Transit Connect Boosts Florist’s Productivity

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.

by Staff

October 13, 2009

2 min to read

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.

Topics:small business owners Fuel Transit Connect Green Fleet

More Green Fleet

Rendering of electric vehicles charging beneath a solar-panel canopy, illustrating Inspiration Mobility Group’s acquisition of Electrada assets to expand commercial fleet electrification services.

Green Fleet•by News/Media Release•June 17, 2026

Inspiration Mobility Acquires Key Electrada Assets

Inspiration Mobility Group has acquired select assets of Electrada, adding the fleet electrification provider's team, technology, and charging infrastructure development capabilities to its energy management business.

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges

For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.