Ford Global Dealer Program | Amanda’s Trip to Argentina

Hello, Concord, NH, and beyond! It’s Amanda Grappone Osmer, back from an exhilarating trip to Argentina, this year’s international destination for the Ford Global Dealer Roundtable that I’m part of. While this journey came with at least one misadventure (I don’t recommend leaving your computer on the plane if you ever want to see it again), it was a wonderful trip that I’m happy to recap with you. 

One of the trip’s highlights was our visit to the Ranger plant in Pacheco. Witnessing firsthand the significant quality improvements at this facility was very encouraging.  The team who assembles the vehicles was very proud to talk about how they’ve been able to identify and correct past issues, and they were especially proud to host our group which is spearheaded by Elena Ford, Henry Ford’s great great granddaughter and head of Global Dealer Engagement.  It’s exciting to be a part of these global discussions and to have a voice that represents our dealership staff and guest experience.

Experiencing the Economic Climate

Do you know what inflation looks like in Argentina?  A wicked (I’m talking about two inches thick) stack of colorful bills at the exchange bureau and five digit lunch tabs.  It was hard not to feel like a target walking around with such wads of cash in my bag, but it’s a way of life there – you don’t want to use a credit card, given the poor exchange rate that translates into paying sometimes three times more for the same item than if you pay cash.

The Vibrancy of Buenos Aires

Springtime in Buenos Aires is a very purple affair. The already colorful city is made even more vibrant with the blooming Jacaranda mimosifolia.  With a backdrop of vividly painted buildings, live music and tango dancing on the streets, and the sounds of Italian-influenced Spanish in the air, there’s something for all the senses in this city. Fun fact: Argentina boasts one of the largest Italian-speaking populations outside of Italy.

And let’s talk about soccer – it’s more than a sport here; it’s a religion. The omnipresence of soccer legend Lionel Messi surpassed even that of the Pope in Buenos Aires. I also had the chance to explore the Boca neighborhood, famous for its soccer passion, and the legendary Boca Juniors stadium, where Diego Maradona played.