Ford Transit SportVan Limited Edition goes Red

Four years after the presentation of the Transit SportVan and Ford UK continues to release special edition variants of its commercial vehicle. Following the sold-out limited production models finished in Performance Blue with white stripes (500 examples), Sea Grey with silver stripes (80), Panther Black with silver stripes (500), Frozen White with blue stripes (80) and Ink Blue with silver stripes (150), Ford is now launching the Transit SportVan with a Colorado Red paintwork and Le Mans-style white bonnet stripes.

The latest special edition Transit SportVan is based on the 260 short wheelbase model with front wheel drive, and is powered by a 140-horsepower 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine matched to a six-speed manual transmission.

Aside from the unique paintwork, the SportVan also gets twin exhaust tail pipes, 18-inch graphite color alloy wheels shod in low profile 235/45 tires, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches. Optionally, buyers can add LED cargo lights and LED daytime running lights.

Inside the cab, the driver will find velour trim along with standard air conditioning, six CD-player with remote steering-column-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, powered and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm.

Also standard are the power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights, a load area protection kit, ABS, ESP and driver and passenger airbags. Available options include leather seats and a navigation system with a 5-inch color display.

The red SportVan will be produced in a limited number of 100 units and will go on sale in Britain at end of October with prices starting at £22,630.

Ford Stops Production of Transit in China Over Accelerator Pedal Issue

While Toyota is the main car manufacturer to be affected by the faulty accelerator pedals (not to be confused with the floor-mat related sticky accelerator issues) made by Indiana-based supplier CTS Corp., it isn't the only one.

The Associated Press as well as the USA Today reported today that Ford has halted production of its Transit Classic van in China because it has a similar type of pedal assembly made by CTS as the ones blamed for Toyota's recall in the States.

"When anybody has an issue in the industry, we check everything about the Ford system and production process," said Ford CEO Alan Mulally. "It's our assessment right now that this is very isolated."

It is also reported that Toyota has issued a new recall of 75,000 vehicles in China for the same matter.

Earlier today, Toyota said that it is investigating the issue on its European models also.

Thanks for the tip 3Deuce27! , Via: USA Today

Ford Transit Minibus gets All-Wheel Drive Option

Ford's British division has added an all all-wheel drive option to its 15-seater Transit minibus. The AWD system, which automatically provides torque flow to the front wheels when traction loss at the rear is detected, costs an additional £3,995 and is available with the 140-horsepower 2.4-litre 140PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The price

According to the company, compared with the standard rear-wheel-drive Transit minibus, the additional front axle weight is 70kg or 154 lbs while the rear axle weight is 10kg or 22 lbs heavier on the AWD model.

"We've had tremendous interest in AWD from construction, roadside assistance and utility companies," said Ford of Britain, commercial vehicles director, Steve Kimber On top of that we know that taxi companies and schools may also benefit from extra traction in many every-day situations."

Ford Launches Limited Edition Transit SportVan in White

In what could be described as the "white van man's" ultimate drive, Ford UK has launched a special edition version of its Transit SportVan in white with Le Mans-style blue bonnet stripes that will be produced in a limited run of just 80 units. In par with the classic Transit SportVan livery of Performance Blue with white stripes that is currently sold out, the white SportVan is spec'd up with twin exhausts, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low profile 235/45 tyres, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches.

The model is based on the short wheelbase Transit with front wheel drive and is powered by a 140 HP 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine that is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Transit SportVan's interior features include velour trim, air conditioning, six CD-player with remote 'steering-column'-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, power and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm.

On-the-road prices have been set at £22,030. Aside from the new white finish, two other options remain available for the SportVan, Panther Black with silver stripes, and Sea Grey with silver stripes.

Ford Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect Facelifted

Ford has updated its European market Transit Connect LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) and the passenger-carrying version of the van, the Tourneo Connect. Both models have been updated with styling changes in and out, new features and according to the automaker, higher quality levels. The 2009MY Transit and Tourneo Connect are distinguished on the outside by the new trapezoidal shape to the front bumper and grille echoing the design featured on the company's latest passenger cars, plus new headlamps and tail-lamps. The new side moldings and alloy wheel designs complete the changes.

We don't have any photos of the interior yet, but Ford claims to have redesigned the dashboard influenced by the S-MAX MPV. The 2009 models also feature new seats and interior colors along with the use of higher quality materials throughout the cabin.

Ford's successful Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect have undergone extensive changes with a new fresh look, new features and higher quality levels. With all of these changes in design, safety and quality, the Connect range will be on sale in Britain this summer.

In compliance with the new European that law that will go into effect in 2011, Ford is upgrading the active safety features of the Transit/Tourneo Connect by offering Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard across the entire range. There's also a new braking system electronics with ventilated discs at the front and rear solid discs for all versions while Ford's Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is also now standard.

The Connect models are offered with a 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine available with three different power outputs: an entry-level version delivering 75HP at 4,000rpm and 175Nm of torque at 1,800rpm; a 90HP version producing a maximum torque of 220Nm at 1,750rpm (increasing to 240Nm in the "transient overboost" mode) and a top-of-the-range version with 110HP at 3,500rpm (max. torque 250Nm at 1,500 to 3,200rpm and 280Nm in transient overboost mode). All of these engines are combined with a five speed manual transmission.

Sales of the facelifted Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect will begin in Europe this summer.

Ford Launches 2009 Transit with More Options and Model Variations

A host of new options as well as new model variants are now available for the 2009 Transit. In particular, Ford has introduced the Transit Double Cab Utility Chassis as a Special Vehicle Option (SVO) featuring unglazed second row cab doors with the rear seats removed. The 'Utility' will be available to order next spring, with prices to be announced nearer the on-sale date.

For those that require dual usage from their vehicles to move both crews and equipment, there's the new Transit Double Cab-in-Van (DCIV) range. The new front wheel drive, medium wheelbase, low roof model comes with a choice of three 2.2-litre TDCi powertrains – 85PS, 115PS, 140PS, and a GVM of 2800kg and a payload of 903kg to 915kg. In the UK, it is on sale now, priced from £17,420.

Ford has also added a shift indicator light (SIL) on the standard equipment of all diesel engine models while a Thatcham approved, Category 1 alarm, is now available as an option priced at £175.00 on all Transit double chassis cabs. Finally, the eight- and nine-seat Transit Tourneo is now available with a light tint glass option priced at £80.00.

Chicago Show: Ford Transit Connect

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 U.S. with 40 percent share of the total commercial vehicle market and has been the full-size van leader with the Ford E-Series for 29-years running. Transit Connect further builds Ford’s strong commercial vehicle portfolio.

CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2008 – Ford is tapping its global product strengths to mobilize and connect small business owners in North America with the European-engineered Ford Transit Connect.

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 North America. Its closest competitors are cargo vans offered by Chevrolet and Dodge. Transit Connect will provide a significant city fuel economy advantage, while offering more cargo space. Both are increasingly important to small business owners in today’s changing marketplace.

“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 North America.

“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 Europe. Transit Connect can make a real difference to customers here.”

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 U.S.

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 Windy City is a fitting place to debut the versatile Transit Connect. Its maneuverability makes it ideal for urban use, where streets are congested and parking space for delivery or service vehicles is limited. Its tight turning radius makes Transit Connect as nimble as a compact car. And its height makes it ideal for tight parking garages with limited-height clearances – Transit Connect gets in and out of garages with as little as 6 ft. 8 in. clearance.

Established Credentials
Transit Connect is part of a family of Transit commercial vehicles offered across Europe. Since the introduction of the Transit Connect, Ford’s share of the European light and medium duty commercial vehicle market has doubled to 34 percent. In record-setting 2007, Ford sold 109,900 Transit Connects and 224,915 Transits in Europe.

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 U.S. with 40 percent share of the total commercial vehicle market and has been the full-size van leader with E-Series for 29 years running.

Transit Connect is manufactured in Kocaeli, Turkey, at Ford’s most advanced light commercial vehicle assembly plant. It will be available in select North American markets in mid-2009.