In a total deal spanning 1,100 vehicles, forces across the country were sold on the Kuga’s all-wheel drive capability and versatility of the Transit.
The UK’s northern consortium of 22 police forces ordered 680 Ford models, comprising 120 Kuga SUVs and 560 Transit Custom medium vans. Half of the Transit Customs will be supplied by Ford as cell vans, converted by its special vehicle preparation (SVP) operation into a vehicle capable of securely transporting two detainees, accompanied by up to five police officers.
The southern consortium – comprising six fire services and 28 police forces – also picked the Ford Kuga and Transit Custom. The order included 110 Ford Transit Connect light vans and 30 Ranger pick-ups, in addition to 80 Kugas and 200 Transit Customs.
“Ford has a long history of working with emergency services spanning 50 years,” says Terry Adams, Ford direct sales manager. The Kuga, he adds, has established itself as “the rural beat car of choice,” thanks to its all-wheel drive capability.
Other forces using the Kuga include British Transport Police, South Wales and Dyfed Powys. Ford says its Transit Custom is now used in every police region in the country, used as cell vans, crime scene units, dog carriers and camera vans.