REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be sold in U.S.
Perhaps taking a note from DaimlerChrysler's playbook, Ford will reportedly be importing a version of the Ford Transit Connect commercial vehicle to be sold in the United States. DaimlerChrysler began selling the Sprinter commercial van in the U.S. around 2004, and has enjoyed success selling it to large corporations that need workhorse fleet vehicles with large, enclosed cargo spaces. The Turkish news website Sabah is reporting that the Transit Connect destined for our shores will be built in Turkey at Ford's Kocaeli facilities until production of the commercial van begins in the U.S. around 2009.
More info after jump.
Thanks for the tip, Igor!
[Source: Sabah]
The Transit Connect will likely carve its own niche in the commercial vehicle industry, as it's smaller and more maneuverable than the Sprinter, while also less costly. We imagine many small- to medium-sized businesses would consider a Transit Connect where a Dodge Sprinter wouldn't even make their lists due to its size and cost.
Also something to consider is the recent spate of panel versions of vehicles from both General Motors and DaimlerChrysler. The Chevy HHR Panel is going into production and will also likely find buyers in the small- and medium-business market. Dodge, meanwhile, showed a panel concept of the Nitro SUV at SEMA, which, while probably not meant for production, at least shows that DCX is thinking about such things.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
brockway dubois 10:14AM (2/06/2008)
This is a good first step - but not making the high-mileage diesel available is a BIG, BIG mistake. The Transit Connect that will be offered will have mileage that is not much better than a Chrysler minivan. Why would a business that needs a delivery vehicle for urban areas, which seems to be the target, pay much attention if the mileage isn't that different from what's available already?
Hopefully too Ford will soon offer the full-sized Transit van - with the high-mileage diesels engines. And for goodness sake - please replace that ugly US Focus with the great looking European Focus -and give us some of those high mpg diesels!
Reply
Chuck 12:20AM (4/10/2008)
Finally, I was looking at the Peugot Bipper, wondering why they weren't being shipped to the states! I'm looking for an economical van that has no carpet or padding. Just a good ole delivery van and this one looks like it as long as they don't put carpet on the floor!!
Reply
angelicarrival 11:25AM (8/01/2009)
looking into transit connect for an airport shuttle buisness unfortunatly found that the rear seats on both the xl and xlt models are so hard and uncomfortable that a ride to the airport would be torture.
Reply
D Man 4:41PM (1/02/2007)
finally!!!!
Reply
George 4:45PM (1/02/2007)
Being the First one to reply on the other Ford Transit post, I might as well on this...
Its about time Ford started selling the Transit here as its seems to be a very cable commercial vehicle, just as the Sprinter has been, maybe we'll see UPS and Fedex going for it.. Heck lets replace the USPS fleet... :D
Reply
Bill 5:01PM (1/02/2007)
In the long term, I would imagine the USPS taking a good look at it. Right now they use a lot of cargo versions of DCX and Ford minivans.
Reply
DriverG 4:57PM (1/02/2007)
Finally? You have really been waiting for this?
Reply
Dictionary 5:08PM (1/02/2007)
sar·casm: A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
Reply
gord 5:27PM (1/02/2007)
I hope they dont americanize it when it comes here. I dont want to see a piece of S*** V8 engine in that thing. As a Sprinter driver for a hotel company, I tell you, I am very impressed by the power and efficiency of the Sprinter 2.7 diesel. The Transit has a 2.8 Diesel in Europe. I hope they bring that here. Our hotel has two vans, a GMC Savanna with 5.3V8 and the Sprinter. I tell you, the drivers go for the Sprinter first.
Reply
fordman 5:28PM (1/02/2007)
This is Awesome!! get rid of the inefficient and bulky Econoline. Here comes technology baby!!!
Reply
Jim in Tampa 5:37PM (1/02/2007)
ROFLMAO @ DriverG
Reply
Yaroukh 6:03PM (1/02/2007)
may be Ford is testing bringing effects of Euro to US
Reply
jgp 6:06PM (1/02/2007)
Just remember that this is the Transit Connect, not the full-size Transit. The Transit Connect isn't a Sprinter competitor; it's part of its own class of small vans. Specifically, the Transit Connect and its competitors are the cargo versions of what Europeans call Leisure Activity Vehicles.
Reply
Mirko 6:18PM (1/02/2007)
The Transit Connect is a Fiesta-based pocket-sized van thing, while the real Transit is an amazingly versatile offering: Front or rear wheel drive, lots of wheelbases and roof heights... you can have it all!
Both could do well.
what about the Volkswagen Caddy, while we're at it? The only panel van with a DSG...
http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/newcaddy/
Reply
mehugtree 6:18PM (1/02/2007)
sweet. small vans = good!
now if they'd just make it cool, like those lil Honda's" [internal] http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/01/get-outta-dodge-damd-goes-loco-boy/
Reply
Mike 7:24PM (1/02/2007)
Finaly the final nail in pick up coffin
Reply
Misaniovent 8:53PM (1/02/2007)
Wow, Ford is bringing a European product over.
Reply
justme 8:09PM (1/02/2007)
If they bring this van over, doesn't it make sense to also bring the subcompact (Fiesta?) that it is based on to spread the cost. Also, Ford is starved for a subcompact.
Reply
Greg A. 8:17PM (1/02/2007)
#15 Safety and emissions regulations tend to be more lenient for light trucks than for passenger cars. Maybe the Transit Connect meets the applicable regulations (or can easily be modified to do so) and the Fiesta does not.
Reply
tbanks 9:05PM (1/02/2007)
well..its a nice ford fusion...wagon...van..thing.. ok that may be a little extreme.. but then again these vehicles arent meant to be real lookers anyways
Reply