• The functional and fun Ford Transit Connect Wagon is being endorsed by Tall Clubs International as the perfect vehicle for the “vertically gifted”

• The all-new Transit Connect Wagon offers headroom to spare along with fuel efficiency and class-leading configuration options

• Tall Clubs International, a social and professional organization for the “vertically gifted,” has endorsed such products as the California King bed and clothing designers who create stylish fashions for tall people

The all-new Ford Transit Connect Wagon is standing a little taller after being endorsed by Tall Clubs International as a vehicle that brings fit and comfort to the “vertically gifted.”

The Transit Connect was recognized today as part of Paramount Tall Club’s annual Chicago weekend. Paramount Tall Club is a Chicago-based member of Tall Clubs International.

“People of a certain stature have to make special considerations for head and leg room when out buying a new car,” said Brian Comeno, president of Tall Clubs International. “Car shopping is very tough, and if you are concerned about fuel efficiency, smaller is sometimes the way to go.

“The Transit Connect provides both comfort and fuel efficiency, giving people who are vertically gifted important factors that go into purchasing a new vehicle.”

The Transit Connect, which hit dealer showrooms this month in the United States, comes in two all-new models – a panel-side cargo van; and a wagon, a stylish, spacious and fuel-efficient people mover. When equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine the Transit Connect Wagon is rated at 29 mpg highway.

The Transit Connect Wagon offers ample headroom and a spacious interior for a vehicle that is about 16 inches longer and wider than the Ford Fiesta sedan, making it a smart buy in a world that often leaves the “vertically gifted” challenged when car shopping. The wagon and cargo van have 46.8 inches of headroom in the first row and 45.1 inches in the second row. The long wheelbase wagon has 41.3 inches in the third row.

For leg room, the Transit Connect has 41.5 inches in the first row and 37.6 inches in the second row.

Aside from space, the Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level with fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a 1,200-pound-plus payload and a rear liftgate.

The wagon also comes with the choice between two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines - a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost ^®. For more information about Ford Transit Connect Wagon, or the cargo van, including pricing, visit www.ford.com/2014tcbuild&price.

About Tall Clubs International
Tall Clubs International was established in 1938 and has since grown to include more than 100 chapters worldwide.

To be a member, men must be at least 6-foot-2 and women must be 5-foot-10 or taller.

Tall Clubs International has previously endorsed California King sized beds for providing adequate comfort to the vertically gifted, and its European branches have been active with clothing designers and retailers who make and sell garments that fit the “vertically gifted.”

“People who are vertically gifted can’t just go out and buy any vehicle they want,” said Comeno, who added he is one of the shorter members of the club, standing at 6-foot-2. “The Transit Connect is much more in tune with providing comfort, as well as fuel efficiency and of course, fun.”

Note: Additional photography and video are available. Please contact William Mattiace at wmattiac@ford.com or 313.815.5449