This year at the 40th Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto, Ford Canada revealed their all new 2014 Transit Vans.
So many choices!
The new 2014 Transit Vans and Wagons will be available with various wheelbases and multiple heights. The Wagon can transport 8 to 15 people depending on the wheelbase. Transit Chassis Cab and Transit Cutaways are other options for those needing a more custom solution. Ford Canada’s website has lot of information about the new 2014 Transit Vans.
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| from Ford.ca |
But Ford already makes the E-series vans….
When I sat down and talked with Darren Halabisky, Product Marketing Manager – Truck at Ford of Canada, this was one of the questions that I asked him. He said that the E-Series will eventually be phased out because the Transit Van, while maintaining the cargo capacity, will be much more fuel efficient. One of the 5 engines available will be an EcoBoost® 3.5L V6. The current E-Series vans are V8 engines. Saving on fuel costs will definitely help a company’s bottom line.
Why would a mom be excited about commercial vans? There’s one more!
The Transit Connect Wagon as a family vehicle?
Going into my interview with Darren, I had read about the Transit Connect Wagon, and one article I read compared it to the Dodge Caravan. This really peaked my interest. We’ve owned Caravans and know what they have to offer. With the increase in crossover popularity, I was very interested to learn more about this new entry Ford classes as a “wagon”.
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| from Flicr.com |
n our conversation, Darren said that the various options that the new 2014 Transit Connect has to offer is going to make it very attractive to many companies and families. Yes, both! It will come with or without seats just like the Transit Van, but the Transit Connect is smaller. If you’re in Canada, you’re probably familiar with Canada Post’s local delivery fleet. They are the current model of the Transit Connect.
In the redesigned 2014 Transit Connect, if you add some seats, you have the Transit Connect Wagon. I was intrigued and couldn’t wait until the reveal at the press conference.
While waiting for the reveal I was able to look at all of the trucks!
Ford is known for their trucks. The F150 has been Canada’s best selling pickup for 47 years… that’s a very good track record. At the North American International Autoshow (NAIAS) in Detroit, Ford showcased the Atlas Concept. The features that they have included in this concept are amazing. Darren told me that Ford listens to the ideas from the dealers and focus groups and puts these ideas into their vehicles. (I love when brands listen to their community!) The Atlas has some great features! Darren enjoyed talking about powertrain and other techie stuff, but I liked the “user friendly” ones. They have changed the tailgate step to also be a Cargo Cradle. This helps to carry extra long items across the top of the truck (like extended ladders or long 2x4s). Other neat features include: 360-Degree Point-of-View Camera, Trailer Backup Assist, LED Cargo Box, Side Mirror Lighting and Hidden Cargo Ramp. Please read the blog for more info.
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| 2014 Transit Van |
