HVACRBUSINESS.Com. 24. 2014 Ford Transit. MSRP: $23,420. MPG: 21 City/
27 Hwy. Engine: 3.7-liter V6. Transmission: 6-speed automatic; RWD.
E x p e rt A dv i c e
Cargo Van Styling Goes Euro Taller, boxier cargo vans will offer smaller engines and alternative fuel options By HVACR business STAFF
F
irst it was the Sprinter in 2004. Then came Nissan’s NV Cargo van in 2010. Now, both Ford and Ram will introduce “Eurostyle” cargo vans to the U.S. market for model year 2014. Meanwhile, GM will continue to offer its traditional full-size work vans: the GMC Savana and the Chevy Express. The so-called “Euro-style” vans are lighter, taller and boxier, offering more cargo space, smaller engines and greater fuel-efficiency. One feature of “Eurostyle” cargo vans is higher interior roof heights. Traditional full-sized van ceiling heights average about 53”. Sprinter’s standard interior ceiling height is a full foot higher at 65”, and its high-roof option is nearly a foot higher than that at 76”. Standard ceiling height for Nissan’s NV Cargo is about 56” and its highroof option is nearly 77”. The new Ram ProMasters will match Sprinter ceiling heights, while the Transit will offer three roof options: 56”, 72” and 81.5”.
Other trends for work vans include smaller engines and alternative fuel options. V8 engines are being replaced with fuel-efficient V6 models, and automakers are beginning to offer conversion options that allow vehicles to be powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid propane gas (LPG).
with fuel economy, new configurations and versatility. Gone is the V8 engine, replaced with smaller, more efficient V6 engines that are CNG/LPG convertible. Options include a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and a 3.2-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel five-cylinder engine.
One feature of “Euro-style” cargo vans is higher interior roof heights. Here’s a run-down of “Eurovans” contracting business owners and fleet managers can choose from when purchasing new vehicles later this year and next year.
NEW: 2014 Ford Transit Ford’s 2014 full-size Transit van, which will eventually replace its 53-yearold E-series vans, provides tradesmen
Contractor-Friendly Features: • The high-roof version will provide 80 percent more cargo volume than the E-Series • The rear doors swing open a full 270° for easier loading of cargo • Cargo versions are designed for easy fitting of shelves and racks
• High-roof version available for walk-in accessibility • Folding and sliding door options • MyFord Touch and navigation displayed on 6.5-inch touch screen
NEW: 2014 Ram ProMaster With unibody construction and frontwheel drive, the 2014 Ram ProMaster will be available in 13 different configurations and boasts best-in-class fuel economy, cargo capacity, ceiling height, stepin height and low load floor. Standard engine is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, while a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel four-cylinder engine with 174 HP is optional.
Contractor-Friendly Features: • Each of the three available openings into the cargo area is wide enough to allow a forklift to load and unload pallets easily • The hinged rear clamshell doors open up 260°
2014 Ford Transit
2014 Ram ProMaster
2013 Nissan NV Cargo
2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
2013 Chevy Express/ GMC Savana
MSRP: $23,420
MSRP: $28,630
MSRP: $25,420
MSRP: $25,750
MPG: 21 City/27 Hwy
MPG: N/A
MPG: N/A
MSRP: $36,290 (2013 pricing; 2014 N/A)
Engine: 3.7-liter V6
Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V6
Engine: 4.0-liter V6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic; RWD
Transmission: 6-speed automatic; FWD
Transmission: 5-speed automatic RWD
Horsepower: N/A
Horsepower: 280
Horsepower: 261
Roof Heights: 56”, 72” & 81.5”
Roof Heights: 65.4” & 76”
Body Styles: Cargo, wagon, chassis cab, cutaway
Body Styles: Cargo, chassis cab, cutaway
Cargo Volume: 250 cu. ft. to almost 500 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume: 282.5 cu. ft. up to 530 cu.ft.
MPG: N/A
MPG: 15 City/20 Hwy Engine: 4.3-liter V6
Engine: 2.1-liter 4-cylinder BlueTEC diesel with 161 HP (Optional 3.0-liter V6 Blue-TEC diesel with 188HP)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic, RWD
Roof Heights: 55.8” & 76.9”
Transmission: 7-speed automatic, RWD
Roof Heights: 52.9”
Body Styles: Cargo
Horsepower: 161
Body Styles: Cargo and cutaway
Cargo Volume: 234.1 cu. ft. to 323.1 cu. ft.
Roof Heights: 65” & 76.4”
Cargo Volume: 239.7 cu. ft. to 284.4 cu. ft.
Body Styles: Cargo, crew, passenger, minibus and chassis cab
Horsepower: 195
Cargo Volume: 318 cu. ft. to 547 cu ft. 24
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