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-   -   New Transit Connect press release. (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1203032-new-transit-connect-press-release.html)

LSchicago2 11-14-2012 08:07 AM

New Transit Connect press release.
 
2014 Transit Connect Wagon | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Ford Introduces New Seven-Passenger People Mover with a Difference: Transit Connect Wagon First to Exceed 30 MPG

  • Ford brings the compact Transit Connect Wagon to market, a vehicle so unique it is a revolution in seven-passenger transportation
  • Transit Connect Wagon expected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and 2 mpg better in the city than a seven-seat Toyota Sienna minivan, and more cargo space and passenger seating than Mazda5, yet hauls a heavier payload than a Toyota Tacoma Double Cab pickup or Dodge Grand Caravan
  • Anticipating up to 30 mpg-plus on the highway with EcoBoost® power, Transit Connect Wagon offers a choice of two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, two wheelbase lengths and three series models – XL, XLT and range-topping Titanium
  • Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level with the convenience of sliding side doors, fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a 1,200-pound-plus payload, and choice of a rear liftgate or symmetrical, side-hinged cargo doors
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/14TCWagon_570.jpg
Click to download images.


SOUNDBITES: 2014 Transit Connect Wagon

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 13, 2012 – Ford, the most fuel-efficient full-line manufacturer, introduces the first seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier with the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, which drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a full-size pickup.

“Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas. “It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. Customers also will love the unique combination of style, adaptability and affordability this wagon brings.”

Transit Connect Wagon is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations, and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. No other wagon in the market today offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-pound payload and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space.

When properly equipped, this versatile wagon is approved to tow up to 2,000 pounds, 500 pounds more than a four-cylinder Toyota Highlander SUV.

Have it your way
Transit Connect Wagon offers customers a choice between two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost® that is estimated to deliver 30 mpg-plus on the highway. This powertrain makes Transit Connect Wagon the gas mileage leader among seven-passenger vehicles.

Both engines come mated to a convenient six-speed automatic transmission, geared for around-town responsiveness and low-rpm highway cruising.

Transit Connect Wagon is available in a wide variety of configurations and series levels, offering unexpected features in a high-value package with low operating costs.

This stylish, contemporary design is offered in two wheelbase lengths, a choice of five- or seven-passenger seating arrangements, and offers meaningful options like a full-glass panoramic roof, rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch screen display with navigation, and SYNC® with MyFord Touch® – Ford’s highly acclaimed voice-activated communications and entertainment system.

Transit Connect Wagon’s global design includes premium cues throughout such as available full body-color exterior accents with jewel-like chrome trim and high-gloss interior trim pieces. A range of seating surfaces, from luxurious leather, comfortable cloth and heavy-duty vinyl, is available to suit the specific needs of a wide variety of potential customers.

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/IKEA_TCWagon_350.jpg
Click to download PDF.

Commercial-strength DNA in a family versatility vehicle
Transit Connect Wagon’s work-hard/play-hard nature is reflected in cargo-carrying capacity and room for up to seven comfortably seated passengers, wrapped in a high-strength body engineered to rigorous global commercial vehicle durability standards.

The all-new Transit Connect Wagon builds on the foundation of reliability and durability established by the current Transit Connect compact van. Introduced in North America in 2009, Transit Connect has become the must-have vehicle for small business proprietors, thanks to its unmatched combination of payload and cargo capacities, adaptability, fuel efficiency, maneuverability and overall ease of driving.

Transit Connect was recognized as an innovative “white space” vehicle – literally carving out a new category in the market – by the automotive industry press corps when it was named North American Truck of the Year in January 2010 at the North American International Auto Show.

Now selling at a pace of 35,000 units per year, Transit Connect has become a favorite of small businesses, corporate fleets, taxi operators and a few individualistic owners who find its combination of a car-like ride and the cargo capacity of a van just right for their personal use.

“The all-new Transit Connect Wagon will expand the personal-use audience for this versatile nameplate by offering up to seven-passenger capacity across three rows of seating in a fully trimmed interior,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford vice president of Global Engineering, Global Product Development. “It has an extensive selection of comfort, convenience and connectivity options, and a full complement of safety features – making it a modern, family-friendly alternative to oversized minivans.”

All Transit Connect Wagon models feature first-row frontal, pelvis and side airbags, with first-, second- and third-row side curtain airbags in long-wheelbase models. Short-wheelbase versions get first- and second-row side curtain airbags.

Ford’s award-winning MyKey® programmable ignition key enables restricting maximum vehicle speed and audio system volume, bringing additional peace of mind to both parents and fleet administrators alike.

Transit Connect Wagon even offers a child observation mirror so parents can keep track of children safely belted in second- and third-row seats.

Infinite adaptability
Inside, the Transit Connect Wagon package is a rolling showcase for adaptability in hauling both people and cargo.

From its 60/40 three-passenger second-row bench seat through fold-flat second- and third-row seating with third-row independent fore-and-aft sliding capability, Transit Connect Wagon quickly adapts to accommodate multiple combinations of people and cargo.

Also available is an electric windshield defroster, making short work of icy windshields in wintry conditions and when parking Transit Connect Wagon on the street.

The versatile Transit Connect Wagon offers far better fuel efficiency than traditional minivans, compact-car-like maneuverability and handling, combined with unprecedented payload and cargo capabilities.

Look for Transit Connect Wagon to appear in North American Ford dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2013. Consumers can get more information and learn more about the Transit Connect Wagon at http://ford.com/transitconnectwagon.

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About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 172,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

YoGeorge 11-14-2012 04:31 PM

YES! I have been waiting for a logical replacement for my 2002 E150 and this looks like the best alternative so far. Looking very much forward to seeing it in real life!

Minivans make so much sense as useful vehicles, and a lot of my musician, bicyclist, and scout leader friends drive them without shame. The new TC looks really viable. To bad it's not built in the US, but the LWB makes all the difference to me.

George

LSchicago2 11-14-2012 05:04 PM

I may buy one when they are out. I like that Ford listened, and added a 2000# tow capacity.

wp120470 11-19-2012 09:42 AM

They better have stepped up the tranmission to tow that 2000lb. With the headache we have had with the 9 of them we have put into service I wouldn't recomend a Transit Connect for a Demolition Derby. Bad bearings, Alignment issues, A Tranny rebuild at 19,753 miles, Door ajar switches, and the hits just keep on comming. I can't tell you how excited I am to see the warranty expire.

LSchicago2 11-19-2012 12:45 PM

The current trans is gone with the restyle. They will now have the 6 speed auto trans from the Escape.

artfd 12-13-2012 03:40 PM

Is this completely different from the 2009-2012 Transit Connect
 
Is this completely replacing the "Transit Connect" or is this a new model in addition to the original one?

YoGeorge 12-13-2012 04:58 PM


Originally Posted by artfd (Post 12592848)
Is this completely replacing the "Transit Connect" or is this a new model in addition to the original one?

It seems to me that a new Transit Connect would be a replacement for the old Transit Connect...

There will likely be a cargo version as well, but the more civilized passenger version is the bigger deal here. New drivetrain, structure, etc.

George

YoGeorge 12-14-2012 08:02 AM

Addendum: here is a press release, issued today, about the new TC cargo van:

Ford Motor Company News - Blue Oval News - Next-Generation Ford Transit Connect Breaks New Ground in Commercial Van Fuel Efficiency with 30+ MPG

George

artfd 12-14-2012 08:42 AM

Looks like a new design all right.

seventyseven250 12-15-2012 06:34 PM

My family has a mini-van currently, and this would be on my radar when it comes time for a replacement.

03 SVT VERT 12-16-2012 04:55 AM

Now if I could just get them to build me one with a diesel and AWD.:-X06

artfd 12-16-2012 05:21 PM


Originally Posted by 03 SVT VERT (Post 12602689)
Now if I could just get them to build me one with a diesel and AWD.:-X06

Well, the big Transits will be coming with a diesel option.
--- It would be interested if the big Transit with a turbo diesel winds up getting better fuel economy than a tiny Transit Connect with a regular gas engine.


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