Voters tell Ford to build the Hackmobile Transit Connect

(December 23, 2013) The Hackmobile has been selected as the winning design of Ultimate Maker Vehicle Challenge, a contest presented by Ford Motor Company and MAKE magazine that featured 10 teams competing to create the ultimate Ford Transit Connect Wagon for the do-it-yourself enthusiast.

The Hackmobile was designed by the Minnesota-based team of Jon Atkinson, Becca Steffen, Riley Harrison and Michael Freiert. Their idea was to design a Ford Transit Connect Wagon that is used to transport a three-axis CNC machine the team has dubbed The Fabber because of its use as a multipurpose tool in fabricating.

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

The designers, who are from the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas, are members of Twin Cities Maker, a nonprofit community organization that operate a shop called the Hack Factory. Inside the factory, 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. 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,” said Sherry Kollien, Ford SEMA vehicle project manager, Ford Motor Company.

The 10 contestants 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 Transit Connect Wagon.



The public was allowed to vote only once a day but 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   was named International Van of the Year 2014. Its versatility has ignited the creative spirit of so many owners that Ford has called it their moment of Vandemonium.

The 2014 Ford Transit Connect comes in two distinct models – the traditional, hard-working, panel-side hauler cargo van; and an 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 that highlights the Transit Connect Wagon. As part of the campaign, owners who have used their talents to customize the vehicle were 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.