Ford Introduces New Transit Connect

DEARBORN, Mich - Ford has introduced the new Transit Connect, developed  for small business owners such as pest control operators.

“Transit Connect was developed to bring small-business owners a new vehicle choice, offering significantly improved fuel economy, generous and accessible cargo space with the agility and maneuverability to deliver the goods in tight quarters,” said Rob Stevens, chief nameplate engineer.

Some of this vehicle's features include: Low operating and ownership costs; a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine; 135.3 cubic feet of cargo space; a payload capacity up to 1,600 pounds; available Ford Work Solutions technologies; and various cargo management systems. Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial vehicle platform. To prepare Transit Connect for United States duty, the powertrain was upgraded to include a proven Duratec 2.0-liter dual-overhead cam (DOHC) I-4 engine – giving 22 city, 25 highway miles per gallon – and a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle. Several design details, including the grille and interior touches, have been updated to lend the vehicle a fresh, new look for its American debut.

As part of Ford’s aggressive new electric vehicle plan to bring pure battery-powered vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids to market, a battery electric-powered Transit Connect will be offered later in 2010. Once it arrives in the U.S. from Ford of Europe’s production facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, it can be outfitted for specific needs across a diverse range of users.