Ford Updates Commercial Transit Connect Van for 2016
Ford is updating its commercial Transit Connect van for the 2016 model year with standard flex-fuel capability for some models.
The flexible-fuel system allows the van to run on E85 gasoline — the 85% ethanol-15% gasoline mix — and will be standard on non-California-bound vans with 2.5 liter I-4 engines, according to Ford.
The 2016 Transit Connect will be available in September and have the option for the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine.
The manufacturer is also updating its Transit van, including adding the option of dual sliding side cargo doors for the first time on medium- and high-roof vans.
“Transit customers appreciate that the vehicle is purpose-built to serve their businesses, and the enhancements we are making for 2016 are driven by customer feedback,” Yaro Hetman, Ford brand manager for Transit said in a statement.
“We are making America’s best-selling commercial van even smarter and more flexible,” he added.
Ford has manufactured more than 100,000 Transit vans and wagons during the 2015 model year, and the van took over the best-selling commercial van title in 2014.
“Transit replaces America’s best-selling van for 35 years, ESeries, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline, and we look forward to continuing our leadership in this important segment,” Hetman said.
Updates include a 70 mph speed-limiting option, in addition to the already-available 65 mph and 75 mph speed-limiter options.
The 2016 model year will feature a Blind Spot Information system with cross-traffic alert to detect vehicles in blind spots, when changing lanes and backing up, Ford said.
