Ford chose the Chicago Motor Show to introduce the European designed Transit Connect that will be available in selected North American markets from mid-2009. The compact van is equipped with a relatively frugal 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Combined with an automatic transmission it delivers an estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. According to Ford, the Transit Connect features a cargo capacity of 143 cubic feet and it can accommodate loads up to 6.5 ft. in length and 4.7 ft. in width. –Details and pics after the jump
Press Release
PURPOSE-BUILT: FORD TRANSIT CONNECT DELIVERS UNIQUE COMPACT VERSATILITY FOR AMERICAN BUSINESS
- Purpose-built for small business owners, the Ford Transit Connect is a versatile compact van that offers a fuel-efficient alternative to full-size commercial vans.
- Transit Connect, debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, is another example of how Ford is leveraging its global product lineup. Transit Connect is designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe. It was named International Van of the Year when launched in 2003.
- Ford is the Commercial Vehicle leader in the
Introduced today at the Chicago Auto Show, Transit Connect is designed to bring American small business owners a new vehicle choice that offers improved fuel economy, bigger load capacity and better cargo accessibility than today’s commercial vehicle offerings.
“Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform to meet the rigors business use demands. This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “The Transit Connect provides another example of Ford’s commitment to deliver 100 percent new or upgraded products that people truly want and value by the end of 2011,” he said.
With its standard, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, Transit Connect delivers fuel economy estimated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Transit Connect will be a truly white-space product for
“More than ever before, consumers are making the bulk of their purchases from the Internet and smaller, specialty businesses, which is increasing the volume of small package deliveries,” said Kuzak. “Transit Connect is ideally suited to meet those delivery needs because of its flexible package, compact size and fuel-efficient powertrain. It will make the delivery process for small business owners easier and more affordable.”
Global Product Innovation
Designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe to beat tough, medium commercial vehicle standards, Transit Connect has been a sales success for Ford across the Atlantic and is an ideal option for small business owners in
“Ford is intensifying its efforts to leverage the best of our Ford product portfolio around the world,” Kuzak said. “In Europe, this tough small van has carved out a niche for itself, building on the strength of the Transit name – which is synonymous with commercial vehicle leadership in
Transit Connect was named International Van of the Year by an independent panel of leading commercial vehicle journalists representing 19 European countries when first launched in 2003.
Editors credited Ford for listening to the wants and demands of customers, both large and small and heralded the “long list of clever and practical solutions in the areas of handling, accessibility, security and safety” that Ford Transit Connect introduced.
Car+Van+Truck = Transit Connect
Complementing its truck toughness, Transit Connect handles and performs like a car and offers car-like fuel economy, interior comforts and safety features. “It drives like a car, works like a van and is engineered to be as tough as a truck,” said Rob Stevens, Chief Engineer of Ford Transit Connect in the
This compact van was built around the following key attributes:
- Class-leading cargo area functionality and versatility
- High levels of durability through the use of thick, high-strength steel and a reinforced body shell with partial double skin sides and twin side crossmembers
- Responsive and fuel-efficient powertrain
- High levels of security and safety, with a rigid body structure, side impact protection, dual front air bags and an array of security features, including a lockable hood
- Low cost of ownership, from lower fuel costs to powertrain durability
Opening with Versatility
Transit Connect has cargo doors on both sides and at the rear – dual sliding side doors and 180-degree-opening rear doors – that make accessing its generous cargo area convenient. Its front doors have large openings, making getting in and out of the vehicle easy – an important design feature for delivery people.
For its size and urban maneuverability, the Transit Connect cargo capacity is a massive 143 cubic feet. It can accommodate loads up to 6.5 ft. in length and 4.7 ft. in width.
“Transit Connect can swallow far more cargo than its users might think,” said Len Deluca, Director of Ford Commercial Trucks.
“Its versatile cargo area gives Transit Connect an unequivocal advantage, accommodating for large, flat-sided loads and providing a totally flat load floor,” he said.
Straight and square side walls of the Transit Connect also mean business on the outside. They provide a clean surface and perfect positioning for commercial branding logos and messages. Inside, storage systems can make Transit Connect ideal for specific businesses.
For the Chicago show, Ford kitted out Transit Connects highlighting three local businesses – including a catering and event planning company, a wine wholesaler and home technology integration firm – as well as a five-member Chicago blues band.
The
Established Credentials
Transit Connect is part of a family of Transit commercial vehicles offered across
For more than 40 years, the Transit brand has synonymous with commercial vehicle excellence, a success which continues to grow. In 2007, Ford achieved an all-time record European commercial vehicle retail volume across its 19-market region, including individual model volume records for Transit Connect and the Ford Transit medium commercial van. More than 5 million Transit units have been manufactured since 1965.
Thanks largely to E-Series, Ford is the reigning Commercial Vehicle leader in the
Transit Connect is manufactured in
