Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ford introduces cargo van version of Transit Custom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/ford-introduces-cargo-van-version-of-transit-custom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/ford-introduces-cargo-van-version-of-transit-custom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/ford-introduces-cargo-van-version-of-transit-custom/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Transit Custom Cargo Van

European buyers now know what to expect from the Ford Transit Custom cargo van. The work version of the van bowed at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show this week with the new exterior and more refined cabin that first appeared on the Ford Tourneo Custom passenger van.

Buyers outside of North America will be able to choose between a short wheelbase version with a total length of 16.3 feet or a long wheelbase configuration that spans 17.5 feet from stem to stern. Indoors, the van can deliver up to 212 cubic feet of cargo area, or three european pallets stacked three-feet high. In addition, the floor offers enough space between the wheel wells to accommodate a 4x8 sheet of material.

The Transit Custom isn't headed to the North American market, though, which begs the question: Why do we care? Ford is set to replace the aging E-Series with a different Transit van that's specific to our continent, though that vehicle will be based on the global Transit Custom we see here. According to Ford, our van will yield 25-percent better fuel economy than the current E-Series thanks to either the same Ecoboost 3.5-liter V6 currently found in the nose of the F-150 or a diesel powerplant. The North American Transit is also supposed to weigh in 300 pounds less than its predecessor.

Continue reading Ford introduces cargo van version of Transit Custom

Ford introduces cargo van version of Transit Custom originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cargo vanfordford transitford transit customtransittransit cargo vantransit custom cargo vanWed, 18 Apr 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/ford-introduces-cargo-van-version-of-transit-custom/20218425/article-detail.xml 20218425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-transit-cutsom-cargo-van-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-transit-cutsom-cargo-van-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Tourneo Custom Concept previews new European people mover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/ford-tourneo-custom-concept-previews-new-european-people-mover/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/ford-tourneo-custom-concept-previews-new-european-people-mover/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/ford-tourneo-custom-concept-previews-new-european-people-mover/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Let's clear the air. This is not - we repeat, not - the Ford E-Series-replacing Transit that will be built and sold in the United States next year. According to our contacts at Ford, this Tourneo Custom Concept previews what the next generation of front-wheel-drive, passenger-friendly Transits will look like when they go on sale in Europe and other world markets. The North American-spec van will be based off of the heavy-duty, rear-wheel-drive Transit that's set to debut later this year.

So, let's talk Tourneo. This eight-passenger van is essentially Ford's answer to vehicles like the Renault Trafic or Volkswagen Caravelle - more butch than a minivan, with a higher ride height and more interior space. Ford says that the Tourneo Concept boasts a rich, comfortable, leather-trimmed interior with seats that can be rearranged into a number of different configurations.

Ford has only released this one image as of now, but it's clear that the automaker's Kinetic design has found a home on even its largest vehicles. Up front is the Blue Oval's signature trapezoidal grille, and strong profile lines on the sides swoop upward toward the rear in an effort to make this barn-on-wheels look as fluid and sleek as possible. Under the hood, a range of 2.2-liter turbo-diesel powertrains are available, in 98-, 123- and 153-horsepower variants, all of which are mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

We'll see the Tourneo in person in just a few weeks at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. As for the U.S.-spec Transit, it'll be a while before that officially breaks cover. Hit the jump for all of the juicy Tourneo Concept details in Ford's press release.

Continue reading Ford Tourneo Custom Concept previews new European people mover

Ford Tourneo Custom Concept previews new European people mover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptfordford transitgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showtourneotourneo custom concepttransitTue, 21 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20176273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/ford-tourneo-custom-concept-previews-new-european-people-mover/20176273/article-detail.xml 20176273 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tourneo628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tourneo628.jpg <![CDATA[How Ford plans to phase out the best-selling E-Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/how-ford-plans-to-phase-out-the-best-selling-e-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/how-ford-plans-to-phase-out-the-best-selling-e-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/how-ford-plans-to-phase-out-the-best-selling-e-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In a commercial market where "change" is a four-letter word, Ford has a lot of explaining to do.

It is not often that an automaker decides to dump a best-selling vehicle line, one that's dominated its segment for decades. But Ford's commercial vehicle team is doing it not once, but twice. Ford had been phasing out its Panther platform for a good five years before it finally ceased production of its Crown Victoria taxi, Police Interceptor and Lincoln Town Car livery offerings in September. Now the company is set to do similarly with its E-Series van, which will eventually be replaced by Ford's Transit, the venerable European equivalent. Ford divulged a few more details about its commercial vehicle plans at a press event in Dearborn yesterday.

When the final Panthers rolled off the assembly line in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, Ford was left with no direct replacement. Instead, the company plans to sell the compact Transit Connect van in the taxi market, upgraded Tauruses and Explorers as police cars, and a "Town Car" version of the Lincoln MKT crossover to livery operators. All things being equal, these are significantly better products than their Panther-based predecessors, yet in a commercial market where "change" is a four-letter word, Ford has a lot of explaining to do.

Continue reading How Ford plans to phase out the best-selling E-Series

How Ford plans to phase out the best-selling E-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-serieseconolinefordford e-seriesford econolineford transitpanther platformpolice interceptortaxitown cartransitThu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20123684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/08/how-ford-plans-to-phase-out-the-best-selling-e-series/20123684/article-detail.xml 20123684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/transitwhatvanawards-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/transitwhatvanawards-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford confirms $1.1B investment to build Transit van in Kansas City]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/ford-confirms-1-1b-investment-to-build-transit-van-in-kansas-ci/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/ford-confirms-1-1b-investment-to-build-transit-van-in-kansas-ci/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/ford-confirms-1-1b-investment-to-build-transit-van-in-kansas-ci/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Transit Van

Ford has confirmed that its Transit van will be manufactured in Kansas City. The company plans to invest $1.1 billion in facility upgrades and tooling to produce both the next-generation F-150 and the Transit in preparation for the van's arrival on U.S. soil in 2013. That investment is $700 million more than Ford had previously allocated for its Kansas City facility. Ford says the extra cash will go toward new paint and body shops in addition to an integrated stamping plant. The upgrades will also allow Ford to increase F-150 pickup production with the addition of a second manufacturing shift.

Previously, we had heard word that Ford would embrace the T-Series naming convention for the Transit, with models breaking down into trim levels similar to what's seen on the current F-Series, though the press release after the jump specifically refers to the new van as the Transit. Does that mean Ford will rely on a new system of trim designation for the van? It's hard to say, but either way, it certainly sounds like the days of the E-Series/Econoline range are numbered. Hit the jump to see the full press release for yourself.

Continue reading Ford confirms $1.1B investment to build Transit van in Kansas City

Ford confirms $1.1B investment to build Transit van in Kansas City originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-serieseconolinef-150fordford f-150ford transitford transit vankansas citytransittransit vanFri, 21 Oct 2011 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20087369/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/21/ford-confirms-1-1b-investment-to-build-transit-van-in-kansas-ci/20087369/article-detail.xml 20087369 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/transit-van_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/transit-van.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Transit van coming to America as Kansas City-built T-Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/ford-transit-van-coming-to-america-as-kansas-city-built-t-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/ford-transit-van-coming-to-america-as-kansas-city-built-t-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/ford-transit-van-coming-to-america-as-kansas-city-built-t-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Ford Transit SportVan

When Daimler started selling its Sprinter van in North America - first as a Freightliner, then as a Mercedes-Benz and even a Dodge - it found companies on this side of the Atlantic were as keen to get their hands on a European-style van as, well, European companies are. But the Sprinter is about to get some European competition from... an American automaker.

That Ford makes certain products for overseas markets is nothing new, but as part of its drive to standardize its lineup around the world, the Blue Oval automaker is apparently planning on bringing its full-size Transit van Stateside.

Not only is it bringing the Transit to the American market, but it will also be building it here, too. The news is confirmed by a recent United Auto Workers announcement that reveals that, with production of the next-generation Escape moving to Louisville, Kentucky, the Transit will be assembled for local consumption alongside the F-150 pickup truck at the Kansas City plant.

According to Car and Driver sources, in order to avoid confusion with the smaller Transit Connect, the big van will be badged as a T-Series in this market, with nameplates like T-250, T-450 and T-550 - similar to the F-Series trucks, and more pertinently, the E-Series vans that used to be known as the Econoline. They can call it whatever they want; we just hope we get a version of the UK-market limited-edition SportVan pictured above.

Ford Transit van coming to America as Kansas City-built T-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-seriesfordford transitford truckkansas citytransituawunited auto workersWed, 05 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20074193/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/05/ford-transit-van-coming-to-america-as-kansas-city-built-t-series/20074193/article-detail.xml 20074193 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webfordtransitsilverspo-1317810016_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webfordtransitsilverspo-1317810016.jpg <![CDATA[Ford unleashes latest Transit SportVan on Britain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/ford-unleashes-latest-transit-sportvan-on-britain/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/ford-unleashes-latest-transit-sportvan-on-britain/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/ford-unleashes-latest-transit-sportvan-on-britain/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Ford Transit Sport Van

Ford has been in the UK for a full century now, but for fans of its workhorse Transit van, the past four years have been the most exciting. That's because, since 2007, the Blue Oval automaker has released successive special edition SportVans that give the big wagon an added dose of attitude.

Each version has been distinguished by its color combination, and all have sold out: blue with white stripes (500 examples), grey with silver stripes (80), black with silver (500), white with blue (80), dark blue with silver (150) and, most recently, red with white stripes. Now Ford has released the latest edition in Moondust Silver with graphite stripes.

Aside from the paint scheme, the Transit SportVan also gets graphite alloys to match the stripes, dual exhaust and an aero kit. Based on the short-wheelbase 260 model, the SportVan packs a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel with 140 metric horsepower channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual. The cabin also packs all the bells and whistles, but only 180 examples will be offered, and you can bet they'll all sell out faster than a Transit can haul its cargo through London's busy streets. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford unleashes latest Transit SportVan on Britain

Ford unleashes latest Transit SportVan on Britain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford transitford transit sportvansportvantransit sportvanMon, 03 Oct 2011 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071742/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/03/ford-unleashes-latest-transit-sportvan-on-britain/20071742/article-detail.xml 20071742 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webfordtransitsilverspo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webfordtransitsilverspo.jpg <![CDATA[Slide presentation confirms Ford E-Series being nixed in favor of Transit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/slide-presentation-confirms-ford-e-series-being-nixed-in-favor-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/slide-presentation-confirms-ford-e-series-being-nixed-in-favor-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/slide-presentation-confirms-ford-e-series-being-nixed-in-favor-o/#commentsFiled under: ,

ford transit

First the Panther platform and now E-Series vans? That might be the case, according to a presentation shown to investors at a Ford press event held alongside the Frankfurt Motor Show. The discussion centered on how Ford is reducing costs by producing global vehicles on singular platforms. This includes its commercial van lineup, and it sounds like the entire bulk of that business will soon be shouldered by the Ford Transit.

The presentation was led by Ford CFO Lewis Booth. He showed slides to the audience, and the E-Series van was noticeably absent from his discussion. Wards Auto reached out to Ford for an official comment, but the automaker declined to talk about the matter.

The Blue Oval's actions speak louder than words, however, because preparations are already underway for the next generation of Europe's favorite commercial van. In addition to an investment in its Turkey plant, Ford has also sent out a proposal to the United Auto Workers union that discusses a new product to be built at the automaker's Avon Lake, Ohio facility starting in 2014.

That's the facility that just happens to be the current home of E-Series production.

Vaya con dios E-Series, you've served this country proudly since 1961.

Slide presentation confirms Ford E-Series being nixed in favor of Transit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-seriesfordford e-seriesford transitford vanlewis boothtransittransit vanThu, 15 Sep 2011 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20043831/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/slide-presentation-confirms-ford-e-series-being-nixed-in-favor-o/20043831/article-detail.xml 20043831 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/000-ford-transit-1316105491_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/000-ford-transit-1316105491.jpg <![CDATA[V8 Ford Transit connects with the fine art of drifting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/06/v8-ford-transit-connects-with-the-fine-art-of-drifting/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/06/v8-ford-transit-connects-with-the-fine-art-of-drifting/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/06/v8-ford-transit-connects-with-the-fine-art-of-drifting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ford transit drift van

Drift vehicles come in all shapes, from the ever-popular Nissan 240SX all the way up to Mike Ryan's Freightliner. Somewhere on that vast scale of driftables sits this V8-powered Ford Transit van, which can roast tires with extreme prejudice. It also sounds fantastic, whips up donuts faster than Dunkin and drifts through turns with grace.

Click past the jump to see the drift van in action.

Continue reading V8 Ford Transit connects with the fine art of drifting

V8 Ford Transit connects with the fine art of drifting originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drift fanfordford transitford transit drift vantransittransit drift vanvideoSat, 06 Aug 2011 18:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20010955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/06/v8-ford-transit-connects-with-the-fine-art-of-drifting/20010955/article-detail.xml 20010955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/drifting-transit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/drifting-transit.jpg <![CDATA[Ford powers into Birmingham with one-off Transit SuperSportVan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/ford-powers-into-birmingham-with-one-off-transit-supersportvan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/ford-powers-into-birmingham-with-one-off-transit-supersportvan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/ford-powers-into-birmingham-with-one-off-transit-supersportvan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVan
2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVan - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the latest hot Mustang, Fiesta and Focus models may garner most of the attention from Ford and its performance divisions, back in the UK, the Blue Oval gives delivery boys and construction workers something to dream about with the occasional souped-up Transit. The last such SportVan it rolled out packed a 18-inch alloys and white stripes over red paint, but only a 140-horsepower turbodiesel engine. The model you see here, however, is another beast entirely.

This one-off Transit SuperSportVan packs a 200-horsepower, 3.2-liter turbodiesel five with a six-speed into the short-wheelbase 260 chassis. Upgraded aero package, rolling stock and classic blue stripes over white body are also part of the package, all to show the competition who's boss.

Unfortunately, just a concept, the Transit SSV was prepared for the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham, England. It follows a long line of hot panel wagons from Ford UK that traces back to the 1971 GT40-based Transit Supervan, the Coworth V8-powered Supervan II of 1984, the '95 Supervan III that packed a 650hp Formula One engine and the Y2k Ford World Rally Transit complete with Martini racing stripes.

Follow the jump for the full press release, and scope out the photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVan


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford powers into Birmingham with one-off Transit SuperSportVan

Ford powers into Birmingham with one-off Transit SuperSportVan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birminghamcommercial vehicle showfordford transitford transit supersportvannectransittransit ssvtransit supersportvantransit vanWed, 13 Apr 2011 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19912002/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/13/ford-powers-into-birmingham-with-one-off-transit-supersportvan/19912002/article-detail.xml 19912002 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/transit-ssv-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/transit-ssv-1.jpg <![CDATA[Ford celebrates the Transit in UK with special edition SportVan. One, please.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/ford-celebrates-the-transit-in-uk-with-special-edition-sportvan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/ford-celebrates-the-transit-in-uk-with-special-edition-sportvan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/ford-celebrates-the-transit-in-uk-with-special-edition-sportvan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Transit SportVan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Push comes to shove, the Brits know modern delivery vans better than we do. (Hard to admit, we know.) What we use high-cube trucks, pickups and vans of varying sizes for, they do it all in panel vans. They drive the wheels off 'em, and the Ford Transit (not to be confused with its kid brother, the Transit Connect) is the king of 'em all. In fact, it has for the past 45 years been the best-selling van in the UK. And to celebrate, Ford UK is launching the special edition you see here.

This Ford Transit SportVan is based on the short-wheelbase 260 model and comes equipped with a 140-horsepower turbo-diesel, 18-inch graphite-finish alloys, twin exhaust pipes and a variety of other features, all wrapped up in red with white racing stripes. Only 100 examples will be made, and given the van's popularity on the Isles, we're sure they'll all sell out in a flash. In fact we know they will, since every previous SportVan edition has, including editions in blue with white stripes, grey with silver, black with silver, white with blue and blue with silver stripes.

Unfortunately this is another sport model we'll have to admire from the opposite shore, but driving back home in an SVT Raptor ought to help numb the pain. You know the drill: details in the press release after the jump, photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Transit SportVan


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford celebrates the Transit in UK with special edition SportVan. One, please.

Ford celebrates the Transit in UK with special edition SportVan. One, please. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford transitford transit sportvanford uksport vansportvantransittransit sport vanTransit SportVanThu, 14 Oct 2010 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19671989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/14/ford-celebrates-the-transit-in-uk-with-special-edition-sportvan/19671989/article-detail.xml 19671989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/web630-39341062004-a-for_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/web630-39341062004-a-for.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to expand electric and hybrid offerings to Europe from 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/02/geneva-2010-ford-to-expand-electric-and-hybrid-offerings-to-eur/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/02/geneva-2010-ford-to-expand-electric-and-hybrid-offerings-to-eur/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/02/geneva-2010-ford-to-expand-electric-and-hybrid-offerings-to-eur/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

Ford has big plans for electrification of its fleet over the next decade, and while most of the emphasis has been on North America so far, Europe will be joining in on the party starting in 2011. Nancy Gioia has announced that between 2011 and 2013, Ford of Europe will get five new hybrid and battery electric models added to its lineup. About six to nine months after each of the new models rolls out in North America, they will be introduced in Europe.

Ford's first new battery-powered vehicle, the Transit Connect Electric goes on sale this fall in North America followed by a European launch in the middle of 2011. The battery powered van is just the beginning of Ford's global electrification plan. Read more about it after the jump.


Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Eletric at Chicago Auto Show


Photos by Drew Phillips, Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to expand electric and hybrid offerings to Europe from 2011

Ford to expand electric and hybrid offerings to Europe from 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford evford ev strategyford evsFord Focus BEVFord Focus EVford fusionford fusion hybridford hybridford hybridsford plug inford plug in hybridford plug-inford transitford transit connectFord Transit Connect Electricford transit connect evFordEvFordEvsFordEvStrategyFordFocusBevFordFocusEvFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordHybridFordHybridsFordPlug-inFordPlugInFordPlugInHybridFordTransitFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectElectricFordTransitConnectEvplug inplug in hybridplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPlugInPlugInHybridTue, 02 Mar 2010 13:50:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19375144/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/02/geneva-2010-ford-to-expand-electric-and-hybrid-offerings-to-eur/19375144/article-detail.xml 19375144 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/ford-transit-connect-electric-chicago-b630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/ford-transit-connect-electric-chicago-b630.jpg <![CDATA[Chicago 2010: Ford Transit Connect Taxi burns CNG, LPG and four acres of space]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/10/chicago-2010-ford-transit-connect-taxi-burns-cng-lpg-and-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/10/chicago-2010-ford-transit-connect-taxi-burns-cng-lpg-and-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/10/chicago-2010-ford-transit-connect-taxi-burns-cng-lpg-and-four/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

Hot on the (w)heels of the Ford Transit Electric, the Transit Connect Taxi drove onto the stage at the Chicago Auto Show today running on compressed natural gas (CNG). The clean-burning utility van - based on the gasoline-powered North American Truck of the Year winner - adds to Ford's taxi fleet options like the Crown Victoria (see: pretty much any taxi in any city in the U.S.) and the Ford Escape Hybrid. The new taxi van can also burn propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas). Of course, regular Transit Connect buyers can also opt for Ford's engine prep package to be able to put the gasoline alternatives into the tank. Like its battery-powered cousin, the Transit Connect Taxi will be in dealerships later this year.

Ford product development vice president Derrick Kuzak said that there is "strong demand" for CNG and LPG vehicles among fleet operators. Kuzak also highlighted the small size of the Transit Connect in an odd way: if all of the taxis in Chicago were replaced with these vans, he said, it would free up approximately four acres. Um, OK. Now, what should we do with these extra acres?


Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Taxi at Chicago Auto Show


Photos by Drew Phillips, Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Ford Transit Connect Taxi burns CNG, LPG and four acres of space

Chicago 2010: Ford Transit Connect Taxi burns CNG, LPG and four acres of space originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago 2010Chicago Auto ShowChicago2010ChicagoAutoShowfordford transitford transit connect taford transit taxiFordTransitFordTransitConnectTaFordTransitTaxitransit connectTransitConnectWed, 10 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19352749/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/10/chicago-2010-ford-transit-connect-taxi-burns-cng-lpg-and-four/19352749/article-detail.xml 19352749 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/transittaxichicago-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/transittaxichicago-630.jpg <![CDATA[Chicago 2010: Ford Transit Connect Electric uses the "Force"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/10/chicago-2010-ford-transit-electric-uses-the-force-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/10/chicago-2010-ford-transit-electric-uses-the-force-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/10/chicago-2010-ford-transit-electric-uses-the-force-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

As expected, Ford brought the latest (and greatest?) incarnations of the Transit Connect utility van to the Chicago Auto Show today. The battery-powered Transit Connect Electric was up first, perhaps because it fits so well into Ford's strategy of vehicle electrification (see also: Focus Electric coming next year, followed by a plug-in hybrid and a next-gen hybrid in 2012). At the very least, this is Ford's first battery-powered vehicle, said product development vice president Derrick Kuzak.

The practical and battery-powered delivery van (the standard version was named the North American Truck of the Year this year) uses a powertrain developed with help from Azure Dynamics Corporation. Called Force Drive, the 55 kW system uses a 28 kWh lithium ion battery pack from Johnson Controls-Saft, has a 75 mile per hour top speed and can drive up to 80 miles on a charge. Will these specs be enough for customers? Praveen Cherian, program manager for the Transit Connect Electric, said in a statement that:
We're excited about the potential for our electrified vehicles. People were a little hesitant about hybrid technology at first, but now they accept it and embrace it. We expect the same will be true of electric vehicles.
The Transit Connect Electric goes on sale in the U.S. later this year, so we'll find out soon. More details after the jump.


Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Eletric at Chicago Auto Show


Photos by Drew Phillips, Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Ford Transit Connect Electric uses the "Force"

Chicago 2010: Ford Transit Connect Electric uses the "Force" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago 2010Chicago Auto ShowChicago2010ChicagoAutoShowfordford transitford transit connectFord Transit Connect Electricford transit connect evFordTransitFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectElectricFordTransitConnectEvtransit connectTransitConnectWed, 10 Feb 2010 14:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19352715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/10/chicago-2010-ford-transit-electric-uses-the-force-drive/19352715/article-detail.xml 19352715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/transitelectricchicago01opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/transitelectricchicago01opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Toyota's gas pedal supplier woe spreads to Ford of China commercial vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/report-toyotas-gas-pedal-supplier-woe-spreads-to-ford-of-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/report-toyotas-gas-pedal-supplier-woe-spreads-to-ford-of-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/report-toyotas-gas-pedal-supplier-woe-spreads-to-ford-of-china/#commentsFiled under: ,



Taking every precaution, Ford Motor Co. has stopped production on its Chinese-made Transit Classic diesel models - a full-sized commercial vehicle with a throttle pedal manufactured by the same company behind the Toyota recall. According to Ford, the vehicles began production in December and only about 1,600 vehicles have been produced. There have been no reported problems with the vehicle's accelerator, but the automaker wants to take a step back to ensure problems will not surface in the future. "That's part of our routine process - when a company has a recall, you conduct a review and determine if you share any of the same vendors, design, parts," according to Ford spokesman Said Deep.

The accelerators in question - subject to recall for sticking and causing unintended acceleration - are made by CTS Corp, based in Elkhart, Indiana. While CTS makes throttle pedal assemblies for other automakers, Toyota and Ford are the only companies thus far to announce production stoppages. Thanks for the tip Jarrett!

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

Report: Toyota's gas pedal supplier woe spreads to Ford of China commercial vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AccleratorCTSCTS CorpCTS CorporationCtsCorpCtsCorporationFordFord Motor CompanyFord TransitFordMotorCompanyFordTransitGas PedalGasPedalHaltInspectProductionStickingStopStuckThrottleTransit ClassicTransit DieselTransitClassicTransitDieselThu, 28 Jan 2010 17:18:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19335991/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/28/report-toyotas-gas-pedal-supplier-woe-spreads-to-ford-of-china/19335991/article-detail.xml 19335991 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/transit-chop-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/transit-chop-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Fiesta winning hearts and minds - and wallets - in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Ford Fiesta - Click above for a high-res gallery

The Ford Fiesta has already won us over -- twice - and we can't even buy the car yet. But European buyers are nabbing so many Fiestas that the Blue Oval is now enjoying a 10% market share in Europe based on the strength of the compact's sales alongside the Focus and Transit. It's the first time that Ford has had a double-digit European market share since September 2001, and it keeps Ford solidly in the number two spot overall behind Volkswagen.

In all but three of Europe's 19 markets, Ford says it has improved its showing. Already this year, there have been 108,000 Fiestas sold, with 52,800 of those coming in March alone. The market share triumph is even sweeter seeing that overall industry sales took a double-digit fall, but Ford is getting more of what's left. There was no cheating with fleet sales, either: retail sales were up 13% year-on-year. Only France, Switzerland, and Italy showed declines. Appreciate the tip, Preston.


Gallery: Ford Fiesta in NYC


[Source: Ford]

Ford Fiesta winning hearts and minds - and wallets - in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compactearningseuropefiestafinancialsfocusfordford europeford fiestaford focusford of europeford transitFordEuropeFordFiestaFordFocusFordOfEuropeFordTransithatchbackmarket shareMarketSharetransitThu, 16 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1518655/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/1518655/article-detail.xml 1518655 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/fiesta_euro_share2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/fiesta_euro_share2.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1404629/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/12/17/fords-new-electric-van-for-2010-will-come-from-europe/1404629/article-detail.xml 1404629 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/fordtransitconnect_01_mr_580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/fordtransitconnect_01_mr_580op.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Ford Transit Connect H&R Concept gets a new pair of shoes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/sema-2008-ford-transit-connect-handr-concept-gets-a-new-pair-of-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/sema-2008-ford-transit-connect-handr-concept-gets-a-new-pair-of-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/sema-2008-ford-transit-connect-handr-concept-gets-a-new-pair-of-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the H&R Ford Transit Connect Concept

The only time you'd normally put a Ford Transit Connect van together with Piloti racing shoes is if the van in question were delivering them, or there were a 1-make van racing series... which sounds kind of cool now that we think about it. But take those two, add H&R Springs and what you've got is a SEMA-specific combination.



H&R did its usual, dropping the Transit Connect over a set of 19-inch wheels, and then Piloti finished the interior in a steel and microsuede wonderland topped off by a wooden shift knob and two creepy baby shoes hanging from the rearview mirror. You can check out the press release after the jump, and that wild speaker setup in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford Transt Connect H&R Concept



Continue reading SEMA 2008: Ford Transit Connect H&R Concept gets a new pair of shoes

SEMA 2008: Ford Transit Connect H&R Concept gets a new pair of shoes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketfordford transitford transit hr conceptFordTransitFordTransitHrConcepthrhr transit conceptHrTransitConceptpilotisemasema 2008Sema2008transit connectTransitConnecttunersvansTue, 04 Nov 2008 18:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1362279/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/04/sema-2008-ford-transit-connect-handr-concept-gets-a-new-pair-of-s/1362279/article-detail.xml 1362279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/hr_tran_sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/hr_tran_sema.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1144045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-mark-fields-hails-a-transit-connect-taxi-oncept/1144045/article-detail.xml 1144045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/transittaxi_6_opta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/transittaxi_6_opta.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1093965/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/01/23/chicago-08-preview-ford-transit-connect-rumored-to-arrive/1093965/article-detail.xml 1093965 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/0009transitconnect_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/0009transitconnect_opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW Crafter Atacama Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/vw-crafter-atacama-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/vw-crafter-atacama-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/vw-crafter-atacama-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



On our drive back home yesterday, we saw one of those apocalypse-ready Ford Econoline vans tooling along on the freeway and thought to ourselves, "Autoblog needs a mobile command unit." After running it by our budget office and being swiftly laughed out of the building we were forced to come back out of the clouds. Then this shows up and we start salivating again.

The translation from Caradisiac is about as undecipherable as poorly-lighted Aramaic, but from what we gather, Volkswagen plans on showing off a new work truck at some point in the near future to go up against the Ford Transit, Mercedes/Dodge Sprinter and Fiat Truckster. From the Google-translated text, all we can gather is that the Crafta Atacama will be powered by five-cylinder TDI, producing approximately 260 ft./lbs. of torque and offer optional four-wheel-drive.

As anyone who has ever examined some of the offerings from the producers of European work-vans, features are what make the market. How many door combinations do you want? What interior accoutrements are on your short list? You name it, they'll normally shove it in somewhere. The Crafta Atacama probably won't be any different, offering a panoramic/sliding glass roof, customizable colors, shields, bumpers, sidesteps, suspension and wheel upgrades.

When, where and how much is all up in the air, but maybe if it floats on over to this continent we can make another appeal to our bean counters.

Click on through for a few more shots.

Continue reading VW Crafter Atacama Concept

VW Crafter Atacama Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crafta atacamaCraftaAtacamadieseldodge sprinterDodgeSprinterfiat trucksterFiatTrucksterford transitFordTransitmercedestdivolkswagenvwWed, 20 Sep 2006 11:07:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/671673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/09/20/vw-crafter-atacama-concept/671673/article-detail.xml 671673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/vw_crafter_atacama_concept_1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/vw_crafter_atacama_concept_1.jpg -1 2