Ford to Reenter U.S. Minivan Market with Model from Spain

Ford Motor Co., which exited the American minivan market six years ago, plans to return to the segment a year from now with the Transit Connect Wagon that will be built in Valencia, Spain.

The European version of the van also goes on sale in the second half of 2013. The five-seat variant of that model will be badged as the Tourneo Connect. The seven-seat vehicle is called the Grand Tourneo Connect.

The new passenger vans are based on Ford's utilitarian Transit Connect commercial van, which is made in Turkey.

Ford presented the minivan in concept form at the Geneva auto show in March. The front-drive vehicle, which the company prefers to describe as an MPV, shares its C1 platform with the Focus small sedan.

The Tourneo Connect will be offered with a 1.6-liter diesel engine and 1.0- and 1.6-liter EcoBoost gasoline powerplants. The 1.6-liter mill will be available with a six-speed automatic transmission. On all three engines, automatic start-stop improves fuel economy and active grille shutter system reduces aerodynamic drag, Ford says.

The Tourneo Connect's standard features include second- and third-row seats that fold flat and minivan-like sliding rear-passenger doors on both sides. Options include a large panoramic roof, rearview camera and Ford Sync voice-activated connectivity system.