Originally posted on http://media.ford.com

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 12, 2009 – Sweetest Day is right around the corner, and for forward-thinking florists Ford Motor Company’s versatile Transit Connect is ready to deliver.

“It costs us about $30 to fill the gas tank in the Transit Connect,” said Frank Mancuso, proprietor of Mancuso Florists in St. Clair Shores, Mich. “It costs us about $70 to fill the tank in one of our full-size vans. A full tank lasts around the same time in either vehicle, so delivery costs are significantly reduced by using the Transit Connect.”

Transit Connect is Ford’s global compact van, built on a dedicated front-wheel-drive commercial platform, developed to meet the unique needs of small business owners. Powered by a proven 2.0-liter Duratec® I-4 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle, Transit Connect delivers 22 city, 25 highway EPA-rated mpg.

“No other vehicle in the American market can match the unique Transit Connect combination of capacity and fuel economy,” said Rob Stevens, chief nameplate engineer.

Transit Connect is ready for Sweetest Day deliveries, offering 135.3 cubic feet of cargo space and a payload capacity of up to 1,600 pounds.

Available with or without side and rear windows, Transit Connect can be configured and upfitted to meet the specialized needs of a flower shop. A low load floor and split rear cargo doors – opening at a standard 180 degrees or an optional 255 – ease loading and deliveries alike.

“Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Administrative Professionals Day and Sweetest Day are notable for their high-intensity delivery schedules,” said Bruce Wright, editor of Flowers& magazine, a trade journal for the retail florist industry. “While reduced delivery costs are critical, Transit Connect offers other key advantages for floral retailers. Small overall dimensions make Transit Connect much more maneuverable than traditional full-size vans, key in urban markets. It’s easier to handle and much simpler to park, reducing driver stress.”

Transit Connect also conveys the right image for a florist.

“A full-size van is almost invisible, because they’re everywhere,” observed Mancuso. “But all kinds of people notice our Transit Connect. Our drivers get so many inquiries about the vehicle, we hand out cards with information about it. Transit Connect serves as a ‘rolling billboard’ for our business.”

Available at Ford dealers nationwide, Transit Connect starts at $21,475, including destination.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com

USA Today writer James R. Healey wrote a review on the all new Ford Transit Connect van.  Here is his opening remarks:

Here’s one of the best ideas since sliced bread: a compact cargo van that, properly optioned, could just about serve as the family bus.

If the 2010 Ford Transit Connect doesn’t evoke in spirit, if not appearance, the 1960s Volkswagen Bus, you’re too young, you were too stoned to remember or you have no imagination.

Ford says the official reason for modifying the Euro-market TC for the U.S. is to plug a hole in the market. It’s for business people who don’t want the cost or size of a big van but need something more utilitarian and robust than a minivan or hatchback.
 

To read his entire review, click here: Ford Transit Connect Review

Transit Connect Reviews

Here are some links to other reviews on the Ford Transit Connect van:

• New York Times Review
• Consumer Automotive Guide Review
• Auto Blog Review

Ford Dealer Feedback

Dave Wilson, CEO of the Preston Automotive Group in Hurlock Maryland says “Sales of the Ford Transit Connect are strong in Maryland.  We stocked up on these vans because they are at the right price point for business owners.  AS the economy shows signs of picking up, business owners will be looking for affordable and economical business vehicles.”

Best Workhorse Vehicle: 2010 Ford Transit Connect 

By The Editors

Published in the Popular Mechanics December 2009 issue

For generations, the default vehicle for plumbers, contractors and delivery drivers has been the full-size van. The pressures of the economy, ever-increasing urban congestion and the fluctuating price of gasoline could move them to smaller rigs like the Transit Connect. The size is just right, with a low, flat floor that can be loaded through any of the three cargo doors.

Powered by a thrifty four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, the van returns 22 mpg city and 25 on the highway, is low enough to slide into many garages and can handle a 1600-pound payload. There’s also Ford’s Tool Link, a system that builds RFID sensors into the van so that at the press of a button the driver can see an inventory of all the tools aboard.

The Transit Connect could also be a fun utility truck for the outdoor enthusiast—135 cubic feet can hold an awful lot of camping gear.