Ford Motor Co. has introduced the new generation of its Transit Connect cargo van. This is the third generation of the Transit Connect vans, and the first since 2014 model year. The company also introduced a new Transit Connect passenger wagon.
Available powertrains for the Transit Connect cargo van include the standard 2L, four-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine, or the optional 1.5L EcoBlue diesel engine. The EcoBlue is targeting 30 MPG highway, according to the manufacturer. Both engines come paired with a new eight-speed transmission. A third engine 2.5L IVCT four-cylinder engine with a gaseous fuel prep option, is also available for fleets. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 lbs.
Standard driver assistance technologies offered with the Transit Connect vans include auto emergency braking, forward collision warning and dynamic brake support. In addition, adaptive cruise control, side-wind migration, blind spot information system and a lane-keeping system are offered as options. EcoMode and EcoCoach features are also offered with both engines.
The cargo van also offers the option of either 180-degree rear cargo doors or a rear liftgate, depending on customer preference, and dual-sliding side doors.
“Any changes we make to our product line start with what our customers want,” said Tim Stoehr, general fleet marketing manager for Ford Commercial Trucks. “With telematics, companies have never monitored their operating costs more closely than they are today. Transit Connect is focused on further improving that total cost of ownership for our customers. It keeps them connected on the road, it increases their efficiencies in their business operations, it’s lowering their cost of ownership with improved efficiency, and offers more choice and more value with this new engine lineup. We believe this vehicle offers everything our customers need, and nothing that they don’t.”
