INDIANAPOLIS. Utilimaster has a history of introducing new vehicle bodies here at the Work Truck Show, most recently unveiling is Reach van four years ago. Today, Utilimaster added another option for work trucks with the Velocity walk-in van.
“This vehicle is a culmination of input from customers, innovation and a product of speed and excellence,” said John Forbes, president. “In our business, we’re very focused on our customers, responding to their needs… and the Velocity is in response to that.”
According to Forbes, the Velocity will offer the lowest total cost of ownership in the segment at nearly half of a traditional walk-in van, the company said. A price point that is 15% lower than a traditional van and fuel economy improvement of nearly 60% (it gets 16 mpg) are just two of the more important, noticeable savings.
“With its low entry and egress, it will save most fleets 30 to 40 minutes a day in labor costs,” Forbes added.
The Velocity is built on a Ford Transit cutaway chassis and offers full stand-up height in the cargo area. Three cargo capacities are available: 574 cu. ft.; 679 cu. ft.; and 784 cu. ft.
The design offers the option of rear swing doors, roll-up doors as well as curbside sliding door and optimized ergonomics. It also features a flat floor throughout, rear grip strut step bumper, and three points-of-contact hand rail.
Available fuels will include gas, CNG, propane autogas and diesel.
The standard engine will be the Ford 3.7L V6 gas powerplant with 274 hp. and 260 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine can be run on E85 fuel and is available with a gaseous prep option for CNG or propane operation. An optional Ford 3.2L I-5 diesel engine with 185 hp. and 350 lbs.-ft. of torque is available.
Wheelbase options include 156 in. or 178 in. and payload capacities are 3,725 lb. in the 12-ft. van, 3,600 in the 14 ft. model, and 3,200 lbs. in the 16 ft. variation.
There is an optional jump seat.
Full production is schedule for the third quarter.
