So to test out my theory I left the camera at home today and went about my day. In the afternoon, while walking to a meeting, what do you know, I come across a beautiful vintage Ford Transit (Mk II I think, the '78 to '86 production run, yes the Ford streak continues!).
Well technically I stumbled upon a beautiful yellow one first, and then, hidden by a moving truck, there was a grey/blue/bondo beater one with a high roof ( a camper top of some kind) that was even cooler, or at least more sinister.
The guys in the moving truck were quite amused by the weird dude in the Corduroy suit, snapping pictures of two old vans with a look of genuine happiness on his face...
I hope you find these two vans as I cool as I did!
bon weekend

We know the Transit Connect has a disproportionately large amount of cargo space for its size, we know it's nimble and can get into even the darkest alleys, we also know it can be had, as is this case, in windowless delivery form, but somehow we don't think this was what Ford had in mind when they designed the little bugger. If you're bored, and not at work, swing around back and check out the bumper, it seems like the cover might have been torn off. [Google Sight Seeing]

The Transit Connect occupies the same territory as the old-as-nails Econoline van, but manages the same job in a smaller, lighter, friendlier way. That old Econoline is a hulking beast of a vehicle, stuffed mostly with tried-and-true F-series pickup truck parts. It's reliable and completely foolproof as it's been constantly developed since the early ‘60s, but it's a massively wasteful leviathan of a vehicle that's difficult to maneuver through our ever-tightening urban jungle.

Enter the 2010 Ford Transit Connect. It's light, readily steered and is comparatively frugal at 22 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. The maximum load height is a useful 52 inches with only a two-foot unloaded deck height. Cargo capacity is voracious, at twice that of the Chevy HHR panel van (135 cubic feet behind the front seats). The total length is 167 inches, shorter than a Ford Focus, but there's a crazy 1,600-pound load capacity. Still, the Transit Connect may be a bit small to supplant the traditional pickup truck in the working American's mind. At 72.6 inches long, the load bay is too short to accommodate full-length pieces of lumber, ladders and pipes, which poke comfortably out the back of a truck.

In and around Manhattan's crowded streets, the Transit Connect drives as easy as a comparable front-wheel drive hatch. Sure, in comparison to the European Focus on which this Transit is based, the ride is firmer and you can feel the height in a smidge of bodyroll, but it's still a more capable and easier-to-drive vehicle than the American psyche has been trained to expect from cheap compact cars. Rearward visibility is incredible, even in side-windowless panel trim; which is completely due to the huge side mirrors and large rear door glass.

The brakes are confident and responsive, even while hauling the maximum allowable load. Power output from the 2.0-liter Duratec is more than sufficient at 136 HP and 128 ft-lb of torque, helped by four well-chosen gear ratios and smart autobox programming. Ford doesn't quote a 0-60 MPH time, but we'd hazard a guess at something in the 10-second range. Sadly, a manual transmission won't be available in the US market. Front and rear sway bars control bodyroll during brisk handling - even through the wonkiest NYC traffic roundabouts. The turning circle is a minuscule 39 feet, so U-turns are a cinch.

In addition to the fundamental rightness of the basic Transit Connect platform, it comes with a host of optional electro-wizardry, including DeWalt's ToolLink system. Using RFID tags, the system keeps track of what tools are inside of the vehicle at all times, so you can know if you've left your spanner at the job site or your tool belt at the mistress's place. The same system is employed on the current F-series line of trucks.

Next up is the Crew Chief vehicle tracking suite. For a price, you can have a snitch box integrated with your fleet of Transits, which reports everything from throttle position, location and speed, to seat belt usage and excessive idling. The entire Crew Chief control panel is accessed through a web interface, which brings up the last major technological aid developed for the modern working man: Ford's wireless mobile in-dash computer. Using both 2G and 3G wireless data networks, drivers can surf the Internet, create documents and print them off on the optional Bluetooth printer on the spot. Back to using the Crew Chief web interface, the boss man can manage his fleet from any computer-equipped Transit whenever the vehicle is stopped.

We've joined most savvy auto enthusiasts in calling for Ford to bring its genuinely world-beating European range of vehicles to the States. Like the segment-busting Ford Fiesta, the Transit Connect proves us right. It mixes capability and quality in a wholly unprecedented level for the price: $21,475. Unlike the Fiesta, which we have to wait till next year to buy, the Transit Connect goes on sale this summer.

The Ford Transit Connect Family One Concept was just revealed to a sea of enthusiastic kids kids at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum. Considering the vehicle was designed with kids in mind as much as parents the little boogers mauled the car immediately.

The most kid-pleasing aspect of the car was the very clever plexiglass kiddie bulkhead which separates the front seats from the rear and has a painted surface at the top which front shelf-mounted projectors beam images onto. Two sides can show off two sources, one of which may be the webcams stowed around the vehicle which kids took to making faces at. The rear cargo area has integrated Lego storage and the seat back can fold down to have a Lego base to work from.

Otherwise the car gets updates with considerably nicer seats than standard with a crazy pearl finish leather and blue accents throughout. Don't get your hopes up about that light up shifter though, this one's a manual but there still aren't any plans for those to go into production. If you're around for the New York Auto Show and have rug rats of your own, bring em along as Ford's going to leave this one on the floor for everybody to play with.

Oh, and by the way we've blurred out kids faces because in Michigan, as in almost every state, it's illegal to show pictures of a minor without consent of the parents.

Ford has shown a lot of Transit Connect concepts in the past, but this is the first eschewing the commercial side for the consumer market. As the name implies, the Transit Connect Family One Concept is aimed squarely at families. According to Ford's design team, its meant for "the coolest mom," whatever that means. What we do know is, as you'd expect, most of the features are aimed at kids. The rear seats have a kid-friendly entertainment system, door sills you can scribble on (explain that when junior writes all over Grandpa's S-Class) and removable seat covers to make it easier to wash off the never-ending stream of filth kids seem to generate. There's also integrated dispensers for hand sanitizer and sun screen, a set of walkie-talkies with charging station, an awning over the rear cargo doors — which have scooters built into them — and stroller storage under the floor.

But not everything is meant for the kids. Included in the concept is the Ford Work Solutions package (though re-dubbed "Family Works" in this application) which allows RFID tagging and sensing in the car. So, if "the coolest mom" is in a rush, she doesn't have to rifle through the junk in the back, she can ask the on-board computer and it scans the area, finds the diaper bag, stroller, Timmy's Game Boy and whatever else you've tagged and decided you need to bring along (the kids themselves, perhaps). It also gets the first non-Fusion Hybrid application of the SmartGauge system, even though it is not itself a hybrid, hey you can still drive efficiently without hybridization. There's also the neat blue neon lights and overhead sunlight. That's stuff mom's like, right? Expect to see the long-named Ford Transit Connect Family One Concept debut on the stands of the New York Auto Show.

We knew the 2010 Ford Transit Connect was coming, and to be perfectly honest, it's refreshing to see a no-nonsense, utilitarian product bringing some much needed honesty into the market. The Transit Connect is entering a US market completely barren of compact commercial vehicles but it should also be considered a global refresh so just what has Ford done with the 2010 Transit Connect?

The new Transit Connect gets an updated face based on Ford's European Kinetic Design language, which is shared to some extent with the new 2010 Ford Taurus. The trapezoidal upper and lower grilles meet in the middle and the upper is flanked by a new set of headlight clusters, it also gets a newly profiled hood to tie everything together up front. The rest of the body is largely unchanged, aside from reshaped rearview mirrors and the inclusion of backup radar sensors on the rear bumper.
If you're hoping to see a long options list in the power train department from the outset, you're going to be disappointed. To keep things simple, Ford is offering a well tested and reliable Duratec 2.0 liter four cylinder with 138 HP running with a 4 speed automatic which is projected to return 20 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Ford has said it would consider a manual transmission, should there be sufficient demand, but from the start it's auto only. If you're willing to wait a bit, the Transit Connect will be available in the second half of 2010 with two all-electric versions, outfitted by EV experts Smith Electric Vehicles. Complete details on the Transit Connect BEV can be read here.

From an engineering perspective, the Transit Connect has been designed to meet the durability requirements set down for US full-sized trucks, so it would be fair to call it "Built Ford Tough," an odd notion for a funny-shaped, car-based minivan. Considering the punishment these little buggers are likely to see at the hands of commercial users and little kids alike, it's probably a good thing they're designed to take it.

Inside, the new Transit Connect gets a dash which has been rethought without losing its simple and sturdy feel. The center stack goes from vertical to angled away from the driver, making sight lines considerably better than the outgoing model, the vents have been swapped for a simpler round style popular these days. The base model gets an AM-FM radio, upgradeable to include a CD player, but this being a commercial vehicle, there's an optional Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer system which integrates very nicely into the dash, taking advantages of a reshaped dash-top storage slot that accommodates the system keyboard. Also optional with the Work Solutions pack is a pair of Tool Link sensors which make keeping track of your stuff as easy as pasting on RFID tags, whether for a hammer or a stroller.

And that gets us to an interesting point, the Transit Connect is currently aimed primarily at the commercial market, but it can be outfitted with a split, forward-folding bench seat in the back, more installed glass, painted fenders, chrome grille, and fog lamps which make it, at least in our eyes, an intriguing choice for folks interested in substance over style. With 135 cubic feet of cargo room, a rugged rubberized load floor with a 1600 lb payload capacity, and bombproof interior components, we're wondering if this thing turns out to be the best mixed-use vehicle ever offered on US shores. We'll be bringing you the unveil of the 2010 Ford Transit Connect live from the floor of the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, but until then check out the complete details below.

Ford Launches All-new Transit Connect, adding to market-leading commercial vehicle Fleet

• Ford fills an unmet U.S. commercial business need with new Transit Connect, an industry-exclusive vehicle specifically developed to be a smart new choice for small business owners
• Low operating and ownership costs, a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine, 135 cubic feet of cargo space, a 1,600 pound payload capacity, available Ford Work Solutions technology and various cargo management systems make Transit Connect a smart solution
• Transit Connect, a strong global Ford product, goes on sale in the U.S. this summer, starting at $21,475, including destination

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2009 – Ford is tapping its global portfolio of products to meet the unique needs of American small business owners with the 2010 Transit Connect, a spacious new fuel-efficient alternative to larger commercial vehicles that's ideal for navigating U.S. cities.

"Transit Connect is a tangible success of our ‘One Ford' strategy to harness the best of our global products and offer new choices and solutions to customers in other parts of the world," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "With 40 percent market share, Ford is the reigning Commercial Truck leader in the United States, and we're looking for Transit Connect to further grow our leadership and allow even more customers to experience the ‘Built Ford Tough' difference."
The 2010 Ford Transit Connect will be unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. It arrives with a global reputation for durability and toughness dating back to its 2003 launch, when an expert jury of European commercial vehicle journalists named it International Van of the Year.

Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial vehicle platform to meet and exceed the needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs. To prepare the Transit Connect for the unique needs of small businesses in the United States, the powertrain was upgraded to include a proven Duratec 2.0-liter dual-overhead cam (DOHC) four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle. Several design details, including the grille and interior touches, have been updated to lend the vehicle a fresh, new look for its American debut.

"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. Transit Connect is good news for small business owners nationwide."

Transit Connect: It's Global
More than 600,000 Ford Transit Connects have been sold since 2003, to customers in 58 countries and on four continents. To fulfill the unmet needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs in the United States, Ford's Global Product Development team was able to quickly adapt the Transit Connect for the American market, validate its durability and tailor the cargo space for the unique yet diverse needs of small business proprietors.

Transit Connect: It's Capable
"Transit Connect was developed to bring small business owners a new vehicle choice, offering significantly improved fuel economy, generous and accessible cargo space with the agility and maneuverability to deliver the goods in tight quarters," said Rob Stevens, chief engineer.

Transit Connect's capability begins with capacity.
With 135 cubic feet of Transit Connect cargo volume, no other vehicle in the American market can deliver this combination of capacity and fuel economy.
Split rear cargo doors open at a standard 180 degrees, or an optionally available 255 degrees. When open, these doors provide access to 52.1 inches of available load height.
Lift-over height is less than two feet, when the Transit Connect is unloaded
Once inside, the cargo area opens up to 59.1 inches of floor to ceiling load height
The load width is 47.8 inches, between the wheel arches
Load length is a generous 72.6 inches or more than six feet of cargo floor space. Dual sliding rear side doors provide wide access to the generous cargo space as well

Transit Connect has more than double the cargo-carrying space of the Chevrolet HHR Panel, making it suitable for a broader range of commercial use applications.

The Transit Connect offers commercial users a cargo payload of 1,600 pounds. This capacity means that the Transit Connect can carry a larger payload than the full size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.

"Transit Connect can swallow far more cargo than people might think," added Stevens.

The Transit Connect's capability story goes beyond capacity. Its size and nimble driving dynamics provide agility for urban routes. Power-assisted rack and pinion steering allows a 39-foot curb-to-curb turning circle assures that Transit Connect is maneuverable when delivering the goods for entrepreneurs in tight quarters.

The Transit Connect is expected to deliver at least 20 city and 24 highway mpg, pending EPA fuel economy certification.

Transit Connect: It's Adaptable
Ford Transit Connect was conceived, developed and engineered to meet the needs of small business proprietors all over the world.
Once it arrives in the United States from the plant in Kocaeli, Turkey, Transit Connect can be outfitted for specific needs across a diverse range of users.

Bulkheads, racks, bins and other upfits can be mixed, matched and configured to suit many specific commercial applications and needs. Transit Connect is offered with a wide range of upfitted cargo management options, similar to the enduring, market-leading Ford E-Series commercial vehicles.

Small business owners have tremendous choice, with this unrivaled commercial application.
Transit Connect is available as a cargo van with no windows in the sliding side doors combined with rear cargo door privacy glass
A panel van version is offered with no side or rear cargo area windows
Transit Connect also can be configured with side and rear door privacy glass for maximum driver visibility
Plus, a wagon version of Transit Connect is available with a folding second-row bench seat, in either two- or three-passenger configurations. The wagon is ideally suited to the specialized needs of a small business owner that uses Transit Connect for carrying cargo for business and passengers or family during off-hours

Ford Transit Connect can be further adapted to individual business needs with the inclusion of Ford Work Solutions. The "solutions" behind this system allow customers to:

Run a business from inside the Transit Connect – right from the job site. An in-dash computer provides Internet access, productivity software and optional printing capabilities
Track tools. Tool Link™ gives the ability to organize, scan and track tools, inventory and other cargo items
Track the fleet. Crew Chief™ is a tailored telematics service to monitor and manage small or large fleets

The Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer allows small business owners to run their enterprises from inside the Transit Connect. Applications include downloading customer or product information, remotely accessing an office work station computer, sending and receiving text messages, navigating job or delivery locations with the Garmin navigation function and connecting with customers via hands-free phone functionality.

With a bright touch screen, for easy use and visibility, the in-dash computer runs the Windows CE 6.0 operating system. Word processing, spreadsheet, calculator and calendar applications are all included. With applicable subscriptions, the system can provide users with Internet access, remote document access and Garmin Online services such as traffic, weather and fuel prices.

The in-dash computer enables the availability of Tool Link, by DeWalt™. Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that adhere to the tools or objects themselves, Tool Link allows the Transit Connect Cargo to be scanned for the appropriate tools and inventory items, prior to leaving for the jobsite or route.

Tool Link helps manage valuable tools and ensures that specific items are on-board and available for use. Tool Link helps to keep all RFID-tagged objects on board, so at the end of the day, these items are secure and available for work on the next job.

Crew Chief™ is a tool for fleet managers to track vehicles, staff and Transit Connect diagnostics.
This system, not available in conjunction with the in-dash computer, provides a fleet manager with constant access to vehicle location information, the ability to track vehicle performance, automatic notification of vehicle maintenance needs and the ability to let drivers drive ─ not fill out written vehicle logs.

Crew Chief allows online access to vehicle location, speed, idle time, fuel usage and more than 30 diagnostic measures. Functions and reporting can be tailored to meet the specific needs of fleets large or small. Crew Chief has "geo-fencing" capability, allowing a fleet manager to set geographic or time of use boundaries.
Transit Connect is adaptable to multiple drivers, too. It features a six-way manually adjustable reclining driver's seat with an armrest, and a four-way adjustable reclining passenger's seat. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes to fit drivers of diverse sizes.

Transit Connect: It's Durable
Ford Transit Connect has a global track record of durability. It's a purpose-built commercial vehicle, built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform in an exclusively commercial vehicle production facility. Transit Connect is designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe to beat tough, light commercial vehicle durability standards.

The Transit Connect is powered by a well-proven Duratec 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, featuring four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block and head. Sequential multiport electronic fuel injection provides precise fuel metering for smooth and economical performance. This engine, delivering an estimated 136 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 128 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4,750 rpm, has proven American market durability.

This engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle with overdrive for additional fuel economy. A final-drive ratio of 4.20 to 1 is designed to give Transit Connect pulling power for the long haul. Fifteen inch steel wheels with P205/65R-15 black sidewall tires put the Transit Connect in contact with the road.

The Transit Connect was developed at the outset to be durable, with a boron steel front crossmember, a high-strength steel reinforced body shell, twin- side cross members and side-impact protection. Several areas of the body structure are double-skinned for additional strength, increasing resistance to the minor scrapes inherent to urban delivery situations. Swage lines along the lower side door panels add rigidity and visual character.

As a nimble, purpose-built commercial vehicle, Transit Connect can be a smart choice for the small business proprietor currently over-taxing the capabilities of an aging minivan with the passenger seats removed.

Transit Connect: It's Professional
While providing an ideal palette for identification and logo of a business on its body side, Transit Connect tells the world that its owner or operator has made a smart, savvy and efficient choice.

Transit Connect keeps passengers and cargo safe and secure, too. Front and side air bags help keep driver and first-row passenger safe. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are standard, as well. A locking exterior hood release helps keep things secure up front. Lock-in-Latch shielded door locks help Transit Connect resist break-in.

Transit Connect helps small business professionals keep their cool with standard air-conditioning and an AM/FM Stereo receiver with two speakers. A similar audio unit is offered, adding a single disc CD player and an audio input jack.

A standard center console includes two large cupholders and twin storage bins for receipts, invoices and toll coins. The Transit Connect roofline allows an overhead storage shelf, holding the small items an entrepreneur needs to keep top-of-mind.

Transit Connect: It's Accessible
With models starting at $21,475, including destination, Transit Connect is accessible to a wide range of American small business owners.

Plus, low operating costs, excellent fuel economy and 7,500 mile service intervals make economic sense, for businesses on tight budgets. A comfortable ride, an automatic transaxle and small exterior dimensions make Transit Connect accessible to lots of drivers that might be intimidated by the prospect of a full-size commercial vehicle.

"Transit Connect will be a useful small business tool," said Chief Engineer Stevens. "It drives like a car, works like a van and is engineered to be as tough as a truck."

The Transit Connect represents a new entry into a vacant commercial market in the US, and as such Ford is planning on entering with both barrels blazing. Aside from the standard gas engine Transit Connect, Ford is planning to introduce two varieties of all-electric Transit available in the second half of 2010. Since most commercial market buyers know the daily range of their vehicles they'll be able to buy for their targeted range, the entry level version will come with a 60 mile lithium ion battery and the buyer can opt for a 100 mile if their application calls for it. The commercial entry for EV makes a lot of sense when you consider the vehicles will be under the most severe duty cycles as well as closely monitored by fleet operators, it makes collecting field data an engineers dream.

As noteworthy as the actual van is, the production method merits a mention as well. The rolling chassis and interior will be assembled right next to the regular Transit Connect, but at the point where the powertrain is set for installation, the BEV Transit Connect will get nothing. The unfinished vehicle then gets shipped to its destination port, where it will be delivered to longtime EV outfitter Smith Electric Vehicles, who will install the batteries, power control module, and 50 KW drive unit, as well as wrap up the final assembly elements. Then it's back on the truck for delivery to the local dealer.

The idea of an electric Transit Connect is interesting, but it's only a part of Ford's electric and hybrid strategy going forward. They've also announced an electric small car for 2011, the Ford version of the next-generation hybrid in 2012 and a plug-in hybrid for 2012. This seemingly aggressive timing reflects the last few years of non-stop work on electrification coming to fruition. Considering that timing on the small car, we wouldn't be shocked (heh) to see either the Ford Fiesta or the next generation C1 global platform Ford Focus hitting dealers in electric form.

We often malign electric vehicles, but it's due primarily to the wild-eyed claims from startups with some neat sketches and venture capital money. Now that Ford is giving us dates and vehicles, we're intrigued. Nothing will ever replace a cammed-out V8 or a frantically turbocharged inline four, but we'd be lying if we said we aren't at least curious. Complete details below:

Ford to offer first battery electric commercial vehicle on global Transit connect platform

• The first product in Ford's aggressive new electric vehicle plan, a battery electric-powered version of Ford's global Transit Connect commercial vehicle, will be offered in 2010
• Ford is collaborating with Europe's leading battery electric commercial vehicle upfitter – Smith Electric Vehicles, a unit of the Tanfield Group ─ to quickly bring this vehicle to market in North America
• The initiative leverages the "One Ford" global strategy, delivering pure battery electric power for commercial applications on a global platform. It also supports Ford's strategy of bringing scalable, affordable and fuel-efficient solutions for millions while helping reduce American commercial vehicle dependence on oil

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2009 – Ford Motor Company today announced plans to market a pure battery electric-powered light commercial vehicle in North America, based on the all-new Transit Connect global commercial vehicle platform.
"The new Transit Connect light commercial vehicle with battery electric power represents the next logical step in our pursuit of even greater fuel economy and sustainability," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "A growing number of our commercial vehicle fleet clients have expressed interest in electrification as a sustainable mobility solution. By leveraging our global team and asset portfolio, we're able to quickly bring this environmentally friendly, strong ‘silent type' to market."
The use of a global commercial vehicle platform showcases Ford's ability to deliver products with worldwide marketing opportunities. Powering this electrification drive is the company's "One Ford" global product vision.
Transit Connect with battery electric power is the initial offering in Ford's aggressive new electric vehicle plan to bring pure battery-powered vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids to market. To start, during the next four years, Ford will introduce in North America:

• The Transit Connect battery electric commercial vehicle in 2010
• A new battery electric small car in 2011
• Next-generation hybrid vehicles in 2012
• Plug-in hybrid versions in 2012

Collaboration with experienced global partner enables speed to market
Ford is working with Smith Electric Vehicles, the European market's leading battery electric upfitter of commercial vehicles, which is part of the U.K.-based Tanfield Group of companies.
Since 1920, Smith has converted tens of thousands of vehicles to battery electric power. In the U.K. and select European markets, Smith already offers battery electric versions of the Ford Transit Connect and also the Ford Transit Connect medium commercial vehicle to fleet customers.
Transit Connect commercial platform ideally suited to battery electric power
Ford Transit Connect has been a global success. Its unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, cargo capacity, accessibility and low costs of entry and operation make it a logical platform for battery electric power. Transit Connect has been designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe on a dedicated global commercial vehicle platform to beat tough, light commercial vehicle durability standards.
Many commercial users travel predictable, short-range routes, with lots of stop and go in urban and suburban environments. For companies aiming for sustainable mobility solutions, Transit Connect with battery electric power can help them deliver in an environmentally friendly way.
A range of up to 100 miles makes Transit Connect a useful hauler, with significantly reduced operation and maintenance costs over the long haul. Numerous federal and regional programs offer incentives for companies to electrify their fleets. Ford Transit Connect with battery electric power will be available in select U.S. Ford dealerships in 2010.

These shots appear to be from a cellphone and not press shots, as evidenced by the grainy quality and strange angle. Regardless of the photographic equipment used, you can clearly see Ford's European design language on display with the revised nose, especially in the Focus-inspired bumper and grille design. As previously mentioned, the Transit should be sporting a 138 HP four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed w/OD automatic transmission when it goes on sale (though there's clearly a manual transmission in the shot). The vehicle will also likely be available with the Ford Work Solutions package.

We liked the Transit Connect in its previous guise but certainly welcome the refresh. The small van is Ford's first modern entrant into the phenomenally under-served small commercial van market in this country, offering the Transit Connect as an alternative to those who don't need the larger Econoline van but require more accessible space than a car can provide.

[via Burlapp Cars]

The town of Huddersfield in central Britain unveiled their new Ford Transit outfitted for garbage duty and running on only electricity. The conversion was done by long-time electric conversion specialists Smith Edison, by fitting a 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack to the Transit. That gives the Ford a top speed of 50 MPH, a range of 100 miles and a charging time of 6-8 hours.

In this case it's the charging which makes this story interesting. The town operates a garbage-incinerating power station which burns the trash the truck collects and then uses the energy to charge the truck. The station produces enough power to push ten megawatts of electricity into the grid in addition to powering up the truck. If you ask us, it sounds like a good way to turn trash into treasure.

[RegHardware via GizMag]

According to the ordering guide for the 2010 Transit Connect, the new commercial vehicle will be available either in "Van" or "Wagon" with XL and XLT trim levels available. The "Van" version gets no back seats and the "Wagon" comes with either a two-seat or three-seat cloth second row.

All Transit Connects come with the same 2.0-Liter Duratec inilne-four, capable of 138 HP and 132 lb-ft of torque, mated to a four-speed w/OD automatic transmission. The combination provides for an estimated mileage of 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, which is good for a commercial vehicle but feels a bit low for a tall first-gen Focus wagon.

As the Transit Connect is meant as a commercial vehicle, the typical amenities are limited relative to a normal passenger vehicle. Audio equipment standard on the XL model is a two-speaker AM/FM radio, with the CD player available on the XLT model. One of the most exciting pieces of new Ford technology, Ford Work Solutions, is now confirmed as an option on the Transit Connect.

Now we just need to come up with a fake business so we'll have an excuse to buy one.

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TAXI CONCEPT OFFERS NEW PERSPECTIVE ON URBAN TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

NEW YORK, March 19, 2008 - Ford, the leading provider of taxis in North America, is offering a fresh take on taxis at the New York International Auto Show.

"Taxis are an important part of the urban landscape, and the Transit Connect Taxi concept represents a potential game-changer, given its small footprint, comfortable, spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine and affordability," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "We're interested to see how people react."

Ford has been a leader in the taxi business for decades. The Ford Crown Victoria is the leader in the taxi market in cities throughout the U.S.
Ford also was the first manufacturer to introduce gas-electric hybrid-powered taxis into North American fleets with the launch of the Ford Escape Hybrid in San Francisco and New York City in early 2005. Today, New York's Escape hybrid fleet has grown to more than 800, including the original 18 that joined the fleet in 2005, still running with the original nickel-metal hydride batteries intact.

The Transit Connect Taxi concept offers a new perspective on how to move people and their gear through congested city streets - more cleanly, efficiently and with new technology that could revolutionize the taxi industry.

Built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform and tested to Ford's toughest truck standards, Transit Connect is specially made to meet the extreme demands of taxi service.

With its standard, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, Transit Connect delivers estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city - a more than 30 percent improvement in fuel economy and nearly 90 percent lower tailpipe emissions than many of today's traditional taxis.

A Small Footprint with Big Potential
Transit Connect blends well into cityscapes. Its smart, vertical stacked design is able to accommodate three rear-cab passengers and 75 cu. ft. of parcels - in part because it emulates the city skyline that surrounds it.

"When cities ran out of horizontal space at the turn of the 20th century, architects started to build upward," said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. "The Transit Connect Taxi concept brings that same idea to the streets, changing the shape of the space, making it taller with a smaller and narrow footprint."

In addition to its new shape, the Transit Connect Taxi concept's paint scheme and expressive graphic treatment lend it unique personality.
Designers didn't abandon iconic yellow paint - but they did change the formula to a more modern hue that contrasts with deep gray, molded-in-color fender flares as well as front and rear fascias that serve dual duty as impact-resistant bumpers.

Most noticeable up top is a futuristic interpretation of the yellow "taxi bubble." The space-age looking flat-panel unit, mounted horizontally above the Taxi concept's roof, is lit on all four sides - green if the cab is available, orange if it's occupied.

Easy Access to a Spacious, Tech-Laden Interior
The Transit Connect Taxi concept gives "curb service" new meaning. With 6.5-inches of ground clearance, passengers step easily through the sliding doors and into the cab, instead of sliding down into the back seat.

The concept's standard high-roof van offers ample headroom, accentuated by a vista roof that brightens the three-person passenger compartment and provides views of the urban architecture.

The Taxi concept also features a new electronic infotainment and navigation system that shows passengers their accumulating cab fare, and a scrolling news, weather, sports score and stock ticker. Using the 13-inch diagonal touch screen, passengers also can select their choice of video and music channels, follow the taxi's journey on a map or scroll through a list of points of interest along the route - including restaurants, museums and shops.

Once at the destination, the screen displays the fare with options to pay via cash, credit or debit. Cardholders can swipe their card, enter a pin number for debit, calculate the tip and complete the transaction right from their seat. Cash-paying passengers can use "Sputnik," a rotating billet aluminum softball-sized orb that replaces the outdated sliding ashtray used on today's taxis.

Ahead of the partition, the driver's area comes with a fold-flat passenger seat that doubles as a work station. The Transit Connect Taxi concept is equipped with a special version of the Ford Work Solutions integrated computer.

The in-dash computer, powered by Microsoft Auto, provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. Thanks to Garmin navigation, the system features real-time weather and traffic information, allowing drivers to find the most trouble-free routes.

A History of Strong Products
In addition to taxi leadership, Ford has made a name for itself across the Atlantic for vans such as Transit Connect that people can rely on to get the job done. Transit Connect is designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe.

Launched in 2003, Transit Connect was named International Van of the Year its first year in-market. Transit Connect will come to the U.S. in summer 2009, as a brand-new offering for small business owners seeking fuel-efficient, flexible transportation with plenty of room to fit their needs.

"Transit Connect provides another example of how Ford is leveraging its global product assets," Fields said. "Small business owners have told us how eager they are to see this product come to the U.S. next year, and it will be interesting to see how many other types of customers might want a Transit Connect in their garage or driveway as well." [Source: Ford]

The Ford Transit Connect will be available with front window defrost, by way of embedded hot wire filaments. you can get an idea of what the fine, wavy wires look like below. Ford also indicated the option may appear in other models, depending on the public reception.
Barely perceptible until close inspection, the wires work just like the rear window defrost pretty much every car is already equipped with. We're glad to see Ford finally tossing those of us who inhabit the frozen North a technological bone.

Photos by Chris Doane

All we know is that would make a perfect transit for either a Nash Metropolitan drag racer or a couple of well built supercross motorcycles. For some reason, Ford does not plan on showing versions outfitted as such. This calls into question the junkyard scrapper version and the livin' in a van down by the river version. Oh sure, anything is possible with imagination, but a factory version sure would be nice

CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2008 - Ford is tapping its global product strengths to mobilize and connect small business owners in North America with the European-engineered Ford Transit Connect.

Introduced today at the Chicago Auto Show, Transit Connect is designed to bring American small business owners a new vehicle choice that offers improved fuel economy, bigger load capacity and better cargo accessibility than today's commercial vehicle offerings.

"Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform to meet the rigors business use demands. This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development.

"The Transit Connect provides another example of Ford's commitment to deliver 100 percent new or upgraded products that people truly want and value by the end of 2010," he said.

With its standard, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, Transit Connect delivers fuel economy estimated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

Transit Connect will be a truly white-space product for North America. Its closest competitors are cargo vans offered by Chevrolet and Dodge. Transit Connect will provide a significant city fuel economy advantage, while offering more cargo space. Both are increasingly important to small business owners in today's changing marketplace.

"More than ever before, consumers are making the bulk of their purchases from the Internet and smaller, specialty businesses, which is increasing the volume of small package deliveries," said Kuzak. "Transit Connect is ideally suited to meet those delivery needs because of its flexible package, compact size and fuel-efficient powertrain. It will make the delivery process for small business owners easier and more affordable."

Global Product Innovation

Designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe to beat tough, medium commercial vehicle standards, Transit Connect has been a sales success for Ford across the Atlantic and is an ideal option for small business owners in North America.

"Ford is intensifying its efforts to leverage the best of our Ford product portfolio around the world," Kuzak said. "In Europe, this tough small van has carved out a niche for itself, building on the strength of the Transit name - which is synonymous with commercial vehicle leadership in Europe. Transit Connect can make a real difference to customers here."

Transit Connect was named International Van of the Year by an independent panel of leading commercial vehicle journalists representing 19 European countries when first launched in 2003.

Editors credited Ford for listening to the wants and demands of customers, both large and small and heralded the "long list of clever and practical solutions in the areas of handling, accessibility, security and safety" that Ford Transit Connect introduced.

Car+Van+Truck = Transit Connect

Complementing its truck toughness, Transit Connect handles and performs like a car and offers car-like fuel economy, interior comforts and safety features. "It drives like a car, works like a van and is engineered to be as tough as a truck," said Rob Stevens, Chief Engineer of Ford Transit Connect in the U.S.

This compact van was built around the following key attributes:

* Class-leading cargo area functionality and versatility
* High levels of durability through the use of thick, high-strength steel and a reinforced body shell with partial double skin sides and twin side crossmembers
* Responsive and fuel-efficient powertrain
* High levels of security and safety, with a rigid body structure, side impact protection, dual front air bags and an array of security features, including a lockable hood
* Low cost of ownership, from lower fuel costs to powertrain durability

Opening with Versatility

Transit Connect has cargo doors on both sides and at the rear - dual sliding side doors and 180-degree-opening rear doors - that make accessing its generous cargo area convenient. Its front doors have large openings, making getting in and out of the vehicle easy - an important design feature for delivery people.

For its size and urban maneuverability, the Transit Connect cargo capacity is a massive 143 cubic feet. It can accommodate loads up to 6.5 ft. in length and 4.7 ft. in width.

"Transit Connect can swallow far more cargo than its users might think," said Len Deluca, Director of Ford Commercial Trucks.

"Its versatile cargo area gives Transit Connect an unequivocal advantage, accommodating for large, flat-sided loads and providing a totally flat load floor," he said.

Straight and square side walls of the Transit Connect also mean business on the outside. They provide a clean surface and perfect positioning for commercial branding logos and messages.

Inside, storage systems can make Transit Connect ideal for specific businesses.

For the Chicago show, Ford kitted out Transit Connects highlighting three local businesses - including a catering and event planning company, a wine wholesaler and home technology integration firm - as well as a five-member Chicago blues band.

The Windy City is a fitting place to debut the versatile Transit Connect. Its maneuverability makes it ideal for urban use, where streets are congested and parking space for delivery or service vehicles is limited. Its tight turning radius makes Transit Connect as nimble as a compact car. And its height makes it ideal for tight parking garages with limited-height clearances - Transit Connect gets in and out of garages with as little as 6 ft. 8 in. clearance.

Established Credentials

Transit Connect is part of a family of Transit commercial vehicles offered across Europe. Since the introduction of the Transit Connect, Ford's share of the European light and medium duty commercial vehicle market has doubled to 34 percent. In record-setting 2007, Ford sold 109,900 Transit Connects and 224,915 Transits in Europe.

For more than 40 years, the Transit brand has synonymous with commercial vehicle excellence, a success which continues to grow. In 2007, Ford achieved an all-time record European commercial vehicle retail volume across its 19-market region, including individual model volume records for Transit Connect and the Ford Transit medium commercial van. More than 5 million Transit units have been manufactured since 1965.

Thanks largely to E-Series, Ford is the reigning Commercial Vehicle leader in the U.S. with 40 percent share of the total commercial vehicle market and has been the full-size van leader with E-Series for 29 years running.

Transit Connect is manufactured in Kocaeli, Turkey, at Ford's most advanced light commercial vehicle assembly plant. It will be available in select North American markets in mid-2009.

This isn't a new rumor and this is something supported by the picture of the Ford Transit spotted in So-Cal with Michigan manufacturer plates. Not only could this debut in Chicago, it could go on sale as soon as the fall as a 2009 model. [The Car Connection]