Ford’s leasing offer on its new Courier small van is being handicapped by a lower residual value that the larger Transit Connect, meaning lease rates on the new baby van will be higher than its larger sibling.
Ford fleet boss Phil Hollins put the blame in part on existing manufacturers in the marketplace. “The lease rate is driven by who plays in the marketplace – Peugeot Bipper, Citroen Nemo, Fiat Fiorino – we want to change that but it is a real challenge,” he told BusinessCar.
Ford will as a result market the Courier at four-year lease rates, at which point it comes out at cheaper per month than a Connect. “We will communicate the logic flows and if someone wants shorter and is willing to pay then great; otherwise they will end up buying a Connect,” he continued. “At Transit Centres we will educate customers regarding the lower running costs if they don’t need the space.”