Ford Motor Company Releases New Transit Connect

By: Bill Waters
08/28/2009 02:15 PM ET

Ford Motor Company is on a roll with new vehicles that are greener and offer lower carbon emissions. The new minivan, dubbed Ford Transit with ECOnetic, can deliver greater mileage by up to 10 percent. It also has a Stage 5 emission level that can provide a 29 mpg rating.

“In the real world, a fuel economy saving of 10 percent can make a major impact on running costs. Transit has always been the vehicle business people choose when they want value for money and low cost of ownership. With this new ECOnetic version, we now have the best in class CO2,” Ford’s commercial vehicle directory Steve Kimber said in a statement.

The Ford Transit ECOnetic is priced around $25,000 in Britain and is based on the front-wheel drive Transit 280 panel van with short wheelbase. It is powered by a 2.2-litre 115PS Duratorq TDCi engine and runs on diesel. Yes, I said that right, it runs on diesel fuel.

The Ford van is only available in Britain and parts of Europe. However, this vehicle is similar to the 2010 Ford Connect which will soon be available throughout the United States. The Transit Connect is a spacious fuel-efficient alternative to larger commercial vehicles and was first unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

Ford Transit Connect has front-wheel drive with an upgraded powertrain. It is powered by a Duratec 2.0-liter dual-overhead cam (DOHC) four-cylinder engine. The Transit also has several design enhancements including the grille and interior touches. It is probably the best fuel efficient commercial van that will hit the market.

“This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “We’re offering small business owners a real choice to meet their needs, instead of asking them to pull seats out of minivans or compromise on one or more of their needs.”

Ford hybrid vehicles, including the Fusion and the Escape SUV, are top performers in the United States. The Ford Transit Connect will only add to a successful line-up. For example, shipping companies can save on gas while helping the environment. Ford Motor Company is providing technologies in vehicles that reduce carbon emissions in the commercial transportation business.