The E-150 gets stronger for 2007!
In terms of automotive design, Ford's Econoline has always kept a low profile. Nevertheless, this passenger/cargo van, now called the E-Series, will benefit from a redesigned front end in 2008. So why not wait until next year? Well, the easy answer is because fleet managers and plumbers who must replace their vehicles now can no longer afford to wait. Besides, the upgrades for 2007 are very interesting. And, of course, in the absence of a significant makeover, Ford decided to lower the prices.
Indeed, there are several major additions to the 2007 E-150. First, fleet managers who purchase the current model will be happy to know that they get, at no extra costs, a Heavy Duty chassis -- the same as the E-250 and E-350! What's the benefit? Well, compared to the 2006 model, the new one's cargo capacity is up by 27.2 %. This means that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) increases from 6,700 to 8,520 lbs. Meanwhile, the maximum payload capacity is 72.8 % higher, from 1,930 to 3,335 lbs. (I thank Michel Maisonneuve, from Ford Canada Commercial Sales, for these precise stats.) With its newly acquired capacities, the E-150 is the clear segment leader. But Ford won't rest on their laurels, as the all-new 2008 model is expected to be even stronger.
So, yes, fleet managers have to think twice before choosing the best offer: 2007 or 2008? Making the decision process more complicated is the fact that the Ford Transit, a Dodge Sprinter rival, should be sold in North America eventually. This vehicle could answer the needs of buyers who are looking for a versatile van with a full-height cargo box in which they can stand upright rather than having to crouch.
In terms of automotive design, Ford's Econoline has always kept a low profile. Nevertheless, this passenger/cargo van, now called the E-Series, will benefit from a redesigned front end in 2008. So why not wait until next year? Well, the easy answer is because fleet managers and plumbers who must replace their vehicles now can no longer afford to wait. Besides, the upgrades for 2007 are very interesting. And, of course, in the absence of a significant makeover, Ford decided to lower the prices.
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| The design of Ford's E-Series is rather plain. |
Indeed, there are several major additions to the 2007 E-150. First, fleet managers who purchase the current model will be happy to know that they get, at no extra costs, a Heavy Duty chassis -- the same as the E-250 and E-350! What's the benefit? Well, compared to the 2006 model, the new one's cargo capacity is up by 27.2 %. This means that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) increases from 6,700 to 8,520 lbs. Meanwhile, the maximum payload capacity is 72.8 % higher, from 1,930 to 3,335 lbs. (I thank Michel Maisonneuve, from Ford Canada Commercial Sales, for these precise stats.) With its newly acquired capacities, the E-150 is the clear segment leader. But Ford won't rest on their laurels, as the all-new 2008 model is expected to be even stronger.
So, yes, fleet managers have to think twice before choosing the best offer: 2007 or 2008? Making the decision process more complicated is the fact that the Ford Transit, a Dodge Sprinter rival, should be sold in North America eventually. This vehicle could answer the needs of buyers who are looking for a versatile van with a full-height cargo box in which they can stand upright rather than having to crouch.
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| An infinite number of configurations makes this vehicle extremely versatile. |