Live coverage from NTEA: The Work Truck Show in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS–Ford  Motor Co.‘s introduced on March 7 its all-new Transit chassis cab and cutaway models, which the company says is engineered to tackle an almost unlimited variety of specialized jobs and vocations. Ford also unveiled the next-generation Transit Connect compact van/wagon.

Tim Stoehr, commercial truck marketing manager for Ford, says the Transit Connect jumped-started the compact van market in the United States and this next-generation model will build and improve on that legacy. The new model will have  choice of 105- or 121-inch wheelbases as well as “best in class load length and cargo volume.”

A new tow package will allowing trailering payloads of up to 2,000 pounds. Base power for the Transit Connect will be a 2.5 liter engine with a fuel efficient 1.6 liter four-cylinder available as an option. Both van and wagon versions have a payload capacity in excess of 1,670 pounds. Both models are designed for easy LNG/CNG conversion. CNG/LPG engine prep from the Ford factory costs approximately $325 before the customer chooses a partner to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run about $9,500 to $12,500, depending on fuel tank capacity.

The larger, more powerful Transit van marks a new day for Ford commerical vehicles — a clear European design that is a marked departure from the “Scooby Doo Mystery Machine” box vans that have dominated the North American market for the better part of the last four decades.

According to Chris Brewer, chief engineer, commerical vehicles, says Ford will  will offer Transit in a range of full-size vans, wagons, cutaway, and chassis cab models powered by a 3.7-liter V6 equipped with a CNG/LPG prep kit.

Transit will be offered with a range of fuel-efficient engines, including a standard 3.7-liter V6, and the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine found in the Ford F-150, as well as an all-new 3.2-liter Power Stroke Diesel option.

Additionally, Ford will offer the Transit 3.7-liter V6 with a compressed natural gas/liquid propane gas (CNG/LPG) prep kit. This 3.7-liter V6 is also engineered for optimal performance with E85 flex- fuel capability.

Each fuel-conscious engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation.