In comparison to other utility autos the 2010 Transit Connect is a small wonder – measuring only 167 inches you wouldn’t think the an would be a great pick for commuter transport or delivery service. But Ford is staking a big claim on their Transit, with hopes that The Big Apple can be a solid testing ground for the vehicle, as it is up to use as construction automobiles as well as taxi cabs.

Transit Connect isn’t the most powerful thing on four wheels, nor the fastest. With a 136 horse power engine with 128 ft-lb of torque you won’t win any late night drag races out on Long Island. But you don’t need speed when it comes to a work van – or do you? Breakaway speed is sometimes essential while tooling around Midtown during rush hour. Transit Connect does feature solid steering, brakes (a must have) and a decent turning radius of 39 ft.

Ford’s Fiesta, the other great European Ford coming stateside, won’t be on sale until sometime next year – but FoMoCo is going ahead with sales of 2010′s Transit Connect this summer. You’ll be set back $21,475, but you can probably write it off as a business expense if you’re going to strap ladders and repair equipment in the rear. As for the NYC Cab connect we can’t wait to see if the Transit Connect makes a hit as a possible future Yellow Cab for New York City.

Pictures Courtesy of Ford & Jalopnik

Ford, with a grasp over forty percent of the United States commercial vehicle market, recently announced a new digital technology called Work Solutions. One of the major additions in this realm is a Windows CE powered in-dash computer with high-speed internet access. Businesses can now use vehicle management systems which interface with the on-board computer to keep track of their mobile work force. Not only does this system pinpoint the location of vehicles, but it also keeps track of various vehicle maintenance parameters; it can even diagnose vehicle problems! The computer fits in a standard double-din audio slot and features a six and a half inch touch screen monitor. It uses a Bluetooth-enabled high-speed broadband connection from Sprint. Garmin GPS is also included, so drivers can navigate to and from their job sites with ease.

Part of the Work Solutions system available soon on select Ford trucks is another new digital wonder – the Tool Link system, developed with DeWalt and ThingMagic. Tool Link uses radio frequency identification (RFID) readers in the truck bed, hooked in to an application on the computer. RFID tags are applied to the tools and entered into the system. Lists of tools for different jobs can then be created. The RFID readers sense when tagged tools are in the truck bed. Selecting a job list will notify the user if all the necessary tools are on board.

Ford Work Solutions will be available this fall on the 2009 F-150, F-Series Super Duty, and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join Ford truck’s commercial vehicle lineup with this technology in mid-2009. Ford’s flexing of their technological muscle illustrates the direction our daily lives are headed, straight out of the old sci-fi’s.

For those who love driving, there’s no mistaking the bold look of the Mustang with its bright colors and bold lines, it’s a classic head-turner. What a lot of people don’t realize, however, is this power driven sports car has the soul of a luxury car, and the interior proves it. With a technologically driven navigation system, you’ll never have to even think about slowing down on the open roads.

For the music fanatic, the Mustang comes with a 1000-watt Shaker audio system that includes four subwoofers, ten Audiophile speakers, and a six disk CD changer with MP3 player capability. And if that’s not enough music for you, the Mustang also comes with SIRIUS satellite radio with over 130 channels of commercial free music.

So, even if you’re not in the market for a new car this year, test drive the new 2008 Ford Mustang because, hey, you know you’ve always wanted to.

In addition, there is a “wet trunk” that keeps your cargo space clean when you have something to stick in there that’s not so clean. Personal Safety System, Roll Stability Control, anti-lock breaks, four wheel drive and heated side mirrors are just a few of the safety features that Ford has equipped the 2008 Escape with to keep your friends and family secure and safe no matter where the road takes you.

Under the hood and inside the new Escape, technology takes hold. The Duratec V6 engine unleashes 200 horses of power, which helps in those uphill climbs. Inside, the navigation system ensures you’ll never get lost, no matter where your roam, and audio input jack allows you to bring your music with you.

So, weather you plan on a family camping trip this summer or just need the most versatile SUV on the market for your everyday life, give the 2008 Escape a test drive this year.

To match the unbeatable power and control outside, there is luxury and comfort inside the all new 2008 F-150. With the astounding new “Quiet Steel” from Ford, you get a quiet, noiseless and vibration-less ride. It also has leather seats for extra comfort, not to mention the power of Microsoft SYNC and a DVD based navigation system for total navigational control. And to my surprise, the 2008 Ford F-150 is fuel efficient! It comes with a no-cost FuelFlex E85 Fuel Capable engine so it’s cleaner burning and easier on the air we breath, so you can breath easy!

Ford doesn’t just build tough trucks, they know how to sell them too. High gas prices have forced the company to adjust its 2008 F-150 line by offering more options with aggressive pricing. The F-150 is America’s best-selling pickup, and Ford offers an array of configurations, including the new 5.4-liter V8 Flex Fuel engine that can run on E85, a blend of 85-percent ethanol and 15-percent gasoline. Tough competition from the other manufacturers will keep the F-150 battling for it’s market share, which could mean great deals for the informed consumer.

The Ford F-150 is a great choice for many people. Many commercial and small-business owners view it as a necessity. Others see it as a truck which can excel at towing, hauling and recreation, as well as primary transportation. A wide variety of body configurations, powertrains and trim levels means you can get the F-150 you want.

Expansion and renewal of the full-size truck market segment has been steady of late. There are more choices now than ever before. Buyers are always encouraged to do research first, but there’s no doubt that the F-150 will again be one of America’s most popular new vehicles.

Options include remote start, a factory-installed cargo system, manual telescoping trailer mirrors and a rear backup camera which displays its image in the rear-view mirror. New trim levels include the STX Wheels and Stripes package, the Lariat Limited, and the XL SuperCrew. Buyers using the F-150 in fleets can get a mid-box cargo container to go between the cab and the bed.

From the bare-bones 4-cylinder regular cab, up to the gnar gnar 4.0 liter FX-4 SuperCab 4×4, there is a trim level for any need or taste. Over the years Ford has added all sorts of goodies and improvements to this little beast. The Ranger Sport model features available leather seats, and the largest engine and most interior leg room in it’s class.

The Ranger FX-4 is a true off-road warrior – featuring a limited-slip rear axle (with an optional TORSEN® l/s axle available), 3 skid plates (on the SuperCab 4×4), Rancho® branded heavy-duty gas shocks on all FX-4′s, and 16″ Y-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with P255/70R16 all-terrain OWL tires (on the SuperCab 4×4). All SuperCab models are available with a 4-door option – which is recommended for easy access to the area behind the seats. My last Ranger had the 4-door option, and my current FX-4 does not…an oversight on my part which drives me insane on a daily basis.

As one of the most economical trucks on the market for 2008 (with the 2.4 liter DOHC I-4 engine), the Ford Ranger is something to check out if you need a truck with good fuel economy. The 4×4 models all have “shift on the fly” 4 wheel drive, cruise control (available in XLT / standard in FX-4) for those long rides, available MP3 player, and much more. The Ford personal safety system ensures that all Ranger models come with the safest possible technology; such as a tire pressure monitoring system and dual-stage airbags. My favorite safety feature was the fuel pump inertia shut off, which, should there ever be a roll over or similar condition, will shut the fuel pump off automatically.

You can request a Ranger brochure from the Ford website here:
http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/ranger/brochures/index.asp

The interior is riddled with comfort and technology to make those long drives even more enjoyable. Leather seating, Best-in-Class 3rd row space rating, and Command drivers seating are just some of the features that come with the Taurus X regarding its comfort, and that’s just the beginning. Technologically speaking, the Taurus X comes with SYNC, the newest bit of technology from Microsoft that allows you to access your phone and MP3 player with voice activation only. Also, the navigation system and DVD player entertainment system will help make those long rides not seem so long.

The V6, 6-speed automatic engine ensures you power when you need it most, and the 4WD gives you total control in unpredictable conditions. So if you’re searching for the perfect family vehicle in 2008, I highly recommend test driving the Taurus X. It’s got everything your busy lifestyle will need and more.