• Ford wins Most Reliable Van Manufacturer Overall 2007 & 2008
• Ford Transit voted Most Reliable Model 2007 & 2008
• Ford Transit Connect awarded second place as Most Reliable Model 2007 & 2008

Ford has repeated a trio of significant awards from leading trade magazine, Fleet News. The Ford Transit, promoted as "the backbone of Britain", has come top of an industry reliability survey based on more than 150,000 commercial vehicles.  With an additional runner-up award for the Ford Transit Connect, Ford took the title as the Most Reliable Manufacturer.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "It is fantastic to see British businesses giving recognition to the vans that get the job done. Transit and its sibling, Connect, deliver a great ownership experience due to their low running costs, durability and reliability."

The survey, conducted by Fleet News (the UK’s leading trade magazine for company car operators), is based on feedback from multitudes of fleet vehicles and is the largest survey of its kind in the world.

UNIQUE MOJO FORD TRANSIT SEATS TO BE AUCTIONED FOR WAR CHILD
Priceless Seating for the Dedicated Music Fan

Two unique Ford Transit seats, designed for Mojo music magazine's 2008 Honours List awards event and autographed by an impressive collection of music industry stars including Duffy, John Martyn, Paul Weller and Phil Collins will be auctioned in the run up to Christmas 2008, with all proceeds going to the War Child charity.

Music fans, autograph hunters and collectors of Ford Transit memorabilia in Britain can bid to own one of these elegant pieces of furniture in online auctions on the well-known Ebay website (www.ebay.co.uk).  Each seat will be listed individually and the listings will "go live" for a period of ten days from Saturday, December 6.

The two leather-wrapped Ford Transit driver's seats were created for the 2008 Mojo Honours List awards event in June 2008, and were signed by a host of stars and celebrities who attended the music industry bash in London. All proceeds from the sale of the seats will be passed to War Child, the charity supported by Mojo Magazine at the annual awards event.

"The Ford Transit has played a unique role in music culture by being the one vehicle that nearly all new bands start touring in, and that so many roadies rely on to carry all of their gear," said Ian Slater, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Ford of Europe.  "It is entirely fitting that Ford says thank you to the music business in this way as it is one of the industries that has contributed so much to the Transit's colourful 43-year history!"

FORD VANS RETAIN FLEET INDUSTRY CROWN FOR 14TH YEAR

• Ford vans rewarded for best reliability and low running costs
• Ford Transit awarded Fleet Panel Van of the Year for the 14th successive year
• Transit Connect wins Fleet Light Van for the sixth successive year

Fleet insiders at the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) have once again given their top commercial vehicle award to Transit and Transit Connect.  Ford Transit was awarded Fleet Panel Van of the Year for the 14th successive year and Transit Connect won Fleet Light Van for the sixth successive year.

ACFO represents professional businesses running vehicle fleets across the UK. Members have a wealth of knowledge about which cars and vans can give them the reliability and low running costs imperative to good fleet management.

Ford’s director of fleet operations, Kevin Griffin, said: "Claiming the ACFO title for the 14th consecutive year is testament to Ford's understanding of the van business and our laser focus on reliability, cost and service support."

Ford introduces four-day week for Transit Van as vehicle demand drops 

Ford has cut back on production as the financial crisis engulfing the continent intensifies.

In Britain the move will mean workers producing the Ford Transit van will work a four-day week until the end of the year.

This will mean 17 days less production at its factory in Southampton, while work is also being cut at the company's car plants across Europe.

Ford is following the lead of a number of carmakers, who have dropped shifts in response to the growing financial crisis of recent weeks. In the UK they include Toyota, Jaguar and Land Rover.

The cutbacks come as carmakers fear being left with huge stockpiles of unsold cars. Production of private and commercial vehicles over the first eight months of the year is up 5.2% on the same period as last year. But at the same time demand has slumped with new car registration figures in August plummeting to their lowest level since 1966.

The industry is bracing itself for yet more bad news when September's sales figures are announced next week.

Ford quick off the mark with new Fiesta van

Ford has wasted no time in developing a van derivative of the well-received new Fiesta hatchback. The new van will provide strong competition for the Vauxhall Corsavan and Peugeot 207 van.

It will “probably be launched commercially in the first quarter of 2009 in Germany”, said Bernhard Mattes, Ford of Europe’s customer service vice-president. It offers a load-carrying capacity of around 1 cubic metre, “that’s plenty of space to accommodate high expectations!” Mattes added.

It’s also very clean, with CO2 emissions of just 110g/km, and a claimed fuel economy of 67.3mpg from the smaller of the two Durqtorq TDCi turbodiesel engines on offer – a choice of 68PS 1.4-litre engine or 90PS 1.6 is available, as well as an 82PS, 1.25-litre 16v Duratec petrol engine.

New Fiesta is less boxy than the old model, but this has not compromised the interior load dimensions of the new van. Load length is 1,292mm; maximum width is 1,278mm and height is 936mm. The critical between-the-wheel arches dimension is 1,004mm. The load are is separated from the driver’s cab by a half-height bulkhead.

The advanced drivetrain technology of the new Fiesta car is transferred across, including electric power steering and electronic brakeforce distribution with emergency brake assist. Other features include optional side airbags and a knee airbag for the driver, and the Ford EasyFuel capless refueling system that stops absent-minded drivers from filling up with the wrong fuel.

Mattes believes the new Fiesta will help Ford ride out tough European market conditions. Strong sales of the Transit resulted in a sales increase throughout the 19 main European markets – including Russia and Turkey - of 1.756 units to 180,000 units, giving Ford a LCV market share of 9.8 percent in Europe. The UK remains Ford’s biggest van market – 50,700 vans were sold in Britain in the first six months of the year. “Despite the occasionally difficult market situation, we are accelerating our efforts,” Mattes said.

ACTION VAN: NEW FORD TRANSIT CONNECT SPORTVAN PRICES ANNOUNCED

New Transit Connect SportVan, available at www.vanlocator.co.uk to be priced at £15,325 Performance Blue with white "Le Mans" stripes Powered by 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 110 PS engine On sale in September – limited edition of 300

The new Ford Transit Connect SportVan will hit the streets this September priced at £15,325.

Transit Connect SportVan is based on the SWB 200 van and is fitted with the acclaimed 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, delivering 110 PS and 250 Nm of torque, the most potent of the three engines available to Transit Connect customers.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "The reaction to the Connect Sport concept shown at last year's Commercial Vehicle Show, left us in no doubt that there is strong showroom demand. It looks great and we anticipate it will be just as popular as its big brother, the Transit SportVan, which has been a fast seller.

"The SportVan is all about style and individuality. It’s for people who want to be a bit different – and there's plenty of our customers who feel that way," he added.

The Transit Connect SportVan has an array of additional exterior and interior styling features over and above the established Transit Connect. Continued

The exterior colour is striking Performance Blue with bold "Le Mans-style" white stripes. The sporty exterior styling features include: full body coloured bumpers, a bright chrome grille and side skirts, front and rear sports skid plates, body coloured roof spoiler, silver door mirror housings, exhaust finisher and 18in, seven-spoke alloy wheels.

The sporty theme continues inside with leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, silver surround to the centre stack, leather seats with eight-way seat adjustment, ABS with anti-spin, traction control and park distance control, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors and dual side loading doors. High specification audio equipment is also included: six-CD changer, Bluetooth® and remote control operation.

Like all Transit Connect models the cabin is ergonomically and practically designed, with overhead full width storage and an overhead centre console. Recognising the high security needed to protect the goods often carried in vans, the vehicle is equipped with remote double locking and a perimeter alarm as standard.

2nd July 2008

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME

Dedicated small commercial vehicle Excellent residual values Still winning impressive industry awards The Ford Transit Connect has enjoyed six years of success as Britain's only light van that is built from the start as a commercial vehicle rather than a car. More than 8,000 Connects have been sold so far in 2008.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "We know from recent research that our customers want a van that reflects their business and a professional image. This is exactly why they buy Transit Connect. Such exceptional levels of ruggedness and durability remain unparalleled in the small van sector. "

Thanks to Transit Connect’s exceptionally durable design and construction, service intervals, repairs and maintenance are kept to a minimum. Transit Connect broke the mould with new standards of load box functionality and security. Residual values have always been high and are a strong selling point.

Sales of Transit Connect split roughly into one third long wheelbase, two thirds short wheelbase. The difference between the two models is long wheelbase has 32 per cent more cubic load space and 14 per cent more load length than its baby brother.

Transit Connect continues to top the awards lists. Most recently that includes:

From Fleet World: Van Manufacturer of the Year (2007). From Fleet News (2007): Most Reliable (van) Manufacturer Overall, Ford Transit Connect first place for Most Reliable Model. From What Van?: Best Security, Light Van (Connect 2007 and 2008), Best Light Van (Connect 2007 and 2008). From the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO): Fleet Light Van of the Year (Connect 2007 & 2008). From Fleet World: Best Van Range. Ford Commercial Vehicles also won the Security Award (2008)

2nd July 2008

MOVEABLE BULKHEAD ADDS FLEXIBILITY TO FORD TRANSIT CONNECT CREW VAN

Transporting crew and equipment between sites is a cost effective task with the Ford Transit Connect Crew Van, and now more flexible thanks to a moveable bulkhead.

Direct feedback from businesses led Ford to develop the new, moveable bulkhead for Transit Connect Crew Van. The securing catches allow the bulkhead to be adjusted easily and quickly to maximize convenience and flexibility.

When required, the easily-adjustable bulkhead can travel forward on the roof-mounted rails, lock securely in position behind the folded seats and allow larger loads to be accommodated with ease. Combine this flexibility with the class-leading durability, safety and security of the original panel van, and the Crew Van is a significant addition to the Transit Connect range.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain said: "Once again, by listening to our customers, we have developed a valuable addition to the Transit Connect range. As well as having the credentials of a durable Transit, the Crew Van is versatile enough to meet constantly changing demands and get class-leading payload and price."

With a second row of foldable seats, the Crew Van can carry five (four plus driver) in comfort, with plenty of room for cargo. Transit Connect Crew Van is available in both long and short wheelbase models and comes with the same selection of diesel engines, 1.8-litre TDCi 75PS, 90PS and 110PS.

Transit Connect Crew Van

SWB LWB

Gross Payload (kg) 725 800

Measurement of volume with one row of seats (cubic metres) 1.24 1.8

Measurement of volume with two rows of seats (cubic metres) 2.26 3.07

Load length (2nd row seat to rear, mm) 909 1172

Load length( 2nd row seat folded, mm) 1266 1529

2nd July 2008

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT SPORTVAN DEBUTS AT CV SHOW

Stylish new Transit Connect SportVan is now a production reality Available in Performance Blue with white bonnet stripes Powered by the acclaimed 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 110 PS engine On sale from September 2008 Prices announced nearer the on sale date Birmingham, 15 April, 2008 – The new Ford Transit Connect SportVan production model makes its global debut today at the Commercial Vehicle Show, at the NEC, Birmingham.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "The reaction to the Connect Sport concept shown at last year's Show, left us in no doubt that there is a demand for a production version. Just 300 models will be available when they go on sale this summer and we anticipate the same interest as we got for its big brother Transit SportVan.

"Transit Connect SportVan is all about style. Our customers want to stand out from the crowd in a vehicle that keeps their business moving," he added.

The Transit Connect Sport has an array of additional exterior and interior styling features over and above the established Transit Connect, including: full body coloured bumpers, a bright chrome grille and side skirts, front and rear sports skid plates, body coloured roof spoiler, silver door mirror housings and exhaust finisher complete the look. Wheel arch liners and bodyside mouldings offer protection from minor knocks and dirt accumulation.

Exterior colour is Performance Blue with bold Ford GT-style white stripes and 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels complete the sporty exterior styling features.

Inside is just as sporty with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, a silver surround to the centre stack and Transit Tourneo-style air vents. High quality leather seats with eight-way seat adjustment, ABS with anti-spin, traction control and park distance control, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors and a side loading door. High levels of audio equipment are included; a six-CD changer, Bluetooth® and remote stalk operation. A full bulkhead prevents any cargo movement and is partly glazed.

Like all Transit Connect models the cabin is ergonomically and practically designed, with overhead full width storage and an overhead centre console. Recognising the high security needed for goods often carried in the Transit Connect, the vehicle is equipped with a full bulkhead, remote double locking and a perimeter alarm as standard features.

The provision of a rear floor mat helps retain the high level of finish to the floor and is designed to prevent any cargo from slipping. In terms of safety, front and side airbags are standard Front fog lamps are also standard as is the heated windscreen with Ford's Quickclear technology.

Equipped to provide performance and efficiency The Transit Connect Sport is based on the SWB 220 van and is fitted with the acclaimed 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. Delivering 110 PS, this engine is the most powerful of the three available to Transit Connect customers, delivering 250 Nm of torque.

The Transit Connect range is now available with c-DPF (coated Diesel Particulate Filter.) It is available as an option on two of the three power outputs of the 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi – the 110 PS and 90 PS. Compliant with Euro Stage IV regulations, the c-DPF is of a design that re-generates itself. If normal driving conditions are attained, there is no need for special servicing or individual attention to be given to the c-DPF.

April 2008

• New six-speed transmission together with upgraded powertrain
• ESP extends to dual rear wheel drive and incorporates hill launch assist
• New optional coated diesel particulate filter (cDPF)
• All models available to order now

Following the announcement of the most powerful Transit engine (200PS), the largest Transit (4.6 tonne) and a heavy duty series, the Transit range now comes with a new six-speed transmission, more models with electronic stability programme (ESP), hill launch assist (HLA) and optional coated diesel particulate filters.

Steve Kimber, director, commercial vehicles, Ford of Britain, said: "The Transit range is known for its diversity and these new additions will give operators more choice than ever before.

"We were proud to be the first to make adaptive ESP standard on a van and that roll-out is now complete with the inclusion of dual rear wheel drive and 17-seat minibus."

New Six-speed powertrain
All front-wheel-drive Transits are being enhanced with the introduction of a new 2.2-litre 140PS six-speed power train, replacing the 130PS five speed model. In addition to the extra gear, this new powertrain also develops an extra 13 per cent of torque -350 Nm compared with 310Nm for the previous model. This new powertrain will be available in Transit SportVan around Spring 2008.

Progress of Load Adaptive Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
The inclusion of ESP in Transit continues as planned with dual rear wheel drive models now being produced with ESP as standard. This includes Jumbo vans, chassis and chassis double cabs and 17-seat minibus. In addition, ESP is being upgraded across the range to include hill launch assist (HLA). This feature uses the ESP system to help the driver when accelerating from stationary on an incline. When the driver removes foot pressure from the brake pedal to accelerate, the system momentarily holds the vehicle to prevent it rolling backwards.

Coated diesel particulate filter (cDPF)
Separately available as an option from £850 is a coated diesel particulate filter (cDPF). This is now available on FWD 2.2-litre 85PS and RWD 2.4-litre 100PS. The latter gains six speed transmission when cDPFs are specified. For this, two different technologies are used: front-wheel drive models will be equipped with a standard diesel oxidization catalyst in conjunction with a regenerative DPF. Transits with rear- wheel drive come with an in-exhaust fuel vaporization system that is used to regenerate the DPF – a Ford-first technology. In addition to this eco-friendly system, a shift indicator system is being introduced to assist in driver behaviour and further optimise fuel economy.
22 October, 2007

• Research shows 67 per cent of van drivers like to listen to music

• New connection socket means Transit drivers can plug in their MP3 players

• Available at no additional cost on all models built from September 2007.

 Britain's best-selling van, the Ford Transit, is now being built with an 'aux-in' socket which allows drivers or passengers to plug their MP3 portable music devices such as iPods through the Ford audio unit.

The socket is positioned on the passenger side, under the upper dashboard lid. Recent research shows that the top three music choices for van drivers are pop (56 per cent); rock (15 per cent) and R&B (10 per cent).

With sales of new Transit surging in the UK, 60,000 new drivers are set for even greater driving enjoyment, according to Ford's latest sales predictions.

20 September 2007

• Two new three-way Transit Tipper models, priced from £21,750
• Two new Transit curtainside models, available from £22,400
• All models available to order now

 - Ford of Britain's Transit One Stop Shop is now offering four more models in this key segment of the commercial vehicle market. The bespoke and flexible nature of the programme maintains Ford's number one spot; already taking 70 per cent share of this segment to date in 2007.

Transit Single and Double Cab Three-Way Tipper
Flexibility and quality are the by-words for Ford's new three-way Transit Tippers. Available in single and double cabs, both models are rear wheel drive and available with a choice of three 2.4 TDCi engines: 100PS, 115PS or 140PS.

Class-leading quality starts with the powder coated, hot dipped galvanised steel body with double-skin aluminium side and tailboards. The three-way movement is facilitated by the five-stage, chromium plated ram, mounted in a cast steel gimbal, in conjunction with configurable ball and socket pivots.

The three-way Tipper features a unique dash-mounted tipper control module and solid state powerpack control providing unrivalled functionality, status information and safety. A bottom-hinged tailboard is fitted as standard. Metallic and special order paints are included in the Tipper price.

Transit Tippers have proved particularly popular with local authority fleets and individual builders alike. The new three-way will increase the appeal and ability of operators to get the job done effectively.

Transit Curtainside
Three-sides for loading is the unique selling point for the new 350 long (L) and extended frame (EF) Curtainside Transits.  The 350L has a load length of 3.6 metres while the 350 EF can take load lengths of an impressive 4.0 metres. With three sides of the curtains opening, it's a fork lift truck driver's dream. 

The unique feature with the new Curtainside is the ease of operation when opening and closing the curtains: a single latch retains each end of the curtains rather than the traditional multiple straps. The curtains feature reinforced plastic inserts that reinforce and locate the curtain in its tracks. An overcab aerodynamic spoiler and 270deg opening rear doors are standard features.

As with the new Tippers, both models are rear wheel drive and available with a choice of three 2.4 TDCi engines: 100PS, 115PS or 140PS. The standard body colour is frozen white with mid-blue curtains. Alternative colours and livery are available from the bodywork supplier at extra cost.
20 September 2007

FORD TRANSIT AND THE AA PATROL BRITAIN'S ROADS

Ford and the AA, the UK's largest roadside assistance organisation, have strengthened their partnership with the announcement that 300 new Ford Transits will be used by patrols across the country.

Orders for the Ford Transit medium wheelbase vans have been placed with Ford, and vehicles will be used by AA patrols to provide roadside assistance to drivers.

Ford of Britain already offers 12 months AA roadside assistance with all new cars and 36 months cover with commercial vehicles under the Ford Assistance scheme. The service becomes invaluable in the event of an accident or breakdown. Around 90 per cent of stranded motorists' vehicles are fixed at the roadside by the AA.

The first of the 300 Transits was handed over to AA patrolman of the year, Adam Ashmore by Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, Roelant de Waard.

Roelant said: "We are delighted to be working with the AA. Ford has supplied the AA with Transits previously and we are confident our partnership will be stronger than ever."

David Wallace, director AA Business Services, said: “Patrols are taking delivery of their new Ford Transits, which have always been popular. It is a good all-round vehicle that is easy to drive and offers good working space. We are delighted to be working with Ford again as it's essential that patrols drive reliable, well equipped and suitable vehicles to provide the best service to AA members."

17 September, 2007

 Ford Transit is the chosen delivery vehicle for a Peak District farmers' cooperative endorsed by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Ford Transit, the International Van of the Year 2007, has been selected by the farmers' co-operative called "Peak Choice", which is backed by Business in the Community's Rural Action programme. The cooperative have taken delivery of a Ford Transit 260 SWB van with refrigeration conversion in the Derbyshire Peak District.

Initiated by BITC Rural Action, Peak Choice is a co-operative of local hill farmers who sell premium beef and lamb through a box scheme that is suited to home delivery or for selling from the branded Transit van. The branding incorporates a watercolour by HRH the Prince of Wales.

The web-based business (www.peakchoice.co.uk) sells direct to consumers and it has received a further boost from HRH The Prince of Wales. He has funded the purchase of the refrigerated Ford Transit van for deliveries and for ‘back-of-the-van’ sales.

Chris Larson, National Rural Director of BITC said: “The Ford Transit provides exactly the right image for this premium quality meat business and it also provides a great advertising platform on the road.”

If the Peak Choice scheme is successful there are plans for similar initiatives in Northumberland, Dartmoor, North Yorkshire and in a southern National Park.

Kevin Griffin, Ford Fleet Director, said: “We are delighted to have played a part in this important local business initiative. The Ford Transit has once again proved to be the best van for the job.”

17 September, 2007

Ford is showing fleet operators how a road speed limiter can reduce their carbon footprint. Fitted to the new Transit the device can make sound business sense, as well as reducing CO2 emissions.

The company has produced a performance chart illustrating the effect of driving a cross-section of Transit models at governed speeds of 60 and 65mph. A road speed limiter (RSL) – costing £25 - potentially can deliver useful savings in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
On a Transit 260 or 280S 2.2-litre 85PS low-roof van, for example, driving 10mph below the motorway limit could save more than 19 per cent on fuel consumption at cruising speeds – alongside a similar percentage cut in CO2 emissions.

By limiting speeds to 65mph, a saving of more than 10 per cent at cruising speeds is possible on the same model, again with a corresponding 10 per cent-plus reduction in CO2 emissions.

On a Transit Jumbo, a cruising speed saving of almost 13 per cent is achievable by governing top speed at 60mph compared with 70mph.

“Many operators have been asking us about achievable ways of limiting their impact on the environment as well as reducing costs,” says Ford’s fleet operations director Kevin Griffin. “For operations on which maximum motorway speed is not a critical factor, we believe use of RSLs to be one of the most cost-effective approaches.”

The factory-fitted Ford Transit road speed limiter is an option on all diesel models.

Ford Transit Launches Sport Model

The covers came off the unique new Ford Transit SportVan today at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham. Famous for her televised 'race' around the Nürburgring in a Ford Transit, professional driver, Sabine Scmidtz, was the first to test the new Transit Sportvan and joined Ford's commercial vehicles director, Steve Kimber, for the unveiling.

Steve Kimber said: "I think this stunning new van will appeal to a part of the British market we've not seriously courted before – the single or small operator. Transit SportVan is all about style and individuality. It’s for people who love Transit and want to be a bit different – and there's plenty of our customers who feel that way!"

The limited edition Transit SportVan has been created for those who want to make a bold statement. The additions have been made to the popular 260, short wheelbase, front wheel drive, 130PS model.

The exterior comes to life with the unique performance blue paintwork, Le Mans style white bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18-in 'snowflake pattern' alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, body colour grille and front bumper, front and rear spoilers side skirts, extended wheel; arches and mudflaps all around.

Inside the cab the features are just as impressive: leather seats, air conditioning, six CD-player with remote steering column-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, power and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass and leather gearshift knob.

Further standard features include: power door deadlocks with second key fob, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights, passenger airbag and load area protection kit.

Sabine Scmitdz, one of the Nürburgring's official 'taxi' drivers, reached international fame when she challenged BBC Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson to a time race around the 'ring' in a Ford Transit.
24 April, 2007

Ford of Europe's Commercial Vehicle development team, based at the company's Dunton Technical Centre in the UK, is celebrating the Ford Transit's status as International Van of the Year 2007, by creating an unusual one-off special – the Transit XXL.

Transit XXL literally stretches the Transit Tourneo passenger vehicle to new lengths, and could well be the longest Ford Transit in the world!

Designed and built by the Transit team at Dunton as a special project, Transit XXL uses 'off the shelf' Ford Transit components throughout. It is based on two short wheel base Transit Tourneo models which have been meticulously joined together to deliver a bespoke limousine that carries the driver plus seven passengers in full 'first class' comfort.

Every passenger benefits from a leather-trimmed, seven-way fully adjustable Transit 'Captain's Seat' complete with heating, lumbar adjustment and armrest. As you would expect, legroom and shoulder room are extensive!

This one-off vehicle has been designed to further demonstrate the Ford Transit's flexibility and capabilities. It measures 7.4 metres in length and has a wheelbase of 5.9 metres. This compares to the standard Tourneo length of almost 4.9 metres and wheelbase of 2.9 metres.

Transit XXL also features four full sliding doors – two on each side – while the entire vehicle benefits from privacy glass allowing occupants to be transported in appropriate anonymity. The four opening side doors of the Transit XXL are complemented by the fact that it's a right hand drive van. When used in left hand drive countries, the Transit XXL driver can stop at the kerbside and be ready quickly to help passengers get in to or out of the vehicle – something that drivers of long limousine vehicles understand and appreciate.

The interior also features a fully fitted carpet made from the standard Tourneo item, and a floor to roof carpeted bulkhead behind the rearmost pair of seats which creates a separate luggage compartment accessible only through the tailgate-style rear door.

Passenger comfort is maximised through the use of front and rear air conditioning, with the rear being controlled via the passenger compartment making this literally the coolest Transit to travel in.

The team isn't finished yet, and has plans to install a full in-vehicle entertainment system, including DVD player and games consoles, with individual monitors.

Still a Transit at Heart

Transit XXL is powered by a completely standard Ford 2.2-litre, 130PS Duratorq TDCi engine, though the 5-speed gearbox has been specially adapted and tuned for optimum gearing to deliver enhanced mid-range performance. The braking system has also been upgraded and uses self-adjusting, servo-assisted front and rear discs. The body construction for Transit XXL features extensive strengthening under the floor and in the roof to ensure that the vehicle is torsionally rigid and safe. It has an unladen weight of 2500kg. Using an FT350 front wheel drive model, the suspension has been enhanced to give the necessary gross vehicle weight of 3500kg, enabling Transit XXL to be fully laden with passengers and their luggage

Finished in Frozen White, the Transit XXL retains many of its original standard features, including satellite navigation, Bluetooth® capability, top-of-the-range Ford audio equipment, heated front screen and – perhaps most importantly – reversing sensors.

"The Transit team spent a huge amount of their personal time putting together the Transit XXL, and we're delighted with the result," said Barry Gale, Ford of Europe's Chief Engineer for Commercial Vehicles. "It was a challenging project but the core vehicle's strengths and flexibility have helped the end result to be easy to drive and very comfortable to ride in.

"Ford has a history of building unusual one-off, fun vehicles that have become legends – the Transit Supervan series, our World Rally Transit and most recently the Transit Connect X-Press which used the powertrain of the Focus RS to create a hugely entertaining vehicle," said Gale. "Transit XXL takes us in a different direction as we wanted to show that the refinement of the new Transit allows it to be a limousine. One thing is for sure – it provokes amazing reactions from all who see it!"

3 January 2007