DETROIT - ThyssenKrupp Elevator has purchased 140 Ford Transit Connects to date, and uses an upfit package with a combination of shelves and drawers from Ford supplier Leggett & Platt.

ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Americas Business Unit, is the largest producer of elevators in North America, with more than 14,000 employees and more than 200 branch and service locations. It is part of ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG, one of the leading elevator companies in the world, represented at more than 800 locations in more than 60 countries.

ThyssenKrupp Elevator operates a fleet of approximately 3,300 vehicles - a mixture of pickup trucks, full-size vans, utility vehicles, medium-duty trucks and a small number of autos. Approximately 1,500 of the company's mechanics - who routinely service elevators and escalators - have been driving large cargo vans because there were no viable options available in the marketplace. When the Ford Transit Connect appeared on the automotive scene, it provided ThyssenKrupp Elevator with a smart solution.

Tom Armstrong, ThyssenKrupp Elevator's fleet director, said the company wanted to replace the larger vans with smaller, more compact vehicles that could "get the job done." They wanted a vehicle that was economically priced and fuel efficient, with a payload capacity of approximately 1,200 pounds to accommodate upfitting, driver and equipment.

"Fuel economy played a large role in our decision to purchase the Transit Connects. As a company, we have a commitment to lowering our impact on the environment and being smart with the dollar. The Transit Connect is a great vehicle for the service industry. It gets the job done," said Armstrong.

According to Armstrong, feedback has been positive. Drivers like the way the Transit Connect handles because it feels more like a car than a truck. They also appreciate the roominess of the interior and the increased visibility from the large front and side windows and mirrors.

The Ford Transit Connect, 2010 North American Truck of the Year, is powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This combination is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 25 highway, representing a significant fuel economy increase - essentially doubling the fuel economy - over full-size vans.

The Transit Connect is available at Ford dealerships throughout the country.