Canada Post, through an open and competitive RFP process, has selected the Ford Transit Connect to begin replacing its aging national fleet of light vehicles and modernize its business, Ford Motor Co. of Canada, Ltd, announced. In total this year, 1,175 Ford Transit Connect vans will be purchased— the largest fleet sale of Ford Transit Connects in Canada to date.
"We are pleased with the outcome and look forward to the delivery of our first vehicles as we begin to replace many of our aging light vehicles, with vehicles that are much more efficient and environmentally-friendly," said Bill Michalopulous, gm of Sourcing for Canada Post. “It will also help our efforts to modernize our operations as we introduce motorization to our delivery routes.”
According to Ford, criteria such as environmental impact, employee health and safety requirements, performance, capacity and total lifecycle costs (purchase, fuel consumption and maintenance) were factored into the search for a vehicle that would best meet Canada Post’s needs. The Ford Transit Connect is used by a number of Post Offices around the world and is well-suited for Canadian roads and winters, the OEM noted.
"At Ford we are dedicated to delivering quality, safe and fuel efficient vehicles to Canadian businesses – and the Ford Transit Connect delivers on all fronts," said David Mondragon, president & CEO, Ford of Canada. "The versatility of the vehicle will allow employees to work more efficiently, and the fuel economy delivered by the Transit Connect will help bring Canada Post one step closer to achieving important environmental goals."