ThyssenKrupp Elevator Has Most Ford Transit Connects in Operation in North America

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

SUMMARY

• ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Americas Business Unit, is the largest producer of elevators in North America. The company recently purchased 140 Ford Transit Connects for its vehicle fleet to be used by mechanics who routinely service elevators and escalators. ThyssenKrupp Elevator was one of the earliest adopters of the Transit Connect. Currently, the company has the most Transit Connects in operation in North America.
• ThyssenKrupp Elevator has established company-wide sustainability initiatives. One of these initiatives is the reduction of fuel. Nationwide, ThyssenKrupp Elevator operates approximately 3,300 vehicles – a mixture of pickup trucks, full-size vans, utility vehicles, medium-duty trucks and a small number of autos. Approximately 1,500 of the company's service mechanics do not necessarily require a large vehicle to get the job done, so ThyssenKrupp Elevator's fleet director had been actively looking for a midsized fuel-efficient vehicle that could meet the service mechanics' needs. When the Transit Connect became available, it provided ThyssenKrupp Elevator with an affordable, right-sized, fuel-efficient solution.
• The Ford Transit Connect, 2010 North American Truck of the Year, is equipped with a 2.0-liter I-4 engine and four-speed automatic overdrive transmission combination, rated at 22 mpg city, 25 highway. Transit Connect starts at $21,475, including destination.

CONTEXT / BACKGROUND

When the Transit Connect became available, it filled a need for ThyssenKrupp Elevator. Service mechanics were driving cargo vans that were larger than necessary because there were no viable alternatives. According to the company's fleet director, the Transit Connect provided a better solution due to size and fuel economy – which also supports the company's sustainability efforts.

ThyssenKrupp Elevator has 90 Ford Transit Connects on the road and another 50 on order. There is the potential to eventually have a total of 1,500 in the fleet.

Learn more about ThyssenKrupp Elevator at www.thyssenkruppelevator.com and www.seewhatwebuilt.com.

DETAILS

ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Americas Business Unit, is the largest producer of elevators in North America, with more than 14,000 employees and more than 200 branch and service locations. It is part of ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG, one of the leading elevator companies in the world, represented at more than 800 locations in more than 60 countries.

ThyssenKrupp Elevator operates a fleet of approximately 3,300 vehicles – a mixture of pickup trucks, full-size vans, utility vehicles, medium-duty trucks and a small number of autos. Approximately 1,500 of the company's mechanics – who routinely service elevators and escalators – have been driving large cargo vans because there were no viable options available in the marketplace. When the Ford Transit Connect appeared on the automotive scene, it provided ThyssenKrupp Elevator with a smart solution.

Tom Armstrong, ThyssenKrupp Elevator's fleet director, said the company wanted to replace the larger vans with smaller, more compact vehicles that could "get the job done." They wanted a vehicle that was economically priced and fuel efficient, with a payload capacity of approximately 1,200 pounds to accommodate upfitting, driver and equipment.

ThyssenKrupp Elevator has purchased 140 Ford Transit Connects to date, and uses an upfit package with a combination of shelves and drawers from Ford supplier Leggett & Platt.

According to Armstrong, feedback has been positive. Drivers like the way the Transit Connect handles because it feels more like a car than a truck. They also appreciate the roominess of the interior and the increased visibility from the large front and side windows and mirrors.

The Ford Transit Connect, 2010 North American Truck of the Year, is powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This combination is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 25 highway, representing a significant fuel economy increase – essentially doubling the fuel economy – over full-size vans.

The Transit Connect is available at Ford dealerships throughout the country.

QUOTES

"Fuel economy played a large role in our decision to purchase the Transit Connects. As a company, we have a commitment to lowering our impact on the environment and being smart with the dollar. The Transit Connect is a great vehicle for the service industry. It gets the job done."

– Tom Armstrong, Director of Fleet, ThyssenKrupp Elevator

"When assessing our total environmental footprint, we have to consider all aspects of our operations from manufacturing through installation and servicing of elevators. By looking at alternative modes of transportation such as the Ford Transit Connect, we are able to provide our technicians with the tools they require along with improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact."

– Brad Nemeth, Director of Sustainability, ThyssenKrupp Elevator

"The Transit Connect is a 'win-win-win' for fleet owners, drivers and the environment. As one of the earliest adopters of the Transit Connect, ThyssenKrupp Elevator understands that. Today the company has the most vehicles in service nationally."

– Len Deluca, Director of Commercial Truck Sales & Marketing, Ford Motor Company  

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About ThyssenKrupp Elevator

ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Americas Business Unit, is the largest producer of elevators in North America, with nearly 14,000 employees, more than 200 branch and service locations, and sales of around 2.8 billion U.S. dollars. ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Americas Business Unit, oversees all business for the operations in the USA, Canada, Central and South America. It is part of one of the leading elevator companies in the world, represented at over 800 locations in more than 60 countries. With over 40,000 employees, the company generated sales exceeding 5.0 billion euros in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Its capabilities include passenger and freight elevators, escalators and moving walks, stair and platform lifts, passenger boarding bridges as well as quality service for all products. For more information, please visit www.thyssenkruppelevator.com and www.seewhatwebuilt.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company