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.

###

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.”

And that’s where her new 2010 Ford Transit Connect will serve her well. As president of Circle Tail Inc., a nonprofit organization in Pleasant Plain, Ohio, Kiblinger trains assistance dogs for people with mobility, hearing, neurological and psychiatric disabilities.

“My dogs can be on the road for up to two hours, and I need them to be safe, secure and comfortable,” Kiblinger said. “My new Transit Connect will be great for transporting them in style.”

On Friday, Sept. 18, Kiblinger will receive the keys to the fuel-efficient Ford Transit Connect panel van at the Second Annual Golf Classic in Pleasant Plain, a fund-raising event to support Circle Tail’s new 7,200-square-foot dog training facility and renovate its kennels.

Ford’s Transit Connect went on sale in the United States in July and is enjoying brisk demand. The first full month of sales topped 2,000 units and vehicles are selling in fewer than 10 days of arrival on dealer lots, significantly quicker than industry norms.

“The Transit Connect is ideal for small business owners who – until now – have not had a vehicle designed just for them,” said Damoni Hurt, marketing manager, Ford Transit Connect. “Now, entrepreneurs like Jen Kiblinger have a vehicle that will help them be more efficient in their day-to-day operations.”

Kiblinger also is excited about the visibility Transit Connect will bring to Circle Tail. Her organization’s logo and contact information is stamped on the exterior of the van.

“The vehicle is very eye-catching,” said Kiblinger. “It will help us get our name out in the community. And that’s a huge thing.”

With a cargo capacity of 135 cubic feet, compact maneuverability, and fuel efficiency of 22 mpg city and 25 highway, Transit Connect is the perfect vehicle for a small business on the go.

“We have up to 60 dogs in training at any one time and it seems like we’re always unloading and loading the dogs, along with all the supplies that go with them – collars, leashes, toys, dog food and all that,” said Kiblinger.

Circle Tail Inc., founded in 1997 by Marlys Staley, also handles dog adoptions and provides obedience training and boarding. It’s one of those rare entities that benefits both people and animals, said Kiblinger.

“There’s never been a time when I didn’t love animals,” she said. “And Circle Tail offers the best of both worlds – helping animals while helping people, too. We provide assistance dogs at no cost to the individual, and we offer services to strengthen the human/canine bond, so dogs are more likely to stay with families instead of being given up.”

The organization works with area prisons on dog training. Inmates, schooled by Circle Tail in dog training, learn accountability and responsibility, and the dogs thrive on the extra attention. “Some of the stories you hear from the prisons are amazing,” said Kiblinger. “This really helps normalize the inmates’ lives. And they’re great with the dogs.”

All those trips back and forth in the group’s old minivan took their toll. The Ford Transit Connect, said Kiblinger, is the perfect solution – from its size to its maneuverability.

“This is wonderful,” she said. “We couldn’t believe that we’d actually won!”

Circle Tail’s Kiblinger is one of five small business owners from around the United States to win a customized Transit Connect in Ford’s “Connect with Connect” contest. The versatile new van was introduced in February 2009 at the Chicago Auto Show.

Original story posted on www.Ford.com