Ford: Chassis and Cutaway in 2014 Transit Commercial

Courtesy of Rumors.AutomobileMag.com: Ford has announced the chassis and cutaway versions of its 2014 Transit commercial vans. The models are generally purchased by “upfitters” which then build new bodies on the back of the van/truck basis: shuttle buses, utility work trucks, and so on.

Currently, Ford caters to this section of the commercial-vehicle market with cutaway and chassis models based on the E-Series van, F-Series Super Duty, F-650, and F-750.

There are two big advantages for business switching to the new, Transit-based commercial vehicles: better technology and improved fuel economy. As with the 2014 Ford Transit van, the cutaway and chassis models will be available with a choice of a 3.7-liter V-6, which can be altered to run on compressed natural gas; a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6; and a new 3.2-liter inline-five turbodiesel. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. In addition, the new Ford Transit cutaway and chassis trucks have far more technologies than existing commercial vehicles: Bluetooth with Ford’s Sync voice recognition system, a MyKey programmable speed limiter, and the Crew Chief remote vehicle monitoring feature.

 

Ford will offer three chassis a

nd cutaway wheelbases, 138 inches, 156 inches, or 178 inches, as well as gross vehicle weight ratings ranging from 9000 pounds to 10,360 pounds. Either single or dual rear wheels are available, and a Class IV tow hitch is an option.

The 2014 Ford Transit van, which shares its basic underpinnings with these chassis and cutaway models, will be offered in two different wheelbases and three roof heights. It will be larger yet more fuel efficient than the outgoing E-Series cargo van line, with up to 496 cubic feet of storage compared to 278 in the largest E-Series. Although specific ratings have yet to be announced, Ford promises the 2014 Transit will return 25 percent better fuel economy than the E-Series.

 

Tags: Ford

Category: General Update, Transit News, Vehicles