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All-New Ford Transit Offers Best-In-Class Cost Of Ownership And Load Carrying Capability


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BRENTWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM – Dec 18, 2013: Ford’s all-new Transit commercial vehicle will provide businesses with best-in-class cost-of-ownership and load carrying capability when it arrives in early 2014.

The all-new Ford Transit two-tonne model – available from £20,795** – offers customers significantly reduced maintenance and repair costs, exceptional durability, increased cargo volumes, and smart loadspace features, as well as best-in-class fuel efficiency with the extended choice of Transit ECOnetic models.

The new model is part of an unprecedented 24-month renewal of Ford’s entire commercial vehicle range for Europe, and comes to market alongside International Van of the Year winners for 2013 and 2014, the Ford Transit Custom (one-tonne model) and Ford Transit Connect, with the Ford Transit Courier also to be launched next year.

“Ford’s flagship Transit model is once again setting the standard in its class by cutting running costs, shifting bigger loads and pioneering valuable new technologies,” said Paul Randle, vehicle line director, Global Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “All this together with a vast choice of model options and of course legendary Transit toughness.”

The all-new Ford Transit is based on a state-of-the-art global platform and replaces the heavier Transit derivatives in Ford’s commercial vehicle line-up, joining the successful new Ford Transit Custom in the European range. Ford earlier this year celebrated the production of the seven millionth Transit van since it launched the iconic brand in 1965.

Outstanding cost-of-ownership, efficient powertrains and Transit toughness
The Transit ECOnetic models deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions from 169g/km (with 62mph fixed speed limiter), equivalent to combined fuel consumption from 44.1mpg. Compared to the already highly fuel efficient ECOnetic version of the outgoing Transit, fuel consumption has been reduced by a further six per cent.

Powered by a uniquely calibrated 125PS 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel from Dagenham, equipped with Auto-Start-Stop and Ford’s innovative Acceleration Control feature, the Transit ECOnetic range now extends to six different van models with gross vehicle mass (GVMs) of up to 3.5 tonnes.

The standard Ford Transit powertrain features the fuel-efficient 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine with a choice of three power ratings (100PS, 125PS, 155PS) and a 6-speed manual transmission; customers also have the option of 125PS and 155PS HDT6 engines which meet the Euro HDT VI emission standards.

Available in front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, the all-new Ford Transit also offers extended 2-year/30,000 miles service intervals, with the time required for scheduled maintenance over 90,000 miles cut from 5.4 to 4.2 hours over the outgoing model.

Ford analysis of a basket of 23 repair items shows that the new model is class-leading for non-scheduled maintenance times; for example, the labour required for a rear brake disc repair has been cut from 2.6 to 1.3 hours. Expensive fuelling errors are avoided by the unique, standard-fit, Ford Easy Fuel system.

The new generation model has been engineered to deliver outstanding durability. Its immensely strong body construction features high-strength and ultra-high-strength boron steels, and offers a comprehensive 12-year anti-perforation warranty.

Subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent global commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, the all-new Transit has covered the equivalent of nearly seven million miles in arduous testing in Europe and North America – the same as driving around the globe 275 times – with more than 310,000 miles of that total covered by actual Transit customers.

For the first time, the new model has also undergone a series of extreme strength tests to ensure the vehicle would behave in a safe and predictable manner when subjected to the worst kinds of impacts experienced in real-world use: one test involving striking a 150mm kerb at 30mph.

New level of capability and versatility
The all-new Transit offers increased cargo capacity of up to 11 per cent more than the outgoing model and a range of innovative loadspace features for easier and more secure load carrying.

The purposeful, modern exterior design of the Van model conceals a load area which can accommodate key standard-length items including pipes or building boards, and which has more vertical side walls and larger, more practical door openings. The side load doors now have a class-leading opening width of 1,300mm for easier loading and unloading with forklift trucks.

Model-for-model, load volume has been increased by around 10 per cent compared to the outgoing Transit: for example, the L2 van’s maximum volume with standard full steel bulkhead has risen from 10.3 to 11.2m3, enabling it to now transport four Europallets and carry 3.0m length items along the floor. The largest Jumbo van can swallow 15.1m3 of cargo behind the bulkhead.

Vans are available in three different lengths and two different roof heights with multiple GVM options of up to 4.7 tonnes. Smart new features now include:

  • Integrated high-grip rear bumper step offering a class-leading step height
  • Easy to Clean Load Floor to protect both the van and the load; durable plastic floor covering rises 100mm up the side walls for easier washing and sweeping
  • DIN/ISO compliant side-wall mounted tie-down points help keep the load floor clear
  • Optional LED premium loadspace lighting provides maximum interior illumination
  • High-visibility decals warn other road users when the rear doors are open at 90 degrees
  • 3.5-tonne towing capacity for 350 HD and 470 L4 155PS models

    Further Transit variants include Double Cab-in-Van (DCiV) models, plus Chassis Cab and Double Chassis Cab versions. A new Chassis Cab L5 derivative accommodates 5.0m floats or box bodies, and Transit people movers include the M2 Bus range with seating for up to 18 people.

    Ford will be introducing the full new Transit range using a staggered approach, with a second phase including the DCiV, Chassis Cab L5 and Double Chassis Cab variants available from the final quarter of 2014. Superior driver comfort, advanced technologies
    The cabin is significantly more spacious than the outgoing model, with increased shoulder room, head clearance and visibility, and a more comfortable driving position with a steering column fully-adjustable for rake and reach.

    An all-new interior, with a stylish new instrument panel, incorporates a range of smart stowage solutions including a full-width overhead shelf and a large hidden compartment under the dual passenger seat. A 230V power socket can be used to charge tools or laptops without the need for special adaptors.

    Ford engineers have tuned the vehicle to deliver class-leading driving dynamics, with more confident, car-like handling in both city and motorway driving. The cab is significantly more refined, with reduced noise levels and improved ride comfort.

    To suit the vehicle’s role as a mobile office, a wide range of convenience features from Ford’s latest passenger cars can be specified, including the Ford SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system, with the innovative AppLink feature – which enables drivers to control their favourite smartphone apps using voice commands – to be introduced later in 2014.

    Another unique-in-class Ford SYNC technology is Emergency Assistance, a smart feature which is designed to assist the occupants to call the local emergency services operator in the event of an accident, providing valuable additional reassurance to professional drivers.

    Further pioneering technologies which also will help enhance drive awareness and confidence during long working days at the wheel include:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert
  • Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert
  • Rear View Camera with Trailer Hitch Assist
  • Static Cornering Lights
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring

    The vehicle provides the latest Electronic Stability Control technology with innovative features including Curve Control – a unique Ford-developed program designed to slow the vehicle in a safe and stable fashion when it enters a bend like a motorway exit ramp too quickly – along with Load Adaptive Control, Roll Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist.

    For sale in six continents
    The new-generation Transit was developed under the One Ford product strategy for sale in six continents, including Europe, North America and other key markets worldwide. In North America, where Transit makes its debut, it will eventually take over from the best-selling E-Series range

    The all-new Transit is now available to order in European showrooms for delivery from spring 2014. Vehicles for the European market are being built at the Ford Otosan manufacturing plant in Kocaeli, Turkey, with volume production scheduled to commence in early 2014. North American Transit vans will be manufactured in Kansas City, alongside the Ford F-150.

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