IMSA-XJR9 Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 https://jalopnik.com/ford-comes-out-as-surprise-dark-horse-competitor-in-the-1823617769 No major U.S. automaker has been in the running, at least until these spy photos were released, showing, without a doubt, that Ford is involved. In this case, they’re partnered with Oshkosh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 I was going to say, the article I read yesterday didn't mention Ford. I always thought the Connect would make a good little mail truck. Interesting. Looks much better than this monstrosity: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Rosadini Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 I was going to say, the article I read yesterday didn't mention Ford. I always thought the Connect would make a good little mail truck. Interesting. Looks much better than this monstrosity: Ditto-Not sure where I read it but for sure Ford was not on the list. Oshkosh should be a good partner-and from a cost perspective, the Transit components you would think would make this cost effective vs. custom sheet metal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-150 Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 What are they trying to say with that 50mph front bumper? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbone Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 Perhaps this would be a good application for the new F150 hybrid powertrain to set it apart from the rest. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 Perhaps this would be a good application for the new F150 hybrid powertrain to set it apart from the rest. Agreed! I thought the requirements were that it had to be a hybrid?? If these are prototypes, why in the heck do they bother putting USPS stickers on them? Unless USPS is trying them out maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 Agreed! I thought the requirements were that it had to be a hybrid?? If these are prototypes, why in the heck do they bother putting USPS stickers on them? Unless USPS is trying them out maybe? To test the aerodynamics of the eagle logo. DUH! ---- Since electric is the big thing, why not make these things electric? They're all returning to the same point every night where they could recharge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 To test the aerodynamics of the eagle logo. DUH! ---- Since electric is the big thing, why not make these things electric? They're all returning to the same point every night where they could recharge. Too big to be all electric? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSchicago Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 Too big to be all electric? Why would that be the case? Tesla is working on all electric Semis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 Why would that be the case? Tesla is working on all electric Semis. And what do those cost? I guess I should have added and be economically feasible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 (edited) Agreed! I thought the requirements were that it had to be a hybrid?? If these are prototypes, why in the heck do they bother putting USPS stickers on them? Unless USPS is trying them out maybe? Not a requirement: http://savethepostoffice.com/wp-content/uploads/Supplier_Conference_Pres_FBO_Posting.pdf Although I suspect that in order to be competitive on operating costs, it will have to be a hybird. So I think at this point, all the remaining vans in the competition are either fully electric or hybrids. Using the Transit chassis instead of a purpose build chassis is interesting decision. It could mean that this van will receive regular life cycle improvements over the contract (which could last instead of being locked in on the design parameters with a purpose build chassis. Perhaps Oshkosh will try to use that as a selling point. Edited March 9, 2018 by bzcat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 Mail service would be better suited for a hybrid system. Too much stop and go for a fully electric system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moosetang Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 What are they trying to say with that 50mph front bumper? The USPS is tired of fixing fenders. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 I see these in Chicago all the time (theyre a BEV version of a European van) and think theyre pretty nice looking. Id rather see the Transit Custom than the regular Transit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 Taking direction from Doug Heffernan? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moosetang Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 I like the Transit but the best of the prototypes I've seen is the AM General. A good mail truck should be cartoonish, but cohesive in a way that Transit with it's goofy-looking add-ons just isn't. That said, AM General is struggling while Oshkosh is on a mega hot streak in the government contract game so I'm definitely marking the Transit as one of the favorites. I see these in Chicago all the time (theyre a BEV version of a European van) and think theyre pretty nice looking.Id rather see the Transit Custom than the regular Transit. I agree it's nice looking, but without front doors it's not at all practical for USPS needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 I like the Transit but the best of the prototypes I've seen is the AM General. A good mail truck should be cartoonish, but cohesive in a way that Transit with it's goofy-looking add-ons just isn't. That said, AM General is struggling while Oshkosh is on a mega hot streak in the government contract game so I'm definitely marking the Transit as one of the favorites. I agree it's nice looking, but without front doors it's not at all practical for USPS needs. That does look pretty good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 (edited) I agree it's nice looking, but without front doors it's not at all practical for USPS needs. I never noticed the lack of doors. Crazy. There is a slider on the passenger side. Edited March 9, 2018 by sullynd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blksn8k2 Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 Mail service would be better suited for a hybrid system. Too much stop and go for a fully electric system. Rural mail carriers in my area still use their own vehicles and their routes cover a greater area than most current full electrics would have sufficient range for. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 Rural mail carriers in my area still use their own vehicles and their routes cover a greater area than most current full electrics would have sufficient range for. Same here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoonerLS Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 Rural mail carriers in my area still use their own vehicles and their routes cover a greater area than most current full electrics would have sufficient range for. Same here. Same here, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transitman Posted March 10, 2018 Share Posted March 10, 2018 I remember reading an article about new mail trucks and one of the big issues was ergonomics, the vehicles needed to be able to be set up to eliminate body twisting and improve accessibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted March 10, 2018 Share Posted March 10, 2018 Our USPS is still mostly LLVs. The longevity of those things is impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MY93SHO Posted March 10, 2018 Share Posted March 10, 2018 Our USPS is still mostly LLVs. The longevity of those things is impressive. We've been servicing some of the LLVs for about 8 months. They are WORN OUT. they needed to be replaced over 5 years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe771476 Posted March 10, 2018 Share Posted March 10, 2018 (edited) I'm hoping that seeing that overhang, the right side has a sliding door. Also, the left side must have a sliding door. You can't have hinged doors on what will be the next generation of your every day common mail trucks. The turning circle MUST be small so these trucks can make tight U-turns. It must be aluminum. If you'll notice, the current Grumman LLV (Long Life Vehicle) aluminum body mounted on a mid-80's Chevy S10 show no rust! As far as being larger then the current LLV, I think the postal service might be in a catch 22 scenario. First, the USPS (United States Postal Service) is buying new vehicles to accommodate the inundation of Amazon parcels. Actually i think they should have Jeff Bezos (worth $105 billion, Amazon is worth $500 billion)) buy them for the USPS!!! But wait! There's talk that he plans to start his own delivery fleet. So does the USPS need BIGGER trucks? Well the truth is they need NEW trucks anyway, but if Bezos/Amazon abandons the USPS, they might not need BIGGER trucks. Mechanically the LLV's are on their last leg, but they did a good job for almost 30 years!! And yes, I'm surprised as anyone that Ford is doing this; I was not aware they were involved. But again, seeing as how Ford has experience with aluminum, they should offer their vehicle aluminum-bodied. Hopefully these new trucks will have some kind of amenities in them. The current trucks have no AC, poor heating, no cup holders, no clock, and just 2 speed wipers. Also, the wrap-around plastic bumpers on the current trucks fair well in minor accidents. Edited March 16, 2018 by Joe771476 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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