After discontinuing the diesel-powered Ford Transit Connect in the U.S. back in 2019 and the Transit Connect Taxi in 2020, FoMoCo also dropped the 2.5L I-4 engine from the 2023 model – which is a carryover model and not a redesign, as Ford Authority reported last week. However, as Ford Authority reported in March 2021, a next-generation Ford Transit Connect was expected to be built at the Hermosillo Assembly plant in Mexico alongside the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Maverick, though those plans have now been canceled, according to Automotive News.
In addition to canceling its plans to build the next-gen Transit Connect in Mexico, Ford will also reportedly stop selling the model in the U.S. entirely by the end of next year. However, the van will live on in Europe, where the redesigned 2022 Tourneo Connect was recently revealed as a rebadged Volkswagen Caddy with the same drivetrain options and output.
Ford currently imports the Transit Connect from Spain, but was planning on building the next-gen version in Mexico on the Ford C2 platform, which is already used by the Bronco Sport and Maverick. The new, Europe-only model will ride on Volkswagen’s MQB platform like the Tourneo Connect.
Small van sales have been in decline for some time now, and are down 15 percent through 2022 thus far. This likely played a big part in Ford’s decision to exit the U.S. market in that regard, while it continues to expand its full-size Transit lineup with the all-electric E-Transit and the forthcoming Transit Trail, which is an off-road-focused variant already on sale in Europe that’s expected to launch in the U.S. early next year.
We’ll have more on the next-gen Transit Connect soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Transit Connect news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
Not a surprise since the full size Transit is a much better vehicle for U.S. needs. I think I’ve only seen a handful of Transit Connects ever here in the U.S. anyways. With the new Maverick, it wouldn’t surprise me if it eats right into the Transit Connect’s market share.
That’s a bit of a surprise. A full size for what I use it for is a bit over overkill so we’ll see. Perhaps a MERCEDES BENZ METRIS may be the next choice but it’s not up to me in the final analysis. My ’16 has been a pretty good solid van with very few problems. Can’t imagine why they couldn’t bring that new version over here. Oh well just because I see countless TRANSIT CONNECT’s all the time doesn’t mean they are wildly popular but I guess they have their reasons.
Mercedes announced they’re canceling the Metris as well. Looks like the lone ranger will be the Ram ProMaster City….and who knows how long that will last.
I guess small pickups with caps are going to be the way of the future if the RAM PROMASTER CITY is ever discontinued.
I guess this is – indirectly – history repeating itself. GM and Ford got into the minivan business after the raging success of the K-car based Chrysler models. Then, eventually, both dropped away, leaving Chrysler.
Now, GM no longer has a badge-engineered Nissan minivan, Ford is dropping the Connect, and the Pro-Master remains. None of the Asian brands offer a workman’s small van; Nissan is out of the van market entirely now.
Using the video screen is very distracting and is as
Dangerous as “Texting” while driving.
Ford should use simple controls, push buttons and dials’ to operate basic functions like radio, heater/AC and trip odometer.
Agreed!
Ford made a big mistake several years ago by dropping the tall roof when the Connect was restyled.
Ford’s big idea: create a distinct product, capture massive market share then drop the line entirely. The TC was never a “retail” van but a huge hit with small businesses. Come on Ford Pro keep the TC van!
The Yellow Cab Company in Birmingham Alabama had two on test when I was still working. I enjoyed riding in them because I didn’t have to try and get in and out of the usual Vickie with its small dimensions at the bottom of the door, and low roofline. I have a long torso, making headroom an issue, big shoulders, and my feet… 14EEEE in a store-bought shoe. My screen name fits me, believe me!
I asked the driver how they were as cabs. His only complaint was having to put his foot 6 inches through the firewall to get it to climb a hill when there were passengers but aside from that, he thought it was great. Nimble, close turning circle, the passengers liked them, meaning repeat business.
I don’t know if they ever bought more of them. As a passenger, I thought they were just the right thing from the comfort standpoint.
We have to remember that these were never really meant as a family mini van. Although there are passenger versions, the seating and other amenities don’t come close to CHRYSLER, TOYOTA and others that still offer passenger mini vans. The TC was designed for commercial use. My previous van was an ‘07 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN that was adapted for delivery duty. All of the plastic cup holders were in place thereby robbing some cargo space. Not so with the TC. Plenty of space and almost as much head room as a full size van.
No great loss here. This vehicle won’t be missed.
I have a 2021 Transit Connect Titanium passenger van. It replaced my 2003 Grand Caravan
This is a great vehicle. It has plenty of power, great handling, excellent gas mileage..just completed a 1000 mile trip, and I averaged 33 mpg. It is very comfortable. I am disappointed that future models won’t be available, and, giving VW’s reputation for fudging emissions and poor quality, wouldn’t want what’s coming down the road.
The Bronco is essentially a useless vehicle and the other vans are too large for my needs. I’ll buy a used Connect. They’re making a mistake, but that’s Ford’s business. The Maverick sounds very promising, but can’t be converted into a camping vehicle.
Since the transit connect will still be built for the European market it is ‘stupid’ of them to stop importing it like they are ‘currently’ doing for the current North American market! We have a 2018 Titanium model, love it and were considering getting a 2023….. Now I am not sure what to look at especially if the ProMaster is also being discontinued.
Ford just needs to keep importing!!!! It is already a special order item here in Canada – keep it that way…..