Should they make Ford Econolines more hi-tech?

[Ford Mustang1]

Hello, Bob the Mustang here. OK, I know a Chevy Camaro that has a Ford Econoline as a best friend. BUT, I wonder, compared to the technology we Ford cars have nowadays, the Econoline still remains very low-tech. How come? How come they can't put in all the amazing hi-tech gizmos they put in things like the Explorer and Edge. You'd think there'd be My-Ford touch in the Econoline by now. Sure, I don't have a MyFord touch in me, but at least I have a built-in GPS.

Should they make Econolines more hi-tech? I made these blueprints on Microsoft Paint. It features MyFord Touch, rear view entertainment system, and reclining back seats with ottomans for each passenger.

[MagicRat]

A better question to ask is why does the Big Three neglect their full-size vans so much.

For example, GM has only revised their full size van three times in 48 years, and the current model is 16 years old. Ford is not much better.

For the Big three, the pick up trucks get all the development money, while the vans, which are more versatile and more useful by far, get very little.

I think its because most vans are sold as low-option, low profit work trucks. Few are sold for personal use with many high -profit options, so the spending is not warranted.

[Ford Mustang1]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

A better question to ask is why does the Big Three neglect their full-size vans so much.

For example, GM has only revised their full size van three times in 48 years, and the current model is 16 years old. Ford is not much better.

For the Big three, the pick up trucks get all the development money, while the vans, which are more versatile and more useful by far, get very little.

I think its because most vans are sold as low-option, low profit work trucks. Few are sold for personal use with many high -profit options, so the spending is not warranted.

Interesting.

[DeltaP]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

A better question to ask is why does the Big Three neglect their full-size vans so much.

For example, GM has only revised their full size van three times in 48 years, and the current model is 16 years old. Ford is not much better.

For the Big three, the pick up trucks get all the development money, while the vans, which are more versatile and more useful by far, get very little.

I think its because most vans are sold as low-option, low profit work trucks. Few are sold for personal use with many high -profit options, so the spending is not warranted.

Agreed. Most vans are sold as work vehicles or to fleets. There's no demand for options other than the basic convenience group, PW,PDL,P/M,Cruise. That's probably why they're bundled together, ya want one...ya get em all! Pickups on the other hand are mostly sold as personal vehicles and status symbols. People just love to load them up!

[Ford Mustang1]

Originally Posted by DeltaP

Agreed. Most vans are sold as work vehicles or to fleets. There's no demand for options other than the basic convenience group, PW,PDL,P/M,Cruise. That's probably why they're bundled together, ya want one...ya get em all! Pickups on the other hand are mostly sold as personal vehicles and status symbols. People just love to load them up!

But what if you have a LOT of kids(like 6 or so, hey it happens). Then you'd NEED an Econoline or an Express.

[DeltaP]

Originally Posted by Ford Mustang1

But what if you have a LOT of kids(like 6 or so, hey it happens). Then you'd NEED an Econoline or an Express.

Then your van needs falls outside the "most" category and you'll have to spec it out or buy a conversion van. They still make conversion vans although not like they did in the 80's. I had a '95 Chevy Astro conversion van by Explorer. That thing was sweet.