Ford Launches All-New Transit Connect, Adding to Market-Leading Commercial Vehicle Fleet

Ford fills an unmet U.S. commercial business need with Transit Connect, an industry-exclusive vehicle specifically developed for small business owners

Low operating and ownership costs, 135 cubic feet of cargo space, a 1,600 pound payload capacity and various cargo management systems make Transit Connect a smart solution

Transit Connect goes on sale in the U.S. this summer, starting at $21,475 including destination

DEARBORN, Mich., February 9, 2009: Ford is tapping its global product portfolio to meet the unique needs of American entrepreneurs with the 2010 Transit Connect, a spacious new fuel-efficient alternative to larger commercial vehicles.

"Ford is the Commercial Truck leader in the United States, and we're looking for Transit Connect to expand our leadership and allow even more customers to experience the 'Built Ford Tough' difference," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas.

Transit Connect 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.

"This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development.

Transit Connect:  Capable, Adaptable and Durable
  
Ford Transit Connects offers:

135 cubic feet of space, with a 1,600 pound payload
Cargo doors open at 180 degrees, or optional 255 degrees
59.1 inch load height and 72.6-inch load length
Dual sliding side door access
Nimble 39-foot turning circle

Transit Connect has more than twice the cargo space of the Chevrolet HHR Panel and a larger payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.

Transit Connect can be configured with bulkheads, racks and shelving to suit specific needs, and with Ford Work Solutions allowing a driver to:

Conduct business with an in-dash computer
Track on-board tools and inventory with Tool Link(TM)
Track the fleet with Crew Chief(TM)

Ford Transit Connect is designed, engineered and manufactured to beat tough, light commercial vehicle durability standards. Powered by a Duratec 2.0-liter I-4, Transit Connect is expected to deliver at least 20 city and 24 highway mpg, pending final EPA fuel economy certification. A 14.7