REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be built Stateside in 2012
2010 Ford Transit Connect - Click above for a high-res image gallery
A welcome splash of news for the UAW and the U.S. economy: Ford will commence production of the Transit Connect at a U.S. assembly plant by mid-year 2012. Currently built in Turkey on a version of the Euro Focus platform, the next generation Transit will also migrate to the FWD compact platform that will underpin the next Focus both hear and abroad. Ford plants in Wayne, Michigan and Louisville, Kentucky will be retooled to build cars on that architecture, meaning the that Transit could join them.
With an electric version joining the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in 2010, an outside analyst predicted 60,000 units would be reasonable by 2013. Ford isn't quoting any production numbers yet, preferring to see how the current version -- that just went on sale this month -- fares.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Joe K. 10:06AM (7/20/2009)
here...
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sithanas 10:08AM (7/20/2009)
sorry, couldn't quite "hear" you there...
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Luis 10:22AM (7/20/2009)
Sounds good. I love the idea of an electric version. I could see fleets buying these up big time.
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br4nd0nh347 6:52PM (7/20/2009)
it's so far away though, by 2012 they'll cancel it or something. I'm a little paranoid.
Randy 5:18PM (7/21/2009)
CANCEL IT? Are you nuts?
I'm looking for 20s and a drop kit for one now... ;)
For real though. I think it's functionally sound, serves a purpose and will do well.
Larry in Miami 10:40AM (7/20/2009)
Gee, if I still had any business in my flower shop nowadays, (or ever again) what a great delivery vehicle that would make!
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:46AM (7/20/2009)
Maybe as a delivery vehicle it won't matter that this thing only gets 24mpg highway.
There are already 3 minivans on the market that do this well or better and the Honda Element.
That One Person 4:48PM (7/20/2009)
LS...this thing is a couple thousand cheaper than a G. Caravan Cargo and gets better mileage (TC is rated at 22/25). The G. Caravan has this thing beat in cargo room by like eight cubic feet (the TC has 135 cubic feet of nothingness behind the front seats).
The Odyssey is rated at 17/25 but there this no cargo van option. If you don't mind dropping an extra $5k or so, you could take all the seats out and get an extra 12 cubic feet.
And then there is the Element. It's rated at 20/25 and as far as cargo room? Try a whopping 74.6 cubic feet...maximum. Yeah.
Venom 10:47AM (7/20/2009)
If Sabine Schimz uses this new one at The Ring, maybe she can finally beat Clarkson:)
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:38AM (7/20/2009)
Different vehicle. That was a Transit, this is a Transit Connect.
Yaroukh 11:45AM (7/20/2009)
that was the point i guess
creigs9 12:19PM (7/20/2009)
I don't think I've seen him win at anything against her.
gianni bardelli 10:50AM (7/20/2009)
The transit connect platform has absolutley nothing in common with the Euro Focus. Here are the notes from the press kit:
Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform to meet the rigors business use demands. This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market
This compact van was built around the following key attributes:
• Class-leading cargo area functionality and versatility
• High levels of durability through the use of thick, high-strength steel and a reinforced body shell with partial double skin sides and twin side crossmembers
• Responsive and fuel-efficient powertrain
• High levels of security and safety, with a rigid body structure, side impact protection, dual front air bags and an array of security features, including a lockable hood
• Low cost of ownership, from lower fuel costs to powertrain durability
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BigTeebo 11:09AM (7/20/2009)
Does this mean I can have my own Royal Auto Club-colored Transit? If so, awesome.
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tump 11:43AM (7/20/2009)
Something must be wrong with me because I really really like the design of this vehicle.
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Ken 11:44AM (7/20/2009)
If there was ever a vehicle that could benefit from a nice little I4 diesel, this would be it.
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martinez 12:30PM (7/20/2009)
I do have one with a 1.8TDi 4-banger :)
Dave 1:09PM (7/20/2009)
In the US it is far more likely to get a hybrid drivetrain similar to the one in the Fusion or Escape.
Which makes a lot of sense for an urban delivery vehicle.
Ken 1:15PM (7/20/2009)
Dave, you make a good point. For a car that will spend a lot of time idling, needing to accelerate fast (city traffic), a hybrid system could work very well.
skicat 1:23PM (7/20/2009)
Smith Electric Vehicles, which already builds electric versions of the larger Ford Transit Van (think Dodge Sprinter), will build the all-electric (not hybrid) version or the Transit Connect.
http://www.smithelectricvehicles.com/
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