Ford to replace entire commercial vehicle line-up next year 11 September 2012

Ford's entire commercial vehicle line-up will have been revamped by the end of next year, with the introduction of next-generation Transit complementing long- and short-wheelbase new 1-tonne Transit Customs.

Launched at the NEC in April and on sale now, Transit Custom and passenger-carrying Tourneo Custom versions arrive in November this year.

Details of the new Transit – part of the One Ford global product strategy – came at the Blue Oval's 'Go Further' presentation to 2,500 European dealers, employees and media in Amsterdam's huge new Ziggo concert hall.

With new Transit Connect models and a 'baby CV' (based on the new B-Max, which sits on new Fiesta underpinnings), Ford want a big share of Europe's van segment, which is projected to rise 20% by 2017.

The new small CV revives the name Courier, while Transit has become a brand as Ford seeks to extend its 47-year market leadership to 50 golden years, according to Barb Samardzich, Ford of Europe vice president of product development.

"These new products will carry more, work harder, last longer, and cost our customers less to operate," states Samardzich.

New Transit replaces the 2-tonne Transit in Europe with a range of body styles and derivatives, multiple wheelbases and roof heights, front-, rear- and all-wheel drive and the latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

In North America, where it will be built in Ford's Kansas City F150 pick-up truck facility, Transit will be rear-wheel drive, with a choice of a 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost gasoline engine, a second gasoline V6 or a diesel for a van 25% more fuel efficient than the E-Series it replaces.

Unlike Transit and Connect, Transit Custom is not destined for the US. But UK and European customers will benefit from a van with class-leading carrying capacity. Ford is flagging up Custom's ability to swallow three Euro pallets loaded 1-metre high in its 6.0m3 SWB cargo space (6.8m3 for the LWB).

Transit Custom is the most car-like Ford van, with a fascia and controls straight out of the latest Focus, plus seating matching car comfort.

The 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine comes with three power options: 100PS/310Nm; 125PS/350Nm; or 155PS/385Nm. Stop/start gives improved fuel economy, with an 8% reduction in CO2 emissions.

MacPherson-type front struts, coil springs, gas-pressurised shock absorbers and anti-roll bar, with single-leaf springs and gas-pressurised shock absorbers at the rear, have been stiffened and given longer travel for improved ride, road-holding and comfort.

Prices start at £17,495 (excluding VAT).

Author
Keith Read

Related Companies
Ford Motor Co Ltd

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