Ford Continues To Expand Commercial Vehicle Line-Up
- New Transit previewed in South Africa ahead of 2014 introduction
- Ford continues to expand its commercial vehicle offerings in South Africa
- Transit Connect on display for the first time in South Africa
PRETORIA, South Africa, 16 October 2013 – Following the introduction of the Transit Custom earlier this year the full-size Transit van was previewed at today’s Johannesburg International Motor Show ahead of its 2014 introduction while the Transit Connect was also on display, although it is not yet confirmed for local introduction.
Ford’s all-new two-tonne Transit van will provide professional tradesmen and commercial fleet customers unmatched fuel economy, innovative new configurations and leading versatility in the expanding commercial vehicle market.
With global commercial vehicle sales expected to grow by 4.8 million over the next several years to 21 million units annually by 2017, Transit represents a major opportunity.
Ford, the second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world is leveraging its One Ford product strategy to meet the needs of Transit customers on six different continents and in 116 markets with vans that are Built Ford Tough, more fuel efficient and even more capable.
“The Transit Custom, launched earlier this year in South Africa, has been very well received and we have no doubt customers will be pleased to see our commercial vehicle line-up continuing to expand with the full-size Transit coming next year and the possibility of further expanding the range to include the Transit Connect,” says Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa President and CEO Jeff Nemeth.
The Transit Connect was recently named the ‘International Van of the Year 2014’ at the COMTRANS commercial vehicle exhibition making Ford the first single manufacturer to win the award twice in a row. The award for the Transit Connect follows previous successes for the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003), Transit (2007) and Tansit Custom (2013).
“The growing range of Transit models are tough and hard-working yet they enjoy smart looks and are being recognised for their fuel efficiency,” says Nemeth. “We look forward to bringing more Transit offerings to our market in future.”
The two-tonne Transit was born out of a combined total of nearly a century of hard-earned experience in North America, Europe and other global markets. With a rich heritage and an unprecedented track record in other markets South African customers are looking forward to the local introduction.
Superior cargo hauling capabilities combined with excellent fuel economy were design imperatives for the all-new Transit range.
Though the South African line-up has yet to be confirmed and will only be announced ahead of the planned launch date in the first half of 2014, the Transit has been designed in two body lengths; two wheelbases; two roof heights; van, us, chassis cab; and in Ambiente trim levels.
The high-roof Transit features 2,05m of interior cargo height, enough headroom for a person standing six foot, five inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area. The medium roof can accommodate up to 1,82m of cargo height and the low roof has 1,42m of cargo height to provide an ideal combination of payload management, upfit readiness and garageability. Cargo volume ranges from 7249litres to more than 15574litres.
Transit’s rear cargo doors open 270 degrees for easy rear cargo space access.
The interior of each Transit van features advanced, durable LED lighting and has been developed for easy upfit of racks, bins, shelving and other cargo storage and hauling solutions.
The Transit will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine which will be offered in three different power and torque configurations that will be confirmed closer to launch.
The all-new Ford Transit was designed with improved handling, steering and ride qualities.
A power rack-and-pinion steering setup provides exceptionally communicative steering feel to the driver, serving as a confidence builder.
The front suspension consists of subframe-mounted MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar for smoother, flatter cornering, combined with progressive rear leaf springs and heavy-duty gas-charged dampers for well-controlled ride quality – regardless of load status.
