Ford Introduces Its Versatile, Fuel-Efficient 2014 Transit Van Family

As businesses continue to look for more fuel-efficient and practical means of transportation, global sales of commercial vehicles are expected to grow by 4.8 million units in the next five years. Ford is hoping to take advantage of that lucrative market following the recent introduction of its redesigned 2014 Ford Transit Connect and its all-new full-size 2014 Transit, both of which are slated to go on sale in the United States later in 2013.

Receiving the sleek front end of the Ford Escape crossover and a new optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, the 2014 Transit Connect compact cargo van ramps up both style and cost savings compared to the previous generation. While the EcoBoost is expected to help the vehicle return more than 30 mpg on the highway, the standard 2.5-liter powerplant can also be outfitted with a compressed natural gas and liquid propane gas (CNG/LPG) prep package, catering to those business owners who want to bypass volatile gas prices entirely.

“The next-generation Transit Connect will use the latest drivetrain technology to improve upon the already impressive fuel economy of the current model, and it will do so while looking and feeling more like a stylish crossover than a van,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Stoneham Ford, a Greater Boston Ford dealer. “At the same time, Ford is offering several different configurations to meet the unique needs of small businesses and fleet owners, which means greater cost savings through increased productivity.”

Available in two wheelbase lengths, as well as with or without the second row of seats, the 2014 Transit Connect features surprising capability despite its nimble ride, including a 1,600-pound maximum payload, more than 130 cubic feet of cargo space and a newly available 2,000-pound towing capacity. Meanwhile, useful technology options like a rearview camera, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with navigation and the SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system help drivers’ daily tasks go more smoothly.

Even in its current form, the Ford Transit Connect remains a popular choice for businesses, with sales of the small van rising 12 percent through November year-over-year in the United States. Another in-demand Ford commercial vehicle, the E-Series, has seen its sales increase 6 percent during that same time period. After 33 years as America’s best-selling commercial van, the E-Series will be replaced by the Ford Transit next fall.

Recognizing that it would be no easy task to follow up a class leader, Ford has made its 2014 Transit as much as 25 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Buyers will have a variety of choices for saving on gas costs, including an optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and an all-new 3.2-liter Power Stroke Diesel unit, as well as a gas-powered standard 3.7-liter V6 that can also be made compatible with a CNG/LPG package. Like the Transit Connect, the Transit is designed for versatility, featuring a choice of two wheelbases, three roof heights, three body lengths, and cutaway, van, chassis cab and wagon configurations.

“It takes a lot to replace a popular, instantly recognizable vehicle like the E-Series, but when you look at the specs of the Transit, it becomes clear that the van segment is about to take a huge leap forward,” added Melkonian. “The powerful-yet-efficient EcoBoost and diesel options will provide all of the E-Series’ capability, but with an improved ride that is lighter in the turns, as well as lighter on the wallet.”

Ford Gets Edge in Fuel Economy

STONEHAM, Mass. -- The 2011 Ford Edge will live up to its name among fuel-conscious Massachusetts drivers, thanks to a fuel economy rating recently issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In EPA tests, the Ford Edge SEL achieved 19 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway, for a combined fuel economy average of 22 mpg.

Greater Boston Ford Edge owners will be able to boast best-in-class fuel economy among domestic crossover utility vehicles, and a best-in-class 285-horsepower V-6 engine. Hyundai's Santa Fe squeaked ahead in EPA tests with a combined 23 mpg but trails the Edge in horsepower at 276.

Santa Fe buyers will also pay a premium for the stronger V-6 engine, as the 2011 model ships with a standard V-4. A 3.5 liter V-6 comes standard with the Ford Edge, and a larger 3.7 liter V-6 capable of 305 horsepower is available in the 2011 Ford Edge Sport.

"Ford continues to shatter the stereotype of the boxy, gas-guzzling utility vehicle," said General Manager Alan Melkonian of Stoneham Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealer. "A crossover obviously won't get the 40 miles per gallon of the Ford Fiesta, but the new Ford Edge proves that you can have the space your family needs and the performance to enjoy the ride without having to stop at every gas station."

Along with improved fuel economy, Ford has built class-leading design, safety and comfort into its 2011 Edge crossover. The distinctive, flare-sided body provides enough room for 5 adults and 32 cubic feet of cargo room. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity jumps to nearly 70 cubic feet, just 10 feet less than the larger Ford Explorer.

With Ford AdvanceTrac and Roll Stability Control, available adaptive cruise control, rear-view camera and cross-traffic alert, the Ford Edge is prepared to handle any obstacle on the roads of Massachusetts. The available Panoramic Vista Roof will let front and rear-seat passengers enjoy the changing New England seasons from new angles on the road.

"This is a family-first crossover that Ford has packed with its most innovative features," Melkonian said. "It won't make the kids stop saying, 'Are we there yet?', but you'll be enjoying the ride too much to be bothered."

Get a Free Ride in a Ford Flex

STONEHAM, Mass. -- The Stoneham Ford service department is giving its customers a chance to experience the Ford Flex firsthand. Service customers at the Greater Boston Ford dealer can skip the waiting room and enjoy a comfortable ride to their home or office in Stoneham Ford's new Ford Flex Courtesy Shuttle.

Customers who are too busy to wait in the Ford service department can drop their vehicles off and be chauffeured back to their home or office. When the service staff completes the work, Stoneham Ford will send the Ford Flex Boston shuttle back to pick up the customers.

"Providing this courtesy shuttle is part of the commitment to customer service at Stoneham Ford," said General Manager Alan Melkonian. "The new Flex shuttle will make the service experience at Stoneham Ford far more convenient when our customers need repairs or maintenance."

Stoneham Ford's service department has won awards in the past for its professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction. With the Flex shuttle, Stoneham Ford looks to expand on that in a unique way.

The Ford Flex stood out as the best option for Stoneham Ford's shuttle due to its capacity and comfort. The crossover seats up to seven, with two rows of rear bench seats that can be flattened to provide over 83 cubic feet of storage space for luggage and personal belongings. The Ford Flex's interior also offers best-in-class legroom, allowing several passengers to be comfortable as Stoneham Ford drives them to and from the dealership.

The Flex received a five-star crash rating in all four categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and comes standard with AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control for stable and safe handling. Designed for a smooth and quiet driving experience, it features independent rear suspension, an inset side-door design and sound-deadening materials to limit noise and bumps on the road.

Stoneham Ford hopes customers will enjoy the ride and the bold look of their new shuttle. The Ford Flex stands out on the road with its grooved door panels, a three-bar chrome grill and all-black greenhouse windows.

"Nobody wants to spend a lot of time in waiting rooms; being without your vehicle is inconvenient enough," said Melkonian. "The Flex courtesy shuttle eliminates the wait time for our service customers and gives them smooth, comfortable transportation in a highly stylish vehicle. It's a premium way to travel while our service staff provides expert care."

Stoneham Ford Earns Google Recognition

STONEHAM, Mass. -- Greater Boston Ford dealer Stoneham Ford joined an elite group of American businesses in June with the announcement that the company has been designated a Favorite Place by Google. Fewer than 250,000 businesses in the United States, across all industries, received this designation.

"We put a lot of effort into building a website that offers comprehensive information on all the latest Ford cars, trucks and SUVs," said Stoneham Ford General Manager Alan Melkonian. "We are so proud to receive this recognition, because it means that local Ford shoppers view our website as the user-friendly destination to research all things Ford."

California-based Google selected its Favorite Place recipients by analyzing web traffic from December 1, 2009, to February 28, 2010. Websites that generated the most traffic received the recognition, which was presented in June to less than 1% of all businesses in the United States.

Along with the recognition, Stoneham Ford received a new way to connect with customers. A window sticker sent by Google identifies the Massachusetts Ford dealer as a Favorite Place and includes a bar code. People who scan the bar code with a smart phone get instant access to a mobile web page that includes reviews and information about the business.

Visitors to Stoneham Ford's website can get a complete multimedia profile of each new Ford model in stock. Included in this profile are videos of Ford trucks, cars and SUVs in action, model photos from several angles, detailed specs and even complete vehicle brochure that can be downloaded directly from the site.

Stoneham Ford's goal is to be there for car buyers at the earliest stage of the buying process. According to in-depth research released last October from Capgemini, a worldwide consulting firm, 90% of all automotive shoppers use the internet to research vehicles. To get the attention of these consumers, dealer websites must be easy to use and provide pertinent inventory and financing information. This emphasis on user-friendliness has helped Stoneham Ford drive sales.

"We devoted a section of our site to the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we have become a top dealer for Boston Ford Fusion models," Melkonian said. "While our goal is for people who visit our site to become satisfied Stoneham Ford customers, we are happy to know that people turn to us when they want to know more about Ford cars and trucks."

Gentlemen, Choose your Engines

STONEHAM, MASS -- In a bid to deliver best-in-class fuel economy, the 2011 Ford F-150 will ship with four different engine choices, including a base-level V-6 and the first application of Ford's Ecoboost engine in a pickup truck. Ford also promises best-in-class horsepower across its engine line in an appeal to truck buyers who would rather go big than go green.

The base model F-150 ships with a four-valve, 3.7-liter V-6 that has 300 horsepower and a towing capacity of 6,100 pounds. The base engine for Super Duty models is a 6.2-liter, 385-horsepower V-8, which ups the towing capacity to 11,300 pounds.

Buyers who opt for a 5-liter V-8 upgrade in their F-150s can increase their horsepower to 360 and their towing capacity to 9,800 lbs while still enjoying class-leading fuel economy. Both the 3.7-liter V-6 and 5-liter V-8 are flex-fuel capable, for those who have access to E85 fuel. Early next year, Ford will offer the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine as an option on some F-150 models, which promises a 20% fuel economy gain over the 5.4-liter V-8 engine of the 2010 F-150.

"Fuel economy is hardly the first thing truck buyers worry about, but the business owners who buy from us are looking at those mileage numbers," said General Manager Alan Melkonian of Massachusetts Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. "The ability to squeeze more miles out of every gallon of gas has a real impact on the bottom line for a small business. The new F-150s cost less to run and still deliver the towing and hauling capacity that businesses need."

All four of the new engines will be paired with a redesigned six-speed automatic transmission, making Ford the only manufacturer to offer a six-speed automatic as standard equipment on all its full-size pickup trucks. SelectShift allows the transmission to operate in a manual mode, giving drivers more control in demanding situations, such as coaxing a trailer down a steep incline.

Ford hopes to appeal to the entire spectrum of F-150 owners with its 2011 models. The base V-6 is ideal for contractors and landscapers, while the stronger V-8 options provide the power needed by plow operators and boaters. Performance truck enthusiasts will want the Baja-tested 2011 Raptor on their shopping lists, which features a race-tuned engine and suspension. The only challenge for Greater Boston Ford owners will be finding the open, off-road space needed to let the Raptor run free.

While EPA estimates have yet to be released for the new engines, Ford anticipates fuel economy gains at every level. The EcoBoost is expected to compare favorably with hybrid pickup trucks in its mpg rating.

"These new engine options mean that any buyer can find an F-150 that is tailored to their specific needs," Melkonian said. "Ford has solved the problem of having to buy too much truck to get some extra towing strength, and has given the customer the ability to control fuel costs. This means a lot when gas prices float around $2.75 a gallon in a struggling economy."