Are Vans Making a Comeback?
Ford sold more vans last month than it has in any April in 30 years, Bloomberg reports.
Vans have long had reputations for being boxy, unwieldy, and maybe just a little bit creepy. But thanks to new designs and an improved economy, vans are making a comeback in a big way – especially Ford’s.
According to Bloomberg Business, Ford sold more vans last month than it has in any April in 30 years. This mirrors a larger trend in booming van sales: Using data from Edmunds.com, Bloomberg reports that in the past five years, U.S. van sales have more than doubled, outpacing the auto industry overall.
“We’re killing it,’’ said Pat Ford, a commercial truck manager at Watertown Ford. Ford (no relation) said he’s been working six to seven days a week this spring getting inventory out the door. Ford’s most popular model is the new Transit Van, Ford said, which comes in three different body lengths and wagon roof heights.
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“We have sold these to every vertical market imaginable,’’ Ford said, describing the Transit as a “rolling billboard.’’ “If you’ve got a business, there’s a full-size van solution available for you.’’ Ford said he’s sold vans to bread makers, dog groomers, electricians, and plumbers.
The popularity of Ford’s vans could represent a better economy, Bloomberg reports.
Despite the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) March 2015 report showing a weakening of small business optimism, NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg wrote, “Overall the economy will keep moving forward, but more like a turtle than a hare.’’ Even a slowly improving economy means more web shopping, and a burgeoning housing sector full of electricians and carpenters means – you guessed it – more vans.
Other probable reasons behind the spike in van sales?
They look a whole lot better than they used to, Ford said.
This is not what Ford’s commercial vans look like anymore.
“They represent in my mind the best product Ford has come out with in the past 20 years,’’ Ford said of the Transit.
“We’re routinely taking business away from the Mercedes Sprinter right now,’’ Ford said. The Transit starts at $29,735, while Sprinters go for upwards of $37,000.
Besides the variations in height and body length, the Transit has three available engines including the EcoBoost V6 for better fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse emissions.
If you’re still unconvinced of vans’ growing coolness, Ford offers a tricked-out Transit “Skyliner’’ model they describe as a “private jet on wheels.’’ With LED mood lighting, a built-in bar, and leather-trimmed seats, the Skyliner is light years away from the vehicle your scary ice cream truck driver rode around in.
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