Ford Helps Businesses Design Ultimate ‘Billboard on Wheels’ Through New Custom Graphics Tool

• Ford helps business owners design, quote, share and purchase custom-designed vehicle wraps through redesigned and simplified Ford Commercial Graphics tool

• Improvements to the tool include access to more than 5 million images from the library of Getty Images, and an on-call designer to help businesses design their brand image

• Custom options are available for the all-new Ford Transit family; the tool can be used by both small and large businesses to create a custom “billboard on wheels”

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 27, 2013 - Entrepreneurs and businesses that want to develop the ultimate “billboard on wheels” now have access to Ford’s redesigned custom vehicle graphics site, www.fordcommercialgraphics.com.

Improvements to the Ford Commercial Graphics tool have made the process of creating, ordering and purchasing vehicle wraps simpler than ever. The tool’s cleaner interface, ability to better customize images visually and streamlined ordering process provides customers with more control than ever to develop their brand image, said Kevin Koswick, Ford’s director of North American fleet, lease and remarketing operations.

“The site accommodates a variety of designs and budgets – from businesses that operate a single vehicle to larger fleets,” Koswick said. “Graphics are a tremendous way to make a first impression and the retooling of this site helps customers make a better design more easily.”

For even more choices and inspiration, customers now have the ability to tap into more than 5 million images from the library of Getty Images, a world leader in stock photos. Customers also can upload their own pictures.

A new service through 3M, the company that produces Ford Commercial Graphics, allows customers to work with on-staff designers to develop a theme for their vehicle, helping businesses enhance their brand.

“It’s a true advantage to have design experts take customers through the design process of their vehicle wrap,” Koswick said. “The business still has control over the design of its graphic, but our team can help them refine their brand image.”

All production is done in-house, and installation is handled by the customer’s certified Ford dealer or a specially trained installation company obtained through the dealer. Designs are covered with a clear over-laminate to add durability to the product and lessen the effects of UV light on the material. Graphics are designed to last from three to five years.

The site also allows customers to share their designs through social media sites including Facebook, giving businesses the opportunity to become even more interactive with their community and receive early feedback on designs.

Operators of the original Ford Transit Connect were among the first to take advantage of customizing their vehicles through this graphics service. Now Ford offers the option throughout its fleet of commercial vehicles so that customers of F-Series Super Duty, E-Series, the new Transit Connect and the upcoming Transit van can raise awareness for their business.

“One of the strengths of Ford’s commercial vehicles, like the Transit family, is that they are available in several configurations that can be easily customized for small-business owners,” said Koswick. “This website mirrors that versatility to allow customers to create their vision of the ideal rolling billboard for their business.”