Ford introduces new “Smart Mirror” technology – this is a high-definition screen that displays a panoramic rear view for the driver of Transit and Transit Custom vans.
The Full Display Interior Mirror will aid drivers to spot cyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles that might well are behind them, even when the windowless rear doors or partitions are in the way.
The display reveals what happens at the rear of the vehicle in real-time and features automatic brightness control for optimum visibility through the day-night cycle. Furthermore, the technology offers a field of view which is twice the width of a conventional rear-view mirror. This would help drivers to be more aware of the surroundings – when approaching roundabouts, changing lines, or simply when checking before merging.
This new technology can be beneficial for delivery drivers that make frequent drop-offs in cities, where there are more likely to encounter those on bikes, scooters, or similar.
The mirror is already available for Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans fitted with windowless rear doors. The system can already be ordered from any Ford dealer.
Ford has unveiled full details about the all-new 2015 Transit, which delivers over 46 % better fuel economy than Ford E-Series and offers Ford van customers more choices and capability than ever.
2015 Ford Transit hits the US market and Canadian dealerships this summer and will replace the America’s best-selling van for 35 years, E-Series, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline.
“We are excited to serve our fleet and commercial customers in North America with the all-new Transit,” commented Kumar Galhotra, Ford vice president, Engineering.
“Transit is Built Ford Tough and represents One Ford at its best, building on lessons learned from our decades of leadership in the commercial vehicle markets in the United States and Europe.”, he added.
The engine range includes a 3.7 liter V6 engine as well as a 3.5 liter EcoBoost and a 3.2 liter Power Stroke diesel.
The 3.5 liter EcoBoost unit boasts 14 mpg US in city and 19 mpg US on the highway. The improved gas mileage translates to fuel savings as high as $1,700 annually, based on EPA data. The power is 310HP (228 kW) and 540Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque – best in class among full-size vans – making Transit an excellent choice for those whose work requires extra cargo-hauling capability.
The 3.7 liter V6 get a 14 mpg US in city and 19 mpg highway EPA-estimated rating. Fuel savings for customers could be as much as $650 a year, according to EPA estimates.
The 3.2 liter Power Stroke five-cylinder diesel engine provides 90 percent of its peak torque from 1,500RPM. Quick-start glow plugs offer fast startups at temperatures as low as 10 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. A variable geometry turbocharger helps deliver quick power.
Horsepower (hp) at RPM
Torque (lbs.-ft.) at RPM
3.7L V6 with Ti-VCT
275 @ 6,000
260 @ 4,000
3.5L V6 EcoBoost
310 @ 5,500
400 @ 2,500
3.2L Power Stroke Five-Cylinder
185 @ 3,000
350 @ 1,500–2,500
Transit van delivers as much as 4,650 lbs of maximum payload capacity – more than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler. Maximum payload increases at least 600 pounds across all sizes of Transit vans versus comparable E-Series vans. Transit delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs.
Towing and hauling are made easy by the standard 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. It features selectable tow/haul mode to compensate for grade and load, while also reducing gear hunting when towing or hauling heavy cargo.
A compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas prep package is available on Transit when equipped with the 3.7 liter V6 engine.
2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi will deliver to the North American market low operating costs, and improved comfort and flexibility. The vehicle was revealed at the 2013 International Association of Transportation Regulators.
First, the new Transit Connect Taxi is equipped with a new engine – the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. It provides quick response, durability and great fuel efficiency. What is more, the vehicle will be the only taxi on the market which will be offered with a compressed natural gas/liquefied petroleum gas engine prep package.
The taxi has been redesigned and includes a decreased height. In addition, an interior hood release was added, which enables the drivers to easily check fluid levels prior to starting a shift. The car is also longer and offers seating for up to five people as well as enhanced cargo capacity of up to 60.5 cubic feet.
Next, Ford Transit Connect Taxi utilizes a modern, durable twist-beam rear suspension that prioritizes passenger comfort and cargo carrying capability. Moreover, the vehicle’s floor has been lowered which as a consequence improves the access to the cabin and even more – can be modified to be wheelchair-accessible.
The technology included here are a rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch-screen display with navigation, and SYNC with MyFord Touch. The start of the production of 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi will begin early next year.
2012 Ford Transit Custom is going to make its world debut at the Birmingham CV Show. The vehicle is going to show the new design philosophy that it incorporates. It will bring new levels of style, driver appeal and functionality.
Transit Custom represents completely new generation of Ford one-tonne vehicles. First of all it comes with a bold new design. Secondly it “embodies” car-like interior and thirdly offers nothing less than exceptional driving dynamics.
Transit is famous for its toughness and value; however the new model adds to this combining class-leading load-carrying ability, impressive durability and attractive best-in-class fuel economy.
The full range of van, kombi, and double-cab-in-van models of the new the dynamic Transit Custom are expected to go on sale later this year.
The unique design of this commercial vehicle is emphasized by the signature kinetic design features, including the bold trapezoidal grille, strong and muscular shoulder line and prominent wheel lips.
2012 Transit Custom will be available in choice of short wheelbase (SWB – overall length 4.97 metres) and long wheelbase (LWB – overall length 5.34 metres) versions, so that customers can select the amount of load space.
Next to the stylish exterior, this Transit model offers class-leading load carrying ability, including a number of innovative new loadspace features.
More importantly, the load area of the van has been carefully optimized to offer more space and more convenience. Key features and innovations include:
• Optimised bulkhead and loadspace design enables SWB model to carry three Euro pallets loaded to at least one metre high
• Load-through hatch in bulkhead enables loads up to three metres in length, such as pipes or ladders, to be safely carried inside the vehicle
• Class-leading width between wheelarches allows wide loads, such as 8 feet x 4 feet (2440mm x 1220mm) boards to be easily accommodated flat on the floor (or stored vertically if required)
• Class-leading height and width of sliding side load doors for ease of loading
• Deployable integrated roof rack system seamlessly integrated into the roof, and can be deployed when required. When not in use, the cross bars can be quickly folded down, reducing drag and fuel consumption, as well as keeping the vehicle height under two metres (with the exception of the 330 series)
• Repositioned tie-down hooks and fixing points located on the body sides, leaving the floor clear for easier loading and cleaning
In addition, the Transit Custom comes to offer car-like interior, advanced technologies and outstanding driving dynamics.
Its new modern, driver-focused cockpit includes a sculpted instrument panel which combines stylish looks with smart stowage solutions for bottles, phones and papers. Driver comfort is significantly enhanced through a highly adjustable driving position which features increased seat travel – including 30mm more rear travel for taller drivers – and the addition of an adjustable steering column.
The technologies included in the vehicle are:
• SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system – enables mobile phones and music players to be connected to the vehicle, and operated by voice control
• Emergency Assistance – enabled by SYNC, this award-winning new feature is designed to assist occupants to contact the Emergency Services in the event of an accident, providing vehicle location information
• Rear-view camera – display integrated into the rear view mirror
• Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert – latest driver assistance features alert the driver if the system detects the vehicle is inadvertently drifting out of the lane, or the driver is becoming tired behind the wheel
The dynamics and the performance of the Transit have also been carefully tuned and now reflect the easy-to-drive character of the van.
The suspension components and steering system have been carefully tuned. As a result, the ride comfort is significantly improved and the handling is mode agile and precise. Transit Custom also features the latest Electronic Stability Program technology with Torque Vectoring Control for enhanced traction and stability.
In terms of safety features, this business van has an optimized body structure which includes ultra-high-strength Boron steel. Almost half of the body of the van is made from high-strength or ultra-high-strength steels. This results in a strong and light body which is designed to offer high levels of crash protection.
More importantly, the 2012 Transit offers class-leading fuel economy, thanks to 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. The latter is available in 100PS (74 kW), 125PS (92 kW) and 155PS (114 kW) power ratings. Thus power unit now features Auto-Start-Stop as standard on Stage V vehicles, delivering combined fuel consumption of 6.6l100km (42.8mpg) and 174g/km CO2 emissions.
The most reliable car is the BMW 3-Series, according to the survey, retaining its number one position from 2010, while the Honda Accord retains its second place from 2010. What is more, German brands have caught up with Japanese cars when it comes to reliability. In other words – six German brands appear in the top 10 as three of them in the top five.
The final two places in the table are taken by two cars absent from the top 10 last year, with the Mazda6 taking ninth place and the BMW 5 Series securing 10th place. BMW also takes the top spot as the most reliable car manufacturer, with Audi taking second place.
“We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us.”, commented Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK.
“Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”, he added.
The annual analysis is commissioned by Fleet News.
Ford Transit SportVan will get a new special Moondust Silver paintwork with graphite bonnet stripes.
“Demand for our Transit SportVan has been exceptional so we are delighted to now offer this latest edition. Transit remains as popular as ever with more than 40,000 sales so far this year and this SportVan gives customers the chance to own a really special Transit.”, commented Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Anthony Ireson.
Transit SportVan is powered by a 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine delivering 140PS. It is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all power to the front wheels.
The exterior boasts Moondust Silver paintwork, Le Mans-style graphite bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18” graphite colour alloy wheels fitted with low profile 235/45 R18 tires, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches. Standard safety features include ABS, ESP and driver and passenger airbags.
The interior includes velour trim, air conditioning, Sony radio/CD with DAB with remote steering-column-mounted controls, Bluetooth, cruise control, power windows, powered and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm are also standard.
Additional standard equipment includes power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights and a load area protection kit. Optional are leather seats, Satellite Navigation FX system with 5in colour screen and a rear view camera with cab-mounted 7in LCD colour display monitor. LED cargo lights in rear and LED daytime running lights are available as a dealer-fit accessory.
Ford Transit SportVan Metallic is priced at £23 670.
Ford Transit SportVan limited edition is created for customers who want to make a bold statement. The model is based on the popular 260, short wheelbase Transit with front wheel drive, the 140PS 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine and a six-speed transmission. (more…)
The Ford Transit Connect Family One concept vehicle combines high-technology features to keep children and parents organized and entertained with simple, clever touches that make family outings more fun. (more…)
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! (more…)