Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fiat-reveals-new-doblo-will-it-come-to-america-to-challenge-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fiat-reveals-new-doblo-will-it-come-to-america-to-challenge-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fiat-reveals-new-doblo-will-it-come-to-america-to-challenge-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat Doblo - click above for high-res gallery

You're feasting your eyes on Fiat's new Doblo. First debuting in 2001, Fiat has manged to sell over one million Doblos, both as panel work vans (know as the Doblo Cargo) and as five or seven passenger "leisure activity vehicles." This is the first ground-up redesign in the Doblo's relatively short life, and we're thinking Fiat might have bigger plans for its tiny work truck.

If you look closely at Chrysler's five-year plan, you'll see the following bullet point, "Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)." So let's see... small commercial van, supplied by Fiat... we're thinking they mean the Doblo. And with the Ford Transit Connect doing well in the U.S., the Doblo might find some takers. But, whatever Fiat brings over as a new Ram is still a few years off. Until then, chew on the fact that a version of the Doblo is made and sold in North Korea as the Ppeokkugi. Full press release, after the jump.


Gallery: Fiat Doblo and Fiat Doble Cargo


[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boblo CargoBobloCargoDobloDodgeFiatFiat DobloFiat Doblo CargoFiat VanFiatDobloFiatDobloCargoFiatVanFord Transit ConnectFordTransitConnectRamRam VanRamVanVanMon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: The rest of the best at the Ford display]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The rest of the Ford display - Click above for high-res image gallery

SEMA is an interesting show. We go in knowing full well that 60-75% of the cars we'll be walking past and/or covering are just trash. Sorry if this bombshell offends anyone, but your Chrysler 300C doesn't need 26-inch hoops, nor seventy gallons of sparkle orange paint. Or diamonds. But, as Doyle Brunson might say if he covered cars instead of being the Godfather of Texas Hold 'Em, that's SEMA.

We mention this in the "other Fords" post because some of these custom FoMoCos look fantastic, or at least pretty good. But 60-75% of them, well, we're not entirely sold. Let's start with the good. Despite the two-tone paint job, we're pretty darn smitten with the Fusion T4 by MRT above. More cars need big old intercoolers taking up the whole lower fascia. And while they might be an inch (or three) too big, the wheels are nice. And that white Lincoln MKS? Nice.

But then you got the other cars contained in this here gallery, and... um.... we like the Lincoln MKT, because well, we just like MKTs. But we're not sold on the Focus upgrades, especially since Ford saw fit to bring a Euro Focus RS to the show. Game, set, outmatched. And don't even get us started on the Edge they've cooked up here. Specifically, the wing on the back. No really - see for yourself.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: The rest of the Ford display


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: The rest of the best at the Ford display originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EdgeFlexFocusFocus RSFocusRsFordford edgeford focusford fusionFord Transit ConnectFordEdgeFordFocusFordFusionFordTransitConnectFusionLincolnLincoln MKSlincoln MKTLincolnMksLincolnMktSEMASEMA 2009SEMA ShowSema2009SemaShowTransit ConnectTransitConnectFri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford Transit Connect arriving in U.S. with full interiors that get stripped to comply with "Chicken Law"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/report-all-ford-transit-connects-arrive-in-u-s-with-full-inter/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/report-all-ford-transit-connects-arrive-in-u-s-with-full-inter/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/report-all-ford-transit-connects-arrive-in-u-s-with-full-inter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Ford Transit Connect - Click above for high-res image gallery

The law of unintended consequences is a funny one. Take the chicken tax. Back in the 1960s, West Germany imposed high tariffs on American grown chicken. President Johnson - a man you would not want to mess with - fought back by imposing high import tariffs on foreign made trucks and commercial vans. This is one of the reasons why there are no full-size German pickup trucks. It's also why German egg yolks are orange while ours are yellow (grass fed chicken vs. corn fed chicken), but that's another story. The only reason we have the Toyota Tundra and the Nissan Titan is because those companies decided to make them here in the U.S. Otherwise they'd be too expensive. This poses a real problem if you're Ford and you want to bring in your made-in-Turkey Transit Connect van.

How to circumvent the law? There's all sorts of creative ways. Up until just recently, Chrysler's been selling Sprinter vans here in the States by shipping them unassembled to a factory in South Carolina where the vans are reconstituted and shipped to dealers. Ford's taking a slightly different approach. They actually ship the Transit Connects here with the vans classified as wagons. Then, once they reach a processing facility in Baltimore, they are transformed into cargo vans, totally side-stepping the Chicken Tax. Smart, huh?

The process of transforming a passenger "wagon" into a cargo van works like this. The rear windows are removed and replaced by a sheet of metal that's quick cured in place. The rear seats and seat belts are then removed and a new floorboard is screwed into place. Voila - five minutes after they start as five-passenger wagons, Ford has a bunch of two-seater panel vans. The seats are then shredded and the material is used as land fill cover. No word on what happens to the glass. Long story short, take that chicken tax!


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Transit Connect


[Source: WSJ]

REPORT: Ford Transit Connect arriving in U.S. with full interiors that get stripped to comply with "Chicken Law" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Transit Connect2010FordTransitConnectChicken TaxChickenTaxFordFord Transit ConnectFordTransitConnectTransitTransit ConnectTransitConnectTurkeyTue, 22 Sep 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[First month of 2010 Ford Transit Connect sales top 2,000 units]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/first-month-of-2010-ford-transit-connect-sales-top-2-000-units/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/first-month-of-2010-ford-transit-connect-sales-top-2-000-units/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/first-month-of-2010-ford-transit-connect-sales-top-2-000-units/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Transit Connect in Los Angeles -- click above image for high-res gallery

Things that don't surprise us Late August, 2009 Edition: Brett Favre acting like a spoiled seven-year-old, devastating fires threatening huge chunks of drought-plagued Los Angeles and the fact that Ford sold over 2,000 Transit Connect vans in its first month here in the States. Why? Because Ford's little van is not only a smart product, but it fills a much needed and until now empty niche.

For more than a decade, Ford has been selling smart but small little panel vans (starting with the Escort Van) all over Europe. Small businesses in need of a right-sized, practical work truck flock to them and are rewarded with a low initial cost, low total cost and good mileage. Especially the diesels. But here in the U.S., no such vehicle existed. Until last month.

To quote Ford, "Around the country, small business operators and fleet customers are quickly adding Ford Transit Connect vehicles as an efficient mobility solution for their respective enterprises." Sure, these same businesses and fleets could have chosen something like a Chevy HHR Panel, but those were designed first and foremost as passenger cars and the lack of cargo space proves it. Whereas the Transit Connect was a work vehicle from the start, featuring useful items like dual-sliding rear doors and a low load-in height.

What types of businesses are buying the Transit Connects? "Laundry mats, caterers, door and lock companies, painters, electricians, restaurant suppliers, satellite dish installers, carpet installers and commercial carpet cleaners." Again, companies that have traditionally been underserved by large platforms like F-150s or Econolines. Full press release below the fold.


Gallery: Ford Transit connect in Los Angeles

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Continue reading First month of 2010 Ford Transit Connect sales top 2,000 units

First month of 2010 Ford Transit Connect sales top 2,000 units originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FordFord Transit ConnectFordTransitConnectTransitTransit ConnectTransitConnectTue, 01 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be built Stateside in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-ford-transit-connect-to-be-built-stateside-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-ford-transit-connect-to-be-built-stateside-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-ford-transit-connect-to-be-built-stateside-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.]

REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be built Stateside in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford transit connect2010 transit connect2010FordTransitConnect2010TransitConnect2013 ford transit connect2013 transit connect2013FordTransitConnect2013TransitConnectfordford transit connectFordTransitConnectkentuckylouisvillemanufacturingmichiganplantstransit connectTransitConnectuawvanwayneMon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Transit Connect: Case Study in Overregulation

The Ford Transit Connect is a cool little van unlike anything else on the American market. In fact, I think it has the capability of becoming something of a cult car. But it's also a shining example of why the auto industry faces too much regulation.

Even though the Transit Connect is already sold in 55 countries around the world it had to undergo numerous modifications before it could be sold in the American market. And while it's not at all unusual to modifiy imported vehicles up to our standards, it's hard to see how some of these changes will help the health or safety of American citizens.

Some of these changes are so ridiculous and inconsequential that it's actually funny to see what they are. Funny, that is, until you realize all they're doing is driving up the price of the product.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogford transit connectFordTransitConnectjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyFri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Ford Transit Connect, the right size for a smaller economy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/first-drive-2010-ford-transit-connect-the-right-size-for-a-sma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/first-drive-2010-ford-transit-connect-the-right-size-for-a-sma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/first-drive-2010-ford-transit-connect-the-right-size-for-a-sma/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Ford Transit Connect - Click above for high-res image gallery

After relying on full-size E-series vans for commercial cargo carrying since the dawn of time, Ford is finally ready to offer North American businesses a more practical alternative. The Transit Connect is a compact, purpose-built van that's been available overseas since 2002, and Ford has sold more than 600,000 of the squat little haulers to businesses abroad over the past seven years. The company hopes that what's good for Europe is good for the States, so the first batch of U.S.-spec models are on their way to dealerships as you read this.

While the E-series vans are more than capable of carrying out their prescribed duties, for most, it's like using a sledgehammer to push a tack into a cork board. The Big-Es were simply more vehicle than necessary for most small businesses, especially those operating locally, delivering flowers, catering and plumbing. That's where the Transit Connect comes in.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Transit Connect


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Transit Connect, the right size for a smaller economy

First Drive: 2010 Ford Transit Connect, the right size for a smaller economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> first drive FirstDrive2010 ford transit connect2010FordTransitConnectcommercial vanCommercialVancompact vanCompactVanfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivefordford transit connectford-transit-connectFordTransitConnecttransit connecttransit-connectTransitConnectFri, 19 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Live Shots: Ford Transit Connect Family One Concept... just add kids!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/live-shots-ford-transit-connect-family-one-concept-just-add/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/live-shots-ford-transit-connect-family-one-concept-just-add/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/live-shots-ford-transit-connect-family-one-concept-just-add/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ford Transit Connect Family One Concept - click above for a high-res gallery

What better place to take the wraps off a new family transportation vehicle than a kids' science museum? That's exactly what Ford did this afternoon at Ann Arbor's Hands On Museum, and we were on hand to witness.

The 2010 Transit Connect Family One concept takes Ford's new compact commercial van and explores the possibilities for the platform as a future family hauler. Peeking inside, a transparent divider between the front and second rows features a pair of embedded LCDs that can be used as computer monitors, watch movies or play games. In the back, built-in walkie talkie chargers sit next to dispensers for hand cleanser and a pair of fold up scooters hang on the rear door. There's also a cavity under the rear floor that can consume a stroller.

Ford engineers have also looked at the Family One as an opportunity to experiment with some next-generation communications devices. Sensors based on the specifications for the next iteration of Bluetooth are embedded in the rear seat. Child safety seats with sensors that can detect tension, angle and other factors can communicate wirelessly with the driver to warn if the seat is not installed properly. These types of systems are probably still at least five years out, but they are definitely very cool.

Check out the high-res gallery of live shots below, and the original post for more details.


Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Family One concept


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Live Shots: Ford Transit Connect Family One Concept... just add kids! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford transit connectford transit connect family oneFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectFamilyOnenew yorknew york 2009new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowNYAutoShowFri, 03 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Commercial Appeal: Ford Transit Connect gets higher-than-expected EPA rating of 22/25]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/commercial-appeal-ford-transit-connect-gets-epa-rating-of-22-25/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/commercial-appeal-ford-transit-connect-gets-epa-rating-of-22-25/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/commercial-appeal-ford-transit-connect-gets-epa-rating-of-22-25/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Transit Connect
Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Transit Connect

Ford is making an interesting habit of giving low-ball estimates regarding the mileage of their new vehicles, only to later announce final EPA numbers that are higher by several miles per gallon. This happened with the Fusion Hybrid which was estimated at 39 miles-per-gallon city and then ended up at 41 mpg city. The latest example is the new Transit Connect compact van. When Ford announced the US bound production version just before the Chicago Auto Show, product development boss Derrick Kuzak estimated it would get 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The EPA has now finished its data analysis and come up with even better numbers: 22 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the motorways. Not too shabby for a vehicle with this much room inside and only a four speed automatic transmission.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Commercial Appeal: Ford Transit Connect gets higher-than-expected EPA rating of 22/25

Commercial Appeal: Ford Transit Connect gets higher-than-expected EPA rating of 22/25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epa mileageepa mpgEpaMileageEpaMpgford transit connectford transit connect sportvanFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectSportvanfuel economyfuel efficiencyFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencytransit connecttransit-connectTransitConnectTue, 24 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Ford ready to offer Transit Connect van in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/chicago-2009-ford-ready-to-offer-transit-connect-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/chicago-2009-ford-ready-to-offer-transit-connect-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/chicago-2009-ford-ready-to-offer-transit-connect-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Transit Connect
Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Transit Connect

One year after announcing it would bring the compact Transit Connect van to the U.S. market, Ford is now ready to put it on sale. The little van hasn't changed much since we first saw it, although the styling of the nose has been tweaked a bit, primarily around the grille area. The lower front fascia now has the trapezoidal opening characteristic of Ford's Kinetic design. The Transit is intended to be a more maneuverable and efficient alternative to the big old E-series full-size vans targeted primarily at commercial customers, although anyone will be able to get one.

American buyers of the Transit Connect will only have one conventional powertrain option, a 2.0L four cylinder Duratec gas engine paired up with a four-speed automatic transmission. Ford has also confirmed that the Transit Connect will be the basis of its new electric van to be offered starting in 2010. The battery electric version is being developed in conjunction with Smith Electric Vehicles from the UK. Follow the jump to learn more about Ford's latest European transplant.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Ford ready to offer Transit Connect van in U.S.

Chicago 2009: Ford ready to offer Transit Connect van in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago 2009chicago auto showChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowford transit connectford transit connect sportvanFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectSportvanMon, 09 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's new electric van for 2010 will come from Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/fords-new-electric-van-for-2010-will-come-from-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/fords-new-electric-van-for-2010-will-come-from-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/fords-new-electric-van-for-2010-will-come-from-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Ford Transit Connect van

Ford's business plan submitted to Congress a few weeks ago indicated that the Detroit-based automaker would be offering a "full battery electric vehicle in a van-type vehicle for commercial fleet use in 2010." Up until this point, we were left to speculate on the basis for the new EV, but Ford CEO Alan Mulally has now revealed that the new Blue Oval van will be based on the European Ford Transit that's scheduled to hit U.S. shores in the summer of 2009. We expect to hear more about the upcoming electric van over the next few months, possibly at the Detroit Auto Show in January, but the fact that it'll be based on the Transit should come as little surprise. The only other cargo vehicle that the automaker has at its disposal is the full-size, rear-wheel-drive E-Series, and that platform would be much less appropriate for an urban electric vehicle than the lighter, front-wheel-drive Transit van.

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Ford's new electric van for 2010 will come from Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric ford transitelectric ford vanelectric vanElectricFordTransitElectricFordVanElectricVanfordford transitford transit connectFordTransitFordTransitConnectWed, 17 Dec 2008 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/sema-2008-ford-stacks-the-ballot-with-concepts-for-election-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/sema-2008-ford-stacks-the-ballot-with-concepts-for-election-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/sema-2008-ford-stacks-the-ballot-with-concepts-for-election-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Click above for massive gallery of Fords from SEMA

What recession? Perhaps anticipating the euphoria that will follow the end to the seemingly decades-long Presidential race today, Ford decided to throw a huge tuner party at SEMA this year, and they invited ALL of their friends. The Ford booth always houses a bunch of tuned blue ovals, but they generally tend to be grouped around a central vehicle. Last year it was the Mustang. And the year before. And probably the year before that, too. But this year they gave the ol' spit shine to virtually every model in the lineup. Ford even threw in a Lincoln or two for good measure (above).

In the gallery below you'll see the Lincoln MKS and MKX, as well as Ford Focus Coupe, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Transit Connect, and Edge. Tuners include 3dCarbon, Custom Creations, RKSport, Stout Performance, Barber Driving Experience, FSWerks, Street Concepts, EcoTrek, HPA Motorsports, H&R, and Steeda. For more info on each one, check out the press release after the jump. There are actually quite a few interesting concepts in the bunch.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford Booth


Photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips, Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day

SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford edgeford edge sportford escapeford escape hybridford focusford focus coupeford transit connectFordEdgeFordEdgeSportFordEscapeFordEscapeHybridFordFocusFordFocusCoupeFordTransitConnectlincoln mkslincoln mkxLincolnMksLincolnMkxsemasema 2008Sema2008Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Production Ford Transit Connect SportVan debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/production-ford-transit-connect-sportvan-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/production-ford-transit-connect-sportvan-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/production-ford-transit-connect-sportvan-debuts/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for the high-res photo

The current Crown Victoria wears many hats here in the States, as it is the transportation of choice for taxis, police, mob hitmen and senior citizens. With the eventual phasing out of North America's last body-on-frame car platform comes the Transit Connect, which is already on sale overseas and ready for multitasking on our shores. We've already seen a Transit ready for taxi duty, catering, and cable installation, and now the Blue Oval is pushing the busy little work van into the performance market.

Ford of Europe has announced the Transit Connect SportVan, which comes fully equipped with Performance Blue paint, Ford GT-style racing stripe, and seven-spoke 18-inch rims. Power comes from a 1.8L Duratorq TDCi diesel, which likely won't set the streets ablaze, but Ford provides some sporty features to make the working man's Mini Cooper feel fast. Some features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, high quality leather seats with eight-way seat adjustment, ABS, traction control, and some bright-work for the dash. In the past, such news would mean little to us here in the States, but since the Transit Connect is headed our way, there is a chance we could one day see a SportVan on Woodward or Hollywood Blvd. Hit the jump to read the press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Production Ford Transit Connect SportVan debuts

Production Ford Transit Connect SportVan debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FordFord Transit ConnectFordTransitConnectTransit SportVanTransit TaxiTransitSportvanTransitTaxiTue, 15 Apr 2008 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2008: Mark Fields hails a Transit Connect Taxi Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-mark-fields-hails-a-transit-connect-taxi-oncept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-mark-fields-hails-a-transit-connect-taxi-oncept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-mark-fields-hails-a-transit-connect-taxi-oncept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Transit Connect Taxi

Where better than New York for Ford to show off a taxi cab? And what better platform than the company's new Transit Connect van? Ford's Mark Fields and designer J. Mays were on hand for the unveiling of the Transit Connect Taxi Concept, and both were somehow amazed at the applause the concept generated. Seeing as how there were only a handful of us there and that the rest of the crowd consisted of Ford employees, we find it hard to believe there wouldn't be applause aplenty. Seriously though, this is one fun cab. After spending some time in the regular fleet of bumblebee-colored Crown Vics this past week, we can attest that the Transit Connect Taxi has a lot of things that make it a natural improvement over current standard taxis. Our favorite was the panoramic roof that allows passengers to take in tall buildings with a single glance, but we also liked the flexible seating and cargo configurations, as well as the funky interactive infotainment system for the back seat. Although it looks a bit large in photos, the Transit Connect Taxi Concept actually has a small footprint vehicle and seems like it could go four-wide where the Vics can only manage three abreast. Check out the press release after the jump and all of our live high-res pics in the gallery.

Gallery: Ford transit Connect Taxi Concept


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading New York 2008: Mark Fields hails a Transit Connect Taxi Concept

New York 2008: Mark Fields hails a Transit Connect Taxi Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford transitford transit connectford transit taxiFordTransitFordTransitConnectFordTransitTaxiMark FieldsMarkFieldsnew yorknew york 2008new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2008NewYorkAutoShowWed, 19 Mar 2008 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago '08 Preview: Ford Transit Connect rumored to arrive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/chicago-08-preview-ford-transit-connect-rumored-to-arrive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/chicago-08-preview-ford-transit-connect-rumored-to-arrive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/chicago-08-preview-ford-transit-connect-rumored-to-arrive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above for more high-res images of the Ford Transit Connect

We reported last January that the European Ford Transit Connect would be coming to the U.S., and now we've learned that the Euro van is expected to join the assemblage of debuts at this year's Chicago Auto Show. Speculation is that the front-wheel-drive mini-ish vans will hit showrooms as a 2009 model and come with a 4-cylinder engine. It is also said to have seating for five, but meant to compete with another, larger European transplant, the Dodge Sprinter. Since Ford hasn't even acknowledged that the vehicle will be at Chicago, it hasn't issued a price, but MSRP for the Sprinter Van is $32,150 and the Sprinter Wagon goes for $34,350. If nothing else, we're happy to see Ford's European migration this way continuing, and there's even a Transit Connect SportVan! Now if we could work on some of those passenger car offerings...

[Source: The Car Connection]

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect


Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Sport Concept

Chicago '08 Preview: Ford Transit Connect rumored to arrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicago auto showChicagoAutoShowdodge sprinterDodgeSprinterford transitford transit connectFordTransitFordTransitConnectsprintertransit connectTransitConnectWed, 23 Jan 2008 13:55:00 EST