NCWriter
North Carolina
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Read in USA Today (great free iPad ap when you travel, by the way) that Ford is killing off their Econoline van because they want to introduce their European style high top van for the US. They already sell that type in Europe.
Article didn't say whether gas or diesel. I think it arrives in 2013. Did say they expect 25% better fuel economy and that it is lighter than the E series.
2006 Leisure Travel Van Free Spirit 210B Sprinter
AKA Hermie (as in hermit crabs that carry their portable homes.)
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mumkin
Minot ND USA
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Joined: 07/16/2004
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If you do a search on here for the Ford Transit, you will find a few threads discussing this topic. It will replace the Econoline vans for Class B, but they will continue to produce the cut-aways for its many conversion uses.
Mumkin
2011 LTV Libero
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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Cripes! The original Ford Econoline first showed up in 1961!
And the best selling van since 1980. The diesel Navistar showed up in 1992. And became the darling of the Ambulance fleets!
It's definitely about time, and the new Transits will be build here in the USA! More Space efficient, better engines, more safety equipment, higher fuel mileage. Whats not to like! Some ambulance fleets are rejoicing as well..this will be the first time since 2008 that Ford has had a Van Chassis diesel...all the Transit vans will be available with optional 200 HP Turbo-Diesels or EcoBoost gasser engines.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen. 
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mowog
Maryland
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Specs are available on the Ford UK website. The "jumbo high roof" is within inches of the Sprinter as exterior dimensions. A inch or so narrower but hight and length very close. The Euro engine is a 2.2 liter diesel and 6 speed manual- not exactly the cup of tea for most Americans. Comes as a chassis cab version, like sprinters- so being US built could be a cost savings.
This could be a nice B platform.
Bob Skillman
Ellicott City MD
Roadtrek RS adventurous
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mumkin
Minot ND USA
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I expect that as always the manual transmission won't be available here. unfortunately...
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VE3ESN
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 03/08/2002
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mumkin wrote:I expect that as always the manual transmission won't be available here. unfortunately...
Are driving skills of North Americans considered inferior to Europeans, or do they consider us "lazy"? You'd think that the 6-speed manual would at least be offered, but undoubtly their marketing surveys have indicated that the manual wouldn't sell. Pity.
Jerry & Susie
1996 Roadtrek 190 Versatile (Dodge 5.2 L)
FMCA F390585
Trees are being destroyed through the transportation of invasive insects and diseases in firewood. For more information, please visit www.dontmovefirewood.org
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mumkin
Minot ND USA
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I'd pick "lazy." Personally this woman driver has always preferred the manual transmission even though my first three cars were automatics. My current car and RV are only automatic because they no longer give us the option. 
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mowog
Maryland
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Most Americans just can't drive a manual transmission and have no desire to learn. With the ubiquitous automatic transmission there is no need to learn to drive a manual (similar to no need to learn a foreign language).
Newer automatics with dual clutches and no torque convertors are probably more efficient than a manual transmission- although I wouldn't want to own one after the warranty expires!
I'm amused by automatics that "can be shifted manually". Whoop de Do.
A rule at our house is that the first car that is yours to drive has to be a manual. If thats a problem there is public transportation and a big yellow bus to get you to school.
It takes a lot of skill to talk/text on a cell phone and eat some fast food at the same time while driving- adding the manual shifting of gears and you are going way beyond the capabilities of most drivers.
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relellin
NorCal
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Most people don't want to drive a camper van with a manual transmission. It's rather difficult with such a large vehicle. We recently bought new cars with automatics rather than manual transmissions. Why? Stop and go driving and hill driving is a real pain with manual transmissions in the Bay Area!
Future SMB Sprinter Owner
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mumkin
Minot ND USA
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Not that many of us live in the Bay area nor plan to even visit there.  While there many not be many Class A owners that would want a manual, I suspect that there is a significant number of B owners who would choose one if they could.
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