July 2008, Work Truck - Feature
The Armadillo's High Profile
By Chad Simon
Price and Ordering
Many fleet customers made the commitment to the Armadillo based on initial cost savings which, according to Connors, can be substantial.
The cost to add the Armadillo body to a Ford or GM ¾- or 1-ton van is $9,995 for regular-length vans and $10,995 for extended models. Shipping is extra.
Vision’s HCV van can be paired with Ford’s E-Series fleet, government, or retail price programs.
The Ford van with the HCV conversion carries a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, while Ford’s powertrain comes with a 60-month/60,000-mile warranty.
GM and Ford cargo van factory orders require a lead time of six to eight weeks, some longer depending on options stops. When coordinated with upfit production and shipping, total lead extends to approximately 10-12 weeks from the time of the signed order.
Currently, fleet customers can order the HCV from 23 Ford dealers across the country.
HCV Enters Fleet
Target markets are delivery fleets that require more cargo capacity than the standard Ford or GM vans as well as the ability to stand up inside the van. The unit will also be introduced to floral, dry cleaning, and pharmaceutical companies.
"With the Econoline making up more than 70 percent of the van market, [the HCV] is a great place to start," says Tom Meeks, CEO and president of Continental First Federal Inc. (CFF), a major truck supplier to FedEx contractors and other logistics companies, located in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.
Meeks sees the van’s expansive panels as good white space for company advertising. He bought the second HCV test van and branded it with his company logo.
Vision Manufacturing is building 600 units for CFF at its factory in Georgia. The first van recently entered the FedEx fleet in Vermont.
CFF is a fleet customer as well as an authorized reseller. Meeks intends to keep 50 upfit units in inventory for immediate sale at CFF’s retail location in suburban Nashville, Tenn.
Built for Adaptability
The HCV upfit will evolve depending on the industry it serves, including installing shelving systems for electricians and plumbers. "Fleets that purchase and use the van will determine future product improvements and options," says Molitor.
Aftermarket manufacturers will build interior and exterior options for the Vision HCV according to market demand. Ladder racks, lifts, racks, bins, back-up cameras, and other products are already available for the end user. WT