Ford Motor Co. began testing mobile service vans at a handful of U.S. dealerships last May. After hearing from customers who appreciated the chance to get their oil changed or new brake pads installed at home or work, the automaker this year started expanding the program to 198 stores using Transit vans upfitted with basic repair equipment.
It couldn't have come at a better time.
The coronavirus pandemic is forcing dealerships to get creative to better serve customers who are largely confined to their homes. In some instances, the opportunity for remote service is aiding doctors, nurses and first responders in their battle to contain the virus.
Bill Knight Ford in Tulsa, Okla., did just that for a local medical lab that uses a fleet of eight EcoSports to transport COVID-19 test kits.