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.”
No comments:
Post a Comment