Ford Unveils Slicker, Sleeker 2014 Transit Connect

[zombiechad]

Ford Reveals All-New Global Transit and Transit Connect Commercial Vehicles at 'Go Further' Event

• Ford unveils its new generation of Transit commercial vehicles, developed on all-new global platforms for sale in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets

• Tough, functional and professional, the all-new Ford Transit brings a new level of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market; it replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit in Europe and worldwide markets, and replaces the E-Series in North America

• Stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect delivers outstanding performance across load carrying ability, dependability and fuel economy, for a best-in-class cost of ownership package


AMSTERDAM, Sept. 6, 2012 – Ford today revealed a new generation of world-class Transit commercial vehicles at its "Go Further" event.

Developed under its "One Ford" global product strategy in Europe, the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect models will be sold in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets, with product ranges tailored to the needs of customers in each region.

"These new products will carry more, work harder, last longer, and cost our customers less to operate – just as Ford Transits have done for 47 years," said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The unprecedented launch of two all-new Transit models will extend Ford's leadership in serving commercial vehicle customers around the world."

The introduction of the new generation Transit and Transit Connect models is a major step in Ford's commitment to completely redesign its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe by the end of 2013.

Using the latest global platforms, the two models highlight Ford's new approach to delivering the next generation of class-leading commercial vehicles to meet the needs of customers in all worldwide markets.

The new range builds on almost 50 years of experience in creating market-leading commercial vans and was engineered at Ford's Centre of Excellence for commercial vehicles in Europe; applying global product development resources.

The all-new Ford Transit replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit derivatives in Europe and other worldwide markets, and will eventually replace the popular Ford E-Series range in North America. Tough, functional and professional, new Transit brings new levels of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market.

Offering a comprehensive range of body styles and derivatives, with multiple wheelbases, roof heights and new chassis cowl versions, all-new and more capable Transit is tailored to the needs of key worldwide markets.

For Europe, a full range of Transit bodystyles and derivatives, offering front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, will be powered by the latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel.

In North America, customers can choose from several engines, including the proven 3.5-litre EcoBoost or a powerful diesel option; each features rear-wheel drive and at least 25 percent better fuel economy than a comparable E-Series. Multiple roof heights and wheelbases will be available. North American Transit vans will be manufactured in Kansas City, alongside the Ford F-150.

The stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect will deliver new standards for the sub-one-tonne segment for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability.

Available in a choice of short and long wheelbase versions, the new Transit Connect will offer European and North American customers the most flexible and functional loadbox in the segment, with a host of innovative features to enhance everyday productivity.

Transit Connect features the latest low-CO2 powertrain technologies to deliver best-in-class fuel economy in all of its target markets. In Europe, the engine line-up will include highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines, while the U.S. market will benefit from a tailored range of gasoline powertrains.

The new model has a stylish cockpit with car-like design and craftsmanship, and offers the latest Ford interior technologies and driver assistance features.

The Ford Transit brand has established a legendary reputation for toughness and dependability, and the new global Transit products have been engineered to extend that tradition. Both the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect have been subjected to Ford's ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering millions of miles of arduous testing in laboratories, at proving grounds and on customer fleets.

"Our new global Ford Transit products will be totally fit for purpose," said Samardzich. "These are the strongest, most capable and most efficient commercial vans we have ever built – this is the start of a new chapter in the Transit success story."

In Europe, deliveries of the all-new Transit and Transit Connect are due to start by the end of 2013.

The two new global models join the Transit Custom in Ford's renewed commercial vehicle line-up for Europe. Targeting the one-tonne market, the all-new Transit Custom is now on sale across European markets. It will not be introduced in North America but will be launched in other selected other global markets later.

[CamsTrans]

I'm sure that look will grow on me... If the interior is anything like that of the new transit pictures on Ford's website I'll be a happy camper! It leaves the VDubs looking a bit tired

[tez]

like it

[zombiechad]

The new connect doesn't look bad, but I like that the current one looks like a work van. The current connect will never be mistaken as a crossover or a minivan like the sleeker 2014 version.

[g-man]

could have been worse.......it'll grow on us........interesting to see the engine options,read that the 1.6tdci will be biggest option

[dieselboy1978]

could have been worse.......it'll grow on us........interesting to see the engine options,read that the 1.6tdci will be biggest option

To be fair the 1.6tdci engine is pretty quick. Shame it has a few problems with it, mainly lots of turbo failing and oil flow problems.

[dieselboy1978]

Oh and i like the front lights!
Come on MODYOURTRANSIT, get doing these badboys!

[CamsTrans]

could have been worse.......it'll grow on us........interesting to see the engine options,read that the 1.6tdci will be biggest option

In Europe, the engine line-up will include highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines, while the U.S. market will benefit from a tailored range of gasoline

Gasoline guzzling 3.0l brutes as global warming is a myth in America. . If they do a petrol TFSI that would shift when empty.. But with a load of cable and tools in? Maybe not

[walt1984]

front end looks like new focus, be even better if they did a ST powered verson.

[zombiechad]

Gasoline guzzling 3.0l brutes as global warming is a myth in America.

Now I won't argue that there aren't global warming deniers here, I would guess that the main reason for gasoline engines in the US is because people have not adopted small diesel engines in mass here (unfortunately). The only options available are a few VW passenger cars and large diesel trucks. The buyers of a transit connect in the US will still prefer efficient gasoline engines over powerful gas guzzlers and I am guessing that will mean 1.6 and 2.0 ecoboost engines at most.

[stevo]

I dont get the idea of using the same front end design style for every one of fords new cars. The cortina never looked like a capri or an escort. They dont look like theyve been designed as vans, more like theyve stretched a mondeo or a cmax. Maybe they look better in the flesh but im not sold on the style on these, too much in the same style as your average (and poorly built) euro van. The cars look nice but it hasnt worked on the bigger vehicles.

[Kent Discos]

Not 100% certain if I like it... Hmmm

[Graham Taylor]

Not 100% certain if I like it... Hmmm

I do but doubt I'll ever get one.

[BORDER]

I dont get the idea of using the same front end design style for every one of fords new cars. The cortina never looked like a capri or an escort. They dont look like theyve been designed as vans, more like theyve stretched a mondeo or a cmax. Maybe they look better in the flesh but im not sold on the style on these, too much in the same style as your average (and poorly built) euro van. The cars look nice but it hasnt worked on the bigger vehicles.

Many moddern car manufacturer's take on the approach of brand awareness styling.

Having all the models in an entire range use the same basic features makes it easier to identify the make & model , Audi for instance all have pretty much the same front grill and front lighting , this is so as soon as you see it .. you know its an audi.

if every car was completely different .. knowing what car belongs to what manufacturer would be alot more confusing..

I for one don't like the look of this new version, it seems to have lost all its character and has now become as someone earlier stated... a eurovan..

[Lefty64]

I feel exactly the same. The new low-roof SWB design is softer and more curvaceous, but they've gone as far as can be gone with a van. It's all bulges and adornment.

I like square lines, flat wheel arches, and the near vertical sides of the current series. It's a pronouncement of utility over style.......... leave image to the petrol-heads who need it.

What in hell is the point of an ST version van? Round here the plod are pulling in vans on a standard 53+ MPH ANPR automated setting, which is all that's realistically possible with the current LCV speed limits.

I'm going to wait until I see the LWB Hi-Roof variant. Unless the inside matches exactly with the current fixing points on mine then this bit of froth won't sway me. I'll move on to a different van and/or make if I'm forced to change in future.