On the Dash:
- Ford Pro AI enhances operational efficiency, allowing fleet managers to act on insights faster and reduce vehicle downtime.
- Growing telematics subscriptions and connected-vehicle data create opportunities for dealers to expand software-driven revenue streams.
- New Super Duty models and AI tools offer fleet managers added value, strengthening dealer-customer engagement.
Ford is rolling out a new AI system for its Pro commercial vehicle business, aiming to increase profits, software revenue, and operational efficiency for fleet customers.
The automaker’s “Ford Pro AI” can monitor and analyze more than 1 billion data points daily from connected commercial vehicles, tracking everything from seatbelt use to vehicle health, route optimization, and fuel consumption. The tool is available to Ford Pro’s 840,000 paid commercial subscribers at no additional cost.
The AI system, built on Google Cloud using Ford’s proprietary data, currently operates in a prompted, read-only format, providing insights without scheduling service. Fleet managers can quickly determine why dashboard lights are on, identify vehicles that need maintenance, and receive recommendations to improve fuel efficiency. CentiMark fleet manager Mackenzie Meis, who oversees more than 2,000 vehicles, said the system saves time by delivering critical vehicle data and summaries in minutes.
Notably, Ford Pro’s commercial fleet business includes sales to commercial, government, and rental customers, as well as the Super Duty large truck line.
Last year, Ford Pro reported $66 billion in revenue and $6.8 billion in earnings, with a 10.3% profit margin. The unit’s telematics subscriptions grew 30% to 840,000, while the number of connected commercial vehicles rose more than 40% since 2023 to 5.2 million worldwide.
CEO Jim Farley said diversifying Pro’s revenue through software and services is a key growth area, with a target for software and physical services to make up 20% of earnings.
Ford introduced the AI tool at Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, alongside details of 2027 Super Duty trucks, including expanded Tremor off-road packages, new Platinum trims, and a collaboration with workwear brand Carhartt.
