Dealer Programs Service You and Your Trucks

Not all automotive dealers are created equal. A dealer that is specifically focused on the needs of your company can simplify life and minimize downtime. The last thing you need is to be waiting in line behind general consumers to get your vehicles repaired or serviced.

Many major suppliers recognize that vehicles are critical to the financial success of your business and have established unique programs and dealer networks for vocational fleets. Check out the programs offered through select dealers for Ford, General Motors and Ram Trucks.

BPN handles unique challenges

Ford launched its Business Preferred Network (BPN) in 1989 to help dealers address the needs of small fleet customers. It has evolved to include the buying, financing and service experience.

“The 600 Ford BPN stores understand the unique needs of commercial customers, recognize the importance of uptime and have the expertise to handle challenging service issues,” says Larry Gach, sales manager, Ford Commercial Truck. “They also stock commercial vehicles to reduce delivery time, and maintain sales, service and finance staffs that understand how to properly handle a customer’s needs, from vehicle acquisition to end-of-life management and everything in between.”

BPN dealer personnel are trained and certified in commercial trucks and their applications. “We have programs in place for our BPN dealers that encourage them to ship parts overnight; participate in Ford’s Quality Fleet Care, which offers centralized billing; and enroll in our Commercial Truck Direct Tow Program, which encourages our BPN dealers to perform a ‘Priority Diagnosis’ (service triage) within 24 hours of tow in,” says Gach.

With BPN, you can set up Quality Fleet Care, a monthly single-payment billing option for parts purchases and service work from any Ford dealer or Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center. This is available for all your fleet vehicles, including both Ford and competitive makes.

An online BPN dealer directory (www.bpndealerdirectory.com) assists customers in choosing a dealer based on specific criteria. “For example, if they search for Cummins Certified Dealers in a specific state, only BPN dealers that meet the criteria selected will be displayed,” notes Gach.

“We recently launched a new tool called Co-Pilot on an interactive flash drive,” says Gach. “Co-Pilot can be updated daily. It can populate an online garage and help commercial customers manage their vehicle fleet. The information provided on the drive is constantly expanding and can assist a fleet with several aspects of their business, including vehicle maintenance.

“In addition, customers that utilize Ford Quality Fleet Care centralized billing have a means to review maintenance (by VIN or Unit Number) to help avoid unexpected downtime,” he continues. Customers with a Ford FIN code also have access to online business reports (www.qfc.ford.com) at no charge.

“Customers choosing not to invest in technician training, tooling and shop equipment can turn to Ford dealerships for the latest maintenance products and services that meet Ford’s recommendations,” says Gach. “From proper fluids and filters to recommended brakes and tires, dealerships are well positioned to provide maintenance and repairs specific to each vehicle’s needs.”

Ford also offers extended service plans for commercial applications and includes both maintenance and repair coverage options.

Business Central is tailored to your business

General Motors serves fleet customers with a coast-to-coast network of Business Central dealers. Their service departments have the facilities, special tools, parts, equipment and technicians to keep you running. Expanded service bays with 14-ft. service doors can accommodate tall, upfitted vehicles. Heavy-duty hoists are capable of lifting up to 16,000 lbs. for service work on vehicles filled with tools and supplies.