IMAGES: Available at www.media.ford.com.
SUMMARY:
- Ambius, the world’s largest provider of plants, replica foliage and flowers for commercial environments, invested in a fleet of Ford Transit Connect compact vans for its U.S. operations
- Transit Connect is a global product, bringing the best of Ford’s global product portfolio to provide a unique, efficient business solution for North American fleet customers
- Transit Connect is equipped with a 2.0-liter I-4 engine and four-speed automatic overdrive transmission combination, rated at 22 mpg city, 25 highway. On sale now, Transit Connect starts at $21,475, including destination
CONTEXT / BACKGROUND:
Ambius has used a variety of transportation solutions to facilitate United States operations, specializing in workplace interior landscaping and seasonal décor. Until now, employees either used their own transportation, repurposed minivans or company-supplied full-size vans.
Seeking a smaller overall vehicle package, with the capacity and payload necessary to transport all sizes and scope of greenery, Ambius recently bought a fleet of 70 Ford Transit Connect vans.
Learn more about Ambius at www.ambius.com.
DETAILS:
Ambius U.S. operations is headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Ill., and employs 1,400 people in 40 locations around the country. Fleet Manager Alicia Hammond said she fulfilled several business objectives with the Ford Transit Connect compact vans.
Intrigued by the Transit Connect’s compact overall dimensions, combining fuel efficiency with generous cargo space and payload capacity, Hammond made an initial investment in 70 vehicles.
In addition to improving fleet fuel economy and reducing operating expenses, Hammond said Ambius needed an easy-to-maneuver, versatile vehicle for its drivers, many of whom don’t have a lot of commercial vehicle experience.
Also high on her list of objectives – a vehicle that delivers on the company’s “green” agenda and is in keeping with the Ambius sustainability goals.
A billboard on wheels, Transit Connect’s broad flanks offered Hammond an opportunity to display Ambius branding, increasing awareness and improving corporate image.
The Transit Connect is powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This combination is rated at 22 mpg city, 25 highway, representing a significant fuel economy increase – essentially doubling fuel economy – over full-size vans.
Ford’s Transit Connect enjoys a global reputation for durability and toughness dating back to its 2003 launch, when an expert jury of European commercial vehicle journalists named it International Van of the Year.
Transit Connect has more than doubled the cargo-carrying space of the Chevrolet HHR Panel, making it suitable for a broader range of commercial use applications.
The Transit Connect offers commercial users a cargo payload of up to 1,600 pounds. This capacity means the Transit Connect can carry a larger payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.
The editors at Popular Mechanics recently recognized Transit Connect as an Automotive Excellence Award winner in the Workhorse category, calling it a “brilliant combination with efficient use of space – and fuel – that can handle big jobs. Transit Connect arrives at an ideal time when contractors and other business owners are looking to downsize and save on fuel.”
The versatile Transit Connect is a global Ford product that can be adapted to multiple commercial business applications. It is available now at Ford dealerships nationwide.
QUOTES:
“I couldn’t have designed a vehicle that meets our needs as well as the Transit Connect.”
- Marvin Storner, Ambius/St. Louis
“The Transit Connect is a ‘win-win-win’ for fleet owners, drivers and the environment.”
– Rob Stevens, Ford Transit Connect chief engineer
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
About Ambius
Ambius is the world’s largest provider of plants, replica foliage and flowers for commercial environments. Ambius also offers a broad range of products and services including ambient scenting, and artwork which can help improve employee productivity, reduce absenteeism and boost well-being in the workplace. Ambius is a division of Rentokil Initial plc (LSE: RTO).
Nov. 3, 2009