DEARBORN, Mich. — FordDirect and Ford Motor Company announced Feb. 5 that Galpin Ford of North Hills, Calif., and Hines Park Lincoln of Plymouth, Mich., are the Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Internet Dealers of the Year for 2011.

The Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Internet Dealers of the Year awards are given annually at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention and Exposition and honor top dealerships for achievement in Internet sales. Internet Dealer of the Year winners are determined by a formula that ranks total sales for 2010 as well as dealer close rates for the year. 

“Consumers rely on the Internet during all phases of the vehicle shopping process,” said Leo Hillock, office of the chief executive, executive vice president. “The Ford and Lincoln Internet Dealers of the Year worked diligently to create a world-class Internet shopping experience that brings online shoppers into the showroom. Dealers who take full advantage of opportunities to connect with potential customers and maintain relationships with existing customers online will see great benefits through increased sales and service business.”

Galpin Ford dealerships serve Los Angeles and surrounding areas with showrooms in North Hills, Van Nuys, Valencia and Mission Hills, Calif.

“We are extremely honored to be named the Ford Internet Dealer of the Year,” said Bert Boeckmann, owner of Galpin Ford. “Our Internet sales have been a major part our Galpin Ford’s continued success. This award shows no matter where we meet a customer, online or in the showroom, that we are able to provide them with the best possible customer service.”

For the second year in a row, Hines Park Lincoln has been named an Internet Dealer of the Year. Located in Plymouth, Mich., Hines Park Lincoln has been serving the Detroit area for more than 40 years.

“We continue to focus on enhancing our Internet process to engage our customers where they choose to shop,” said Ryan Kolb, operations manager and BDC director at Hines Park Lincoln. “As more and more customers look online, sales from Internet referrals continue to grow to be a bigger part of our business.”

In 2010, FordDirect dealers sold 275,000 vehicles through their FordDirect Internet referrals, representing 19.8 percent of total Ford retail sales.  

Ford Internet Dealer honorable mention winners for 2010 are Bill Brown Ford in Livonia, Mich., and Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Lincoln-Mercury Internet Dealer honorable mentions go to Nick Mayer Lincoln in Westlake, Ohio, and Crest Lincoln-Mercury in Sterling Heights, Mich.