7-Eleven Taking Part in Ford’s New Loyalty Program

DALLAS — 7-Eleven Inc. is one of two initial retail partners with Ford Motor Co. on its new FordPass smartphone mobile app, set to launch in April.

As part of the program, FordPass will offer a loyalty program for its users. App customers who shop at 7-Eleven locations — as well as Ford’s other retail partner McDonald’s Corp. — will be able to accrue points. In turn, the retailers can offer shopping incentives to FordPass members.

“We’re engaging with our customers — and our potential customers — aiming to make every interaction with the Ford brand a positive experience,” said Elana Ford, vice president, Global Dealer and Consumer Experience, for Ford. “We want customers to know how much we appreciate them, and with FordPass, we’re taking loyalty a step further.”

The FordPass mobile app is designed to help users with parking and many other services, whereby consumers can speak to live assistants via chat or voice.

The program can be used by anyone, but benefits Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford vehicle owners the most, the auto manufacturer noted.

Ford will also introduce "FordHubs" that will showcase the company’s various Ford Smart Mobility Initiatives. The first hub will open at the Westfield World Trade Center in New York, followed by FordHubs in San Francisco, London and Shanghai.

“We don’t just want to be in the vehicle business. We want to be in the connected relationship business,” Ford CEO Mark Fields told USA Today. “Anyone can make an app. This is more than that. It’s about a platform that has a digital as well as a physical presence in the lives of anyone who uses transportation.”

Dallas-based 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses nearly 10,500 7-Eleven stores in North America.