Utilimaster Corporation, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc., is launching a new, highly fuel-efficient walk-in van called the Velocity. The Velocity provides lower total cost of ownership through lower initial cost, improved fuel economy and a walk-through design that enhances driver productivity and safety.
The Velocity, built on a Ford Transit cutaway chassis, debuted March 4 during the 2015 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. The Velocity allows full stand-up height, cargo capacities of 574, 679 and 784 cubic feet, and is scheduled for full production in the third quarter of this year.
“Commercial vehicle customers approached us with the need for lower cost of ownership and improved productivity,” stated John Forbes, president of Utilimaster. “Customers desired a large entry door for ease of entry and exit on multi-stop routes, improved fuel efficiency and flexibility of configuring the cargo space for various applications. The Velocity is the answer to driving a better return on investment for each deployed asset.”
The Velocity is the first walk-in van developed to support the Ford Transit gas, diesel or CNG/LPG platforms. The design offers rear swing or roll-up doors for dock loading, a curbside sliding door, low entry and egress steps and optimized ergonomics for managing commercial deliveries and service routes.
Cost of Ownership
- Cost of ownership over seven years is nearly half the cost of a traditional walk-in van
- Initial acquisition cost is 15 percent lower than a traditional walk-in van
- Operators can realize a $3,000 fuel savings per vehicle at 20,000 miles per year when compared to a traditional walk-in van
- Improved driver productivity - walk-in design saves 30 seconds for entry and egress per stop when compared to traditional passenger cab door, according to the company
Safety
- Largest entry steps and bus type hand rail in the industry
- Steps positioned lower to the ground for ease of entry/egress minimizing operator strain
- Curbside entry and exit to avoid entering traffic
- Flat floor throughout, from cab area to cargo area
- Rear grip strut step bumper
- Three points-of-contact hand rail
Green/Sustainability
- Standard Ford 3.7L V6 gasoline engine with 274 hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque. The engine is capable of running E85 or can be equipped with a Gaseous Engine Prep package for compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) operation.
- Available Ford 3.2L I-5 diesel engine with 185 hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque
- Better Fuel Economy – capable of 16 miles per gallon, combined EPA estimated fuel rating in 3.7L gasoline versions – a 60 percent improvement when compared to a traditional walk-in van
- Multiple Fuel Options – gas, diesel or CNG/propane
- Recyclable aluminum body construction
Capacity/Efficiency
- 574-784 cubic feet of cargo capacity with up to 3,725-lb payload capacity
- 42" wide by 73" high sliding curbside door
- Door configuration and lower step heights yield faster entry/egress for improved productivity
- Easily accessible from the driver’s seat, the cargo area allows operators more than 6' tall to walk in and out of the van in an upright position
- Available in 156" and 178" wheelbase configurations
- Payload capacities of 3,725 lbs (12'), 3,600 lbs (14') and 3,200 lbs (16')
- 27" wide by 82" high sliding bulkhead door
- Heavy duty shelving rated at 600 lbs for 12' models
- Optional jump seat
