Small Van

[revrnd]

I've seen a few Ford Transit vans in southern Ontario which I assume are being imported from Europe. Does GM have a similiar model in their overseas portfolio that they could bring to North America? All they have now is the HHR panel & the full size Savana & Express.

[C. Charles Hahn]

The only thing they currently have is an ancient model called the Opel Combo:

 

 

 

[revrnd]

Ancient or not, it doesn't look much different than the Transit.

[Zembonez]

Ancient or not, it doesn't look much different than the Transit.

+1

 

Plus "ancient" meant technology is paid for so it's probably profitable. I'd bet if Ford's entry here becomes really popular, you'll be seeing an updated Opel here.

[BruceW]

Vauxhall / Opel have several models competitive to Ford's Transit Van

 

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vaux/pages/vans/index.jsp

 

Movano

 

Vivaro

 

Combo

 

Astravan

 

Corsavan

 

The smaller ones are stretched cars in work truck sytle trim.

[Zembonez]

Looks like several of those would work great here for businesses and tradesmen... if we could only get it out people's headsthat a full sized van is always needed. Many times a smaller and more efficient vehicle would do a great job.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Ancient or not, it doesn't look much different than the Transit.

+1

 

Plus "ancient" meant technology is paid for so it's probably profitable. I'd bet if Ford's entry here becomes really popular, you'll be seeing an updated Opel here.

 

 

I think the main problem is getting something like that federalized. If the platform is old enough it might be lacking in efficiency, so why spend the money to federalize unless you're also replacing it with an up-to-date more efficient vehicle?

 

Just my $0.02, they should simply develop a new vehicle for global use to bring to market here, and replace the Combo in Euro markets.

 

Looks like several of those would work great here for businesses and tradesmen... if we could only get it out people's headsthat a full sized van is always needed. Many times a smaller and more efficient vehicle would do a great job.

 

As gas prices go back up, I think that change in mentality will follow. Simply from a business standpoint it makes more sense to have smaller more fuel efficient vehicles so you have less cost overhead.

[P71_CrownVic]

I've seen a few Ford Transit vans in southern Ontario which I assume are being imported from Europe.

 

Actually, those little POSs come from Turkey.

 

I am so glad Ford could justify importing a mediocre, underpowered van...but they couldn't justify importing this from Mexico:

 

[Zembonez]

I've seen a few Ford Transit vans in southern Ontario which I assume are being imported from Europe.

 

Actually, those little POSs come from Turkey.

 

I am so glad Ford could justify importing a mediocre, underpowered van...but they couldn't justify importing this from Mexico:

 

 

We will actually be getting the Euro Focus next year. Finally. I'm sure US "safety" bullshit regulations will screw up the performance somehow.

[revrnd]

From today's Toronto Star:

 

Click

 

Says the Transit Connect was launched in '03. Hardly "new tech" in today's world.

[C. Charles Hahn]

From today's Toronto Star:

 

Click

 

Says the Transit Connect was launched in '03. Hardly "new tech" in today's world.

 

Granted... but my point is if GM is going to do it, they'd better have the mentality of trying to best Ford.

[P71_CrownVic]

We will actually be getting the Euro Focus next year. Finally. I'm sure US "safety" bullshit regulations will screw up the performance somehow.

 

Not quite. The 2012 Focus is a true "world" car...meaning that many different markets helped design it...which is a bad thing. That means Ford NA had their grubby paws in it.

 

Plus, it's absolutely hideous...no matter where it's sold.

 

I think the 2008 Euro Focus ST was the high point for the Focus name. It was the perfect balance of quality, performance, economy, styling, and price. The new one won't be nearly as good.