127 replies to this topic

[silvrsvt]

http://jalopnik.com/...=ford-econoline

Wasn't expecting this to happen this fast! So add another launch to Fords plate next year

[Bob Rosadini]

http://jalopnik.com/...=ford-econoline

Wasn't expecting this to happen this fast! So add another launch to Fords plate next year

WOW-so much for the phased in approach that I guess many of us were of the belief was going to be the game plan. Note in the video I do believe the guy is shifting!! Interesting as to just where all of these test vehicles have been operating. As for the units in the video, the trucks looked pretty clean to me- as if they just went into service. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt and make the assumption that these were not the same trucks they did in fact have such positive experiences with.

I can say-which I posted on this site probably about five years ago, that I saw two Transits in service. One was with DHL- it was also a standard trans. I pulled up to another one at a light and the driver told me it belonged to Ford. Both were E-150 size and both "sightings' were here in MA.

In any case, its not like these things haven't had a zillion miles under their belts. Let's hope we get some good diesels to go with them-no 6.7's in a "doghouse"!

[akirby]

Cue the Econoline mafia in 3......2.......1..........

[Boss444]

Will the chassis still be around like Ford said it would not too long ago? Or will it bite the dust too?

[Hugh]

I noticed the proving ground Transit had RWD. I don't know what will happen but I personally don't place much stock in the configurations of the test models. The Fiesta Movement had Euro-Spec vehicles so I'll wait until the final product. If it meets the requirements of the market, fine.

[weiweishen]

http://jalopnik.com/...=ford-econoline

Wasn't expecting this to happen this fast! So add another launch to Fords plate next year

Why don't they keep the name of Econoline? Killing a decades old brand name is not good

[PREMiERdrum]

Why don't they keep the name of Econoline? Killing a decades old brand name is not good

But it isn't the "Econoline" anymore, right? It's been the "E-Series" for quite some time. I'm curious if the new trucks will be branded as "T-150, etc" like we thought they would be.

[Hugh]

But it isn't the "Econoline" anymore, right? It's been the "E-Series" for quite some time. I'm curious if the new trucks will be branded as "T-150, etc" like we thought they would be.

I think the T-150 was contested by Toyota after it was contested by Ford because of the similarity to the F-150 therefore it'll cause confusion and name dilution...I dunno...

[RichardJensen]

Not surprised. The E-Series is becoming a medium duty cab/chassis/cutaway platform. We all knew the wagons were kaput ASAP.

[BORG]

Well, it's not gone entirely, it's still a phase-in with both products serving different roles. Glad to see it though, finally progress is made on this front and Ford is carrying a product that nobody in Detroit can deliver.

Edited by BORG, 08 December 2011 - 08:07 AM.

[theoldwizard]

I noticed the proving ground Transit had RWD. I don't know what will happen but I personally don't place much stock in the configurations of the test models.

It IS accurate, down to that funny buble the hood (haven't seen what is under it).

All US Transit will be RWD, long wheel base, "tall" to start with. Only 2 engines 3.7L PFI and the 3.2L Duratorque diesel. All US version will have an automatic transmission, likely the 6R60.

According to Wikipedia, Ford US has registered trademarks for T-250/350/450/550.

No word on a passenger van version (called Tourneo in EU)

Edited by theoldwizard, 08 December 2011 - 08:34 AM.

[Austin]

Not surprised. The E-Series is becoming a medium duty cab/chassis/cutaway platform. We all knew the wagons were kaput ASAP.

Right, there is no real surprise here. Ford had previously annouced the plan right after UAW negotiations.

I think the Escape last job in KC is in March, about the time the new Escape has <J1> in Louisville. Plant preparations in KC are likely to be time consuming, as they are adding a press shop in addition to modifying the assembly plant, so say around 15-18 months which would make <J1> for Transit around 3Q 2013. The onsite press shop will be very helpful as the Transit has a lot of complexity in body configurations (depending on what is intended to be sold here in the U.S.) and the quick die changes and short pipeline from the body shop can greatly increase flexibility and reduce cost.

Ford also had announced what was happening at Avon Lake in terms of adding medium duty that was previously assembled in Mexico. Ford invested around $128 million for the change and got a minor tax break of $15 million from Ohio.

[FordBuyer]

It IS accurate, down to that funny buble the hood (haven't seen what is under it).

All US Transit will be RWD, long wheel base, "tall" to start with. Only 2 engines 3.7L PFI and the 3.2L Duratorque diesel. All US version will have an automatic transmission, likely the 6R60.

According to Wikipedia, Ford US has registered trademarks for T-250/350/450/550.

No word on a passenger van version (called Tourneo in EU)

Hmmm....the 15 passenger E-Van is very popular, especially with church groups and day care centers. I always see a few in prep at Bill Brown Ford. Enterprise Car Rental always has more than a few of them since they are popular with groups getting together for an outing. I can't believe Ford would even think about giving up that business. Not sure if you could make a 15 passenger van out of Transit, but giving up that business would be incredibly stupid.

[Bob Rosadini]

It IS accurate, down to that funny buble the hood (haven't seen what is under it).

All US Transit will be RWD, long wheel base, "tall" to start with. Only 2 engines 3.7L PFI and the 3.2L Duratorque diesel. All US version will have an automatic transmission, likely the 6R60.

According to Wikipedia, Ford US has registered trademarks for T-250/350/450/550.

No word on a passenger van version (called Tourneo in EU)

check out the video-I do believe one of the trucks is a manual-and the DHL I saw in service about five years ago was also a manual. I can't believe they would test a vehicle (option) they did not intend to offer.

Also today's Detroit News has an article in which an industry analyst raises the point that when Nissan did their market research for the NV, BOF CONSTRUCTION WAS THE WINNER. As I've previously said, what does Nissan know or understand tht Ford doesn't. Yeah Yeah- I know..."Nissan doesn't know much-look at the success of the Titan".

My guess is Ford has plenty of experience with Transit world wide and thjey are not worried-non the less, perception, perception, perception!

[twintornados]

Hmmm....the 15 passenger E-Van is very popular, especially with church groups and day care centers. I always see a few in prep at Bill Brown Ford. Enterprise Car Rental always has more than a few of them since they are popular with groups getting together for an outing. I can't believe Ford would even think about giving up that business. Not sure if you could make a 15 passenger van out of Transit, but giving up that business would be incredibly stupid.

Saw plenty of Transit passenger vans when I was on vacation in Cancun Mexico....didn't do a "head count" but they looked plenty roomy and comfy....

[Austin]

Hmmm....the 15 passenger E-Van is very popular, especially with church groups and day care centers. I always see a few in prep at Bill Brown Ford. Enterprise Car Rental always has more than a few of them since they are popular with groups getting together for an outing. I can't believe Ford would even think about giving up that business. Not sure if you could make a 15 passenger van out of Transit, but giving up that business would be incredibly stupid.

I think what he's saying is that the initial offering will be lwb RWD, high roof. But as I mentioned in my comments, having an integrated stamping shop is a clear indication to me that Ford is planning on a lot of flexibility and a multitude of models. That's the best way to offer something for everyone and to maintain Ford's van leadership. So I can almost guarantee you that a passenger van will be coming, but whether it's at <J1> is another question.

[Biker16]

Not surprised. The E-Series is becoming a medium duty cab/chassis/cutaway platform. We all knew the wagons were kaput ASAP.

some of us earlier than others,

[Biker16]

check out the video-I do believe one of the trucks is a manual-and the DHL I saw in service about five years ago was also a manual. I can't believe they would test a vehicle (option) they did not intend to offer.

Also today's Detroit News has an article in which an industry analyst raises the point that when Nissan did their market research for the NV, BOF CONSTRUCTION WAS THE WINNER. As I've previously said, what does Nissan know or understand tht Ford doesn't. Yeah Yeah- I know..."Nissan doesn't know much-look at the success of the Titan".

My guess is Ford has plenty of experience with Transit world wide and thjey are not worried-non the less, perception, perception, perception!

Nissan was market research was skewed by the horrible failure the Titan is.

they were desperate to increase the utilization of the plant and the platform.

Edited by Biker16, 08 December 2011 - 02:17 PM.

[Biker16]

Hmmm....the 15 passenger E-Van is very popular, especially with church groups and day care centers. I always see a few in prep at Bill Brown Ford. Enterprise Car Rental always has more than a few of them since they are popular with groups getting together for an outing. I can't believe Ford would even think about giving up that business. Not sure if you could make a 15 passenger van out of Transit, but giving up that business would be incredibly stupid.

the Transit is availble in 9, 12,15, and 17 passenger versions.

[V8-X]

Interesting. Not the best looking rig, which these vans typically aren't going to garner any beauty contest votes anyways. And of course the E-Series wasn't big on looks either.

I wonder how this may impact the ambulance market, as most in these parts appear to be E-Series (typically 450/550) with a diesel. Also, like another poster stated, what about the 12-15 person vans? All the university vans here are 250/350 E-Series vans, as the university had too many problems with their old 6.0L Chevy vans.

One last item to note. Why do Americans keeping getting Euro Ford vehicles. I understand the One Ford motto. I'm just getting tired of all the newer Fords being based off Euro vehicles and designs.