Transit Trail the Perfect Vehicle for Van Life

What Benna Ford understands from our many small business and fleet manager customers is that people who purchase business vehicles are significantly more focused than your average vehicle consumer. While personal buyers can be motivated by a wide variety of factors, the small business owner and fleet manager will be looking foremost at initial cost, operating cost, reliability, and capability. And for the past 18 years, the annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America™ Awards have helped show them the vehicles that represent their concerns. And this year, Ford vans and trucks swept the competition. Our Winners Ford vehicles came out on top nine times at the 18th annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America™ Awards. That is significantly more than any other manufacturer. Of four available truck awards, Ford claimed three. Of nine van awards, Ford won six. The specific Ford winners are: Transit Connect cargo vans (Six-time winner) Transit Connect passenger vans (Seven-time winner) T150 cargo T250 cargo T350 passenger E-Transit 350 cargo Maverick Hybrid XL (Two-time winner) F-250 XL (Three-time winner) F-350 XL How Winners are Selected Vincentric’s methodology in determining their awards involves a cost of ownership analysis of over 2,000 vehicle configurations based on their typical use in fleets. They focus on eight different cost factors, including: Depreciation Fees & taxes Financing Fuel Insurance Maintenance Opportunity cost Repairs “The Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Awards provide guidance to fleet professionals by identifying vehicles that will bring proven value to their fleets,” said Vincentric President, David Wurster. “Managing costs is a critical part of fleet management, and our awards give valuable insight into which vehicles offer the lowest lifecycle costs in their segments.” Who is Vincentric? Vincentric is a privately-held Michigan-based research company that provides data, knowledge, and insight into the automotive industry with a focus on the many many aspects of automotive value. Vincentric data is frequently cited by several well-known automotive sites and publications, including Autoblog, Automotive Fleet Magazine, AAA, among others. If you are to invest in a vehicle for your business, be it a light or heavy-duty pickup, or any size van, the numbers and accolades point to Ford. And in the Superior-Duluth area, that means Benna Ford. Contact the fleet specialists at Benna Ford to see how we can best serve your business vehicle needs.

The best-selling commercial van in this country is one that offers a lot more to keep its uptime running toward the bottom line. The 2024 Ford Transit is exactly that van. Why is it the best-selling commercial van in this country? What makes the Transit attractive to both small and large businesses – and even some individuals who simply want a van to do more than haul goods around? A recent article in Kelley Blue Book pointed out ten things that make the Ford Transit the workhorse among vans. Here’s what they cited as their favorite reasons for getting a Transit. Transit comes in multiple configurations, not just for commercial purposes, which include Cutaway and Chassis Cab models. Cargo Vans are available in three roof heights, two wheelbases, and three overall lengths. Plus, there is a Passenger Van version with seating for up to 15 people. In the Passenger Van, you do have a choice of trim levels – XL and XLT -   along with three roof heights, two overall lengths, and one wheelbase. You certainly have a choice to make when it comes to meeting your needs. Did you know you can get a Transit with all-wheel drive? The system works to deliver maximum traction on multiple surfaces, including snow. It is also engineered to not intrude on the standard cargo floor and seat height with no loss in interior volume and space utilization. Transit customers have a choice of two internal combustion engines. A 275-horsepower V6 engine is standard while a 310-hp EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine is available for bigger jobs. A 10-speed automatic transmission is also standard. In addition to internal combustion engine versions of the Transit, there is the battery-electric E-Transit available. This van is for those who would like an advantage on running costs, especially when the job keeps you within the Twin Ports. On a full battery, the E-Transit has an estimated range of 159 miles. As with all Transits, the E-Transit comes in multiple roof heights and vehicle lengths, along with Cutaway and Chassis Cab models. For better productivity, dual rear doors will open up to a whopping 253 degrees. That makes the job of loading larger items easier into the Transit Cargo Van. Even better with multiple pieces of luggage in the Passenger Van, too! Productivity is also an important part of the Transit when it comes to driver convenience. That is why you can have one with swivel front seats.  This available feature allows the driver and passenger to swivel the front seats for convenient entering or dismounting of the Transit and easy access to the cargo area. Transit vans are far from basic vehicles. Ford adds plenty of features to the cab area to make things easier and more productive. These features include rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, power-adjustable outboard mirrors, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and more. Not to mention full-screen infotainment systems driven by SYNC and Ford Pro Telematics. Safety and driver assistance are as equally important in a large van as it is in any vehicle. That is why Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on the Transit. This suite of driver assistance features includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist, and a rearview camera with trailer hitch assist. Also available is blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree surround camera. Through Benna Ford and the Ford Pro commercial vehicle program, you can upfit your Transit with all the organizational tools you need to get the job done. That also includes adding cargo boxes to Cutaway and Chassis Cab models, as well as equipment for mobility transportation. There is one more reason why the Transit is a popular van – it is also available as an overlanding adventure vehicle. The Transit Trail comes directly from the factory to off the grid - deep into woods towards places such as the Boundary Waters. The Transit Trail comes with the EcoBoost V6, all-wheel drive, a 3.5-inch lift, all-terrain tires, swivel seats, a roof vent, skid-plate-style front bumper, wheel-arch cladding, and more. You can configure the Transit Trail with different roof heights, as well. If you think that the Transit is your solution for improved productivity, carrying your large family, or seeking out adventures beyond the Twin Ports, contact us at Benna Ford to connect you with a Transit soon!

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs offer used car shoppers a welcome bridge between the lower cost of used cars and the product confidence in a new car. An extensive inspection program backed up by a manufacturer’s warranty is common among these programs. The manufacturer operates most CPO programs, and much of the actual legwork is done at the dealer level.  Outside the inspection and warranty, the programs vary by what other benefits they offer, which vehicles qualify as CPO vehicles, and other program details. Which CPO models have the greatest value is something that automotive industry data and analysis firm Vincentric has taken it upon themselves to discover. Benna Ford is proud to inform you that they like Ford’s CPO program and CPO models very much. Vincentric is a privately held automotive data compilation and analysis firm that has made a name for itself in measuring vehicle cost of ownership using eight factors: depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs.  They have been judging the value of CPO programs and vehicles for 12 years.  For 2024, they voted on Ford Company as having the brand award for the Best CPO Value in America in the Truck and Van categories.  Individual Ford models earned Vincentric CPO awards in six additional categories.  It is also worth noting that in all cases, the brand and its models have earned this award multiple times.  Here is the complete list of Ford’s Vincentric Best CPO awards: Ford – Best CPO Value in America: Truck Brand category (fifth time, second consecutive) Ford – Best CPO Value in America: Van Brand category (ninth consecutive) Ford Maverick ® Hybrid – Best CPO Value in America: Small/Mid-Size Pickup segment (second consecutive) Ford F-150® Lightning ® – Best CPO Value in America: Full-Size 1/2-Ton Pickup segment (ninth time for F-150) Ford Super Duty ® F-250 ® – Best CPO Value in America: Full-Size 3/4-Ton Pickup segment (second time) Ford Super Duty ® F-350 ® – Best CPO Value in America: Full-Size 1-Ton Pickup segment (third time) Ford E-Transit™ 350 – Best CPO Value in America: Large Cargo Van segment (seventh time for Transit) Ford Expedition ® – Best CPO Value in America: Large SUV segment (fifth time, third consecutive) "Vehicle cost of ownership is important to our customers,” said Jim Baumbick, Vice President, Ford Product Development Operations and Quality. “Earning Vincentric’s CPO Value Awards for our trucks, vans, and SUVs is a testament to our engineers and their dedication to designing durable, cost-effective vehicles that help minimize operating costs to help hold their value over time.” Ford’s dominance in these awards shouldn’t be surprising, as these are all areas where Ford excels. Ford has been America’s best-selling truck manufacturer and the best-seller in commercial vans and commercial vehicles for 39 consecutive years. New or used, private or commercial, you can’t go wrong with a Ford truck or van, and you will find them at Benna Ford.