Dearborn automaker Ford is still struggling to keep up with Toyota and other Asian automaker in terms of growth. The American automaker has relied on large vehicles which are now becoming less and less desirable to auto shoppers across the United States.

To combat this trend, the automaker has focused on its core business and started producing high quality small vehicles. But Ford is not forgetting its ability to design and manufacture large vehicles. Recently, the automaker announced that it will be offering a European-designed commercial vehicle to North American entrepreneurs.

The Ford Transit Connect was unveiled in North America at the Chicago Auto Show. The said commercial vehicle, according to the automaker, is designed for small business owners. The vehicle has good fuel economy and despite its seemingly small size for a commercial vehicle, it offers a large load capacity. Apart from those features, the automaker also pointed out that the Transit Connect's cargo hold allows better accessibility than most cargo vehicles offered today in the market.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development, said that the commercial vehicle is a sign of their continuing commitment to consumers. "Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform to meet the rigors business use demands. This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market. The Transit Connect provides another example of Ford’s commitment to deliver 100 percent new or upgraded products that people truly want and value by the end of 2010," Kuzak mentioned.

The Auto Channel reported that the closest competitor of the Ford Transit Connect in the ever-important United States auto market is cargo vans which are being offered by Chevrolet and Dodge. These vehicles have larger engines which mean that they consume far more fuel than the Transit Connect.

That alone is a distinct advantage of the commercial vehicle from Ford. With the price of petroleum fuel skyrocketing, consumers will no doubt be looking for vehicles with the best fuel economy in its class. The functionality of the Transit Connect especially if it is equipped with Monroe shocks puts the commercial auto in place to become the leader in its class.

Kuzak pointed out that the commercial vehicle will be good for deliveries especially for small companies which conduct their businesses over the World Wide Web. "More than ever before, consumers are making the bulk of their purchases from the Internet and smaller, specialty businesses, which is increasing the volume of small package deliveries," he said. "Transit Connect is ideally suited to meet those delivery needs because of its flexible package, compact size and fuel-efficient powertrain. It will make the delivery process for small business owners easier and more affordable."