Ford Family One Concept

The Ford Transit Connect is a small and boxy European commercial vehicle. It's hugely successful and Ford is bringing it to the U.S. market this summer. For a vehicle that can carry 135 cubic feet of stuff, the base price of $21,475 is very business-friendly. Throw in its 22/25 mpg EPA fuel economy ratings and it makes good economic sense compared to a full-size Ford E-series van. Its little 2.0-liter inline-4 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission isn't very exciting, but it's durable and wallet-conscious.

A feature that adds a new level of family organization is the RFID tag system adapted from Ford's Tool Link technology used for keeping track of a work truck's parts inventory. Instead of tools, however, the Family One keeps track of all the kids' stuff. Before leaving the driveway the computer can verify that the kids and all their stuff are onboard.

For now, it's very much a concept, says Joe Rork of Ford's computer research department. What's certain is the commercial version with a four-cylinder engine and manual transmission arrives this summer. The concept was created to judge consumer reaction and no decision has been made on production. With some of the costlier frills eliminated, this might be unusual enough to be popular among the crowd that 15 years ago thronged to minivans. It might even make consumers forget Ford's woeful Windstar minivan. Details on the Ford Transit Connect Family One after the jump.

The simple design and use of vibrant colors is meant to appeal to kids. The technology to recognize when a child seat isn't mounted properly is meant to appeal to the parents, and if Ford works it right, a price of just over $20,000 would appeal to the family budget.