Ford Transit Connect Van
NEW FORD TRANSIT CONNECT WINS 'INTERNATIONAL VAN OF THE YEAR 2014'; FORD IS FIRST SINGLE MANUFACTURER TO WIN TWICE IN A ROW
-All-new Ford Transit Connect wins "International Van of the Year 2014" award, presented at the COMTRANS commercial vehicle exhibition in Moscow
-Ford is first single manufacturer to win the award for two years in a row; wins award for record-equalling fifth time
-Jury of 24 journalists awards Transit Connect 130 points from a maximum possible 163; ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Renault Kangoo; praises fuel economy, design, driveability, load-carrying and safety
-Ford's previous "International Van of the Year" winners are: the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003), Transit (2007), and Transit Custom (2013)
-Transit Connect also available with multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, the 2012 and 2013 International Engine of the Year.
The all-new Ford Transit Connect was today named "International Van of the Year 2014" at the COMTRANS commercial vehicle exhibition in Moscow as Ford became the first single manufacturer to win the award for two consecutive years.
Ford registered a record-equalling fifth "International Van of the Year" victory after the jury of 24 European specialist journalists awarded the Transit Connect 130 points from a maximum possible 163 to put it ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (123) and Renault Kangoo (25).
The award for the all-new Transit Connect follows previous successes for the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003), Transit (2007) and Transit Custom (2013).
"The all-new Transit Connect has moved the game on for compact vans – and we are really proud to win this significant award again," said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The new Transit Connect is just as tough and hard-working as all our commercial vehicle range, and comes with smart new looks and much lower fuel bills."
As Ford completely redesigns its entire commercial vehicle line-up over a two-year period, the stylish new Transit Connect joins an all-new four-strong Transit range, alongside the Transit Custom and the forthcoming 2-tonne Transit and Transit Courier to be launched in 2014.
The Transit Connect offers van operators class-leading fuel economy, load carrying ability and durability, with the ECOnetic model delivering 4.0 l/100 km (70.6 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 105 g/km* – a 34 per cent improvement versus the current model. The highly fuel-efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine also offers class-leading petrol economy.
Available in Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi bodystyles, the Transit Connect also offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9 m3 and 3.6 m3 with a full bulkhead; maximum payloads of up to 1,000 kg match the best in class figure.
"The all-new Transit Connect impressed the jury on a number of fronts, and above all by the fact Ford has succeeded in building a light van with a strong accent on economics – the vehicle is a good answer to the needs of small operators as well as big fleets to reduce the cost of transport of goods," said Pieter Wieman, chairman of the "International Van of the Year" jury.
"The loading space offers several innovative aspects such as load-through hatch in the bulkhead, fold-up front passenger seat and a sliding side door in the long-wheelbase model which enables a Europallet to be loaded," Wieman said. "Ford has also paid a lot of attention to durability and safety, subjecting the van to commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, and being first in its class to offer features like Active City Stop."
The prestigious "International Van of the Year" award adds to Ford's already impressive performance over the last two years. The Ford Ranger won the "International Pickup Award 2013", and Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine was named "International Engine of the Year" in 2012 and 2013.
"Our teams across Europe are justifiably over the moon with this great news" said Stephen Lesh, Transit Connect chief program engineer. "The team has worked tirelessly to deliver the perfect vehicle for our hard-working customers, and this is a wonderful day for all those responsible for the Transit Connect across Europe."
The all-new Transit Connect is now available to order for delivery in late 2013.
* Equipped with a fixed 100 km/h (62 mph) speed limiter. The stated fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 as last amended. Results in MPG also correspond to this European drive cycle and are stated in imperial gallons. The results may differ from fuel economy figures in other regions of the world due to the different drive cycles and regulations used in those markets
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 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 47,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 69,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (15 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and nine unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
News Source: Ford
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