @First into a £100million turnover business following its launch less than four years ago.

Outlining his strategy for @First Parts Solutions, Harte said: “We are currently the largest seller of Ford parts in the UK with 25% of the market, but our vision is to be the number 1 distributor in any way you wish to measure, whether it’s volume, profit, geography or customer service.”

“We put our people first in everything we do, who in turn put our customers first.

"Combining the best in customer service with innovative use of IT and efficient warehousing and distribution, means the business is in a good position to achieve our ambitious growth plans."

@First Parts Solutions employs 400 people working at five parts distribution centres across the UK with a further six hubs and a fleet of 160 delivery vans.

The business has over £10m of stock across 130,000 lines at any given time, and makes 2,500 deliveries to customers each day.