Ford's Transit Connect Fills a Need

Ford's Transit Connect fills a need

By KEN WICKLIFFE
For The Star Press

MUNCIE -- A fuel-efficient, midsize van that can be outfitted to carry passengers, nearly any type of cargo, or both, Ford's Transit Connect fills a need in the marketplace, says a spokesman for Bill McCoy Ford Lincoln Mercury.

New to the United States for 2010, the Transit Connect arrived recently at the Muncie dealership. It appeals to cost-conscious business customers, as well as individuals who want a versatile utility vehicle that's inexpensive to operate, according to Mike Ramsey, who handles commercial truck and fleet sales at McCoy.

"Compared to a big truck or van that might only get 12 or 13 miles per gallon in stop-and-go city traffic, the Transit Connect is rated at 22 city and 25 highway," he said. "Yet, it has a 1,600 pound payload, so it will carry as much as many 'half-ton' cargo vans.

"No one else offers a vehicle like this," Ramsey added. "We've known this van was coming for the last several months, and many fleet customers have been waiting for it."

While its two-liter, four-cylinder engine is smaller than the V8s under the hoods of many competing models, the Transit Connect accelerates well because it weighs 1,500 pounds less than most full-size vans, Ford says. Also, the new van's transmission and axle are geared to take advantage of the smaller engine's horsepower and torque characteristics.

"This is a highly maneuverable vehicle -- it's easy to back up to doors and loading docks, and easy to load and unload," Ramsey said. "The Transit Connect is also agile in traffic."

In addition to serving as a delivery van, he added, the Transit Connect is ideal for tradespeople and anyone else who has to move products, tools or equipment. The cargo area, which is six feet long, four feet wide and nearly five feet tall, can be outfitted with a variety of racks, shelf units, storage cabinets and other cargo management systems that have been designed for the vehicle.

Two sliding doors allow items to be loaded from either side, and the Transit Connect is available with specially-hinged rear doors that swing open in a 255-degree arc, allowing the van can be backed up nearly flush to a door or loading dock.

An available in-dash, touch-screen computer runs Microsoft Windows and comes with a wireless keyboard and touch pad. It provides Internet access, order- and tool-tracking, navigation, communication and other services that allow the van to function as a mobile office.

The Transit Connect's base price is $20,780 for the two-passenger Cargo Van, which comes with only front seats, and $21,135 for the four- or five-passenger Wagon, which also has a folding rear seat. Standard features on both models include air conditioning, a four-speed automatic transmission, six-way adjustable driver's seat, four-way adjustable front passenger's seat and an overhead storage shelf with retaining net.

While the Transit Connect is new to the U.S. market, Ford has offered the van in other countries since 2003.

More than 600,000 have been sold, the company says.
Additional Facts
2010 Ford Transit Connect

Base price range: $20,780 -- $21,135

Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles (powertrain); 3 years/36,000 miles (bumper-to-bumper)

Fuel economy: 22 city/25 highway

Engine: 2-liter four-cylinder with 136 horsepower

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Safety features: Driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, collapsible steering column, tire pressure monitoring system (standard)

Source: Cars.com

Call me for more information on the Transit Connect or any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!