- The Ford Tourneo Custom Concept, which previews a new family of Ford Transit vehicles for Europe and Asia, will make its global debut at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.
- Ford said this new Transit family will not be sold in North America. The concept does not replace the Ford E-Series vans and is unrelated to the Ford Transit Connect.
- However, Ford said that it will unveil larger and higher-payload Transits later in 2012 that will be sold in North America.
GENEVA — The Ford Tourneo Custom Concept, which previews a new family of Ford Transit vehicles for Europe and Asia, will make its global debut at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show. The concept is noteworthy because it signals a new range of commercial vehicles for Ford in major overseas markets.
Ford said this new Transit family previewed in Geneva will not be sold in North America. The concept does not replace the Ford E-Series vans and is unrelated to the Ford Transit Connect.
However, Ford said that it will unveil larger and higher-payload Transits later in 2012 that will be sold in North America. These models will also feature rear-wheel drive, said the Dearborn automaker in a statement.
The eight-passenger Tourneo Custom Concept gets multi-adjustable and removable rear seating, a driver-focused cockpit and Ford Sync. Exterior cues include a trapezoidal grille, 18-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting up front.
The front-wheel-drive concept is equipped with a 153-horsepower 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission. The model range will include short- and long-wheelbase variants.
"The debut of the Tourneo Custom Concept has added significance in heralding the arrival of a completely new generation of Ford commercial vehicles," said Ford in a statement. "The full range of models will be revealed during 2012."
Inside Line says: Ford wants to be the global commercial vehicle king — but we're not sure the funky look of the Tourneo Custom Concept will resonate with European and Asian buyers.
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dmax3 says:
09:51 PM, 02/24/2012
Very cool looking van...would make an awesome camper van
jmaroun says:
10:09 AM, 02/24/2012
Wow, that looks really good. Follows the Econoline VAN simplicity but this one is refined and modern. Inside looks impressive. I LOVE that shifter and the steering wheel!
kdizzle says:
10:23 PM, 02/23/2012
I disagree with the insideline assessment. On the contrary I actually believe this vehicle will connect very well with buyers in Europe and Asia.
hotpass105 says:
07:22 PM, 02/23/2012
Not sure if there is a market for this, but have premium options been considered here? Like heated seats for all passengers and premium sound. Most commercial vans are stripped pretty badly.
angry_mushroom says:
01:07 PM, 02/23/2012
Perhaps this can replace the people mover aspect of the old E-series?
openeyes1 says:
12:17 PM, 02/23/2012
@calspecial68; I've diven a column mounted shifter in an older European car with a bench seat, not sure of why they're dash mounting this one unless they're offering a front bench seat option.
calspecial68 says:
10:22 AM, 02/23/2012
A dash mounted shifter?? I guess I have seen it all now. What's wrong with a floor mounted one? I mean, not every vehicle type has to have shorter throws. Next thing you know they'll have semis with 'em on their dash.
narenji says:
09:31 AM, 02/23/2012
um why would it not resonate?? they love these boxy practical vehicles, especially for commercial use...