Ford announced today, Feb. 6, that it is showcasing two new products at the Chicago Auto Show that it says will bring new levels of productivity to the commercial truck customer.
First is the introduction of the Transit Connect, a European-engineered compact van. 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.
Second is Ford Work Solutions, a collection of affordable technologies designed to provide customers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business from their Ford Truck – even on the jobsite.
Transit Connect
“Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform to meet the rigors business use demands,” says Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of global product development. “This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market. 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 2010.”
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. Describing its closest competitors as cargo vans offered by Chevrolet and Dodge, Ford says 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,” Kuzak says. “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.”
