Ford Introduces Clean Diesel Engines into Fleet Lineup

New solutions help fleet customers manage costs and get 25 percent better fuel economy.
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DETROIT– Ford Motor Co.’s lineup of fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies for fleet customers will further expand next year when the all-new Ford Transit commercial van comes to market with a new clean diesel and EcoBoost V6 engine. The new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy than current E-Series vans.

“With fleet operators facing skyrocketing fuel prices and constant pressure to reduce costs, Ford continues to expand its range,” said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations for Ford. “By offering multiple options to help solve these challenges, Ford is giving fleet customers true power of choice in finding solutions that best meet their specific needs.”

To meet diverse needs in the full-size van segment, Ford has confirmed it will offer an all-new North American diesel engine option for the new Ford Transit cargo and passenger vans when production starts in Kansas City in 2013. This will be in addition to the fuel-efficient, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine.

The return of a diesel engine option to Ford’s full-size van lineup answers customers’ calls for more choice when seeking a van with better fuel economy and balanced capability.

Overall, the new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar E-Series vans, due to its gas and diesel powertrains and smart weight savings that will trim at least 300 pounds.

In addition to the new Transit, certain E-Series body styles will continue to be available through most of the decade in North America, even after the U.S.-built Transit goes on sale.

Also, Ford has developed a specialized new tool to help optimize fleet purchases based on specific fuel types and operating locations.

Called the Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator, the new tool is designed to help fleet customers understand their current carbon footprint and to model various scenarios based on the types of vehicles they choose for their fleets. The tool incorporates important information to evaluate fuel costs and emissions, providing a unique opportunity for fleet managers to quickly evaluate multiple options. 

The Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator utilizes such information as vehicle type, fuel type and traffic conditions (stop-and-go city traffic or on the highway, for instance), along with the geographic region in which the car will be used to generate information about the efficiency of a fleet.

The proprietary program, which must be used in conjunction with the support of a Ford representative, will create customized scenarios for customers by using special formulas and variables to determine the environmental impact and fuel costs of specific vehicles.

“This tool will help our customers make the most informed purchase decision possible – one that will meet their business needs, help promote energy security and help protect the environment,” said Sandy Winkler, senior researcher with Ford Research and Innovation and developer of the tool.

Ford has also gained major market share in key commercial vehicle segments as the economy rebounds from the industry lows of 2009. In vans, where Ford E-Series has been the best seller for 32 years, market share grew from 49.8 percent in 2008 to 53.7 percent in 2011, even as new competitors entered the market.

Ford F-Series has been the best-selling truck for 35 years and the best-selling vehicle for 30 years.