We had no idea that the flower delivery industry was in such dire straights. With no affordable commercial vans at its disposal, it has been left schlepping roses around in clapped out Astro vans. Help is on the way, however, and our Senior Editor in Detroit Dan Pund has driven it.
Cleverly dubbed the Ford Transit Connect, the new commercial runabout has a name almost as goofy as its styling. It can carry quite a bit though, and its smallish four-cylinder engine returns decent mileage in the process. Pund says it gets lots of looks too.
bankerdanny says:
09:10 AM, 05/27/09
I think Ford made a bad call on the diesel decision.
I get the logic, but I think that for the commercial market the small diesel would have been very appealing and more popular than Ford thinks.
rsholland says:
09:34 AM, 05/27/09
I think this will be a big success. It's perfect for small businesses who need a small, economical, but spacious van.
As to the "goofy" styling... hey, form follows function, right?
rick8365 says:
02:06 PM, 05/27/09
I agree to some degree with both of you - the tepid 4cyl with a 4 spd auto bothers me. If they sell them and the drivetrain isn't up the task and then has premature failures....the whole thing might be a goofy looking black eye. Give it a small efficient diesel with a sturdy 5spd.
desmolicious says:
02:31 PM, 05/27/09
Is there enough space for a sport bike in there w/ the 2nd row of seats removed? Dirt bikes?
brn says:
02:33 PM, 05/27/09
rick, I don't understand the presumption of premature failures. One of the reasons for not pushing the tech is reliability.
Aside from that, this does appear to be a purpose built vehicle. For example, Step Vans aren't designed for real highway use either. Heck, a local bread company puts a speed limiter of 50mph on theirs.
This van has a purpose and it will probably do that well. For those that need a more capable vehicle, Ford will gladly sell them an Econoline.
rsholland says:
04:57 PM, 05/27/09
This vanitto has been on sale in Europe for some time, so it's a proven vehicle.
moparbad says:
05:10 PM, 05/27/09
Needs a diesel option.
stovt001 says:
07:46 PM, 05/27/09
Finally, the American market starts seeing sensible vehicles. Something like this is perfectly suited for many small businesses. Full size cargo vans are overkill, and HHR panels just might not be enough. I saw stuff like this all over the place while living in Europe and thought it would work just fine in the U.S. I'll jump on the diesel bandwagon though. It just makes sense if you're looking for economy, practicality, and durability above all else.
steve_ says:
11:01 AM, 05/28/09
I thought I'd see you commenting in here, Bob H.:-)
This might be a fun rig to toss some camping gear in and go cross-country, assuming you stay on the blue highways and aren't in any hurry. It has 6.5" of ground clearance and a full size spare and enough interior amenities available. 24 mph highway isn't as good as most minivans though.
1speedbike says:
08:59 PM, 05/28/09
This is an extremely smart move except Ford KILLS it by offering that one gasoline engine only mated only with that one 4-speed auto. There are plenty of businesses which need a dedicated, cheap commercial vehicle for light deliveries without the amenities of passenger vehicles, but not as big or powerful as commercial vans or trucks. For some, the small gas engine will be fine, but for others here may be a need for more or less powerful engines, and especially a diesel option. C'mon Ford, you have great ideas but you muck them up by downsizing them..