E-Series changes for Ford
Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
E-Series vans are available in E-150 regular length and E-250 and E-350 regular- and extended-length models. The standard E-Series offers up to 236.5 cubic feet of rear cargo space, with up to 275.1 cubic feet in extended van versions. The standard side doors on the van are 60/40 swing-out. A sliding cargo door is a no-cost option.
The E-Series cargo area features a double-wall design that leaves the exterior sheet metal less vulnerable to damage from shifting cargo.
He said Ford offers three no-charge, ship-through cargo van upfit packages aimed directly at the commercial market. These options are designed to save money and time by allowing the van to be delivered to the dealer fully equipped.
The EconoCargo System helps protect cargo with durable panels of high-density polyethylene. It is insulated, so the interior retains heat and cold more efficiently, which he said can provide many more vocational opportunities for food service markets, produce farms, and medical suppliers.
He said the Masterack work-bin rack system includes fully installed steel shelving, drawers, and cabinets. A full-width safety partition provides work-area access from the passenger compartment.
The QuietFlex racks and bins system, similar to the traditional racks and bins offering, is made of composite material and provides a quieter, more flexible storage solution. The QuietFlex package includes a lockable composite bulkhead that offers the driver 4" of additional seat recline.
Cargo van customers can also opt for a new dome light kit available on all commercial vans, an all-new feature for the 2008 model year.
Ford's E-Guard Cargo Protection System, a factory-installed, double-locking system, provides an extra level of security. E-Guard is installed on side and rear cargo doors and is available with either power or manual door locks. The double-lock design provides an extra layer of protection, as the E-Guard double lock can be unlocked only from outside the vehicle using the key.
All models feature a new, steel-reinforced license plate bucket. The E-Guard system installs in the steel bucket for added security, while the lock itself has been re-enforced with a steel flange.
Ford's SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft system is now available on all models. To protect against theft, Fusion is equipped with Ford's SecuriLock: passive anti-theft system, which is designed to help prevent the engine from being started unless a coded key programmed to the vehicle is used.
Stability-enhancement system
He said the Ford E-Series is the only vehicle in its segment to offer standard Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) on all E-350 wagons with the 5.4-liter V-8. It's an active stability-enhancement system that significantly builds upon existing electronic stability-control systems in the market.
He said conventional stability control systems are designed to help a driver maintain control and avoid fishtailing or spinning out. While some systems can help reduce the potential for rollover, these conventional systems do not directly measure a vehicle's roll motion or the side-to-side tilting that can occur during an accident-avoidance maneuver. Ford's RSC responds to the potential of a rollover, in addition to helping a driver avoid fishtailing or spinning out.
blog comments powered by Disqus
