It looks like van life might be getting a downsize. At a recent knowledgeable dealer meeting, ford officials rolled out a prototype van expected to replace the discontinued Transit connectionThe compact vehicle is said to be based on the Nonconformist and could debut as early as next year.
According to Ford AuthorityThe teaser vehicle wasn’t introduced with a name, no concrete production timeline was given, and its production location remains a mystery. The late-model Transit Connect was imported from Spain, but Ford had plans to build the next-generation van at its Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico on the same platform as the Bronco Sport and Maverick, which are also produced there. At that point, the van was dropped from the lineup. But maybe that was a “haha, just kidding” moment?
Vans, like station wagons, are an abomination to Americans. No matter how much common sense and utility is built into them, they are just not big enough, not lifted enough, or not pretty enough. are desired outside of fleet service. As a hatch-wagon owner and former beach bus shuttle operator, this saddens me. So what’s up with Ford’s supposed change of heart?
Bronco Sport and Maverick Sales were robust in 2023The company said it was growing 28.1% and 26.5% year-over-year, respectively. The strong numbers have continued so far this year. There’s no word yet on the powertrain for this potential new compact van, but it could be a hybrid like the Maverick, which would make it more appealing to buyers. While it won’t be nearly as cute as a Kei (shame), it could get the Maverick Lobo treatment worthy of a Cars & Coffee screening.
Without photographic evidence, news of a Maverick-based compact van remains speculation for now. Care to share your thoughts on the mystery van? If they build it, would you buy it?
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