Ford Transit unveiling at Geneva

[csv8]

Ford Transit unveiling at Geneva
By James StanfordCarsguide04 March 2012
The new Transit will be based on what Ford is calling a 'global' platform, under the same One Ford strategy.
The next gen Ford Transit will be revealed at Geneva show.
Ford has released images of a van it is calling the Tourneo Custom Concept, which points to the Blue Oval's future haulers. This model has seats and is being presented as a people mover, but Ford says a true commercial range will follow.
Related CoverageEvoque convertible for GenevaPeugeot 4008 SUV on sale in JuneNissan Invitation to Geneva showFord Transit Econetic arrivesFord Transit to get leaner dieselBuy a Ford TransitMore on FORD
The new Transit will be based on what Ford is calling a 'global' platform, under the same One Ford strategy that could spell the end for an unique Australian Falcon, but oddly it won't be sold in the US.
Europe can expect the new Transit range, which will be offered in short and long wheelbase forms, to arrive next year and Working Wheels understands the range will be made available in Australia at some stage during 2013.
This model Transit is front-drive and Working Wheels expects larger rear-drive models, which better carry big loads, will also be made available.
The Tourneo Custom Concept runs the same 2.2-litre DuraTorq TDCi turbo diesel that has just been introduced in the current Transit.
In Europe this engine runs a stop-start feature, which kills the engine when it comes to a halt to save fuel. Future production Transits will run the same system in a bid to save as much fuel as possible.
Ford says the engines, which will run a range of other improvements, will be available with outputs of 75kW, 93kW and 116kW. They will be hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Tourneo Custom Concept has an all-new interior, which Ford describes as 'driver-focussed' using materials of the same quality as a modern sedan.
The show vehicle is fitted with a voice control system for the phone and audio controls as well as an advanced control system kicks in to keep it from straying out of its lane.

[barra240t]

Ford Australia should be selling a lot more Transits than what they do. It is a fantastic commercial vehicle at a good price. We have the newer 2.2L in all models now too.

[TS50]

I agree, I run a fleet of 8 of them
great vehicle, as long as you steer clear of the econetic version (Major con that one)

[phillyc]

Transit is certainly the most comfortable and enjoyable to drive 'van' that have ever driven. Heaps of room in them too! (Which is obviously the ultimate aim.)

That concept is a great looker for a van and the new Transit will look almost the same.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by phillyc

Transit is certainly the most comfortable and enjoyable to drive 'van' that have ever driven. Heaps of room in them too! (Which is obviously the ultimate aim.)

That concept is a great looker for a van and the new Transit will look almost the same.

I would say the VW Transporter is superior however my 15 years of running them makes me a little biased. Ford needs to expand the range here, auto option, awd option, larger 5cyl 150kW tdi option as used in Ranger and available in euro Transits.

I would certainly look more closely at this Transit when time to turn-over the T5.

[Dr Smith]

Just make god damn sure there is a proper auto or DSG as it cost Ford here the Australia Post deal as it didn't even qualify for the tender specs.

[barra240t]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Just make god damn sure there is a proper auto or DSG as it cost Ford here the Australia Post deal as it didn't even qualify for the tender specs.

Agree, many companies/organisations love auto buses. We have missed sales since the auto was taken away.

[Franco Cozzo]

We've done some work on the new Transits, ocasionally we get a company come to us for a patient transporter, or a blood donor vehicle in one case.

The manual one is so nice to drive, clutch is awesome.

Though compared to a Mercedes Sprinter, it isn't as nice on the inside and its a lot harder to work on, its like Mercedes thought about emergency services, its so much easier to run wires around.

[Bossxr8]

Looks pretty good for a commercial vehicle.

Not suprising it won't be sold in the US, cause One Ford doesn't apply when it may affect US made vehicles.

One Ford (except North America). Not made here is alive and well in Detroit, people were stupid to think that would ever change.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Looks pretty good for a commercial vehicle.

Not suprising it won't be sold in the US, cause One Ford doesn't apply when it may affect US made vehicles.

One Ford (except North America). Not made here is alive and well in Detroit, people were stupid to think that would ever change.

Transit is replacing E-series

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

Transit is replacing E-series

I corrected myself a couple of posts after the one you quoted.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I corrected myself a couple of posts after the one you quoted.

I know... I really need to start reading the entire thread before posting.

[aussie muscle]

Originally Posted by csv8

The new Transit will be based on what Ford is calling a 'global' platform, under the same One Ford strategy that could spell the end for an unique Australian Falcon, but oddly it won't be sold in the US.

so, then what IS the point of ONE FORD?

transit does look good. not the old Box On Wheels it used to be.

[Wretched]

We love ourselves some Ford Transit Connect. The funky-looking little vanlet is so endearingly functional that we're happy to forgive its lackluster drivetrain and questionable interior. Now it appears that Ford aims to address at least one of these ails with its big brother, the upcoming larger Transit Van.

Ford has announced that buyers of the van that will eventually replace the aged Econoline in America will be able to order Ford's twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that puts power to the Transit's rear wheels. Ford hasn't released any specifics on power output or fuel economy just yet, but the same engine is good for a heavenly 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque when bolted to the F-150 where it accounts for 40 percent of sales.

Even in that heavier chassis, the EcoBoost V6 returns 18 mpg combined compared to 23 mpg combined for the smaller Transit Connect Van with its 136-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Ford also hasn't said what we can expect in terms of tow rating or gross vehicle weight, though those are certain to keep pace with the current E-Series van as a result of the staggering amount of torque available from the turbocharged, direct-injection Ecoboost V6.

Ford's Fuel-Efficient, Powerful 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6 Engine to Be Offered in Transit Commercial Van for North America

• The all-new full-size rear-wheel-drive Transit van that starts production in North America in 2013 will be available with Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine, delivering an unbeatable combination of fuel economy and power

• EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance

• The next-generation Transit will live up to E-Series Built Ford Tough reputation plus achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy, due in part to smart weight reductions of at least 300 pounds compared to similar E-Series vans


INDIANAPOLIS, March 5, 2012 – When Ford's all-new Transit commercial van debuts in North America in 2013, it will come equipped with the company's award-winning, fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine to better meet the needs of commercial truck customers.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the new rear-wheel-drive Transit will complement the van's expected class-leading driving dynamics and technology, making it the perfect replacement for Ford's venerable E-Series wagon and van in North America.

"The new Ford Transit commercial van will deliver all the capability and capacity that customers get with today's E-Series, but with the bonus of improved fuel economy and potentially lower operating costs thanks to its available EcoBoost engine," said Tim Stoehr, Ford Commercial Truck Marketing manager. "This engine has revolutionized the half-ton pickup segment for F-150 and we're expecting it will have the same effect on commercial vans."

The new Transit will go beyond living up to the Ford E-Series' exceptional work reputation. The vehicle will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar E-Series vans, due in part to smart weight savings that will trim at least 300 pounds from Transit compared to a similar E-Series van. That means customers could potentially save thousands of dollars in operating costs from fuel savings.

EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By 2013, Ford plans to produce up to 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally in a wide variety of vehicles from small cars to trucks.


EcoBoost engines feature:
• A high-pressure direct-injection fuel system fed by a common rail that delivers a precise amount of gasoline in the exact spot for fast and complete burn
• Turbocharging to create a denser mix of air and fuel in each cylinder
• Special pistons with optimized bowls in the center to improve combustion efficiency. These pistons are also oil-cooled, which reduces in-cylinder temperatures
• Reduced CO2 emissions and excellent fuel economy compared to V8 engines with similar power ratings

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 available in the Ford F-150 had a successful year in 2011, exceeding 100,000 sales in less than one year on the market. EcoBoost-equipped F-150s now account for more than 40 percent of F-150 retail sales.

Gasoline direct injection
A key contributor to EcoBoost fuel efficiency is direct injection of gasoline. This system precisely delivers a fine mist of fuel directly into each cylinder for optimal performance, economy and emissions. Unlike port-fuel-injection (PFI) engines that spray fuel in the intake system before it enters the combustion chamber, the direct-injection system puts the fuel exactly where it needs to be in the cylinder for optimal combustion.

A high-pressure injector is positioned to the side of each cylinder, aiming the fuel directly into the cylinder adjacent to a high-intensity spark plug and alongside the intake and exhaust valves. Fuel is sprayed into the cylinders at pressures of up to 2,150 pounds per square inch, which is about 35 times more intense than PFI injection.

Cargo and people hauler
The current-generation Transit van is the best-selling van in Europe. Ford has sold more than 6 million Transits across five continents since its original launch in 1965. The Transit is currently offered to global customers in a variety of cargo, passenger and chassis cab configurations with a choice of efficient diesel engines. In 2010, the 6-millionth Transit rolled off the production line in Turkey. Conceived as Ford's first pan-European product in the mid-1960s, the next generation Transit will become a global asset with the availability of the full-size rear-wheel versions in the US.

To get ready for production in the U.S. by 2013, Ford is investing $1.1 billion in its Kansas City Assembly Plant, where the Transit will be built alongside the F-150.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/f...will-be-offer/

[Bossxr8]

So the original article posted was wrong then, it will go on sale in the US.

And with an Ecoboost V6 too, pretty cool for a van.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

So the original article posted was wrong then, it will go on sale in the US.

And with an Ecoboost V6 too, pretty cool for a van.

Worlds fastest van

Its fairly odd, commercial vehicles tend to all be diesel 4 and 6 cylinders.

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

So the original article posted was wrong then, it will go on sale in the US.

And with an Ecoboost V6 too, pretty cool for a van.

Hmm sure they arnt different though? I can imagine the North American version being based on the F150 chassis.

[Dr Smith]

A van with the same power as my G6ET, now that would be every van drivers wet dream come true, lol.

I guess in the US diesel powered light commercials still aren't big sellers, wonder how the two fuels compare in price as well?

[aussie muscle]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

A van with the same power as my G6ET, now that would be every van drivers wet dream come true, lol.

Van racing FTW!

[janddbone]

Now we are talking! Would rather the E series go global though!

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by brett.r.johnstone

Now we are talking! Would rather the E series go global though!

Yeah.... V10.

Glad to see some van getting 1.1 billion to be made in the U.S. But Falcon still gets the cold shoulder.

[Moby Vic]

The US E Series will be going away. Ford will probably do something similar to what it did with the Crown Vic. The Five Hundred was clearly intended to replace the Crown Vic, but Ford said it wasn't the Crown Vic replacement.

Both cars were offered for several years, during which time the Five Hundred got a few restyles and a name change to Taurus, and now the Crown Vic is gone.

The US used to get a RWD minivan called the Aerostar. Ford started building the FWD Windstar and said it wasn't the Aerostar replacement. After a few years, Aerostar went away and Windstar remained.

This is the first I've heard of a V6 EcoBoost Transit! I'm sure that won't be the standard engine, though.

[XD 351 Ute]

Will they make another one of these?



Ed

[Buntz]

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/f...ransit-custom/

European buyers now know what to expect from the Ford Transit Custom cargo van. The work version of the van bowed at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show this week with the new exterior and more refined cabin that first appeared on the Ford Tourneo Custom passenger van.

Buyers outside of North America will be able to choose between a short wheelbase version with a total length of 16.3 feet or a long wheelbase configuration that spans 17.5 feet from stem to stern. Indoors, the van can deliver up to 212 cubic feet of cargo area, or three european pallets stacked three-feet high. In addition, the floor offers enough space between the wheel wells to accommodate a 4x8 sheet of material.

The Transit Custom isn't headed to the North American market, though, which begs the question: Why do we care? Ford is set to replace the aging E-Series with a different Transit van that's specific to our continent, though that vehicle will be based on the global Transit Custom we see here. According to Ford, our van will yield 25-percent better fuel economy than the current E-Series thanks to either the same Ecoboost 3.5-liter V6 currently found in the nose of the F-150 or a diesel powerplant. The North American Transit is also supposed to weigh in 300 pounds less than its predecessor.

Dynamic New Ford Transit Custom Brings New Levels of Style and Functionality to the One-Tonne Van Market

• All-new Transit Custom makes global debut at Birmingham CV Show, prior to sales launch later in 2012 in Europe and other global markets; vehicle is major step in Ford's commitment to refresh entire commercial vehicle line-up by 2014

• Transit Custom represents a completely new generation of one-tonne commercial vehicles from Ford, offering businesses unmatched combination of style, driver appeal and class-leading functionality

• Designed to significantly expand the Transit customer base with stylish and modern exterior, car-like interior and outstanding driving dynamics

• Supreme functionality with class-leading load-carrying ability, legendary Transit durability, and low cost-of-ownership with best-in-class fuel economy


COLOGNE, Germany, April 18, 2012 – The all-new Ford Transit Custom makes its global debut at the Birmingham CV Show, bringing new levels of style, driver appeal and functionality to the one-tonne commercial vehicle market.

Representing a completely new generation of Ford one-tonne vehicles, the Transit Custom marks a major step in Ford's commitment to refresh its entire commercial vehicle line-up by 2014.

With its bold new design, car-like interior and outstanding driving dynamics, the Ford Transit Custom is targeting an expanded share of the segment, appealing to a broad range of professionals, skilled tradesmen and small businesses.

The new model has lost none of the legendary Transit toughness and value, however, combining class-leading load-carrying ability, impressive durability and attractive cost-of-ownership – with best-in-class fuel economy.

"The Transit Custom is a completely new kind of one-tonne vehicle from Ford," said Jesus Alonso, director CV Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. "This is a stylish, modern van which customers will be proud to have on their driveway, while losing none of the hard-working attitude that they expect from a Transit.

"The launch of this new range marks the start of a far-reaching transformation of Ford's global commercial vehicle range. With more new models set to be revealed in the coming months, 2012 is destined to be a very exciting year for our commercial vehicle business."

With a full range of van, kombi, and double-cab-in-van models, the dynamic new Transit Custom will go on sale later in 2012 in Europe as well as other global markets. The Transit Custom model will not be offered in North America.

Bold new appearance
The all-new Transit Custom immediately announces its arrival with a bold new exterior which embodies the same dynamic character as Ford's kinetic design passenger cars.

"Customers want their vehicle to project a modern and professional image, and the new Transit Custom does not disappoint," explained Paul Campbell, chief designer, Ford of Europe. "We have given the vehicle a stylish, modern appearance which will be appreciated by businesses of all sizes.

"It's still a Transit, so the superbly practical loadspace is a given, but with its sportier stance and bold rising shoulder line, the Transit Custom makes a powerful new impact."

Signature kinetic design features help to give the Transit Custom its unique character, including the bold trapezoidal grille, strong and muscular shoulder line and prominent wheel lips.

From launch, the Transit Custom will offer a 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 which best suits their business.

Class-leading load carrying ability
Beneath its stylish exterior, the new model remains completely true to its Transit heritage by offering class-leading load carrying ability, including a number of innovative new loadspace features.

In addition to offering maximum load volume which exceeds that of its closest competitors (6.0 cubic metres SAE with full bulkhead fitted), the load area of the Transit Custom has been carefully optimised to offer more space and more convenience than any of its rivals. 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
• Easy clean load floor liner offers enhanced durability and simple cleaning

To provide customers with a wide range of payload options from 600-1,400kg, Transit Custom is available with multiple GVM options.

"This may be a more stylish Transit, but it's a more functional Transit too," said Barry Gale, Commercial Vehicles chief engineer, Ford of Europe. "The additional features we have built into the load space make everyday functions more convenient – so it's easier for customers to do their job."


Unmatched driver appeal
The Transit Custom brings a new level of car-like driver appeal to its segment with an all-new interior, advanced technologies and outstanding driving dynamics.

The modern, driver-focused cockpit features 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 a steering column adjustable for reach and rake.

Once behind the wheel, the driver can call upon a wide range of available driver assistance technologies also featured on Ford's latest passenger cars, including:

• 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 strong driver appeal of the Transit Custom is reinforced by dynamics and performance which have been carefully tuned to reflect the same natural and easy-to-drive character which customers appreciate on Ford's car range.

To achieve this, engineers have developed the new Ford global one-tonne platform which underpins the Transit Custom to make it much stiffer and stronger – increasing torsional stiffness by as much as 37 percent – benefitting both handling and noise levels.

Meticulous tuning of the suspension components and steering system has resulted in significantly improved ride comfort, along with more precise and agile handling. Like the new Ford Focus, the Transit Custom also features the latest Electronic Stability Program technology with Torque Vectoring Control for enhanced traction and stability.

The stiffer structure, together with a comprehensive effort to eliminate unwanted noise and vibrations throughout the vehicle, has resulted in a quieter environment for the driver – speech intelligibility has improved by nine percent within the cab.

To maximise occupant protection, the Transit Custom features an optimised body structure which features ultra-high-strength Boron steel for the first time on a Transit. In total, over 40 percent of the body is made from high-strength or ultra-high-strength steels, resulting in a strong and light body which is designed to offer high levels of crash protection.

The new vehicle also features an enhanced restraint system which now gives customers the option of specifying curtain airbags for the front seat occupants, in addition to driver and passenger airbags and seat-mounted side thorax airbags. As on Ford's latest passenger cars, a horizontal stroking steering column is also now fitted, to help reduce loads on the occupant's head and chest in the event of a high speed frontal impact.

Traditional Transit cost-of-ownership and durability
Like all Ford commercial vehicles which share the Transit badge, the all-new Transit Custom has been developed to offer exceptional cost-of-ownership and durability.

Low running costs start with the class-leading fuel economy, delivered by an improved version of Ford's 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Available in 100PS, 125PS and 155PS power ratings, this torquey and responsive 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 – a reduction of up to 8 per cent on the equivalent current Transit.

Minimising overall cost-of-ownership was a high priority throughout the vehicle design and development, with key features including minimised maintenance and repair times, a 12-year anti-perforation warranty, and the longest service intervals in the class at two-years /50,000 km/30,000 miles.

To ensure the legendary Transit toughness, the all-new Transit Custom has been subjected to Ford's ultra-stringent Commercial Vehicle testing and durability standards.

Even before the vehicle goes on sale, it will have been driven the equivalent of five million km (three million miles), including at least 400,000km (250,000 miles) with Transit customers. Key components and systems are tested to the limit: for example, doors go through an intensive regime of 250,000 slam cycles, which is three times more punishing than Ford's equivalent passenger car test.

New generation of Ford commercial vehicles
The launch of the Transit Custom marks the next step of a complete transformation of Ford's global Commercial Vehicle range which will see the entire line-up replaced by 2014.

Ford will be presenting larger and higher payload Transits later in 2012. These models will be extensively sold on a global basis, including North America, and will also feature rear-wheel-drive.

Production of the new Transit Custom will start from mid-2012 at Ford's plant in Kocaeli, Turkey, with market availability later in the year.