Already the commercial vehicle leader with a 40 percent share of the market, Ford announced at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show that the Ford Transit Connect, a small, versatile and economical commercial vehicle, will arrive on U.S. shores next year.

Designed to offer the driving characteristics, comfort and, perhaps most important, fuel economy of a car with the functionality and versatility of a cargo van, Transit Connect is already a popular choice for business owners in Europe. Named International Van of the Year by an independent panel of leading commercial vehicle journalists representing 19 European countries when first launched in 2003, Transit Connect will arrive on U.S. shores in summer 2009.

With sliding cargo doors on both sides and rear doors that open a full 180 degrees, Transit Connect offers versatility for cargo or passenger use while delivering an estimated 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway fuel economy when equipped with its standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 4-speed automatic transmission.

To showcase the versatility and real-world applications, four Chicago-area business owners were featured at the Chicago show with a Ford Transit Connect custom tailored to fit the specific needs of their business, including legendary blues man Eddie Shaw and his band the Wolf Gang; and Shaefer’s, a highly regarded wine shop that offers free delivery.

Edge Sport, Ford Work Solutions

In another announcement at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2009 Ford Edge Sport will go on sale in fall 2008 along with Ford Work Solutions, which will be available next fall on 2009 Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty and E-Series vans.

With a factory-customized look featuring standard 20-inch or optional 22-inch wheels, the 2009 Ford Edge Sport includes an 8-piece body-color body kit, integrated fog lights, polished dual exhaust tips and smoked headlight and taillight lenses.

In addition to the Sport Blue color seen in Chicago, the 2009 Edge Sport will also be offered in Ebony, Brilliant Silver and Redfire, with dark gray leather seats that feature light and dark gray suede-feel patterned inserts and light gray contrast stitching.

Ford Work Solutions will be offered next fall on F-Series trucks and E-Series vans, followed by the Transit Connect next summer. The program offers Ford customers better connectivity, flexibility and security for business use of their vehicles.

The four main technologies are an in-dash computer, Tool Link, Crew Chief and a cable-lock security system. Developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto, the in-dash computer provides high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin.

A Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset-tracking system developed in partnership with DEWALT, Tool Link enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.

Crew Chief is a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles. A Cable Lock security system was developed in partnership with Master Lock to provide a convenient way to lock tools or other cargo in the pickup bed.