Strong fleet sales offset electric losses at Ford [Video]

Strong sales in Ford’s fleet business offset deep losses in electric vehicles where the Detroit auto giant has delayed some investments, according to results released Wednesday.

Profits were $1.3 billion in the first quarter, down 24 percent from the year-ago period on revenues of $42.8 billion, up 3.1 percent.

The clear outperformer among Ford’s three divisions was Ford Pro, which is geared towards small businesses, large companies and government customers.

“All three of them are driving white hot demand for our vehicles and services right now,” Chief Executive Jim Farley told analysts on a conference call.

Farley said Ford Pro has many van and truck options for varying customer needs, as well as a strong service repair network.

The customer in fleet is “fundamentally …