September 10, 2012

Ford Releases All-New Transit and Transit Connect Photos

The all-new global edition of the Ford Transit.

By Chris Wolski

Ford Motor Company has revealed an image of its all-new Transit van (shown above), which is set to replace the company’s passenger and cargo models of the E-Series vans in late 2013.

The new design was unveiled at the company’s “Go Further” event on Thursday, Sept. 6, in Amsterdam. The automaker also released details about its updated Transit Connect van, including a photo that can be seen below.

The all-new Ford Transit, along with the all-new Ford Transit Connect, was developed under the company’s “One Ford” global product strategy in Europe. The vehicles will be sold in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets with product ranges tailored to the needs of customers in each region.

According to Mike Levine, Ford Motor Company’s truck communications manager, the new Transit and Transit Connect demonstrate “Ford’s renewed commitment to the global van market.”

The all-new Transit Connect, like the Ford Transit, is set to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2013.

For North American customers, the Transit offers fleets several advantages over the E-Series van, according to Levine. “In North America, Transit will have lower operating costs than comparable E-Series vans while featuring new roof heights and wheelbases that promise to help make customers more productive and efficient,” he said.

The North American version of the Transit will include the choice of several engines, including the 3.5L EcoBoost or a diesel option. Each option features rear-wheel drive and, according to the automaker, at least 25% better fuel economy than the comparable E-Series. North American Transit vans will be manufactured in Kansas City alongside the Ford F-150.

The all-new Ford Transit Connect will feature a choice of short- and long-wheelbase versions and a low-CO2 powertrain. The U.S. version of the Transit Connect will offer a variety of gasoline powertrains tailored to the market.

“Transit Connect, which pioneered the small van segment in the U.S., will be more fuel efficient and will feature new configurations to better tailor the vehicle to meet customer business and personal needs,” Levine said.

In North America, Ford stated that the all-new Transit and Transit Connect are scheduled to go on sale by the fourth quarter of 2013.