DETROIT- Small business owners appear to be fans of the Ford Transit Connect, based on swift early sales of the initial allocation of Transit Connect vehicles arriving at Ford dealerships nationwide, according to Ford.

The automaker said on a national basis, Transit Connect vehicles are selling within eight days of arrival on dealer lots, significantly quicker than current industry norms.

With Transit Connect vehicles just beginning to arrive at Ford dealerships nationwide, small business owners are reacting positively and decisively to this versatile and fuel-efficient business tool, said Ford. An EPA rating of 22 city/25 highway miles per gallon - combined with the payload capacity of a full-size half-ton pickup truck - positions the Transit Connect as a compelling alternative for busy, cost-conscious proprietors.      

"We see rising optimism among small business owners and strong demand for arriving Transit Connect vehicles among this group as reflections of an encouraging economic uptick," said Len Deluca, Ford commercial truck director, in the statement.