October 13, 2009

Transit Connect Boosts Florist’s Productivity

ARTICLE TOOLS        | E-MailPrint Subscribe

Send an e-mail to colleagues Please fill out the form below to send a link to this story to your colleagues.
Your Name:	Your E-mail:
Colleagues' E-mail (Separate each address with comma):
Message: (Max. 500 chars.)
Enter the verification code as it is shown below without spaces. (Not case-sensitive) Enter Code: What's this? Image Code Verification Automated programs can't "read" the code you see in the box: only humans can. When you enter this code, it ensures that your order is going to a real person. If you don't see an image, make sure your browser is set to display images and try again. If you're not sure what the code is, make your best guess. If you're incorrect, you'll get another chance to enter a different code on the next screen. Close
CANCEL

DEARBORN, MI - Michigan-based Mancuso Florists has benefited from the fuel efficiency of its Ford Transit Connect, which has helped the business cut down on fuel costs while maximizing deliveries.

"It costs us about $30 to fill the gas tank in the Transit Connect," said Frank Mancuso, proprietor of Mancuso Florists in St. Clair Shores, Mich. "It costs us about $70 to fill the tank in one of our full-size vans. A full tank lasts around the same time in either vehicle, so delivery costs are significantly reduced by using the Transit Connect." 

The Ford Transit Connect global compact van is built on a dedicated front-wheel-drive commercial platform, developed to meet the unique needs of small business owners, according to the automaker. Powered by a proven 2.0L Duratec I-4 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle, the van delivers 22 city, 25 highway EPA-rated mpg. The vehicle also provides 135.3 cubic feet of cargo space and a payload capacity of up to 1,600 lbs.

Available with or without side and rear windows, Transit Connect can be configured and upfitted to meet the specialized needs of a flower shop. A low load floor and split rear cargo doors - opening at a standard 180 degrees or an optional 255 - ease loading and deliveries alike, Ford said.

"While reduced delivery costs are critical, Transit Connect offers other key advantages for floral retailers," said Bruce Wright, editor of Flowers Magazine. "Small overall dimensions make Transit Connect much more maneuverable than traditional full-size vans, key in urban markets. It's easier to handle and much simpler to park, reducing driver stress."

Transit Connect also conveys the right image for a florist. "A full-size van is almost invisible, because they're everywhere," observed Mancuso. "But all kinds of people notice our Transit Connect. Our drivers get so many inquiries about the vehicle, we hand out cards with information about it. Transit Connect serves as a 'rolling billboard' for our business."

In August, Ford's sales for the Transit Connect jumped 432-percent over the previous month's figures.

[ Request more info about this product/service/company ]

Request More Info Fill out the form below to request more info regarding the company/product/service featured in the story.
* Name:	Company:
* E-mail:	Phone:
Preferred contact method: EmailPhone
I would like info on the following:
Enter the verification code as it is shown below without spaces. (Not case-sensitive) Enter Code: What's this? Image Code Verification Automated programs can't "read" the code you see in the box: only humans can. When you enter this code, it ensures that your order is going to a real person. If you don't see an image, make sure your browser is set to display images and try again. If you're not sure what the code is, make your best guess. If you're incorrect, you'll get another chance to enter a different code on the next screen. Close
CANCEL