Matt Atkenson, executive director of Ford Pro North America, Sales and Operations, who has been in the role for four months, presented at the recent NTEA Work Truck Week Show.
Ford Pro, the commercial division of Ford Motor Company, is creating an open marketplace between upfitters and vehicle owners with the launch of LocateFordWorkTrucks.com.
This intuitive platform, developed in collaboration with and powered by Work Truck Solutions, provides customers with a new tool to search the nationwide inventory of upfitted versions of Ford F-Series Super Duty Pickup and Chassis Cab, Ford Transit, E-Transit, and more.
“LocateFordWorkTrucks.com helps reduce the wait times associated with traditional upfitting, helping ensure our customers can get the vehicles they need to drive their businesses forward,” Esteban Plaza-Jennings, upfit strategy manager at Ford Pro, said. “This is just another example of how we’re committed to simplifying operations and helping customers be more efficient.”
“This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment of Ford Pro and Work Truck Solutions to provide unparalleled tools that serve customers on their journey and strengthen the ability of dealerships to deliver what their buyers need, all while adding efficiency and value to the entire commercial vehicle ecosystem,” said Kathryn Schifferle, founder and chief vision officer at Work Truck Solutions.
LocateFordWorkTrucks.com transforms how businesses find and acquire upfitted vehicles by providing instant access to a comprehensive inventory of work-ready trucks and vans.
- Instant Access: LocateFordWorkTrucks.com, accessible via FordPro.com, allows customers to instantly locate in-stock, upfitted work trucks at Ford dealers nationwide, from the Maverick to F-750.
- Advanced Search: Powered by Work Truck Solutions’ advanced search technology, the platform offers easy-to-navigate filters for make and model type, upfit type, vehicle class, fuel type, and more, helping customers find the perfect vehicle configuration for their specific needs or industry.
Tracking and Quality Assurance Improve with Ford Pro Upfitter Program
The Ford Pro Upfitter (FPU) program, formerly Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM), establishes strong cooperation between Ford Pro and final-stage vehicle manufacturers. This collaboration helps ensure that aftermarket companies have strong quality operating systems while helping to provide a seamless, end-to-end customer experience, from initial selection to final delivery.
Dealers utilizing Ford Pro Upfitters can now view and track those vehicles as they progress. Upfitters can apply via the Ford Pro website.
The new platform provides customers with a new tool to search the nationwide inventory of upfitted versions of Ford F-Series Super Duty Pickup and Chassis Cab, Ford Transit, E-Transit, and more.
Upfitters Gain Visibility with Ford Pro’s Data Integration Tools
Ford Pro is also enhancing data integration with its upfitters to improve customer experience and efficiency by seamlessly tracking inbound vehicles to their facilities.
Qualified upfitters are also now integrated into the Ford Pro website, providing co-marketing opportunities and increased visibility. Ford Pro upfitting solutions aim to simplify the upfitting experience:
- Find an Upfitter Tool: Customers can locate and directly engage with Ford Pro-qualified upfitters in their area using an online tool.
- Upfitter Pools: Ford Pro is piloting transparent visibility to upfitter inventory, allowing customers to view readily available chassis located at upfitters, further accelerating the modification and delivery process.
- Vehicle Integration System 2.0: The Ford Pro Vehicle Integration System 2.0, available with some Ford products, digitally connects the upfit to the vehicle to reduce the need for aftermarket upfit equipment control modules, hard switches, and secondary control panels and provide a single point for vehicle signals and data.
“Ford Pro is connecting upfitters, dealers, and commercial customers to simplify the customization process and integration of equipment into vehicle systems,” Plaza-Jennings said. “There’s a reason Ford has been the commercial vehicle leader for 40 years — our commitment to fostering strong relationships with customers and upfitters alike helps everyone build on a proud legacy of productivity.”
To explore the full range of Ford Pro upfitting solutions, visit FordPro.com.
