While the last few months have been a challenging time, Senchuk Ford has still been selling vehicles, and now they’re looking forward to the arrival of the 2021 models.
The Estevan dealership, located on Souris Avenue North, has been able to remain fairly busy in the past few months, busy enough, at least, to keep its staff members going despite the challenges that have been facing the Estevan area.
“Sport utility vehicles and trucks, we’re selling them,” said dealer principle Randy Senchuk. “It’s surprising that the next dilemma we seem to be facing is a shortage of product, because the factories were closed down for a few months, and sales have been good enough that there seems to be a shortage right across the country.”
Those factories are up and running again, and the vehicles are on their way, but they can’t get to Estevan quick enough.
Senchuk’s customers have been very understanding. They recognize the challenges facing the dealership, not only with the precautions the business has to take because of COVID, but also with the delays in getting vehicles to Estevan.
“We’re just trying to weather the storm and be smart about everything,” he said.
The service department and the auto body shop have been steady. When COVID first started, it slowed down quite a bit, but people still need to get their oil changed and their vehicles repaired.
“People haven’t been driving as much, so (they aren’t in) probably as much as they would be normally, but the business goes on,” said Senchuk. “We were considered to be an essential service, so we tried to make it as normal as possible.”
Staff members have done their part of navigating the uncertainty, and they adjusted to all of the new protocols, the social distancing and sanitizing.
Estevan is fortunate that there haven’t been as many cases as elsewhere in the province, he said.
As for the 2021 models, Senchuk said people can look forward to the arrival of Ford’s usual product standbys, such as the Ford F-150, with a whole bunch of improvements and enhancements, the 2021 Bronco sport, which should be here before Christmas, and a full-sized Bronco that should arrive in the new year.
“There’s lots of stuff that they’re talking about, and lots of really good changes coming up,” said Senchuk.
Most factories are clearing out their inventory of 2020 vehicles, causing the delays with 2021s, but once they do come, Senchuk said people will be excited. He has seen the vehicles online, since the automotive shows and conventions were cancelled.
“The Bronco has a legacy that goes back to the 1960s. We haven’t had it the last few years, but it’s coming back, and there’s a lot of excitement. We already have people who have gone online and done pre-orders with us, and we have people lined up for them already. So there’s a lot of excitement for them.”
Senchuk has a base of loyal customers, and the dealership appreciates the support from those who have long made Senchuk’s their destination when buying a Ford product.
