Ford is sending the venerable E-Series van out to pasture after a 21-year, almost-unaltered, production run. Ford says once the 2013 model year closes, the Econoline will give way to the European-style Transit van.
This marks the end of Ford’s body-on-frame style full-size vans and beginning of the unibody era. Ford had already been selling a unibody van in the US since 2010. The Transit Connect has been well received by contractors and fleet operators for its smaller size and huge versatility.
The Transit Connect is the little brother to the Transit, the Econoline’s replacement. Although new to us, the Transit is Ford’s current full-size van the world over.
The current E-Series started life back in 1992. Since then, it’s undergone only minor changes to mostly the grille, dashboard, and engines. The E-Series has been offered as a passenger wagon (12 and 15 passenger) and cargo model. Two body lengths were available, both with the same wheelbase.
The departure from the current architecture and adoption of the unibody style helps Ford gain fuel efficiency and perhaps a new audience. Buyers turned off by old school minimalism and 20-year-old technology can look forward to an updated and comparably advanced hauler.
