CHICAGO. Ford Motor Co. launched three new commercial vehicle offerings-- the Transit Connect compact commercial van; the F-59 Super Duty stripped chassis; and a gasoline-powered E-Series Ambulance Prep Package—here at the Work Truck Show and 45th annual convention of the National Truck Equipment Assn..
Ford also confirmed it will continue to offer F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks produced by the Blue Diamond Truck and Parts joint venture between Ford and Navistar. “We're committed to the medium-duty truck market, and our F-650 and F-750 vehicles will continue to haul the goods for a wide variety of commercial applications," said Len Deluca, director of Ford Commercial Trucks. "The availability of extended cab and crew cab versions has increased the appeal of these work vehicles."
Ford Transit Connect has been a global success story for Ford. More than 600,000 Transit Connects have been sold worldwide, to customers in 58 countries on four continents. According to the OE, the Transit Connect is built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial platform to exceed the unique needs of small business owners. To prepare the van for commercial use in North America, the powertrain was upgraded to include the Duratec 2.0-liter I-4 engine and a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle. These components combine to provide EPA fuel economy of 22 city and 25 highway MPG. The vehicle provides 135 cu ft of cargo space and a 1,600-lb payload.
CHICAGO. Ford Motor Co. launched three new commercial vehicle offerings-- the Transit Connect compact commercial van; the F-59 Super Duty stripped chassis; and a gasoline-powered E-Series Ambulance Prep Package—here at the Work Truck Show and 45th annual convention of the National Truck Equipment Assn..
Ford also confirmed it will continue to offer F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks produced by the Blue Diamond Truck and Parts joint venture between Ford and Navistar. “We're committed to the medium-duty truck market, and our F-650 and F-750 vehicles will continue to haul the goods for a wide variety of commercial applications," said Len Deluca, director of Ford Commercial Trucks. "The availability of extended cab and crew cab versions has increased the appeal of these work vehicles."
Ford Transit Connect has been a global success story for Ford. More than 600,000 Transit Connects have been sold worldwide, to customers in 58 countries on four continents. According to the OE, the Transit Connect is built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial platform to exceed the unique needs of small business owners. To prepare the van for commercial use in North America, the powertrain was upgraded to include the Duratec 2.0-liter I-4 engine and a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle. These components combine to provide EPA fuel economy of 22 city and 25 highway MPG. The vehicle provides 135 cu ft of cargo space and a 1,600-lb payload.
The Transit Connect is available in multiple window configurations from solid side and cargo doors, to both side and rear windows for maximum visibility. Once it arrives from Ford of Europe's Kocaeli, Turkey, plant, it can be be upfitted with all manner of bulkheads, racks and bins to suit specific applications and needs.
It goes on sale this summer, according to Ford, starting at $21,475 including destination fees.
Ford is expanding its commercial stripped chassis line with three new GVW ratings (GVWR) and said the new chassis offerings will enable body manufacturers to closely match their products to task-appropriate chassis. Already established in the market, E-Series Super Duty chassis are available up to a GVWR of 14,500 pounds. The new F-59 stripped chassis takes over at that point with GVWR offerings of 16,000, 19,500 and 22,000 lbs.
The Super Duty F-59 chassis provides a smooth ride with premium gas-pressurized Bilstein shock absorbers, fitted to both front and rear suspensions, said Ford. The OEM said robust stabilizer bars are fitted to both front and rear axles for confident handling, a compliant ride and large load carrying capacity—and road jolts and disturbances are further reduced by variable-rate jounce bumpers.
Ford said its exclusive heavy-duty front track bar is standard on the 22,000-lb GVWR chassis, enhancing the steering and ride and handling characteristics.
The 6.8-liter Triton V-10 gas engine combines with the TorqShift five-speed automatic overdrive transmission to provide responsive power, durability and economy, according to Ford. The F-59 Super Duty stripped chassis is also equipped with standard four-wheel ABS; dual parking brakes that include both a mechanical "lock-up" of the transmission when the gear shift is placed in the "Park" position; and a pedal-actuated driveline brake.
The F-59 Super Duty stripped chassis will be available in January, 2010, and will be produced in a dedicated facility in Detroit. Final pricing will be announced closer to market introduction, Ford noted.
Ford revealed a new E-Series Ambulance Preparation Package, available in van or cut-away configurations. Powered by a 6.8-liter Triton V-10 gasoline engine, this new offering significantly lowers the cost of ambulance acquisition for private and municipal customers alike, said Ford, which pointed out the engine delivers significantly more horsepower for critical emergency response and delivers torque comparable to diesel ambulances.
Ford Commercial Truck also shared elements of its 2010 Federal Diesel Emissions strategy, with specific emphasis on "what the upfitters need to know." Ford stated it will meet or exceed all applicable emission standards, and will provide robust solutions to meet the new requirements in the 2010 calendar year.
