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[Review: 2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/2011-ford-transit-connect-xlt-premium-wagon-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/2011-ford-transit-connect-xlt-premium-wagon-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/2011-ford-transit-connect-xlt-premium-wagon-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A Minivan For Entrepreneurs, Not Moms

2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT
2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT - Click above for high-res image gallery

You are no doubt familiar with the Transit Connect, the panel van that Ford began importing from Europe in mid-2009. You've probably noticed them in your neighborhood with things like custom cakes, cable companies, cat groomers and cleaning services advertised on their flat, windowless sides. You'll be seeing even more of them soon as the Transit Connect Taxi begins replacing the Crown Victoria in taxi fleets across the country.

Transit Connects are everywhere now. It turns out business owners were tired of only being offered a full-size truck or van for their commercial fleet needs, because in many cases a small, fuel efficient panel van can do the same job far better and more cheaply.

And sure, automakers have tried selling windowless commercial versions of their passenger vehicles before, but how many Chevrolet HHR Panel vans have you seen in your neighborhood? The Transit Connect has done a better job appealing to businesses because the precious cargo that it's purpose-built to carry are tools, supplies and maybe a six-tier buttercream-frosted red velvet wedding cake... not kids.

So what happens when Ford takes its popular new commercial van and creates a version for moving people? The result is called the Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon, and it is not at all what we expected.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon...


Gallery: 2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT: Review

2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT

Photos copyright (C)2011 John Neff / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon [w/video]

Review: 2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford transit connect xltfeaturedfordford+connectford+transit+connectfordconnectfordtransitconnectreviewreviewstransit connecttransit connect xlttransit+connect+reviewstransitconnectreviewsThu, 14 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19912397/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/14/2011-ford-transit-connect-xlt-premium-wagon-review-road-test/19912397/article-detail.xml 19912397 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2011-ford-transit-connect---01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2011-ford-transit-connect---01-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Best Buy Geek Squad fleet adds Ford vans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/best-buy-geek-squad-fleet-adds-ford-vans/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/best-buy-geek-squad-fleet-adds-ford-vans/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/best-buy-geek-squad-fleet-adds-ford-vans/#commentsFiled under: ,



Best Buy is looking to save a few bucks on fuel while adding functionality to its Geek Squad fleet, so the big box store is looking to Ford Motor Company's commercial vans to for an answer. The ubiquitous electronics and entertainment store is replacing some of its larger cargo vans with a fleet of 290 fuel-thrifty Transit Connects.

Best Buy will hand over the Transit Connect vans to GS employees responsible for delivering, installing and servicing home appliances. The Transit Connect definitely fits in with the unique look of the typical Geek Squad mobile, and the van's side access panels will give technicians easier access to tools and diagnostic equipment.

The still new Transit Connect gets top billing here, but the bulk of Best Buy's fleet purchase goes to the tried and true E-Series vans with a sizable order of 738 vehicles. Best Buy Fleet Manager Jason Pucely says the Ford cargo vans have smaller, more efficient engines than the vehicles they will replace, saving the global retail outlet a significant chunk of change.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Best Buy Geek Squad fleet adds Ford vans

Best Buy Geek Squad fleet adds Ford vans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buy fansbest buy ford vans geek squadBestBuyFansBestBuyFordVansGeekSquadford transit connectford transit connnectFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnnectgeek squad best buygeek squad transit connectGeekSquadBestBuyGeekSquadTransitConnecttransit connectTransitConnectFri, 27 Aug 2010 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19609247/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/27/best-buy-geek-squad-fleet-adds-ford-vans/19609247/article-detail.xml 19609247 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/transconn-bestbuy02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/transconn-bestbuy02.jpg <![CDATA[Ford recalling nearly 34,000 Transit Connect vehicles over headliner concerns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/09/ford-recalling-nearly-34-000-transit-connect-vehicles-over-headl/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/09/ford-recalling-nearly-34-000-transit-connect-vehicles-over-headl/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/09/ford-recalling-nearly-34-000-transit-connect-vehicles-over-headl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

In a recall scheduled to begin in about 10 days, Ford dealers will be repairing headliners in Transit Connect vans due to faulty retention pins. In the event of an accident, passengers could be at increased risk of injury due to the faulty trim. Full details on the recall involving 33,728 of the popular vans can be found after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Transit Connect


[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Ford recalling nearly 34,000 Transit Connect vehicles over headliner concerns

Ford recalling nearly 34,000 Transit Connect vehicles over headliner concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford transit connect2010FordTransitConnectford transit connectFordTransitConnectNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationnhtsarecalltransit connectTransitConnectFri, 09 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19548208/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/09/ford-recalling-nearly-34-000-transit-connect-vehicles-over-headl/19548208/article-detail.xml 19548208 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/fordtransitrecallx_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/fordtransitrecallx.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Goodwood 2010 - Taking the hill]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/video-goodwood-2010-taking-the-hill/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/video-goodwood-2010-taking-the-hill/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/video-goodwood-2010-taking-the-hill/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Porsche 908/3 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2010 - Click above to watch video after the jump

There are plenty of reasons to get excited about the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The annual shindig is a mecca for metal from all over the world - old and new. Motorsports events from across the go-fast spectrum make it onto the schedule and there's even plenty of auto-themed art to keep the masses entertained when they aren't huffing tire smoke. In a word, the event is bliss for anyone with even a passing interest in the automobile.

But the grand daddy of it all has to be the Hill Climb. At 1.16 miles, the course features nine turns, a looming stone wall and enough hay to feed all the cows in Wisconsin for a week. Last year brought out a rash of new high-dollar supercars, including the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Lexus LFA, and as a result, there were plenty of manufacturers on hand to show off their newest hardware. While we were lurking the grounds and looking at all the shiny conveyances, drivers were blasting across the grounds and recording their exploits. We've rounded up 10 of the best videos from the hill and arranged them in no particular order. Sure, some of them are more entertaining than others, but all of them are better than what you're doing at work, right? Hit the jump to get started.

Continue reading Video: Goodwood 2010 - Taking the hill

Video: Goodwood 2010 - Taking the hill originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed2010GoodwoodFestivalOfSpeedFerrari 458 ItaliaFerrari CaliforniaFerrari458ItaliaFerrariCaliforniaFord Transit ConnectFordTransitConnectGoodwood 2010Goodwood Festival of SpeedGoodwood2010GoodwoodFestivalOfSpeedlotus exige cup 260LotusExigeCup260McLaren MP4-12CMclarenMp4-12cmercedes-benz sls amgMercedes-benzSlsAmgPorsche 908Porsche 911 GT3 RSPorsche908Porsche911Gt3RsTue, 06 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19543723/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/06/video-goodwood-2010-taking-the-hill/19543723/article-detail.xml 19543723 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/goodwood-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/goodwood-630.jpg <![CDATA[Isn't it Ironic? Ex-Hummer builder AM General handling final assembly of Transit Connect Electric]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/isnt-it-ironic-ex-hummer-builder-am-general-handling-final-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/isnt-it-ironic-ex-hummer-builder-am-general-handling-final-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/isnt-it-ironic-ex-hummer-builder-am-general-handling-final-ass/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

When Ford and Azure Dynamics unveiled the Transit Connect Electric van earlier this year, Azure announced that the electric drive systems would be installed at a facility in Michigan. Today, Azure let it be known that the installation work will be done by AM General, a company that's best known for producing the military-spec Humvee, at its engineering and product development facility in Livonia, MI.

Ford will be shipping Transit Connect gliders (vehicles without any fuel or powertrain components installed) from its plant in Turkey to the AM General plant. Azure will ship the motors, power electronics and batteries to the plant where AM General will do the final assembly. The first units will be produced late this year with full production ramping up by April of 2011. The Transit Connect Electric will have a range of about 80 miles and be targeted at commercial customers, although Ford will apparently sell the van to any customer who wants one. Official press release available after the jump.


Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Eletric at Chicago Auto Show

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

[Source: Azure Dynamics]

Continue reading Isn't it Ironic? Ex-Hummer builder AM General handling final assembly of Transit Connect Electric

Isn't it Ironic? Ex-Hummer builder AM General handling final assembly of Transit Connect Electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford2011 ford transit connect2011 transit connect2011Ford2011FordTransitConnect2011TransitConnectAM GeneralAmGeneralazure dynamicsAzureDynamicsBEVblue ovalBlueOvalelectric vehicleelectric vehicle productionelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehicleProductionElectricVehiclesfordford transit connectFord Transit Connect Electricford transit connect evFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectElectricFordTransitConnectEvtransittransit connecttransit connect electricTransitConnectTransitConnectElectricWed, 19 May 2010 14:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19483300/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/19/isnt-it-ironic-ex-hummer-builder-am-general-handling-final-ass/19483300/article-detail.xml 19483300 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/transitelectricchicago01opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/transitelectricchicago01opt.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Ford Transit Connect arrives ready for work]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/05/2010-ford-transit-connect-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/05/2010-ford-transit-connect-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/05/2010-ford-transit-connect-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

If there were one undeniable business lesson to be learned from the auto industry during the past decade, it's to keep a close eye on your sales and a closer eye on your capacity. As Ferrari executives have repeatedly said over the years, the supply of any model should always be exactly one less than the demand. Less supply and you're leaving money on the table, more and you've got unused capacity.

This philosophy can be adapted to a wide array of businesses and is especially relevant to small businesses. Many small businesses need to deliver product or services to their customers. For many that operate locally, existing options like the Dodge Sprinter or Ford E-Series vans are simply too large, thirsty and unwieldy for their needs. Enter the Ford Transit Connect. Since being introduced last year in North America, an increasing number of businesses small and large have found the Transit Connect to be just the right size for their needs. We spent a week with a cargo van version to find out what it's like to live with. Follow the jump to read on.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Transit Connect


Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Transit Connect arrives ready for work

Review: 2010 Ford Transit Connect arrives ready for work originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford transit connect2010 transit connect2010FordTransitConnect2010TransitConnectfeaturedfordford transit connectFordTransitConnectreviewreviewstransit connectTransitConnectWed, 05 May 2010 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19465497/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/05/2010-ford-transit-connect-review/19465497/article-detail.xml 19465497 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/transitconnect---01opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/transitconnect---01opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Ford helping small businesses get wrapped up with Transit Connect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/05/report-ford-helping-small-businesses-get-wrapped-up-with-transi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/05/report-ford-helping-small-businesses-get-wrapped-up-with-transi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/05/report-ford-helping-small-businesses-get-wrapped-up-with-transi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Transit Connect Graphic Wraps - Click above for high-res image gallery

Have you ever seen those commercial vehicles that are loaded up with high-quality graphics touting the company's wares? Affective marketing to be sure, but aren't those lavish graphics for big companies that can afford such extravagances? That may have been the case back in the day, but Ford is looking to sell Transit Connect transport vans while also giving small business owners the ability to spruce up their ride with cutting edge marketing.

Ford has launched the website fordtransitconnectgraphics.com, which hooks up Transit Connect buyers with Blue Oval graphics partner Original Wraps, inc. For as little as $100 or as much as $3,500, Original Wraps can fit a massive wrap around any Transit Connect. Interested owners can upload images and company logos in tandem with templated graphics to the Ford Transit Connect Graphics website. When complete, the massive wraps can cover the front, sides and back of their little cargo van. Try adding obscene or copyrighted graphics to your Transit Connect through the site and risk losing your deposit.

Ford has reportedly sold over 13,000 Transit Connect vans since the commercial van went on sale last year. A similar Ford graphics site was accessed by over 9,000 customers since it went live last November. Click on the gallery below or the image above to look at some of the graphic wrap samples Original Wraps has come up with so far.


Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Graphic Wraps


[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Ford helping small businesses get wrapped up with Transit Connect originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford motor companyford transit connectFordMotorCompanyFordTransitConnectoriginal wrapsOriginalWrapstransit connecttransit connect graphicsTransitConnectTransitConnectGraphicsvan graphicsVanGraphicsMon, 05 Apr 2010 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19426157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/05/report-ford-helping-small-businesses-get-wrapped-up-with-transi/19426157/article-detail.xml 19426157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/transit-connect-graphic-pol_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/transit-connect-graphic-pol.jpg <![CDATA[Canada Post to replace fleet with Ford Transit Connect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/canada-post-to-replace-fleet-with-ford-transit-connect/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/canada-post-to-replace-fleet-with-ford-transit-connect/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/canada-post-to-replace-fleet-with-ford-transit-connect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Ford scored a big deal this week for its new Transit Connect when Canada Post chose the compact commercial van to replace its current fleet of mail carriers. The Canadian post office went through a competitive bidding process to select a new vehicle that included total lifecycle costs, which favored the relatively fuel efficient Transit Connect that's rated 22 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway by the EPA. One of the key selling points of the Transit Connect is its fuel efficiency advantage over full-size vans.

Canada Post will buy 1,175 Transit Connects this year as part of its fleet modernization effort, which makes it the largest single order yet for the Transit Connect in Canada. Canada Post currently uses the same small box vans as the U.S. Postal Service.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Canada Post to replace fleet with Ford Transit Connect

Canada Post to replace fleet with Ford Transit Connect originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canada postcanada post office fordCanadaPostCanadaPostOfficeFordfordford transit connectFordTransitConnectFri, 19 Mar 2010 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19405981/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/19/canada-post-to-replace-fleet-with-ford-transit-connect/19405981/article-detail.xml 19405981 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/transit-connect--13-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/transit-connect--13-630.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[Enterprising tuners swap Focus RS engine into Ford Transit Connect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/enterprising-tuners-swap-focus-rs-engine-into-ford-transit-conne/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/enterprising-tuners-swap-focus-rs-engine-into-ford-transit-conne/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/enterprising-tuners-swap-focus-rs-engine-into-ford-transit-conne/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


DIY Transit Connect RS - click above for high-res image gallery

It's every pistonhead's nightmare scenario. Yes, yes, you love your kids. But what happens when the determination is made that you need a minivan. They make so much sense, and they're so practical. And when you're juggling three brats, two shopping bags and a stroller, being able to hit one button and slide the doors open is better than all the V12s in Britain. Sure, but remember this: minivan.

With that in mind, consider this: Some speed loving nutters over in jolly ol' England have gone ahead and swapped in a 275 horsepower four-banger from a 2003 Ford Focus RS into the waiting bay of a Transit Connect. That's pretty cool, eh? It actually gets a bit better. The builder installed a switch that let's you switch tanks from gasoline to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). When running on LPG, the motor still churns out 200 hp.

Of course, just tossing in a slammer of an engine is one thing, but if you want a true sleeper you need to do more. And more is precisely what's been done. Aside from all the upgraded turbo parts and exhaust bits needed to take the normally 212 hp motor up to 275 ponies, there's the five-speed manual from the RS complete with trick quaife limited-slip diff. Then you got performance tires, Sparco seats and a boost gauge. And it's for sale for £8,000. Cool? Or should we say cool enough for enthusiast dad? Almost probably maybe yes. Full mod list after the jump.


Gallery: DIY Transit Connect RS


[Source: Ford Transit Forum via Motor Authority]

Continue reading Enterprising tuners swap Focus RS engine into Ford Transit Connect

Enterprising tuners swap Focus RS engine into Ford Transit Connect originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Focus RSFocusRsFordFord FocusFord Focus RSFord Transit ConnectFord Transit Connect RSFordFocusFordFocusRsFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectRsTransit Connect RSTransitConnectRsThu, 18 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19360216/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/18/enterprising-tuners-swap-focus-rs-engine-into-ford-transit-conne/19360216/article-detail.xml 19360216 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/11233310439245598613730598978642-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/11233310439245598613730598978642-630op.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[Chicago Preview: Ford rolls out production Transit Connect Electric and Taxi variants]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/chicago-preview-ford-rolls-out-production-transit-connect-elect/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/chicago-preview-ford-rolls-out-production-transit-connect-elect/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/chicago-preview-ford-rolls-out-production-transit-connect-elect/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric and Taxi models - click either image for high-res gallery

Fresh off of its North American Truck of the Year win, Ford's Transit Connect commercial van range is set to grow by two. The Blue Oval will present the space-efficient runabout in production electric and taxi forms at tomorrow's Chicago Auto Show.

The battery-powered version, unimaginatively dubbed Transit Connect Electric, is primarily intended as a fleet solution for intra-city use. The emissions-free vanlet has a range of up to 80 miles and can be recharged through either a 240-volt or 120-volt outlet. In Ford's words, the TCE is "ideal for fleet owners that have well-defined routes of predictable distances and a central location for daily recharging," and we can see it being a great fit for utility companies and urban-only delivery services and such.

Despite the added bulk within the chassis of the electric powertrain and battery, Ford says the transit connect will still have the same 135 cubic feet of cargo space, including 72.6 inches of load length.

The Transit Connect Electric clearly isn't designed for home use, although Ford officials admitted to us that a few might get pressed into service in that capacity. Still, those looking for a battery-electric solution for their driveway would probably be better off waiting for the Focus Electric, a model slated for 2011.

While the average consumer is unlikely to catch a ride in Ford's Transit Connect Electric, we're betting that you'll have a very good chance at planting your posterior in Dearborn's new taxi package model in the next few years, especially as the company's ubiquitous Crown Victoria cab is marked for extinction.

The Transit Connect Taxi will be powered by the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine as the TC that's already on the market, but Ford will offer engine prep packages to convert the vehicle to run on either compressed natural gas or propane fuels. Even without the conversion kits, the gas-powered TC is said to be 30 percent more fuel-efficient than current taxis.

Unlike the Crown Vic, the Blue Oval promises that the taxi package will be available with a version of Ford Work Solutions that will also include high-speed Internet and navigation. In addition, Ford is working with suppliers to offer rear-seat entertainment packages and a credit-card swipe pay station for passengers. In the prototype vehicle that we had the chance to sit in, there was an 8.4-inch screen in the back seat that offered everything from maps to a stock ticker, weather conditions, and cab fare. Rear legroom was a bit on the tight side, but ingress and egress was easier than other vehicles with the big sliders, and cargo capacity remains solid.

The Transit Connect Taxi goes into production this year and will be earmarked as a 2011 model.

High-res galleries below, official press releases for both vehicles available after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric


Gallery: 2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi


[Source: Ford]




Continue reading Chicago Preview: Ford rolls out production Transit Connect Electric and Taxi variants

Chicago Preview: Ford rolls out production Transit Connect Electric and Taxi variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Transit Connect2011TransitConnectBlue OvalBlueOvalChicagoChicago 2010Chicago auto show 2010Chicago2010ChicagoAutoShow2010Ford Transit Connectford work solutionsFordTransitConnectFordWorkSolutionsliverytaxiTransittransit connect electrictransit connect evtransit connect taxiTransitConnectElectricTransitConnectEvTransitConnectTaxiTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19350584/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/09/chicago-preview-ford-rolls-out-production-transit-connect-elect/19350584/article-detail.xml 19350584 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2011transconelec03hr-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2011transconelec03hr-630.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19241355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/16/fiat-reveals-new-doblo-will-it-come-to-america-to-challenge-f/19241355/article-detail.xml 19241355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/fiatdoblo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/fiatdoblo.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19224958/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/19224958/article-detail.xml 19224958 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/restoffordssema09_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/restoffordssema09_lead.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19169705/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/22/report-all-ford-transit-connects-arrive-in-u-s-with-full-inter/19169705/article-detail.xml 19169705 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/transitconnect_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/transitconnect_lead.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19146323/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/01/first-month-of-2010-ford-transit-connect-sales-top-2-000-units/19146323/article-detail.xml 19146323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/ftc_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/ftc_lead.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19103351/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/20/report-ford-transit-connect-to-be-built-stateside-in-2012/19103351/article-detail.xml 19103351 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/transit-connect--13-1280-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/transit-connect--13-1280-580op.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Transit Connect: Case Study in Overregulation - Autoline 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: ,


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 Ford Transit Connect: Case Study in Overregulation - Autoline with John McElroy

Ford Transit Connect: Case Study in Overregulation - Autoline with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[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.

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