Key Milestones in 50-Year History of Ford E-Series, America's Favorite Full-Size Van for 31 Years
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DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 13, 2010; Since 1961, the time-tested Ford E-Series has been there for customers and businesses, providing smart innovations and the right equipment to get the job done. As times and the needs of customers changed, the E-Series evolved to meet them.
Here, a few highlights from E-Series' storied history: Econoline is introduced for commercial customers with three 1961: bodystyles: Delivery Van, Pickup and Station Bus Club Wagon introduced as passenger and load-carrying vehicle 1962: with light towing capabilities 1963: Seat belts introduced as an option 1965: SuperVan (extended, bustle-back model) introduced midyear Second-generation Econoline vans available in three series: E- 100, E-200 and E-300 (air conditioning offered for the first 1968: time) 1971: Econoline Parcel Delivery Van added to lineup Third-generation Econoline debuts with body-on-frame construction, higher gross vehicle weight ratings, improved interior package and wider selection of engines. This design was offered in the same basic configuration for the next 17 1975: years Factory-customized, youth-oriented Cruising Van debuts with 1976: mod paint schemes, carpeted interior and porthole panel windows 1978: Econoline chassis cab model debuts 1981: Higher payloads appear on most models 1983: Super Wagon reintroduced to lineup 1987: E-250 eight-passenger Club Wagon added Fourth-generation introduced - Van and Club Wagon; Chateau 1992: Wagon is MOTOR TREND Truck of the Year Econoline attained leadership in virtually every aspect of the full-size van market with 48 percent share of its segment, 33 percent of the van conversion market, 90 percent of the Class C motor home conversion market, 40 percent of the parcel delivery van market (Econoline chassis), 90 percent of the ambulance market (Econoline commercial cutaway chassis) and 39 percent of 1995: the passenger van market (Club Wagon) 1997: New standard V6 engine offered along with the 6.8-liter V10 E-Series name debuts in Ford literature, along with the E-150 2001: Traveler van targeted for families Powertrain options now include V8, 6.0-liter Power Stroke V-8 2005: turbo diesel and V10 2006: Last E-Series model produced at Lorain Assembly Plant in Ohio First E-Series model produced at Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon 2007: Lake E-Series debuts as strictly a commercial vehicle; features best-in-class capability, an improved chassis for better durability and handling, cargo security technologies and the 2008: return of the diesel engine option E-Series, America's best-selling van for 31 years, celebrates its 50th anniversary by offering premium Ford-exclusive technology like SYNC(R) voice-activated communications and entertainment system and industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions(TM). E-Series vans are available in E-150, E-250 Super Duty and E-350 Super Duty regular and extended-length configurations. Wagons are available in E-150 and E-350 Super Duty regular and E-350 Super Duty extended-length 2011: configurations About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company , a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.