Against a backdrop of Ford's commercial vehicle lineup, attendees await the reveal of the all-new Ford Transit commercial van.

Against a backdrop of Ford's commercial vehicle lineup, attendees await the reveal of the all-new Ford Transit commercial van.

Ford Motor Company held a Commercial Vehicle Immersion event for its Business Preferred Network (BPN) dealers June 12-13. The meeting took place at Detroit’s landmark Cobo Center, home of the North American International Auto Show.

The opening night business meeting focused on Ford’s full line of commercial products, with special emphasis on the all-new Ford Transit commercial van and the next generation Transit Connect commercial van.

Following the business meeting, dealers were treated to a reception where they could interact with peers, view the products in the vehicle salon, participate in several unique demonstrations and talk with exhibitors.

The next day, dealers attended two breakout sessions that included a deep dive into the Transit and the Transit Connect and a panel discussion that gave dealers insights into the tools and programs designed specifically for BPN.

 


FORD DETAILS BPN PROGRAM

Detroit's Cobo Center, home of the North American International Auto Show, played host to a Ford Vehicle Immersion event for its Business Preferred dealers in June.

Detroit's Cobo Center, home of the North American International Auto Show, played host to a Ford Vehicle Immersion event for its Business Preferred dealers in June.

“Ford is focusing on its Business Preferred Network dealers because commercial vehicles can be complex and business customers’ needs are often unique,” says Len Deluca, director, commercial truck.

BPN dealership personnel are specifically trained and certified in commercial trucks and their applications.

BPN dealers utilize a unique, proprietary software system called Commercial Truck Tools, which takes vehicle requirements such as payload, cargo space, upfit requirements and other considerations and recommends the most appropriate vehicle specification, according to Deluca.

“The system also includes competitive vehicle features, so that customers understand all their options,” says Deluca.

BPN dealers also have commercial vehicles in stock and demo vehicles for customers to test drive. Deluca adds that BPN dealers are trained and certified to understand the unique requirements of commercial customers, the complexity of vehicle applications and special lease and finance options.

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Other Images From the Product Event

Mike Crowley, general marketing manager, addresses attendees.

Mike Crowley, general marketing manager, addresses attendees.

Attendees experienced a 3-D virtual showroom of Ford's future commercial truck products.

Attendees experienced a 3-D virtual showroom of Ford's future commercial truck products.

Chris Brewer, chief nameplate engineer for Transit programs, goes into product detail.

Chris Brewer, chief nameplate engineer for Transit programs, goes into product detail.

At the reception, dealers interacted with exhibitors and viewed unique demonstrations.

At the reception, dealers interacted with exhibitors and viewed unique demonstrations.

Len Deluca, director of commercial truck, gives a presentation to attendees.

Len Deluca, director of commercial truck, gives a presentation to attendees.

The Ford Transit will be built at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant.

The Ford Transit will be built at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant.

Kevin Koswick, director of North American fleet, lease and remarketing operations, addresses attendees.

Kevin Koswick, director of North American fleet, lease and remarketing operations, addresses attendees.

The next generation of the Ford Transit Connect lineup includes a wagon version that seats seven.

The next generation of the Ford Transit Connect lineup includes a wagon version that seats seven.

Mike Gaskill (left) and Steve Hendrickson from Midway Ford Truck Center of Kansas City take in the reception.

Mike Gaskill (left) and Steve Hendrickson from Midway Ford Truck Center of Kansas City take in the reception.

About the author
Chris Brown

Chris Brown

Associate Publisher

As associate publisher of Automotive Fleet, Auto Rental News, and Fleet Forward, Chris Brown covers all aspects of fleets, transportation, and mobility.

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