Ford Transit to Replace Econoline in Near Future

According to the Detroit News, Ford is planning on replacing the Econoline with a version of its Transit cargo/passenger van sold in Europe, much like Dodge replaced the Ram Van with the Euro-style Sprinter. What do you guys think of this?  

This new van will definately get the attention of vanners!





Already Ford, with just a couple of pictures, has gotten us interested. The design is really different from "traditionnal vans" but it does keep the boxy look and keeps the sliding doors.

Only problem is, in my opinion, most customizers look for used vehicles to reduce their cost and to remove that fear of "cutting into" the vehicule.

I'm not a Ford guy, but I still like it. Especially if the motor is economical. (How times have changed...)  
----- Mathieu -----

"Electric Avenue", my '79 Ford.

Well, from what I've heard, it's really similar to the Sprinter. It's tall & narrow, and powered by a turbodiesel. I was actually pleasantly surprised when I drove the Sprinter, and other than the height (you can't park it in parking garages) and somewhat of a squeaky, rattly interior, thought it was great. Looks like that's probably the direction things are going.  

Yeah... But take a look at that first picture I posted. It is definately not as high as the Sprinter. It actually has a good "workable" shape. As for the Sprinter, kind of hard to make it look sporty with that roof!  
----- Mathieu -----

"Electric Avenue", my '79 Ford.

This particular Transit Mat posted looks great. The first thing to go would be the goofy lights but vanners could work with it in this configuration. Of course it would come in various forms with raised roofs, extended bodies like the Sprinters.  
Vannin.com staff, showtrux.com/paneltruck.com webmaster
Member Van Azur, ACVQ, OFV, National Truck-In Board support staff and occasional contributer to this fine magazine going back to 1982.

Yeah, looks like they're going head-to-head with the Sprinter, pretty much. Looks like GM might be the lone hold-out in the "traditional" full-size van market. But even GM has some Vauxhall/Opel Vans they could bring over from Europe. Looks like the trend for full-sizers is the Euro-style vans. How do you guys feel about that?  

After my honey-moon in France, I gotta say a guy can really get used to that style of vehicle. Especially considering the price of gas... Nowadays, if you're serious about vanning, you have to think long distance. Highly efficient motors (with power that is) and highway gears come right after the cool factor!

If it's got a sliding door, a bed in the back and a beer fridge. I'm a happy vanner!  
----- Mathieu -----

"Electric Avenue", my '79 Ford.

I'll tell you one thing about power. When I saw the Sprinter only had 154 hp on paper, I thought, "Man, this thing's going to be a total dog."

I was actually really surprised by the amount of power it had. Granted, it wasn't a Top Fuel dragster, but it got out of its own way no problem, and cruised on the freeway without a sweat.  

Check this out a 2005 transit van going round the german nurbergring, listen to where she says 115 mph
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=snKml_XtlOIhttp://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=snKml_XtlOI
If the above link didn't work visit youtube and type in top gear transit nurburgring.

Bryan  

I believe the Transit will be available in multiple sizes, but I think for the American auto worker, Ford should Keep the standard Full size van as well.  

There's a good chance they could build the Transit in the U.S. From what I heard, a lot of the future products coming from Ford may have been designed in Europe or Asia, but will be built in the States. As far as I know, the 2011 Focus (I know, not a van) will be built in Michigan, just like the current model, even though it's based on the Euro-model.  

You know E, Europeans are big on American Iron.  Our vehicles get shipped over there all the time!  I'm not crazy about the look of Sprinters or Transits... I guess you guys will have to help me keep my vintage vans running forever! lol  
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sasktrini, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

'64 Ford Econoline - 170 FalconSix, 3-on-the-tree
'85 Chevy G20 - 350 TargetMaster, 3sp auto
'68 Fargo A-100 - 225 SlantSix, 727 3spd auto w/ dash shifter

sasktrini:
You know E, Europeans are big on American Iron.  Our vehicles get shipped over there all the time!  I'm not crazy about the look of Sprinters or Transits... I guess you guys will have to help me keep my vintage vans running forever! lol

Strangely enough, it seems particularly in Scandinavia, big American iron is popular. I've seen a lot of built full-size pickups from Norway, Sweden and Finland. I guess it's a reaction to the socialist nanny-state that wants everyone to drive little crackerboxes.