Though the Transit Connect has only been available in the U.S. since 2010, the van is getting a complete overhaul, and will almost be an entirely new vehicle.  The basics remain the same, of course, but the exterior has been redesigned, the body has been put on a new platform and the powertrains have been upgraded.

As far as engine power goes, there are two choices: the base 1.6-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost providing 178 horsepower and 184 lb ft of torque, and the upgraded 2.5-liter engine with a yet unnamed amount of horsepower.  Changes for the exterior include a new front fascia, including grille shape; reconstructed sides, with a new design replacing the side edges; smaller, sleeker headlamps; aluminum wheels and chrome roof rails.

Other details have not been finalized and announced quite yet.  We do know that the 2014 European version of the van will be available sometime during the end of next year, so we expect the 2014 Transit Connect soon thereafter.

For more information about the Transit Connect, or to take a look at any Ford vehicle, contact Brien Ford.

Ford has confirmed that its Transit van will be manufactured in Kansas City. The company plans to invest $1.1 billion in facility upgrades and tooling to produce both the next-generation F-150 and the Transit in preparation for the van’s arrival on U.S. soil in 2013. That investment is $700 million more than Ford had previously allocated for its Kansas City facility. Ford says the extra cash will go toward new paint and body shops in addition to an integrated stamping plant. The upgrades will also allow Ford to increase F-150 pickup production with the addition of a second manufacturing shift.

Previously, we had heard word that Ford would embrace the T-Series naming convention for the Transit, with models breaking down into trim levels similar to what’s seen on the current F-Series, though the press release after the jump specifically refers to the new van as the Transit. Does that mean Ford will rely on a new system of trim designation for the van? It’s hard to say, but either way, it certainly sounds like the days of the E-Series/Econoline range are numbered.

Ford building transit vans

Take a look at what’s going on in Ford News, courtesy of Brien Ford! Be sure to check out Brien Ford for all of the newest incentives on the exciting new Ford vehicles.

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Ford and Toyota are teaming up as equal partners to accelerate consumer availability of a new advanced hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs. Both automakers have already developed hybrid systems independently, but their partnership will yield even greater fuel efficiency while still providing customers the capability they want and need. Although both companies have rear-wheel drive hybrid systems in development, the partnership will allow these systems to reach customers sooner and more affordably than either company could have accomplished alone. “This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well.” After collaborating on common technology and components, Ford and Toyota will each integrate the system into their own vehicles. In addition to jointly developing hybrid components, the two automakers will also work together to develop next-generation telematics systems to make driving safer, more secure, and more convenient. “Ford has made tremendous progress in the area of telematics,” Kuzak said. “We have unique and very good solutions today with SYNC and MyFordTouch. Working together on in-vehicle standards can only enhance our customers’ experience with their vehicles.”

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Ford, Toyota Collaborate On Hybrid Trucks

Consumer electronics giant LG has selected the 2012 Ford Focus for its “LG Brand Ambassador” team of in-store merchandising experts. The company’s fleet of 200 Focus hatchbacks will be wrapped in LG’s famous logo and “Life’s Good” slogan, and they will help educate consumers about LG products. LG selected the Focus for its fleet due to its fuel-efficient and innovative attributes. According to James Fishler, senior vice president, Go-to-Market Operations, LG Electronics USA, the Focus’ qualities resonate with LG’s own brand attributes of stylish design and smart technology. “We selected the Focus based on its striking design, fuel economy and functional flexibility,” Fishler said. “Its SYNC hands-free technology also enables us to communicate with our team in a safe way. In all, the Ford Focus attributes resonate with our brand attributes of stylish design and smart technology, making it an easy choice.” LG Brand Ambassadors will be working with consumers and appliance retailers alike. They’ll be on the road constantly as they traverse the country, which is where the Focus’ 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating will be essential. “Focus has been a game changer for the segment,” said Paul Russell, Focus brand manager. “Traditionally, small cars meant econoboxes. Ford Focus, with its sporty design and content-rich options, gives customers more choice since they no longer have to sacrifice creature comforts for fuel economy.” Not only are commercial customers, like LG, attracted to the new Focus due to its fuel economy, but they’re also eager to take advantage of the car’s safety rating and high residual value. And, with innovative features such as voice-activated SYNC, active park assist to help with parallel parking, rear view camera, and the Easy Fuel capless fuel filler system, the Focus stands apart from others in the compact car segment.

The rest is here:
New Ford Focus Becomes “LG Brand Ambassador”

Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation – the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles – today announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers.

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Ford, Toyota to Collaborate on Developing New Hybrid System for Light Trucks, SUVs; Future Telematics Standards

Looking for a hot new car that’s both affordable and fun to drive? The experts at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com suggest you take a look at the Ford lineup . After all, the Blue Oval now boasts two different models on the website’s 2011 “10 Coolest Cars under $18,000” list: The all-new Ford Fiesta and the even newer Ford Focus . The Fiesta —with a starting MSRP of just $13,200—joins the party for the second straight year, with KBB.com noting that “Its European looks and well-crafted interior outclass everything else in the category.” Also gaining kudos were the Fiesta’s “sharp driving dynamics” and “nimble handling,” while tech features like Ford SYNC and some very strong EPA numbers “seal the deal.” The Fiesta is capable of achieving fuel-economy marks of 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined, and that’s with an advanced six-speed automatic transmission. “Offering head-turning looks, sporty handling and a healthy standard equipment list in an efficient and affordable package”—according to KBB.com—the Focus is making its first appearance on the list in its first year of production. Ford’s sophisticated new compact has a starting price of $16,500 and impressed the website with its wide selection of available content. Specifically garnering praise were the Focus’ leather seats, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the innovative MyFord Touch infotainment system. And here’s something else that’s pretty cool: Both the Fiesta and the Focus are on sale at local dealerships right now.

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Two Cool: Focus, Fiesta Join “Coolest Under $18,000″ List

DTE Energy, an energy company based in Detroit, has added four Ford Transit Connect Electrics to its field fleet as part of the company’s efforts to expand its use of alternative-fuel vehicles. The newly purchased EVs will be used by Detroit Edison field crews performing repair and maintenance and operations to electrical lines and other equipment on the electric distribution system. Thanks to its Azure Dynamics’ Force Drive powertrain, the Ford Transit Connect Electric has a range of up to 80 miles on a full charge and can be recharged using either 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlets. The electrified van is the first product in Ford’s accelerated electrified vehicle plan, and will be followed by the Focus Electric, the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in 2012 and another next-generation hybrid vehicle later in 2012. “The addition of these all-electric Transit Connects to our fleet will help Detroit Edison advance the use of electric vehicles in a couple of ways,” said Detroit Edison President and Chief Operating Officer, Steven Kurmas. “First, we will learn firsthand how these vehicles perform in day-to-day field operations and how we can make the best use of their unique characteristics. Second, they will help us learn more about how the use of electric vehicles by consumers and businesses will impact the electrical system and what utilities need to do to support adoption of these vehicles.” Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy . With the addition of five new electrified vehicles in North America by 2012, Ford will offer consumers a robust lineup of gas, hybrid and electric vehicles.

Continued here:
Transit Connect Electrics Enter DTE Energy Fleet

AutoPacific: Ford delivers tops in what customers want; F-150 EcoBoost Challenge puts consumers to the test; Ford performance on display at Woodward Dream Cruise; Boss Track Attack program goes live; Ford electrifies DTE Energy with Transit Connect Electric vans

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Ford eNews – Aug. 17, 2011

Ford is teaming up with SunPower Corp. to offer customers a rooftop solar system, allowing Focus Electric owners with enough clean, renewable energy to offset the electricity used to charge the vehicle. This new initiative, dubbed the ‘Drive Green for Life’ program, integrates seamlessly with Ford’s aggressive electrification strategy which includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by the end of next year. SunPower’s 2.5 kilowatt rooftop solar system is comprised of solar panels that produce an average of 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. These high-efficiency solar panels generate approximately 50 percent more electricity than conventional panels and utilize a smaller footprint on the roof. The system was sized to accommodate a customer who drives about 1,000 miles per month. “Under the ‘Drive Green for Life’ program, Focus Electric owners can reduce their total cost of ownership by generating enough energy from their high efficiency SunPower rooftop solar system to offset the electricity required to charge the vehicle at night,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford director of Global Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “It’s an eco-friendly solution that perfectly complements our plug-in products and other green initiatives.” The complete SunPower solar system can be had for less than $10,000, depending on available incentives and rebates. The system includes a residential monitoring system, which includes the ability to track the performance of their solar system on the web or through an iPhone application, as well as a 25-year warranty. The company is also able to support the initial Focus Electric roll out in all 19 launch markets. “SunPower’s innovative partnership with Ford is a win-win for customers, providing a comprehensive sustainability program,” said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. “By taking advantage of this program, Focus Electric customers can receive the added benefit of installing a SunPower solar system, the highest-efficiency, most reliable on the market today, generating the electricity needed to charge their vehicles.”

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Ford Wants Focus Electric Owners To “Drive Green For Life”

For some electric vehicles, when the temperature outside goes up, their performance goes down. But that would have been a deal-breaker for Ford engineers, who developed an advanced active liquid-cooling system that will help the 2012 Ford Focus Electric satisfy customers in even the hottest climes. Here’s how it works: Relying on sensors located all throughout the vehicle, the integrated cooling system can detect if the Focus Electric’s lithium-ion battery pack is getting too warm to deliver optimum performance. If so, coolant is automatically circulated through a “chiller,” which leverages the vehicle’s air-conditioning system, and then is used to bring the battery’s temperature down to the proper level. And Ford’s innovative cooling system can work when the Focus Electric is charging, too. “Batteries can heat up when they’re charging or being used, and it’s made worse by ambient temperatures,” said Dave Fabricatore, Thermal Program Management team engineer. “If the battery became too hot, we would have to limit the use of energy to protect it. The liquid-cooled system allows us to reduce those constraints and get the most out of the battery. “Controlling the temperature lets us deliver the best range and power for the customer, while improving the longevity of the battery,” added Fabricatore. “We’re helping owners by making sure their battery is always ready to go regardless of the weather.” Of course, that’s something Ford customers soon will be able to find out for themselves, since the Focus Electric will launch later this year in 19 pilot markets, including hot-weather areas like Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., Raleigh-Durham, N.C., and Richmond, Va. The car will roll out through the rest of the country in 2012, when it will be joined by Ford’s coming C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, along with yet another second-generation Ford hybrid. All told, and with the Ford Transit Connect Electric already on sale to commercial buyers, the automaker will have five electrified vehicles available in the U.S. before 2013.

Link:
How Cool Technology Drives The Ford Focus Electric