US to Host Ford Transit Connect Production Starting in 2012

Currently manufactured in Turkey, Ford Transit Connect is one of the models to be built in the United States, a move that would obviously boost production and add new staff in Ford's domestic market. However, this won't happen sooner than the summer of 2012, supplier and industry sources told Automotive News. At this time, Ford is considering the plants in Wayne, Mich., and Louisville, Ky. for the production of the small commercial van which is expected to hit the market in 2012 as model year 2013.

The 2012 model will also represent the new generation Transit Connect so both plants will get their assembly lines upgraded to build cars on Ford's front-wheel drive global compact platform, the aforementioned source wrote.

Ford Transit Connect, which goes on sale this summer, is said to provide an impressive fuel consumption rating, with Ford emphasizing the Duratec 2.0-liter DOHC engine exceeds the figures achieved by all the other vehicles in the class.

“No other vehicle on the road in the U.S. today delivers the combination of fuel economy and useful space as the Ford Transit Connect,” said Chief Nameplate Engineer, Rob Stevens. “It’s a unique package, offering a 1,600 pound payload, 135 cubic feet of cargo space and superior fuel economy.”

The Transit Connect will be powered, as we said, by a Duratec 2.0-liter DOHC engine that produces a maximum output of 136 horsepower combined with a torque of 128 lb-ft. The powerplant is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, especially aimed at low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The base model, Transit Connect XL cargo, will be priced at $21,475, including shipping.