Can a panel van be sexy? It can! Ford is offering the 2010 Ford Transit Connect, a fleet manager’s dream for hauling around town all the necessities of every plumber, caterer, electrician or anyone else who just needs to carry a lot of stuff – and do it with style and ease.

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect is practically sized, making it easy to navigate those tight, urban streets. Its turning radius is 39 feet, also a plus in cramped spaces. Its ability to carry 135.3 cubic feet of…well, whatever, solves many delivery problems. With its 2.0-liter Duratec^® inline four-cylinder engine, the Transit Connect develops 136 hp and 128 lb/ft of torque. With its standard four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle, it gets an impressive 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Ford developed this vehicle to fill a niche that’s currently not being filled by any other light-duty work vehicle, and initial public and professional response has been overwhelmingly positive. Ford hopes to use the 2010 Transit Connect as a basis for its first all-electric vehicle called the Transit Connect BEV.

The Transit Connect comes in van (XL and XLT) and wagon versions (XL and XLT). The XL van has an MSRP of $21,475 and comes very nicely equipped. Small business owners with a lot to move and large business owners with a little to move to a lot of places will find the Ford Work Solutions^™ suite of business-oriented tools ideal for outfitting this urban hauler. Options available include an in-dash computer with Internet access, Crew Chief^™, a Nokia^® Bluetooth system, navigation and wireless keyboard and printer systems. Tool Link^® allows for in-van scanning of materials loaded and can report the contents at any time.

The hope at Ford is that this efficient means of moving things will also move consumers to look into Ford’s Transit Connect Family One, a people-and-kid-hauling version with enough conveniences built in to make it the ultimate “family-mobile.” Things like built-in sunscreen and hand-sanitizer dispensers, under-the-seat stroller storage, twin folding scooters and rechargeable walkie-talkies all can help the family connect and communicate.

When communicating has run its course, the kids in the second row can look up into a transparent sunshade mounted on the bulkhead behind the driver. It’s Ford’s digital infotainment center with dual floating screens that can display media entertainment (movies, videos), 3D gaming and wireless web connectivity.

Offering the light-duty dedicated work vehicle, the 2010 Ford Transit Connect, is all part of Ford’s plan – the One Ford Initiative plan – to reconcile its product offerings in both this country and in Europe. Other Ford Motor Company products, now only available in Europe, may soon be seen on the streets here. As they say, it’s all part of the plan!