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The future of ultra-premium land transportation is here, and it comes with a spacious interior that morphs to support an immersive entertainment experience or a business meeting with the swipe of a smartphone.
Ford today unveils the Transit Skyliner Concept luxury van, illustrating the unlimited flexibility, versatility and capability of the all-new Transit, which goes on sale this summer.
Transit Skyliner embodies the spirit of luxury motor coaches and builds on the heritage of custom vans, showing how Ford Transit can be transformed to fit the needs of limousines and high-end transportation services as well as commercial fleets, shuttle providers and small-business owners.
Inside, Transit Skyliner can transform into four dramatic modes – theater, business, reception and travel – with movable custom-designed “throne” seats that reposition automatically, controlled by a smartphone or tablet:
The entire interior – from seats to LED mood lighting – is integrated into a Crestron automation system controlled through a smartphone or tablet. The entertainment system also features Focal Utopia 7.2 surround sound with speakers handmade in France specifically for Transit Skyliner, a KVH DIRECTV satellite for HD TV and a Kaleidescape media server with storage space equivalent to more than 300 Blu-ray movies or more than 1,000 DVDs.
Refreshments can be served from Transit Skyliner’s built-in bar. Matching custom luggage complements the vehicle’s one-of-a-kind leather-trimmed seats.
“Traveling in Transit Skyliner is an experience unlike any other” says Tim Stoehr, Ford manager for commercial truck marketing. “You step into the vehicle and are immediately immersed in the custom interior and high-tech audiovisual environment. The next thing you know, you are arriving at your destination.”
The exterior of Transit Skyliner features a custom silver metallic paint scheme accented by contrasting lower trim, chrome highlights and custom Forgiato wheels. The dynamic design reflects Transit’s modern, European look.
“Transit Skyliner is the ultimate expression of a custom Transit,” Stoehr says. “We created the vehicle to highlight the potential of the Ford Transit platform for the limousine market and to showcase Transit as the next generation of modern, cool, fuel-efficient vans.”
Transit Skyliner features the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine available on Ford Transit.
With 487 cubic feet of cargo volume and an interior height of 81.5 inches in the long wheelbase/extended body high-roof model, Transit can be personalized to create a private jet for the road. Its unique custom limo design proves the capabilities of Ford Transit go beyond the needs of shuttles, commercial fleets and general contractors.
The 2015 model year Transit will offer two wheelbases, three roof heights and three powertrains to accommodate multiple needs without body modifications.
The exterior design for the Transit Skyliner originated out of Ford of Europe’s Design Studio in Dunton, England, and its execution was led by Melvin Betancourt, a Ford design manager, and Galpin Auto Sports President Beau Boeckmann.
Galpin Ford is the world’s largest Ford dealership and has a history of customizing vehicles that spans more than 60 years. Ford approached Galpin for this project because the group was at the forefront of the customized van trend of the late 1960s and 1970s and was among the pioneers in launching the conversion van industry. Galpin remains a longtime leader in conversion vans.
“We are sincerely excited to work with Ford in creating the future of luxury travel,” said Galpin Auto Sports’ Boeckmann. “Tapping our history of creating the conversion van segment in the 1960s and ’70s, as well as our recent high-tech work, together with Ford we have brought the modern ultra-premium van to life.
“Galpin is especially excited about the launch of the Transit, which builds on Ford’s commercial van leadership with a new design, making it the perfect platform from which to modify,” Boeckmann added.
Transit Skyliner will make its auto show debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 16 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
Galpin Motors, home to the world’s largest volume Ford dealership for the 24th consecutive year, was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. Galpin is comprised of a family of quality automobile brands that include Ford, Lincoln, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus and Aston Martin. For additional information on Galpin Motors and Galpin Auto Sports, contact Marketing Manager Jeff Skobin at 818-778-2540/jeff@galpin.com, visit the dealer at 15505 Roscoe Blvd., North Hills, Calif. 91343, like on Facebook at Facebook.com/GalpinMotors or visit www.galpin.com.
Galpin Auto Sports, located at 15600 Roscoe Blvd. in Van Nuys offers customizing and personalizing services on all new and pre-owned vehicles including collector and classic cars. For more information on Galpin Auto Sports’ unique products and services, please contact G.A.S. General Manager, Steve McCord (smccord@galpin.com), at (877)-GO-GAS-GO or visit the website at www.galpinautosports.com.