Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19071794/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/19/first-drive-2010-ford-transit-connect-the-right-size-for-a-sma/19071794/article-detail.xml 19071794 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/transitfd000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/transitfd000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/geneva-preview-first-official-pics-and-details-of-nissan-nv200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/geneva-preview-first-official-pics-and-details-of-nissan-nv200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/geneva-preview-first-official-pics-and-details-of-nissan-nv200/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan NV200

Nissan recently announced that it would officially debut its new NV200 MPV next week at the Geneva Motor Show, and today we've been blessed with a new set of official images and a few more details to share. Three different styles will be offered, including a passenger van, a cargo van and, sitting somewhere in between, a combi.

Based on Nissan's B Platform shared with the Cube, Micra and various Renaults and Dacias, the NV200 is driven by the front wheels and offers the buyer a choice of either a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 108 horsepower, or a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 86 hp and, more importantly, nearly 150 lb-ft of torque. Unlike most vans that feature removable seats, the NV200's second row of seats will fold forward against the front seatbacks and the rearmost row will split and fold to either side.

When all the seats are properly stowed, the NV200 will accept 4.1 cubic meters (145 cubic feet) of whatever it is you need to carry. For comparison purposes, the Ford Transit Connect offers about 3.5 cubic meters (124 cubic feet), though a proper comparison will need to be made after the NV's actually go on sale. Expect the NV200 to hit the Japanese market before summer, followed by a European introduction this fall. Other markets will follow, but there's no word yet if the new MPV will make it to the U.S. Make sure to check out the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan NV200


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van

Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial truckcommercial vanCommercialTruckCommercialVangeneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShownissannissan minivannissan mpvnissan nv200nissan nv200 vannissan vanNissanMinivanNissanMpvNissanNv200NissanNv200VanNissanVanvanTue, 24 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1469965/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/02/24/geneva-preview-first-official-pics-and-details-of-nissan-nv200/1469965/article-detail.xml 1469965 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/57062-c-nis_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/57062-c-nis_580.jpg <![CDATA[No Dummies: CPR instructor, others win custom Ford Transit Connect vans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/no-dummy-cpr-instructor-others-win-custom-ford-transit-connect/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/no-dummy-cpr-instructor-others-win-custom-ford-transit-connect/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/no-dummy-cpr-instructor-others-win-custom-ford-transit-connect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

Ford is bringing its Transit Connect van to the US this summer with hopes of generating sales to businesses that need 143 cubic feet of cargo space and wouldn't mind car-like fuel economy. To drum up some interest in the Euro-sourced vans, the Blue Oval has just given away five of them to small business owners. One of the winners is a CPR instructor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jerry Buffman had been lugging her dummies around in a 2001 Toyota Sienna, but needed more space. Buffman travels to locations with her bags full of CPR equipment and practice dummies, and the soon to be released Transit should make lugging all of her props a bit easier.

To showcase the Transit Connect's flexibility, Ford also gave away the mini cargo vans to a kayak company, a cleaner, a dog care business, and a pet and baby safety company. Ford is looking to introduce the production version of the Transit Connect at the Chicago Auto Show in February, with sales beginning this summer.

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect


[Source: MLIVE]

No Dummies: CPR instructor, others win custom Ford Transit Connect vans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue OvalBlueOvalChicago Auto ShowChicagoAutoShowcommercial truckcommercial vanCommercialTruckCommercialVancontestford cargo vanFordCargoVantransit connectTransitConnectSat, 10 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1421132/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/10/no-dummy-cpr-instructor-others-win-custom-ford-transit-connect/1421132/article-detail.xml 1421132 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/transit-connect-van_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/transit-connect-van.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan to release range of commercial vehicles in U.S. in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/nissan-to-release-range-of-commercial-vehicles-in-u-s-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/nissan-to-release-range-of-commercial-vehicles-in-u-s-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/nissan-to-release-range-of-commercial-vehicles-in-u-s-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res shots of the Nissan NV200 concept

Nissan will be putting a full-court press on the small commercial vehicle market beginning in 2010, according to Joe Castelli, Nissan North America's vice president for light commercial vehicles and fleet. Specifically, the automaker will attack the smaller end of the market where the Ford E-Series vans and Super Duty trucks currently dominate.

Starting with the recently-unveiled NV2500 commercial van, Nissan will branch out to include at least one smaller urban transit vehicle, which will likely draw inspiration from the NV200 concept and do battle with Ford's upcoming Transit Connect. That van might be based on the same platform as the upcoming Cube scheduled to hit U.S. shores in 2009.

About one-third of Nissan's U.S. dealerships are planning to carry the new line of vehicles. It would be impossible to enter this market without a solid supply of diesel engines, so Nissan is believed to have contracted with Cummins for oil-burners, a convenient relationship now that the Japanese automaker has allied itself with Dodge.

Gallery: Nissan NV200 Concept


Gallery: Nissan NV2500 Concept


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Nissan to release range of commercial vehicles in U.S. in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial vancommercial vansCommercialVanCommercialVansnissannissan commercialnissan nv200nissan nv200 conceptnissan nv200 vannissan nv2500nissan nv2500 conceptNissanCommercialNissanNv200NissanNv200ConceptNissanNv200VanNissanNv2500NissanNv2500ConceptMon, 15 Dec 2008 13:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1401565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/12/15/nissan-to-release-range-of-commercial-vehicles-in-u-s-in-2010/1401565/article-detail.xml 1401565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/nv200_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/nv200_580.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge unveils new 2007 Sprinter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/14/dodge-unveils-new-2007-sprinter/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/14/dodge-unveils-new-2007-sprinter/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/14/dodge-unveils-new-2007-sprinter/#commentsFiled under: ,


click on above image to view addition high-res images of the 2007 Dodge Sprinter

So the embargo on material for the new 2007 Dodge Sprinter lifted at midnight last night. Yeah, we forgot about it, too. Nevertheless, the Sprinter's in a class by itself when it comes to commercial vans offered by the Big 3 (2.5, whatever). The 2007 model is all new and gets crazy with the dimensions adding a Super Size model for those who always want fries with that. Compared to last year's largest model, the new Sprinter has increases in width (two inches), interior height (11 inches), exterior height (13 inches), cargo area length (19 inches), vehicle length (30 inches), cargo volume (127 cu. ft.), and towing capacity (2,500 lbs.). For the discriminating business owner, there are no less than three vehicles lengths, two wheelbases, three interior roof heights, and two engines. The two new motors are a 3.0L V6 diesel that produces 154 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs. of torque at 1,200 to 2,400 rpm, and a 3.5L gas V6 making 254 horsepower and 250 ft-lbs. of torque at 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. Both engines are routed through a five-speed automatic. In its largest form, the new Sprinter can swallow 600 cubic feet of stuff in one bite. No doubt the courier industry is excited to see the new 2007 Sprinter, even if we aren't.

Check out the full press release from Dodge after the jump, as well as our gallery that shows both commercial and passenger versions of the new 2007 Dodge Sprinter.

[Source: Dodge]

Gallery: 2007 Dodge Sprinter

Continue reading Dodge unveils new 2007 Sprinter

Dodge unveils new 2007 Sprinter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 sprinter2007Sprintercommercialcommercial vanCommercialVandodgedodge sprinterDodgeSprintersprinterWed, 14 Feb 2007 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/754126/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/02/14/dodge-unveils-new-2007-sprinter/754126/article-detail.xml 754126 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/dg007_025sp_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/dg007_025sp_450.jpg <![CDATA[Vauxhall freights in reworked Vivaro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/05/vauxhall-freights-in-reworked-vivaro/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/05/vauxhall-freights-in-reworked-vivaro/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/05/vauxhall-freights-in-reworked-vivaro/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're by no means experts on European commercial vehicles, but it would seem that White Van Men on the continent are about to be inundated with new product choices, while their Stateside counterparts continue to make due largely by choosing between a Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter, Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana, or Ford's jurassic Econoline. In just the past month or so, we've seen a fresh-faced Volkswagen Crafter and Fiat's new Ducato (along with its Citroen Jumper and Peugeot Boxer twins), and now Vauxhall is set to market a revamped Vivaro.

The Vauxhauler receives an exterior once-over, keeping its distinctive bubble roofline, but adding new light fixtures front and rear and a new V-shaped grille.

Inside, upholstery and trim materials have been upgraded, with faux metal trim and chrome-ringed gauges, and a new range of infotainment options available.

Later in 2006, buyers will have their choice of a revamped engine range as well, including a pair of new 2.0-liter common rail turbodiesels or a tidied-up 2.5-liter CDTi, all yoked to six-speed manual gearboxes.

[Source: Transport News Network]

Vauxhall freights in reworked Vivaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet ExpressChevroletExpressChevy ExpressChevyExpresscommercial truckcommercial vanCommercialTruckCommercialVancrafterDodge SprinterDodgeSprinterEconolineFreightliner SprinterFreightlinerSprinterVanVauxhallvivaroVolkswagen crafterVolkswagenCrafterVW CrafterVwCrafterwhite van manWhiteVanManMon, 05 Jun 2006 20:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/624843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/06/05/vauxhall-freights-in-reworked-vivaro/624843/article-detail.xml 624843 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/Vivaro-front-3-4-resized_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/Vivaro-front-3-4-resized.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat's Ducato officially released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/25/m/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/25/m/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/25/m/#commentsFiled under:

We first showed you a sneak peak of Fiat's new Ducato commercial truck when a small photo first surfaced on the Internet back in mid-March. But with the official unveiling of the lineup, a brace of new, larger snapshots have become available, along with the range's full story. As we reported earlier, van buyers will have the choice of three wheelbases and heights, along with four lengths. Those just purchasing the chassis (for fitment of aftermarket configurations like a flatbed or Ambulance) will have five lengths tied to four wheelbase options.

The Ducato's fortunes are pivotal to Fiat, with 1.7 million units shifted over the last 25 years. Check out more photos inside and out, along with the press materials at the link.

[Source: DueMotori.com]

Fiat's Ducato officially released originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 May 2006 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial vanCommercialVanDodge SprinterDodgeSprinterDucatoFiatFord EconolineFordEconolineFreightlinerwhite van manWhiteVanManThu, 25 May 2006 19:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/621710/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/05/25/m/621710/article-detail.xml 621710 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/Fiat-Ducato-silver-front-3-4-resized_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/Fiat-Ducato-silver-front-3-4-resized.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat unveils new Ducato commercial vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/fiat-unveils-new-ducato-commercial-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/fiat-unveils-new-ducato-commercial-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/fiat-unveils-new-ducato-commercial-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat's new Ducato has been unveiled in advance of its European debut. The commercial van will be twinned with models the automaker's PSA partners, Peugeot and Citroen. The joint venture project is part of the Sevel group (Società Europea Veicoli Leggeri - European Light Vehicle Company, an arrangement created in 1978.

A full range of bodystyles, capacities and drivetrains will be offered, including four wheelbases and overall heights, seven different cargo area sizes, and five chassis lengths. A quartet of diesel engine options will be available, yoked to five or six-speed transmissions.

Available creature comforts will include an MP3-compatible stereo and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability.

More details and specifications at the link.

[Source: car.co.nz]

 

Fiat unveils new Ducato commercial vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 May 2006 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BluetoothCitroenCommercial vanCommercialVanDieselDucatoFiatLight VehicleLightVehiclePeugeotPSAWhite van ManWhiteVanManTue, 16 May 2006 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/618639/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/05/16/fiat-unveils-new-ducato-commercial-vehicle/618639/article-detail.xml 618639 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/Sevel-Ducato-resized_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/Sevel-Ducato-resized.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Crafter seeking commercial buyers and X-Games athletes?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/26/volkswagen-crafter-seeking-commercial-buyers-and-x-games-athlete/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/26/volkswagen-crafter-seeking-commercial-buyers-and-x-games-athlete/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/26/volkswagen-crafter-seeking-commercial-buyers-and-x-games-athlete/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen formally rolled out its new Crafter van to crowds at the Commercial Vehicles show in Britain on Monday.

The top rung of VW's commercial range replaces the LT, a long-running model that only saw two generations over the course of 31 years. The Crafter successor seen here goes on sale in Blighty this September, and will be offered with a range of four and five cylinder engines, along with a full range of body configurations, including three different wheelbases, four compartment sizes and three roof heights. Not enough? The Crafter will be available as a panel van, double cab van and a chassis cab.  A six speed manual will be standard-fit, but an 'automated manual transmission' (read: DSG/S-Tronic) will also be available. The smaller Volkswagen Caddy was launched with the slick transmission last year, which suggests that it's more durable and versatile than car enthusiasts might've been led to believe.

Interestingly, Volkswagen is also releasing a Sportline model, complete with revised facia, Eibach springs, 18" Borbet wheels, and options like a "Golf GTI style leather interior" and iPod adapter. The model is pitched as a novel alternative to Gen-X 'extreme sports' types who need room for lifestyle accessories (lots of 'em, apparently).

The German automaker has been increasing its UK commercial presence nicely, with six years of consecutive growth and a record 23,065 registrations notched for 2005.

Check out the link for full press release and specs.

[Sources: Easier.com; Volkswagen]

Volkswagen Crafter seeking commercial buyers and X-Games athletes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BorbetCommercialCommercial VanCommercialVanCrafterEibachESPNExtreme sportsExtremeSportsGen-XGTIiPodlifestyle accessoryLifestyleAccessoryLTSportlineVanVolkswagenVWWhite Van ManWhiteVanManX-GamesWed, 26 Apr 2006 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/611868/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/04/26/volkswagen-crafter-seeking-commercial-buyers-and-x-games-athlete/611868/article-detail.xml 611868 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/VW-Crafter-open-door-resized_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/VW-Crafter-open-door-resized.JPG -1 2