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The Ford Motor Company has had great success with their Transit Connect model in Europe. Now this cost-effective, mid-sized utility vehicle is available in the U.S. and it has been well received. Made to be malleable, fuel efficient and affordable, American business owners are rapidly becoming interested with this uncommon new Ford.

ThyssenKrupp Elevator, the largest producer of elevators in North America has begun replacing their large cargo vans and trucks for Transit Connects. The company is concerned about reducing fuel consumption and the Transit Connect\’s EPA of 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Over half of the company\’s vehicles are operated by service mechanics that do not need a big vehicle but must have a payload capacity of approximately 1,200 pounds. The Transit Connect was a logical choice.

Ford Transit

ThyssenKrupp Elevator currently owns 90 Transit Connects, has another 50 on order and plans to switch up to 1,500 cargo vans and larger vehicles with the Transit Connect. The company added shelves and drawers tothe cargo area of their Transit Connects to maximize storage for tools and parts. Beyond reduced fuel expenses and the customized cargo space the company also enjoys thespacious interiorandimproved visibility from the large front and side windows and mirrors.

Edible Arrangements International is also excited about the Transit Connect. The specialty fruit bouquet company is currently using 20 Transit Connects in its fleet of delivery vehicles and intends to purchase 15 to 20 more in the near future. Company employees find the Transit Connect easier to load and unload than a cargo van because doors open on both sides of the vehicle. They also find it easier to navigate through residential areas and park in small spaces.

Edible Arrangements opted to add shelves to their Transit Connects and worked with Ford and a third party vendor to build an electric driven refrigerated cargo area. The company loves the unique styling of the Transit Connect because it draws attention. With almost 90% of the exterior surface of the Transit Connect available for graphics, the vehicles also double as mobile billboards.

Even though the Transit Connect has only been in the US for a brief timeit seems to be catching on. It has already been awarded the 2010 North American Truck of the Year and with a price point of around $21,500 businesses will be anxious to buy them. Quite possibly this adaptable affordable, fuel efficient vehicle will reform the way we think about work trucks and utility vehicles in the future.