Answer
May 07, 2024 - 04:18 PM
Ford has officially discontinued the Transit Connect in the United States after the 2023 model year. This decision was influenced by several key factors:
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Reduced Demand: There has been a significant decrease in demand for compact vans in the U.S. market, which directly impacted the sales of the Transit Connect.
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Global Manufacturing Cost and Complexity: In its efforts to reduce global manufacturing costs and streamline production, Ford decided to stop importing Transit Connect cargo and passenger vans to the U.S. and Canadian markets.
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Planned Successor Canceled: Ford initially planned to launch a successor to the Transit Connect based on the Ford Maverick pickup, which would have shifted production from Spain to Ford’s Hermosillo, Mexico plant. However, this project was scrapped.
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Market Trends: The Transit Connect faced stiff competition and struggled to find its niche, particularly as passenger versions didn't gain the same popularity among families as minivans.
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Shift in Consumer Preferences: As consumers increasingly prefer larger vans and SUVs, compact vans like the Transit Connect have lost favor.
Despite its discontinuation in the U.S., the Transit Connect remains in production at Ford’s Valencia, Spain assembly facility. It continues to be sold in Europe and other markets. For U.S. customers seeking a practical, versatile vehicle similar to the Transit Connect, exploring other models or considering a used Transit Connect remains an option.
While there are rumors of an all-electric small van from Ford, the automaker has not provided clear information. Ford has, however, announced plans to build a second electric pickup at its new facility in Tennessee
