At a recent Las Vegas meeting, Ford executives, including CEO Jim Farley, provided dealers with an exclusive preview of upcoming products, including a new compact van based on the Maverick pickup.
This Maverick-derived van is poised to replace the Transit Connect in the U.S. market, potentially launching as early as next year. According to reports in Automotive News
, while Ford did not disclose the vehicle’s name or production schedule, the presentation included a physical prototype, signalling the company’s serious consideration of this model for production.
The Maverick-based van would fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the Transit Connect, which was previously imported from Spain. Ford originally planned to manufacture a next-generation Transit Connect in Mexico alongside the Maverick and Bronco Sport. However, with the recent launch of a new Transit Connect based on the Volkswagen Caddy in Europe, Ford’s U.S. strategy has shifted towards leveraging the Maverick’s platform.
In addition to the Maverick van, Ford showcased its vision for future low-cost electric vehicles (EVs). The meeting featured digital renderings of various EV models, including saloon, crossover, and pickup styles, hinting at Ford’s broader strategy to compete in the entry-level EV market, particularly against emerging Chinese competitors. Although these images were more conceptual than concrete, they reflect Ford’s commitment to expanding its EV lineup.
This meeting marked a significant moment for dealers, with Automotive News quoting one dealer as saying, “It was the first good meeting in five years as far as being positive and focusing on the future. It was awesome.”
