Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckB
It is funny that this topic came up because I read somewhere that Ford might stop producing the E-series in light of the fact that they are going be selling Transit vans in the U.S. Although now that I think about this the two don't really compete for the same share of the market do they?. I guess I would have to dive into the specs further. Either way I hope its false since I'm still 3-4 years away from a potential SMB purchase (I like to plan ahead ).
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Seems the sprinters have taken over the commercial delivery industry for the most part. If the ambulance companies adopt them I can’t see the E-series has much time left. It’s poor timing for trying to design anything to take the E-350’s place in that industry. Goofy government regulations
may doom the Econoline as we know it today unless there is a variance given to the ambulance companies. I think it will all depend on CAFÉ standards set by our fearless leaders and whether or not a good high horsepower fuel saving engine can be developed quick enough. Maybe Ford will develop a power plant that the G-men accept. But if you could figure out the perfect ambulance (which need to be FWD or AWD in many parts of the country) someone could profit possibility. If it’s the right size, built tough, has a good reliable engine with the right power, and just happens to looks stylish enough as an off road vehicle maybe a new SMB will come about. If you look at Revcon, Xplorer and Earthromer you’ll see nice vehicles but they are so large that they’re limited for off road use not to mention their fuel guzzling engines. Last year I was worried about fuel prices stopping my SMB from hitting the road. Look what happened; diesel is about 2.30 now. Still my SMB is not (and I hate this word)
eco friendly. I still think the big RV industry is going to be hit hard because of this. My biggest fear is how Americans are so easily pushed into small vehicles. But before the government forces me into matchbox, I’ll go with a Jeep and a good off road trailer. The Jeep ought to be around forever. Oh God what am I saying, this fat boy loves his SMB no matter how much it costs.