It appears as though Ford is looking to take on the Mazda5 MPV with a new concept version of its Transit Connect. Dubbed the Transit Connect Family One, the show car demonstrates how easily the Transit Connect could be transformed into an MPV for small families – and it includes an application of Ford’s Work Solutions RFID system.
The Transit Connect Family One is based on the standard Transit Connect, but is designed to be family friendly while still putting a strong emphasis on style. “Transit Connect is a versatile vehicle that can be adapted to a wide variety of applications,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “The Family One concept delivers fun with function. This fun, cool space is for parents and small children alike, combining fuel efficiency with advanced technologies that can help keep families connected on the go.”
In addition to its cavernous 135 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Transit Connect Family One also adds plenty of creature comforts for children and adults alike. Kids can have plenty of fun in the rear seats of the Family Connect, thanks to inner door panels that are water-pen friendly and easily wipe clean. The Family One also features family walkie-talkies complete with charging station, door-mounted folding scooters, a rear floor storage area for strollers, built-in hand sanitizer and sunscreen dispensers and even an integrated awning. For the messy family, the MPV’s seat covers are removable and washable.
The Transit Connect Family One borrows the same on-board computer system and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology from the all-new Ford F-150, allowing parents to easily keep track of a number of items. The small chips can be placed on virtually any item – such as sports equipment – with the system notifying the driver when a specific item is not on board. Ford says the system can even learn based on past use, so the system can automatically warn you when little Timmy forgets his backpack on the way to school before you leave the driveway.
The Family One concept is equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine – achieving 22/25 mpg city/highway – but Ford says the MPV could also be fitted with EcoBoost and even all-electric drivetrains. Ford has yet to give the concept the green light, but it sounds as if the Family One might not be far behind the Transit Connect’s launch this summer, if the automaker receives positive feedback at the New York International Auto Show.
04/08, 7:32 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Um, it has blue doors.
04/08, 7:42 PM
posted by:
gogogodzilla
Actually, I kinda like it.
But then, I thought the Honda Element was pretty nice for it’s day, too.
04/08, 8:31 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
The utilitarian aspect of this vehicle is undeniable, and there’s a lot to be said about that. The two-tone paint scheme breaks up the mass, but also make it look as though it had all four doors open and ripped off by passing vehicles. All-n-all a strong step in the right direction for those of us who are more pragmatic, and less enthusiast. Ford is going places.
04/08, 9:00 PM
posted by:
A4
Hahaha that it does, tyler, that it does.
04/08, 9:20 PM
posted by:
Borat
If Ford will paint it one color, it will look better (it did last year at NYC auto show). It is decent work horse or people mover in this case, except for engine. It may archive 22/25 mpg, but how enjoyable will this achievement be? It is Focus engine installed in car with size and aerodynamics of British barn.
04/08, 9:27 PM
posted by:
shane train
I’m sorry, but I can’t look past those blue doors.
04/08, 10:31 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
We had an Aerostar once. I apologize. On one particular vacation outing I was pulled over for speeding. I know that may be considered a punchline in itself, but in the time it took to pull off to the side of the road I had already rehearsed my piece. I was bound and determined to give this pig a piece of my mind for the unadulterated gall to impede my progress after being stuck behind a parade of motor homes for the preceding 40 or 50 kms. As he walked up to my window I happened a cursory glance to the back of said Aerostar and bore witness to the empty beer cans strewn across the floor (we had the middle bench pulled out leaving only the back row) and the young ‘uns lying on the floor (and therefore unbelted) watching a 13 inch AC/DC VCR combo TV that was plugged into the cigarette lighter. It was at that point I came to the grand conclusion it was in my best interest to be the most cooperative mofo in the province. And yes I got a speeding ticket. And yes it took me the rest of the trip to wipe the sh*t eating grin off my face.
So what does this have to do with the Ford Transit One Family Connect Concept? Not much. Except for the fact I’d probably have to work even harder to earn that ticket in it than the Aerostar. This is progress?
04/09, 1:08 AM
posted by:
Suzhou
looks like Japanese car…
04/09, 10:30 PM
posted by:
Lyndongolden
The Transit Connect is a great “blank canvas” for Ford, since it can be outfitted to meet a variety of needs. After seeing last year’s taxi version, and several cargo/delivery configurations, it is no surprise to now see this ‘FAMILY” concept. I predict we will see a wheelchair-access conversion and a hearse conversion next. If Ford keeps unveiling concept Transit Connects, the product will be a household name before the first retail delivery takes place in the US. Ford: you’ve got a great little van here…keep the concepts coming.
05/04, 4:11 PM
posted by:
RHermann
I’d love to see them push ahead with this, though some of the ideas are a bit too show-car to make production and that is fine. I was at a bike race yesterday and there were several people checking out a VW Euro-Van/camper van thing. I’d be VERY interested in something like that from Ford, with decent mileage and proper road manners (NOT a truck). Give the steering some weight and feedback, a set of good brakes, and some decent torque (diesel, please?) then let us option the bugger with a sink, fold-down sleeping, LP ‘fridge, etc. Or work with someone in the aftermarket to help them produce the options. The sun awning and sunblock dispenser are great ideas. Add a solar heated shower/water supply (look at that roof!) and a solar panel or two for supplemental power (3rd gen Prius)…
And keep it under $40k.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed.