Ford Transit

Ford Transit Custom – A New van for 2012

fordtransit — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:32:21 +0000

The all-new Ford Transit Custom makes its global debut at the Birmingham CV Show, bringing new levels of style, driver appeal and functionality to the one-tonne commercial vehicle market.

Representing a completely new generation of Ford one-tonne vehicles, the Transit Custom marks a major step in Ford’s commitment to refresh its entire commercial vehicle line-up by 2014.

With its bold new design, car-like interior and outstanding driving dynamics, the Ford Transit Custom is targeting an expanded share of the segment, appealing to a broad range of professionals, skilled tradesmen and small businesses.

The new model has lost none of the Transit toughness and value, however, combining class-leading load-carrying ability, impressive durability and attractive cost-of-ownership – with best-in-class fuel economy.

“The Transit Custom is a completely new kind of one-tonne vehicle from Ford,” said Jesus Alonso, director CV Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “This is a stylish, modern van which customers will be proud to have on their driveway, while losing none of the hard-working attitude that they expect from a Transit.

“The launch of this new range marks the start of a far-reaching transformation of Ford’s global commercial vehicle range. With more new models set to be revealed in the coming months, 2012 is destined to be a very exciting year for our commercial vehicle business.”

With a full range of van, kombi, and double-cab-in-van models, the dynamic new Transit Custom will go on sale later in 2012 in Europe as well as other global markets. The Transit Custom model will not be offered in North America.

Bold new appearance

The all-new Transit Custom immediately announces its arrival with a bold new exterior which embodies the same dynamic character as Ford’s kinetic design passenger cars.

“Customers want their vehicle to project a modern and professional image, and the new Transit Custom does not disappoint,” explained Paul Campbell, chief designer, Ford of Europe. “We have given the vehicle a stylish, modern appearance which will be appreciated by businesses of all sizes.

“It’s still a Transit, so the superbly practical loadspace is a given, but with its sportier stance and bold rising shoulder line, the Transit Custom makes a powerful new impact.”

Signature kinetic design features help to give the Transit Custom its unique character, including the bold trapezoidal grille, strong and muscular shoulder line and prominent wheel lips.

From launch, the Transit Custom will offer a choice of short wheelbase (SWB – overall length 4.97 metres) and long wheelbase (LWB – overall length 5.34 metres) versions, so that customers can select the amount of load space which best suits their business.

Class-leading load carrying ability

Beneath its stylish exterior, the new model remains completely true to its Transit heritage by offering class-leading load carrying ability, including a number of innovative new loadspace features.

In addition to offering maximum load volume which exceeds that of its closest competitors (6.0 cubic metres SAE with full bulkhead fitted), the load area of the Transit Custom has been carefully optimised to offer more space and more convenience than any of its rivals. Key features and innovations include:

■Optimised bulkhead and loadspace design enables SWB model to carry three Euro pallets loaded to at least one metre high

■Load-through hatch in bulkhead enables loads up to three metres in length, such as pipes or ladders, to be safely carried inside the vehicle

■Class-leading width between wheelarches allows wide loads, such as 8 feet x 4 feet (2440mm x 1220mm) boards to be easily accommodated flat on the floor (or stored vertically if required)

■Class-leading height and width of sliding side load doors for ease of loading

■Deployable integrated roof rack system seamlessly integrated into the roof, and can be deployed when required. When not in use, the cross bars can be quickly folded down, reducing drag and fuel consumption, as well as keeping the vehicle height under two metres (with the exception of the 330 series)

■Repositioned tie-down hooks and fixing points located on the body sides, leaving the floor clear for easier loading and cleaning

■Easy clean load floor liner offers enhanced durability and simple cleaning

To provide customers with a wide range of payload options from 600-1,400kg, Transit Custom is available with multiple GVM options.

“This may be a more stylish Transit, but it’s a more functional Transit too,” said Barry Gale, Commercial Vehicles chief engineer, Ford of Europe. “The additional features we have built into the load space make everyday functions more convenient – so it’s easier for customers to do their job.”

Unmatched driver appeal

The Transit Custom brings a new level of car-like driver appeal to its segment with an all-new interior, advanced technologies and outstanding driving dynamics.

The modern, driver-focused cockpit features a sculpted instrument panel which combines stylish looks with smart stowage solutions for bottles, phones and papers. Driver comfort is significantly enhanced through a highly adjustable driving position which features increased seat travel – including 30mm more rear travel for taller drivers – and the addition of a steering column adjustable for reach and rake.

Once behind the wheel, the driver can call upon a wide range of available driver assistance technologies also featured on Ford’s latest passenger cars, including:

■SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system – enables mobile phones and music players to be connected to the vehicle, and operated by voice control

■Emergency Assistance – enabled by SYNC, this award-winning new feature is designed to assist occupants to contact the Emergency Services in the event of an accident, providing vehicle location information

■Rear-view camera – display integrated into the rear view mirror

■Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert – latest driver assistance features alert the driver if the system detects the vehicle is inadvertently drifting out of the lane, or the driver is becoming tired behind the wheel

The strong driver appeal of the Transit Custom is reinforced bydynamics and performance which have been carefully tuned to reflect the same natural and easy-to-drive character which customers appreciate on Ford’s car range.

To achieve this, engineers have developed the new Ford global one-tonne platform which underpins the Transit Custom to make it much stiffer and stronger – increasing torsional stiffness by as much as 37 percent – benefitting both handling and noise levels.

Meticulous tuning of the suspension components and steering system has resulted in significantly improved ride comfort, along with more precise and agile handling. Like the new Ford Focus, the Transit Custom also features the latest Electronic Stability Program technology with Torque Vectoring Control for enhanced traction and stability.

The stiffer structure, together with a comprehensive effort to eliminate unwanted noise and vibrations throughout the vehicle, has resulted in a quieter environment for the driver – speech intelligibility has improved by nine percent within the cab.

To maximise occupant protection, the Transit Custom features an optimised body structure which features ultra-high-strength Boron steel for the first time on a Transit. In total, over 40 percent of the body is made from high-strength or ultra-high-strength steels, resulting in a strong and light body which is designed to offer high levels of crash protection.

The new vehicle also features an enhanced restraint system which now gives customers the option of specifying curtain airbags for the front seat occupants, in addition to driver and passenger airbags and seat-mounted side thorax airbags. As on Ford’s latest passenger cars, a horizontal stroking steering column is also now fitted, to help reduce loads on the occupant’s head and chest in the event of a high speed frontal impact.

Traditional Transit cost-of-ownership and durability

Like all Ford commercial vehicles which share the Transit badge, the all-new Transit Custom has been developed to offer exceptional cost-of-ownership and durability.

Low running costs start with the class-leading fuel economy, delivered by an improved version of Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Available in 100PS, 125PS and 155PS power ratings, this torquey and responsive power unit now features Auto-Start-Stop as standard on Stage V vehicles, delivering combined fuel consumption of 6.6l100km (42.8mpg) and 174g/km CO2 emissions – a reduction of up to 8 per cent on the equivalent current Transit.

Minimising overall cost-of-ownership was a high priority throughout the vehicle design and development, with key features including minimised maintenance and repair times, a 12-year anti-perforation warranty, and the longest service intervals in the class at two-years /50,000 km/30,000 miles.

To ensure the legendary Transit toughness, the all-new Transit Custom has been subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent Commercial Vehicle testing and durability standards.

Even before the vehicle goes on sale, it will have been driven the equivalent of five million km (three million miles), including at least 400,000km (250,000 miles) with Transit customers. Key components and systems are tested to the limit: for example, doors go through an intensive regime of 250,000 slam cycles, which is three times more punishing than Ford’s equivalent passenger car test.

New generation of Ford commercial vehicles

The launch of the Transit Custom marks the next step of a complete transformation of Ford’s global Commercial Vehicle range which will see the entire line-up replaced by 2014.

Ford will be presenting larger and higher payload Transits later in 2012. These models will be extensively sold on a global basis, including North America, and will also feature rear-wheel-drive.

Production of the new Transit Custom will start from mid-2012 at Ford’s plant in Kocaeli, Turkey, with market availability later in the year.

NEW Model Year 2012 Ford Transit Revealed

fordtransit — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:17:16 +0000

We have got a sneak preview of how the new Ford Transit is to look at its launch later this year.

The new design can be seen in the new Ford Tourneo Custom Concept which makes its global debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Ford tells us, “this is a dramatic new look that will appeal to customers seeking style, functionality and space.”

Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe said, “Our forthcoming new range gives us the opportunity to appeal to new customers with a fresh new direction, and we have seized that opportunity with both hands. The Tourneo Custom’s car-like qualities will be appreciated by a broad range of business and leisure customers, and this is a fitting venue to present the vehicle for the first time.”

To keep up with the Transporters and Vitos, the Tourneo Custom Concept will preview a host of new features, including an all-new interior design with driver-focused cockpit, and a luxurious, fully trimmed cabin which has the ambience and high-quality materials of a modern multi-seat saloon car.

The Concept also showcases a number of smart innovations including multi-adjustable and removable rear seating, advanced SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system and the latest Ford low-CO2 ECOnetic Technologies.

Rear View of New Transit Tourneo 2012 Model Year

The Tourneo Custom Concept communicates very clearly a dramatic new design direction for Ford’s commercial vehicle range, which will be introduced later in 2012.

With its advanced, streamlined appearance, the concept vehicle embodies the same dynamic character as Ford’s Kinetic Design passenger cars – “generating the strong sense of movement, even when the vehicle is standing still.”

“We set out to create a design with clean, futuristic lines and with a real sense of occasion,” explained Paul Campbell, chief designer, Ford of Europe.

The concept is powered by a further improved 155 PS version of Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine family.

The Tourneo Custom Concept is based on a new Ford global platform which has been engineered to deliver car-like dynamics, including agile, responsive handling, enhanced ride comfort and reduced noise-levels.

The new Transit range will be powered by enhanced versions of the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which was initially introduced in 2011; with Auto-Stop-Start technology fitted as standard.

Three power ratings will be available: 100 PS, 125 PS and 155 PS. All versions are paired with a six-speed manual transmission and feature front-wheel drive.

The model range will include a wide choice of body styles and two wheelbases (SWB and LWB) allowing for extra luggage or goods capability where required.

“2012 is a tremendously significant year for Ford as we begin the roll-out of a completely new range of commercial vehicles,” said Odell. “Our market-leading commercials have established a tremendous reputation for value and durability, and our new range is destined to raise this to a new level.”

FORD TRANSIT VAN DELIVERS MEDICINES SAFELY

fordtransit — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:13:36 +0000

Ford transit Pharmavan

Ford has developed a modified Transit known as the “Pharmavan”, in association with AAH Pharmaceuticals. AAH, the UK’s leading distributor of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, has taken delivery of 270 Ford models to add to its 800-strong van fleet.

The “Pharmavan” was developed to keep sensitive pharmaceuticals at the correct, ambient temperature during delivery around Britain. Ford provided AAH with a special air-conditioned load area in a long-wheelbase Ford Transit 300.

Geoff Wright, head of corporate services for AAH, said: “Most pharmaceutical products have to be kept at a steady ambient temperature. Using a fully refrigerated vehicle with dual compartments for this role comes at a high price, including increased fuel consumption, running costs and CO2 emissions.
“When the temperature in the Pharmavan’s load bay dips below 10 deg C, the heat kicks in independently of the driver. When it nears 25 degrees, the air-conditioning brings the temperature down. The system is only in use when required making it extremely cost-efficient and easy to operate.”
Alphonso Cain, Ford fleet business manager, said: “AAH has been a Ford customer since the Transit van arrived 46 years ago, so it’s pleasing to help the company in this way. The “Pharmavan” is the perfect bespoke solution for AAH, which will provide the company great cost savings in the coming years.”

Ford Top of the charts 100 Years On

fordtransit — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:24:28 +0000

Transit vans

Ford of Britain’s centenary year in 2011 also marked 46 years of UK commercial vehicle (CV) sales leadership.
The Ford Transit has led the UK CV sector from its launch in 1965. The Transit helped account for a significant growth in Ford CV sales in 2011, totalling 71,607, up from 62,308 in 2010. Ford Transit sales alone were up from 46,300 in 2010 to 56,363 in 2011, representative of sales increases across the whole Ford CV range in 2011. Apart from Transit, Ford Fiesta Van, Ford Transit Connect and Ford Ranger all increased sales.
Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director, said: “Ford’s 2011 sales performance benefitted from a combination of our best-ever range of vehicles, advanced technology engines, including the new low-CO2 EcoBoost engines, and the unrivalled strength of our dealer network.

FORD OF BRITAIN 100: IMAGE OF THE WEEK

fordtransit — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:19:17 +0000

To celebrate the centenary of Ford of Britain in 2011 the company is exploring its photo archive to reveal rarely seen images.

Ford’s unique relationship with Britain and its society will be illustrated each week by specially selected pictures.

This week we revive a milestone in Ford of Britain’s history – the production of the five millionth Ford Transit van in August 2005.

The Transit Van Club formed to mark the 40thanniversary of Ford Transit production teamed up with Ford engineers and executives to create a convoy of more than 60 vans – ranging from ambulances to Ford’s World Rallye Transit – spanning the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in Essex.

Consistent investment, exciting breakthroughs in technology and engine development mean that the Ford Transit has maintained its market leadership for more than 46 years in the UK.

With engines built at the Ford Dagenham Engine Plant in Essex, commercial vehicle research and development at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre, Essex, transmissions produced from the Getrag-Ford joint venture in Halewood, Merseyside and manufacturing in Southampton, this British icon continues to thrive.

Ford Transit Wins Award

fordtransit — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:45:16 +0000

Ford Transit wins award

The UK’s top-selling van has received another accolade from leading magazine What Van?, declaring the Ford Transit best medium van 2012.

The Ford Fiesta Van, the Ford Transit One Stop Shop programme and Ford’s ECOnetic technologies were also highly commended.

Paul Barker, editor of What Van? said: “The new Stage 5 Ford Transit has made impressive improvements to the UK’s most popular light commercial vehicle, and brought new levels of refinement and economy to the iconic model.

“Efficiency gains will save operators money, more important than ever in the current climate, and add further appeal to a range of vehicles that have all-round appeal.

“The expert What Van? judging panel were also happy to give a number of highly commended acknowledgments to a range of Ford products, proving the breadth of appeal from the UK’s biggest-selling van brand,” continued Barker.

ECOnetic technologies available on Ford commercial vehicles include Auto-Start-Stop (which automatically shuts down the engine when at idle, and with the transmission and clutch disengaged) and 70mph Speed Limiter. There are also two new Ford Transit ECOnetic models with CO2 levels from as low as 173g/km – an improvement of up to 8.5 per cent in fuel economy and emissions versus the original Transit ECOnetic. The latest Ford Fiesta Van ECOnetic has a class-leading 95g/km CO2.

Ford’s successful Transit One-Stop Shop programme creates a variety of bespoke conversions of Ford Transit chassis cabs such as tippers and dropsides, to ambulances and motor homes.

Offering the widest possible choice in terms of load lengths, payload and passenger carrying ability – with three wheelbases, four frame lengths, rear- , front- or all-wheel drive, high-traction dual and single wheels and single or double cab style – it creates hundreds of different vehicles to keep businesses moving.

Ford of Britain commercial vehicles director, Steve Clary, said: “The Ford Transit is going from strength to strength and is unique in having 46 years at the top of the van sales charts. In a tough economic climate, operators are choosing Transit for its reliability and cost of ownership now further improved by the latest models meeting Stage 5 emissions standards.”

In the last six years, The Ford Transit van has won 15 What Van? awards.

FORD TRANSIT HELPS DISABLED SERVICE SKI TEAM

fordtransit — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:10:09 +0000

Ford has once again come to the aid of disabled Service skiers to compete in international winter sports events with the provision of a new Transit minibus.

The Ford Transit, a nine-seater Tourneo 280 short wheelbase, will be used by the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team (CSDST) to transport athletes and their equipment around the Alps this winter. It is the third consecutive year that Ford has assisted the team.

The CSDST is a registered charity which provides quality race coaching to serving members of the Armed Forces, and to veterans, all of whom have a permanent disability. Most members were injured on active service, and several are double amputees.

Last season the team won three gold, four silver and four bronze medals in international events and this season will train in Austria ahead of Army competitions in January and the Inter Services Championships in February. Several CSDST members are hoping to make the British Disabled Ski Team and represent their country in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia.

“Ford’s assistance in providing the Tourneo is greatly appreciated,” said Lt Col Mike Quaile, team deputy chairman. “The vehicle enables us to move both the disabled skiers and their equipment during training and competitions, and without it we would struggle to provide these opportunities to disabled service men and women.”

Transit brand manager David Petts added: “Ford is very pleased to again assist the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team. The work being done by the team’s trainers, and the efforts being made by team members themselves, is not only inspirational but gives everyone great pride.”

Old Ford Transit Ice Cream Van On Tour

fordtransit — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:43:56 +0000

As Britain basks in an Indian summer, a Ford Transit has helped Ford drivers to keep cool.

The 1998 model Ford Transit ice cream van, called ‘Ginger’, has been on duty in Marsh Mills on the Plymouth coast and at the British Street Food Awards in Suffolk, as part of this month’s Ford Centenary Tour.

Claire Kelsey, founder of Ginger’s Comfort Emporium – which specialises in making distinctive ice cream desserts – created a distinctive new flavour, rhubarb crumble and ginger, in honour of Ford of Britain’s centenary, titled “Ford 99 plus 1” and provided free samples to the first 100 customers to arrive at Vospers Ford dealership in Plymouth.

The 13-year-old Ford Transit has also helped its owner scoop one of the top prizes at the 2011 British Street Food Awards. Ginger’s Comfort Emporium took the award for Best Dessert with a roast banana, salt caramel and peanut flavoured ice cream. The Ford Transit claimed second place in the Best Mobiler category, an award for mobile catering.

The judges of the awards included celebrity TV chef, Antony Worrall Thompson, and ‘Cold Feet’ and ‘Reggie Perrin’ actress, Fay Ripley.

Antony Worrall Thompson said: “I’m not normally a sweet eater but this is absolutely delicious. Not only is the ice cream incredibly tasty, the Ford van is actually very pretty too!”

“It’s a dream come true to win this award – I was delighted when the judges announced we’d won Best Dessert. It’s a flavour I’ve been making for quite some time now and it has obviously gone down well with the judges.” said Claire Kelsey, who started her mobile business, Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, just over 12 months ago.

The Ford Centenary Tour, ending this month, covered a distance of over 2,200 miles across Britain, from Inverness to Southampton and Cardiff to London, in celebration of 100 years of Ford of Britain.

Classic Ford Transit Vans Meet at Southampton for Centenary

fordtransit — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:53:14 +0000

Historic Transits on show

The Ford assembly plant in Southampton has hosted an eclectic collection of classic Ford Transit vans, including one from Australia, as part of Ford’s centenary celebration this year.

The 11 Ford Transit vans displayed – with a combined age of 315 years – provided a fascinating insight into the history of this motoring icon. From the oldest – a 1969 Mark I SWB Transit – to the most recent 2005 Mark VI, the collection of Ford Transits showcased the evolution of Ford vans.

Ford Transit owner and enthusiast, Major Cliff Parfitt, an English-born Australian, brought his custom Transit ‘Last Post’ to the UK from its home 10,000 miles away in Melbourne, Australia, to take part in the celebrations.

Major Parfitt said: “I was offered the chance of working in the UK again and as I had put so much time and money into customising and personalising my old post office Transit, I decided to ship it over.”

Peter Lee, founding member of the Ford Transit Van Owners Club and a former Ford employee, said: “The Ford Transit is quite simply the backbone of British motoring. If you have ever ordered anything, chances are it has been delivered to you in a Ford Transit.

“As well as owning nine Transit vans, I’ve also got what is probably the world’s largest Ford Transit memorabilia collection at home with the top floor of my house holding something like 28,000 models and other collectables.”

The centenary celebrations at Ford Southampton plant also featured Talullah Rendall, music artist and singer/songwriter, performing for over 400 workers.

Talullah said: “A couple of years ago, I used to travel all over the country in my Ford Transit. Me, the band and Nina – our Transit – must have travelled over 10,000 miles playing all over the country, including Glastonbury.”

The Ford Centenary Tour came to an end after one month, covering a distance of over 2,200 miles across Britain, from Inverness to Southampton and Cardiff to London.

New, Silver Transit SportVan hits the Streets

fordtransit — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:18:25 +0000

For Ford of Britain’s centenary, the Ford Transit team has released 180 special edition Transit SportVan models in a smart new livery – metallic silver and graphite.

Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Anthony Ireson, said: “Demand for our Transit SportVan has been exceptional so we are delighted to now offer this latest edition. Transit remains as popular as ever with more than 40,000 sales so far this year and this SportVan gives customers the chance to own a really special Transit.”

The Transit SportVan is based on the popular 260, short wheelbase model with front wheel drive, with 140PS 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine and a six-speed transmission. The exterior features Moondust Silver paintwork, Le Mans-style graphite bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18in graphite colour alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches. Standard safety features include ABS, ESP and driver and passenger airbags.

Inside the cab: velour trim, air conditioning, Sony radio/CD with DAB with remote steering-column-mounted controls, Bluetooth, cruise control, power windows, powered and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm are also standard.

Additional standard equipment includes power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights and a load area protection kit. Optional are leather seats, Satellite Navigation FX system with 5in colour screen and a rear view camera with cab-mounted 7in LCD colour display monitor. LED cargo lights in rear and LED daytime running lights are available as a dealer-fit accessory.

The Ford Transit SportVan was first created in 2007 for customers wanting to make a bold statement with their commercial vehicle. All previous models are sold out: Performance Blue with white stripes (500), Sea Grey with silver stripes (80), Panther Black with silver stripes (500), Frozen White with blue stripes (80) and Ink Blue with silver stripes (150), Colorado Red with white stripes (250).