8 replies to this topic

[radin2son]

Focus groups of small businesses, who owned Econoline vans, let Ford know they didn’t want a Euro-unibody van. They wanted a truck based van that could handle heavy payloads, tow what they needed, have real roll down cab windows, have actual foot wells without an intruding engine and have easy access for routine engine maintenance. Ford, who switched to snub nosed vans in the early 1960s, listened and developed a long nose van scheduled for introduction sometime in 2019. R&D, however, failed to do a patent search.

In 2005, Nissan Commercial committed to building a truck based van unlike the current snub nose and Euro versions. Nissan Commercial patented the term and design of “long nosed” vans.

Ford is considering legal action, while Nissan has offered to let Ford pay a per unit fee with each front fender displaying a Nissan badge.

In the interim, Nissan Commercial has invited the focus groups to come on down and check out the NV lineup. “It has everything you want.”

Source: April Fuel

Edited by radin2son, 01 April 2018 - 05:09 PM.

[mahu]

HAHAHAHA!

[D. Finn]

Nissan may have trademarked the phrase "long nose van" but that won't stop anyone from building one, only calling it that particular phrase. You can't patent words or phrases. Only products can be patented. I seriously doubt that a patent for a van with an engine forward of the cab could ever hold up to a challenge. There is functionally no difference between a NVxxxx style van and any of the old panel wagons built in the past, or a large truck based SUV like the Suburban/Excursion/etc. 

 

Now does Ford really want to build one? Who knows! I do agree that Ford and Rams venture into unibody is cutting them out of a large market for vans that can tow substantial amounts.

[zelatore]

I find this funny; I needed a work van that could also occasionally tow 8000lbs +/- and the ONLY van available was the NV.  It was actually last on my list of preferred work vans as I really don't like the long truck-like hood sticking out.  It's a waste of space IMO; not very efficient packaging.  I would have bought a Sprinter or Transit but they don't have the tow capacity I needed.  Even the old E-series could have done the job but after working out of a euro-style van I'll never go back to the cargo area of an old style American van...again - just too inefficient in it's space usage.  

 

I know a lot of tradesmen were upset with the E-series was replaced by the T-series Fords, but I think that was mostly down to them generally being very conservative and not liking the euro look.  Once you actually use one you'l never look back.

 

The Nissan is a 'tweener.  It's got a functional body but that full frame and long hood give you more towing at the cost of wasted space and a high load height.  Still, it's got it's own little market segment to itself at this point.  

[GrooveChampion]

The long hood isn’t a waste of space. It is just a different priority. I was initially hesitant about the long hood, but I fell in love with the NV as soon as I test drove it. I am 6’6” And the NV was by far the most comfortable for me to drive. I find it ironic that many of the largest vehicles are not designed to accommodate large people.

[zelatore]

Well, I'm only 5' 10" and about 170 lbs, so I have to admit seating room wasn't really a worry for me.  I'm actually thinking I may try to raise the seat a bit.

[Bamps]

What ford should have done was not stop building a “panel truck” and “sedan delivery” for the smaller needs.

[radin2son]

Bamps, April Fuel is rarely taken seriously...

When randomly looking for 2019 NV news, I came across a photo of a Nissan badged Eurovan. Horrors.

Edited by radin2son, 28 December 2018 - 04:58 PM.

[Flowinby]

I had 2 Chevy vans...( and drove both ford and chevy's in a prior job)  then I  bought an  NV....night and day with the ride.....and hands down rides better with a full load.   My NV recently was totaled and I had to rent a new Ford....it was the first snow...only an inch...and I was stuck on a flat road, spinning my tires.   Now looking for a New 18 or 19 NV and would never even consider the Ford after that experience.