Voters Tell Ford to Build the Hackmobile Transit Connect Wagon as Part of MAKE Magazine Online Competition

• In the spirit of Vandemonium – and as a surprise to the builder, Ford will actually build the Hackmobile Transit Connect Wagon following contest presented by the company and MAKE magazine
  
• MAKE magazine will award the Hackmobile design team $10,000 as the grand prize and $2,500 to runner-up Jimmy Diresta in the Ultimate Maker Vehicle Challenge
  
• Twin Cities Maker created Hackmobile for the Ultimate Maker Vehicle Challenge, a competition to design the ultimate Ford Transit Connect Wagon for the do-it-yourself enthusiast

The Hackmobile has been selected as the winning design in the Ultimate Maker Vehicle Challenge, a contest presented by Ford Motor Company and MAKE magazine featuring 10 teams competing to create the ultimate Ford Transit Connect Wagon for the do-it-yourself enthusiast.

Hackmobile was created by Minneapolis and St. Paul-area residents Jon Atkinson, Becca Steffen, Riley Harrison and Michael Freiert, members of Twin Cities Maker. Their idea was to design a Ford Transit Connect Wagon to transport a three-axis CNC machine the team calls The Fabber because of its use as a multipurpose tool in fabricating.

Aside from The Fabber, Hackmobile will have shelving and storage for tools – making it a mobile workshop for woodworking, metalworking and 3D fabrication.

Twin Cities Maker is a nonprofit community organization that operates a shop called the Hack Factory, where members build projects out of various materials, as well as hold classes for the community.

“The Blue Oval has always been about innovation, and that do-it-yourself spirit is alive and well today,” said Sherry Kollien, Ford SEMA vehicle project manager. “The sky is the limit with vehicles like Ford Transit Connect, and we’re very excited to surprise the Hackmobile team and make their dream vehicle into a reality.”

The 10 contestants in the Ultimate Maker Vehicle Challenge were given a budget and specific design and build criteria to work with before submitting their proposal. They were encouraged to define a particular vision for the ultimate do-it-yourself Ford Transit Connect Wagon.

Members of the public were allowed to vote once a day for as few or as many entries as they liked, judging the concepts based on overall design and customization, as well as maker spirit.

The all-new 2014 Ford Transit Connect – which features class-leading configuration options and goes on sale early next year – has been named International Van of the Year 2014. Its versatility has ignited the creative spirit of so many owners that Ford refers to it as their moment of Vandemonium.

The 2014 Ford Transit Connect comes in two distinct models – the traditional, hard-working, panel-side hauler cargo van; and the all-new wagon model, a stylish, spacious and fuel-efficient people mover. Transit Connect Wagon features sliding doors and flexible, fold-flat seating for up to seven.

The DIY challenge is part of Ford’s Makers and Movers campaign with MAKE magazine highlighting Transit Connect Wagon. Throughout the campaign, owners who have used their talents to customize the vehicle have been showcased in stories and videos on Makezine.com. The profiles show how Ford has manufactured a vehicle that can be modified for an individual’s tastes and passions.