Former Ford fleet director dies

author: FutureCar Staff    

Mike Wear, a former Ford fleet director and prominent figure in the fleet industry, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was appointed as the director of Ford of Britain fleet operations in November 1994, marking the beginning of a successful career that spanned over 33 years. Starting as a graduate trainee at the manufacturer, Wear worked his way up the ranks, demonstrating his dedication and expertise.

After graduating in 1969, Wear joined Ford as a graduate trainee and later became a demonstration vehicle co-ordinator in truck merchandising. He then served as a fleet and leasing sales representative from 1973 to 1977. Moving on to the company's Midlands district office, he took on the role of a car sales representative and eventually became a car marketing plans co-ordinator. Following this, he spent three years as a supervisor of car marketing merchandising programmes.

In 1984, Wear transitioned into the role of area truck sales manager and later held managerial positions in dealer affairs and business and strategy planning. He eventually became the London and south east district manager before assuming the position of manager of rental distributions and remarketing. One of his notable achievements during his career was the establishment of Ford Direct.

Retiring as Ford's fleet director in 2003, Wear received various gifts, including a Mont Blanc pen that symbolized his 33-year climb from graduate trainee to director. The pen bore the number 2.5 million, representing the number of company vehicles sold through the Ford fleet department during his tenure as director. Reflecting on his last day at Ford, Wear emphasized the importance of making business enjoyable and building strong relationships with customers and staff.

After leaving Ford, Wear went on to work for Motability Operations as the manufacturer and dealer relations director. In recognition of his public service as the chair of the Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team (VCRAT), he was awarded an OBE in 2006. Sadly, Mike Wear passed away on November 16 at Pembury Hospital.

A private service will be held at Sevenoaks Crematorium for family members, followed by a memorial service at St Mary's Church in Ide Hill, Kent, on December 8 at 2pm. A wake will be held at the Cock Inn in Ide Hill after the memorial service.

FutureCar Staff