Thyssenkrupp Improves Fuel Efficiency with Transit Connects
MEMPHIS, TN - With 90 Ford Transit Connects on the road and another 50 on order, ThyssenKrupp Elevator may eventually replace its 1,500 current cargo vans with the Transit Connect models.
MEMPHIS, TN - With 90 Ford Transit Connects on the road and another 50 on order, ThyssenKrupp Elevator has the potential to eventually have a total of 1,500 in the fleet to replace current cargo vans, according to the company.
ThyssenKrupp Elevator operates a fleet of approximately 3,300 vehicles - a mixture of pickup trucks, full-size vans, utility vehicles, medium-duty trucks and a small number of autos. Approximately 1,500 of the company's mechanics - who routinely service elevators and escalators - have been driving large cargo vans because there were no viable options available in the marketplace. The company found the Ford Transit Connect to be a better solution due to size and fuel economy - which also supports its sustainability efforts.
Tom Armstrong, ThyssenKrupp Elevator's fleet director, said the company wanted to replace the larger vans with smaller, more compact vehicles that could "get the job done." They wanted a vehicle that was economically priced and fuel efficient, with a payload capacity of approximately 1,200 lbs. to accommodate upfitting, driver, and equipment.
ThyssenKrupp Elevator has purchased 140 Ford Transit Connects to date, and uses an upfit package with a combination of shelves and drawers from Ford supplier Leggett & Platt.
According to Armstrong, feedback has been positive. Drivers like the way the Transit Connect handles because it feels more like a car than a truck. They also appreciate the roominess of the interior and the increased visibility from the large front and side windows and mirrors.
The Ford Transit Connect, 2010 North American Truck of the Year, is powered by a 2.0L I-4 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This combination is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 25 highway.
More Fuel
Turning Fleet Payment Data into Executive Insights
Ramel Lindsay of U.S. Bank Voyager discusses how fleets can transform payment and transaction data into actionable intelligence to reduce costs, improve oversight, and support executive decision-making.
Read More →
Why the IRS Raised Its Mileage Rate in the Middle of 2026
Fuel-price volatility drove the rare increase to 76 cents per mile, the fifth midyear adjustment since 2000.
Read More →
July Fuel Update: Prices Keep Rising in Light of More Conflict
Gas prices continue to rise as more and more conflicts do, too.
Read More →
Bob Adamsky on Fuel Volatility: "Don't Panic, Have a Plan."
When it comes to up and down fuel prices, Adamsky has a message for fleets: “Don’t panic.”
Read More →
How Fleets Can Gain Control of Non-Fuel Spend
Fuel often gets the spotlight, but non-fuel expenses can have a major impact on fleet costs. Ramel Lindsay of U.S. Bank Voyager discusses how fleets can gain better visibility and control over these often-overlooked expenditures.
Read More →
Fuel is Just the Start: How Middle East Tensions are Driving Up Fleet Maintenance Costs
The Middle East conflict is doing more than pushing up fuel prices. It’s also raising the cost of key maintenance products your fleet depends on, from motor oil to tires to windshield wipers. Here’s what you need to know about this budget-busting situation.
Read More →
June Fuel Update: Prices Fall Below $4
Drivers are finally getting some relief at the pump. The national average gas price has dropped below $4 a gallon for the first time in months, with prices falling in 47 states as oil markets react to developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Read More →
Study: How 2026's Gas Price Hikes Affect Different Vehicle Types
New data from iSeeCars reveals how rising fuel costs have affected different vehicle segments as gasoline prices climbed nearly 46% over the past four months.
Read More →
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.
Read More →
May Fuel Update: All Regions Experience Declines
Gas prices are finally easing in much of the country, but experts warn global tensions could quickly reverse the trend as the national average remains well above last month’s levels.
Read More →