As Ford Authority reported back in March 2023, Ford dealers are being asked to build dedicated commercial service centers, all in an effort to provide better service for Ford Pro customers. At that time, Ford expected its dealers to open around 120 of what it calls “Elite Commercial Service Centers,” which will feature at least 24 larger service bays, around five mobile service vans, and extended hours of operation of up to 72 hours per week. Now, it seems as if that push continues.
“One is partnering with our dealers to put more of that service capacity in. So we have these dedicated commercial service elite centers, we’re targeting over 100 by next year. We have 65 in place, adding more mobile service in partnership with dealers,” Ford Pro CFO Navin Kumar said during a recent fireside chat with Goldman Sachs, when asked where the division stands in regard to gaining market share and providing service opportunities for these fleet customers.
The very first dedicated Ford Pro Elite Commercial Service Center opened in Minnesota back in January 2023, and at that time, 120 dealers had signed letters of intent to invest in the facilities. The commercial entity noted that Ford was targeting dealers that had enough of that sort of business to justify the investment, as the dedicated centers can cost anywhere from $9-$15 million to build out, though the automaker does provide between $250,000-$300,000 in financial assistance.
For those that choose to open these Elite facilities, there are several other requirements as well – they must have at least four bays each for express service and medium-duty vehicles, as well as doors that are at least 14 feet tall. Within 30 days of signing up for the program, each must have two mobile service vans in operation, with three more to follow once certification is complete. Regardless, a number of dealers believe that all of this work and the required investment will pay off in the long run.
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