CV Show debut for Ford’s Transit Custom van 23 April 2012

When Ford launches the Transit Custom at the CV Show in Birmingham tomorrow (Tuesday 24 April 2012), the automotive giant says visitors will see new levels of style, driver appeal and functionality.

Representing a new generation of Ford one-tonne commercial vehicles, the new van marks a major step in Ford's drive to refresh its entire commercial vehicle line-up by 2014.

With a new design, car-like interior and apparently outstanding driving dynamics, the Ford Transit Custom has been designed to appeal to an expanded share of the segment, including professionals, skilled tradesmen and small businesses.

Transit Custom also offers benefits found throughout the remainder of the Transit range, says the manufacturer – including class-leading load-carrying ability and durability, and attractive cost-of-ownership – with what Ford calls best-in-class fuel economy.

For example, load volume is claimed to exceed that of its closest competitors (6.0 cubic metres SAE with full bulkhead fitted), optimised to offer more space and more convenience – with, for example, SWB model able to carry three Euro pallets loaded to at least one metre high.

Also, a load-through hatch in the bulkhead enables loads up to three metres in length, such as pipes or ladders, to be safely carried inside the vehicle. Further, the width between the wheel arches allows wide loads, such as 8 feet x 4 feet boards to be accommodated flat on the floor.

There's also a deployable integrated roof rack system, the cross bars of which can be quickly folded down when not in use, so reducing drag and fuel consumption, as well as keeping the vehicle height under two metres.

"The Transit Custom is a completely new kind of one-tonne vehicle from Ford," insists Jesus Alonso, director Ford commercial vehicle marketing, sales and service.

"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," he adds.

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.

As for some brief detail, low running costs start with 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 42.8mpg and 174g/km CO2 emissions – a reduction of up to 8% on the equivalent current Transit.

Minimising overall cost-of-ownership has clearly been a high priority throughout the vehicle 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.

Author
John Challen and Brian Tinham

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