Anyone who has been following Straightline for any time knows that I'm a big fan of the Dodge Sprinter, and of Euro-style trucks in general. Well, Ford has just introduced latest generation of Transit trucks
in the UK. I would love to see Ford build these here. I could easily see them replace the aging Econoline, as well as offer a more fuel-efficient alternative to (some of) the Super-Duty trucks they currently offer here...
More info here.
Snippet: Ford business customers gave their verdict on the new Transit as it went on sale last month. And their response was clear: new Transit outclasses the competition, across a whole range of different fleet and business requirements.
eric_l says:
06:22 PM, 07/25/06
I wonder if it can do Nurburgring in under 10 minutes (hint hint all Top Gear fans).
nissanmurano says:
11:18 PM, 07/25/06
That blue one would make a good airporter bus.
chrisducati says:
04:29 AM, 07/26/06
While I like them and think the US market is ready for fuel saving big trucks in the European mold, I doubt Ford will be able to change enough. The whole idea that American's want American styled cars and trucks is their mind set. They haven't seen the writing on the wall. More American's buy import cars and trucks then American products. Maybe Ford should look at it's over seas products for the US.
jerrywimer says:
04:38 AM, 07/26/06
Might want to do some more research for your second-to-last statement chris. More American's *may* buy more import vehicles than domestic vehicles, but if you break it out into cars and trucks, I think you'll find it's nearly *all* cars. Domestic trucks are still far and away the leaders in their sales areas. And since these are trucks, Ford could have valid concerns about making such a huge change to their current lines when they're still doing pretty well.
I agree that we need to get more of the European models here, but it makes more sense to sell them alongside the current US offerings for a few years until they have solidly caught on and people are used to the idea.
rsholland says:
07:44 AM, 07/26/06
As with the Dodge Sprinter, Ford offers a version with dual rear wheels. The Sprinter with DRWs has a GVW of 10,000 pounds. I would assume the Ford version is in the same neighborhood. Even though they all have turbo-diesels of well under 3 liters, they are serious work vehicles. They have 5-speed autos, and in Europe even come with 6-speed manuals.
The Sprinter can only tow 5K, but other than that it makes a lot of sense.
rsholland says:
07:47 AM, 07/26/06
The GVW range for the Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter is 8600 – 10000 pounds, so they're all either 3/4-ton or 1-ton models.
rsholland says:
08:41 AM, 07/26/06
The crew-cab truck pictured in this blog is most likely a 3/4-ton model.
brockwayd says:
12:54 PM, 07/19/08
I wish Ford would finally bring the diesel Transit here. The Sprinter seems to be getting a lot of interest now with the high gas prices. Anyone would be crazy to drive a Econoline or similar van when you can get a Sprinter with more cargo capacity and 5 to 10 MPG better fuel economy (your better off even with the higher price of diesel). I could use a Transit like this RIGHT NOW! And it would be even better if they built them here in the US.
The Transit Connect (http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/) is nice too for those that need a smaller vehicle, but I think it would get A LOT more attention if the turbodiesel version would be offered. With the regular gas engine, the cargo capacity and fuel economy of the Transit Connect is not that different from a minivan. If I'm not mistaken, I think the turbodiesel Connect would get somewhere in the upper 30's in mpg.
Does Anyone know why Ford doesn't offer it's high mpg European diesels in the US? Is there an issue with the fuel here, or the emissions requirements? I see the Dodge sprinter and Volkswagon offering diesels here, why can't Ford?