My dad owned a small business. He worked mornings, late nights, and weekends to provide for our family.

Watching him taught me that running a business means showing up for the people counting on you, even when it’s hard, even when the budget is tight, even when the truck breaks down at the worst possible time.

That lesson is exactly what I think about every time our team talks about serving America’s small businesses.

That’s the lens I bring to Ford Pro Advantage, our new, industry-first certified pre-owned program for class 1-7 commercial vehicles, launching this October.

More Used Work Vehicles Within Reach

I’ve spent over two decades at Ford, much of it in the field working with dealers and their customers.

For an independent contractor, an electrician, or a local plumber, a work vehicle isn’t a luxury. It’s how the business runs.

At Ford Pro, we believe finding the right work vehicle should be accessible and affordable to help businesses grow.

That belief is why we designed Ford Pro Advantage: a new, industry-first certified pre-owned program for class 1-7 commercial vehicles, providing customers with affordable trucks and vans through our national network of more than 700 Ford Pro Commercial Vehicle Centers.

It also helps remove the stress and guesswork of buying used, with an up to 172-point inspection, factory warranties, and direct access to the Ford Mobile Service network. Buying a used work vehicle doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

Ford Pro Advantage provides used work vehicles backed by the full power of Ford Pro, unlocking access to the same connected ecosystem trusted by some of America’s largest fleets. This includes business financing, mobile service at your job site, and easy-to-use digital tools that help you keep track of your vehicles and make informed decisions for your business.

Ford Pro Advantage is offered in two core tiers:

• Ford Pro Gold Certified: Covers Ford commercial vehicles from Transit vans up to F-750 trucks under a 5-year/80,000-mile vehicle warranty, with a 172-point inspection and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
  
  
• Ford Pro Blue Certified: Covers Ford and non-Ford commercial vehicles up to 9-years/150,000 miles, with a 139-point inspection and a 90-day comprehensive warranty.

Both tiers come with 24/7 commercial roadside assistance and a money-back guarantee, and both are backed by Ford Pro with:

• Service Options: Access to over 4,300 Ford Mobile Service vans that come to you for routine maintenance and light repairs, or more than 700 Ford Pro Commercial Vehicle Centers and nearly 100 Pro Elite Service Centers with room for bigger vehicles and Motorcraft PRO parts when you need them.
  
  
• Commercial Financing: Commercial financing lines, flexible lease structures, and bundled invoicing tailored to your business through Ford Pro FinSimple.

Getting the Details Right Because We’ve Heard It From You

One thing I’ve learned in my years working alongside our Commercial Vehicle Center dealers and talking with customers in the field is that the details matter as much as the idea.

To make sure inventory matches what small businesses actually need, we worked closely with our Commercial Vehicle Center dealers and rental fleet partners to establish the right sourcing model.

Our sourcing focuses on the sweet spot of high-demand, well-maintained, 2-to-3-year-old commercial vehicles with 30,000 to 70,000 miles — vehicles that still have plenty of life left in them, at a price that makes sense. It includes class 1-7 commercial trucks and vans, including chassis cabs and cutaways.

Why This Matters to Me

Ford will host Accelerate this week to advance programs and conversations that support strengthening the Essential Economy. These are the 95 million jobs and 3 million businesses that equal $12 trillion of America’s GDP.

We think of them as the beating heart of Ford Pro. They are the men and women we serve in the trades. With the launch of Ford Pro Advantage, we’re expanding our commitment as a trusted partner providing tools to help businesses grow.

In this environment of rising fuel costs, inflation, and economic conditions that challenge profitability, every dollar and every decision count.

This program is about more than a new set of warranties and inspection points. It’s about giving hardworking people a fair shot at the tools they need to succeed, without pretending that success comes easy.

I know it doesn’t. My dad taught me that.

Ford Pro Advantage program launches nationwide on October 5, 2026. To learn more, contact your local Ford Pro Commercial Vehicle Center or visit FordBlueAdvantage.com.

Matt Atkenson is executive director of Ford Pro N.A., Sales & Operations.