Ford Transit to replace Econoline van in 2013

Ford is finally putting the Econoline out to pasture. The full-size van has been has been available in one form or another since 1961.

The E-series will be replaced by the European-designed Transit van, which will arrive with a global platform in 2013. It will be produced at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. Ford says the Transit will offer improvements in handling, fuel economy and technology.

Ford says the fuel-economy improvement, which will be 25 percent better in the Transit, is a result of the 300 pounds of difference between the two vans.

By Jake Lingeman