The Ford Fiesta and the Ford Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom range took the No.1 and No.2 spots respectively in Britain’s best-selling new vehicles chart for 2020.
“I want to thank our customers for continuing to show their confidence and trust in the Ford brand in what was an unprecedented difficult year,” said Lisa Brankin, managing director, Ford of Britain and Ireland.
“The new lockdown measures announced earlier this week mean there will be a slow start to the much-needed recovery in the new vehicle sales market as we begin 2021, though thankfully the UK-EU and UK-Turkey trade agreements signed just ahead of the new year have avoided an even worse potential situation. We hope that the current circumstances will have changed enough by the all-important March sales month to help give the industry the kick-start it needs.
“We will be playing our part by keeping up our new vehicle momentum at Ford, bringing to market exciting new products like the all-electric Mustang Mach-E which we’ll see on our roads in the next few months.”
For the Ford Fiesta, 2020 marked the 12th successive year it had captured the top spot as Britain’s most loved passenger vehicle with more than 49,000 sold. Since 2009, Ford customers in Britain have purchased close to 1.3 million Fiestas.
Ford was Britain’s top-selling passenger vehicle brand in 2020, a position it has held for the past 44 consecutive years, and also led retail sales with a 10.9 percent share in this segment. Other passenger vehicle highlights included the Ford Puma which, in its first year on sale, with nearly 26,300 sold, is the best-selling mini utility vehicle in the country and placed No.8 in the best-sellers list overall.
Ford not only led the medium and light commercial vehicle sales chart for the 55th successive year, but the Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom range were the country’s No.2 top-selling vehicles overall with sales of nearly 47,500 during the year. Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom sales represented an all-time record market share of 44.5 percent of the one tonne medium commercial segment.
The Ford Ranger also achieved a best-ever market share, accounting for 36.5 percent of total pickup sales in 2020, and making it once again Britain’s favourite pickup.
Here’s a rendition of ‘Frozen’ that you won’t mind sitting in front of in the run-up to Christmas.
Finished exclusively in Frozen White, the new MS-RT R120 is a Limited Edition of the Welsh company’s QVM-Approved MS-RT Transit Connect.
The company, which uses styling and technology pioneered by Ford’s works rally team, is producing a limited run of 30 R120s in the mainland UK and 6 in Northern Ireland, with the model designed and built at its factory in Pontypool, South Wales.
Priced from £25,995 + VAT, the strictly limited edition is based on the Transit Connect Panel van as a two or three-seater, in either short or long wheelbase configurations. The vehicle is available only in Frozen White, with subtle red and black rally decals and specially designed white rally-inspired OZ Racing Alloy wheels.
The interior receives further MS-RT treatment, with full leather seats with red stitching and a full carbon fibre sports steering wheel with red centre line.
In addition, it gets the MS-RT quad sports exhaust system with black exhaust tips, black mirror caps, bi-xenon headlamps, Ford Pass Connect, cruise control, wireless charging pad, reversing rear camera and dual sliding loading doors.
A further feature is a Maxhaust system, which uses app-based technology to deliver the sound of a sports exhaust through the van’s integral speakers, giving it a soundtrack to match its impressive road dynamics. This product will be a supply-only option from MS-RT.
The van will be available on a strictly limited basis with no plans to increase the production run, guaranteeing its status as a future collectors’ item and helping it stand out from other LCVs on the road.
All MS-RT Transit Connects including the R120 match Ford’s three-year/100,000-mile warranty, with a choice of manual or automatic transmission.
MS-RT Founding Director, Edward Davies, said: “The MS-RT Transit Connect has already been a huge success and we’ve developed the R120 in response to customer demand for something even more bespoke. The special edition model is sure to sell out very quickly and become an icon among fans of the MS-RT brand.”
Each van is constructed by hand at MS-RT’s Pontypool factory, which employs over 80 staff, all individually trained to meet the company’s exacting levels of craftsmanship.
Ford today announced enhancements for Transit Connect, offering customers best-in-class fuel efficiency and introducing a 1.0-tonne payload for the first time.
Class-leading fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions will help minimise fuel costs for operators and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Transit Connect light commercial vehicle now offers up to 2,501kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) on selected variants, increasing the maximum payload to 982kg 1 and improving productivity for owners and operators by enabling them to carry heavier loads.
Ford is also introducing a new high-end Limited series in selected markets, offering a stylish exterior and premium interior specification for customers desiring a more exclusive vehicle.
“Transit Connect is already popular with fleets across Europe, and the latest enhancements make it even more compelling,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “Reducing emissions and fuel costs while improving payloads helps fleets transport more cargo or fit extra equipment while maintaining maximum efficiency.”
The new updates feature for the entire Transit Connect line-up, with deliveries of the enhanced models to Ford dealers due from mid-November.
Optimised fuel efficiency and payload No light commercial vehicle in its class delivers better fuel efficiency than the Transit Connect – helping businesses to save on operating costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
The best-selling Transit Connect model – the L1 Trend – delivers 68.8mpg fuel efficiency and 109 g/km of CO2 emissions NEDC (55.3mpg, 134 g/km WLTP) 2 using Ford’s advanced 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with a choice of 75PS and 120PS power ratings, and a six-speed manual gearbox. New, low rolling resistance tyres further contribute to optimised fuel efficiency.
Ford responded directly to customer feedback to enhance the Transit Connect’s load-carrying capability and offer an improved payload of up to 982kg – an increase of 79kg over previous versions – with no compromise in versatility or fuel efficiency. Optimising wheel and tyre configurations as well as removing the dual passenger seat option contribute to the increased payload allowance. The dual passenger seat option remains available for derivatives with lower GVM.
Customers requiring the 2,501kg GVM and 982kg maximum payload can still choose from a range of powertrains to best suit their operating requirements, including 100PS or 120PS 1.5‑litre EcoBlue diesel engines with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions – for effortless and refined load-hauling.
Ford has also approved its range of 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engines for use with HVO fuel following a comprehensive testing programme to ensure servicing and performance would remain unaffected.
Limited series now available A new Limited series for Transit Connect introduces distinctive design features including 16-inch Sparkle Silver alloy wheels as well as body-coloured wing mirrors, door handles and side mouldings. Drivers also benefit from heated seats, auto lighting and rain-sensing wipers to make long shifts at the wheel less demanding and more comfortable.
2015 Ford Mustang and Focus RS models will be presented at this year’s Goodwood Moving Motor Show, that will take place on Thursday 25 June. With fresh models for a fresh event, Ford brand has a lot to demonstrate. Let’s check out details.
The redesigned and refreshed 2015 Mustang model will come with convertible 2.3-Liter EcoBoost engine, that produces 317 hp (233 kW) and total output of 432 Nm of torque. In fact, the galloping beast will make its UK debut at the show.
As well the 2015 Mustang, 2016 Focus ST TDCi will also be debuted at Goodwood Moving Motor Show. In fact, this vehicle demonstrates Ford’s incredible ability to combine high performance and wonderful fuel economy. The 2016 Focus ST TDCi goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph).
Other members of the Ford family, that will take place at the well-known show is the latest and top-selling Fiesta. The vehicle comes with the multi-award winning 1.0-Liter EcoBoost petrol engine, that produces 140 hp (102 kW). The vehicle further demonstrates some wonderful exterior lines, that, along with the wonderful blend of red and black finish bring that confident and challenging look of the vehicle.
But demonstrating some refreshed and redesigned vehicles is not the only occasion why Ford team is at the show. There is a special cause of celebration to mark: half a century has passed since the creation of the Transit model. And now, fifty years later, the youngest member, the Transit Custom SportVan is ready to demonstrate some power and confidence with its 155 hp (113 kW) and 385 Nm of torque, produced by a special 2.2-Liter diesel engine.
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.
Ford has announced the all-new 2013 Transit Connect offering best-in-class fuel efficiency – 70.6 mpg (4 liters / 100 km).
The engine is a 1.6 liter Duratorq TDCi with 95HP. IT enables dramatic reductions in operating costs by reducing fuel costs by as much as £1,600 compared with key class rivals over a typical four-year ownership period. The engine range also includes the highly fuel-efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – twice winner of the International Engine of the Year – delivering class-leading petrol fuel economy of 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km.
Transit Connect’s reduced fuel bills are supported by further improvements in routine servicing and maintenance costs with extended service intervals of up to 20,000 miles or 12 months.
The stylish all-new Transit Connect has been engineered to set new standards for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability within its class.
Available in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions, Transit Connect offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9m3 and 3.6m3 (SAE – with full bulkhead fitted) and a maximum payload of up to 1,000kg. Ford will offer Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi derivatives. Deliveries of the all-new Transit Connect van are scheduled to start towards the end of 2013.
Fuel cost saving over an 80,000-mile, 4-year lifecycle (fuel cost £1.40/litre):
Model
Combined fuel consumption (mpg)
Total fuel
cost (£)
Cost difference (£)
Ford Transit Connect ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi 95PS
70.6
7200
VW Caddy 1.6TDi 75kW BlueMotion Technology
57.6
8833
+ 1633
Peugeot Partner 1.6 e-HDi 90 Stop & Start
57.6
8833
+ 1633
Citroen Berlingo 1.6 e-HDi 90 Airdream
58.8
8653
+ 1453
Renault Kangoo Energy dCi 90
65.7
7744
+ 544
Previous model 220 BASE 1.8 TDCi 75PS 5-speed manual compared with new model 220 BASE 1.6 TDCi 75PS 5-speed manual. Set by independent RV provider, CAP
Ford has unveiled the new 2013 Transit Connect Wagon offering 7-seats and impressive fuel economy of over 30 mpg US corresponding to 7.8 liters per 100 km.
“Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for,” commented Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas.
“It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. Customers also will love the unique combination of style, adaptability and affordability this wagon brings.”, he added.
The MPV is powered by a four-cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine or an 1.6 liter EcoBoost. Both power units are mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Transit Connect Wagon offers a choice of two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, two wheelbase lengths and three series models – XL, XLT and range-topping Titanium Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level with the convenience of sliding side doors, fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a 1,200-pound-plus payload, and choice of a rear liftgate or symmetrical, side-hinged cargo doors.
Ford Transit Connect Wagon will hit the US market in the end of 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.
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…)