The most fascinating car and perhaps the homeliest vehicle at the New York International Auto Show is the Ford Transit Connect Family One concept. It’s a European van – tall, narrow, not very long – outfitted with gadgets to delight an American family. The smallest display in the Family One is the 10-inch LCD in the dash. Two LCD projectors provide back row entertainment, and every scooter, stroller, and helmet in the back is RFID-tagged so you won’t leave the park without them. Kids can write on the side door paneling and the ink dries up and disappears after a minute or two. The vehicle tells you when your child seat is level and properly installed. Cellular or WiMax wireless provides connectivity throughout the vehicle.
For now, it’s very much a concept, says Joe Rork of Ford’s computer research department. What’s certain is the commercial version with a four-cylinder engine and manual transmission arrives this summer. The concept was created to judge consumer reaction and no decision has been made on production. With some of the costlier frills eliminated, this might be unusual enough to be popular among the crowd that 15 years ago thronged to minivans. It might even make consumers forget Ford’s woeful Windstar minivan. Details on the Ford Transit Connect Family One after the jump.
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