2009 New York Auto Show: Will the Ford Transit Connect with families?

In an effort to gauge consumer interest in the Transit Connect van as a potential replacement for the family minivan or SUV, Ford is showing a version called the Family One concept at the New York International Auto Show.

With added side windows, under-floor storage for a folding baby stroller, video screens for the kids in back, and sensors linked to a dashboard screen that can alert parents if a child seat is improperly installed, the Family One appears to be family ready. And better still, the in-dash screen can also let parents know if a wayward Rollerblade or some other piece of gear has been left behind, thanks to a radio frequency identification tag (RFID) inventory control system, like that used in the Ford Works System.

Electronic wizardry aside, the Transit Connect’s high ceiling, generous passenger room and cargo capacity relative to its small footprint, EPA fuel mileage estimate of 25 mpg highway, and $21,475 price tag should all make sense to non-commercial buyers. Seating for five will be available when it arrives this summer, but most non-commercial buyers will likely find the stock interior on the Spartan side.

It’ll be interesting to see whether buyers or aftermarket suppliers pursue adding a degree of personalization and more creature comforts to the Transit Connect. While Ford appears to be interested in seeing what develops, the carmaker seems unlikely to get creative with this people-hauling niche market until somebody else makes the first move.

But the possibilities are intriguing, and the Family One drew plenty of attention during the show’s media preview. In fact, it was among the most crowded show vehicles. You’d have to think customizers, young families who have outgrown their Scion xBs, and even motorhome makers all have their eye on the Transit Connect, too. 

While the RV market implodes, could the Transit Connect be the basis for a conversion van revival?

—Jim Travers

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 New York auto show.

Comments

[Scott Monty]

Hi Jim,

I'm not sure if this was clear from what you found, but the Transit Connect is available to be customized by Ford, according to buyers' specs. We'll work with them to provide a vehicle that works for what they need, thanks to the multi-functional platform of the TC. So in terms of "getting creative," we're right there and ready to work with our customers to give them what they want.

We actually outfitted five vans in advance of the Chicago Auto Show in February, to give to winners of a contest; their businesses ranged from babyproofing to CPR instruction, a kayaking business, maid services, and support for animals of people with disabilities. You can read about them here: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29659 and more importantly, you can see their stories here:
http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect

Scott Monty
Global Digital Communications
Ford Motor Company

[Martha Murphy]

I'm interested in the Transit Connect for taking my dogs to dog shows. It would need to be insulated for temperature control and have hooks on the sides and floor to strap down dog crates. Also, cabinets and drawers for storage would be great. Even a fold down sleeping platform would ad to the versatility. I wouldn't need any back seats. I can see this van as a good alternative to a standard motorhome. To me it looks like a mini-Sprinter that Dodge makes.