Bloomberg Businessweek ICYMI: Ford Pro's Matt Atkenson on Tariff Uncertainty
May 9, 2025
Matt Atkenson, Ford Pro's executive director for North American sales, delves into how tariff uncertainty affects Ford's commercial fleet. He reveals the company's record quarter for full-size pickups, emphasizing the essential role of vehicle reliability for small businesses. Atkenson discusses strategic manufacturing decisions, including a new plant for super duty pickups in Ontario. Furthermore, he highlights the growth of subscription telematics services and the transition to electric vehicles, showcasing options like the electric F-150 Lightning to support small businesses.
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Transparent Pricing Builds Trust
- Ford Pro's pricing strategy offers transparency and employee pricing to small businesses.
- This approach helps customers navigate tariff uncertainty with confidence in vehicle costs.
Service Network Supports Small Business
- Small businesses prioritize reliable service to avoid vehicle downtime.
- Ford Pro supports this with a wide network of certified service centers nationwide.
Inventory and Promotions Drive Confidence
- Ford Pro maintains ample inventory across all vehicle types amid tariff uncertainties.
- They run promotions to boost customer confidence through mid-year despite challenges.