Aaron Brzozowski
Even while the Ford Transit dominates the US van market with impressive sales figures, having sold about 90k units so far this year (up 37 percent from 2015), Autoline Daily reports that the Ford Econoline it replaced is holding on with strong sales of its own.
In fact, sales of the Ford Econoline in 2016 are about even with those of last year. This fact becomes all the more incredible when one bears in mind that, according to Autoline, the commercial vehicle’s basic structure stretches all the way back to 1975. The model itself is technically even older, having been launched for the 1961 model year.
In light of its success, research firm AutoForecast Solutions is predicting that the Ford Econoline will remain in production until 2021. By that time, the chassis will have been produced with minimal changes for 46 years, and the nameplate will be 60 years old.
Watch Autoline Daily’s recent report above for more. (Skip ahead to the 1:17 mark for comments regarding the Ford Econoline.)
This is probably because of the chassis cab sales. I can’t imagine the Transit being a very good short bus, but maybe I’m wrong.