Ford Revolutionises One Ton Van Productivity with the New Transit Custom Owner’s Manual
- June 1, 2024
- Ford
Table of Contents
Revolutionises One Ton Van Productivity with the New Transit Custom
Owner’s Manual
NEWS
Revolutionises One Ton Van Productivity with the New Transit Custom
Ford Revolutionises One-Ton Van Productivity with the New Transit Custom
- New Transit Custom reinvents Europe’s best-selling van with customer-inspired innovations for optimum productivity
- Next-generation vehicle platform delivers enhanced load carrying, improved driver comfort and convenience matched to exceptional safety
- Transit Custom launches initially with Base Long Wheelbase Van, powered by 2.0L turbodiesel engine with AdBlue, delivering 100kW and 360Nm in combination with a sixspeed manual gearbox
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 09 April 2024 – Ford South Africa has commenced the
introduction of the new Transit Custom commercial vehicle range with the
launch of the Base Long Wheelbase Van initially, with additional derivatives
to follow later this year.
The next generation of Europe’s best-selling one-ton van is designed to help
small and medium businesses reduce cost of ownership, work more effectively
and achieve new levels of productivity. Ford engineers developed a new
platform designed to optimise load carrying and access, improve driver comfort
and convenience, and deliver outstanding performance and handling, while
delivering uncompromised cargo space.
“The Transit Custom is designed and developed in Europe, where it is the top-
selling van and the best-selling vehicle overall in the UK, so it has a proven
pedigree of being trusted by business owners to enhance their productivity,”
says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.
“Ford pulled out all the stops to deliver another huge leap forward for our
customers,” Mashinini says. “The new generation Transit Custom’s ground-up
customer-led design will set a new benchmark for what small and medium
businesses can expect from a commercial vehicle.”
The Transit Custom launches in South Africa with the Base Long Wheelbase Van
initially.
New platform, new level of productivity
Before Ford designers began sketching the new Transit Custom, the company’s
D-Ford in- house human-centred design lab spent years engaging with business
customers to research their needs and pain points, and identify innovative
solutions to help improve productivity.
Underpinning the Transit Custom is a new platform designed around optimum load
carrying, access, performance and powertrain flexibility. The clean-sheet
design is stiffer and 100 kg lighter than that of the previous-generation
vehicle, and features a lengthened wheelbase for optimum cargo capacity.
To maximise fuel efficiency, the new model’s body design was developed using
extensive aerodynamic simulation, and together with a reduced frontal area,
resulted in a CdA up to 13 percent lower than that of the previous-generation
model. The vehicle architecture was optimised to help achieve an overall
height of under two metres, to improve access in heightrestricted areas such
as multi-storey car parks, garages and underground loading bays.
A larger side load door aperture enhances loading, and the side door features
a new integrated access step to make entering the load compartment even
easier. Optimised packaging of the chassis and body structure enable the
vehicle’s load floor to be lower than that of the outgoing model to facilitate
loading cargo and cab access.
As a large-capacity panel van, Transit Custom offers a total load volume of
5.8m3 with the standard roof height, along with a payload up to 1 269kg and a
maximum load length of 3 050mm using the smart load-through feature under the
passenger seats.
Practical features are found throughout the load compartment, including a
full-width metal bulkhead with a window and load-through hatch, six load area
tie-down loops, partial rubber floor covering, twin 180-degree opening rear
barn doors and ultra-bright LED interior lighting.
Buyers can also opt for an optional load area protection kit with full height
walls and a moulded floor. The voluminous load compartment can accommodate up
to three standard Euro pallets, while the vehicle’s maximum braked trailer
weight is rated at 2 500kg should owners need to tow additional cargo.
For the first time, the Transit Custom van is fitted with a new semi-trailing
arm independent rear suspension design that contributes towards the lower
floor height and improved steering precision, handling and traction. The front
wheels and strut towers have also been repositioned further forward, resulting
in much better cross-cab access, improved foot space and footrests for
occupants in the front, as well as a shorter front overhang for more confident
parking and manoeuvring.
High-tech interior
The Transit Custom is fitted with a large 13-inch landscape touchscreen angled
towards the driver for ease of use, supporting Ford’s latest SYNC 4
communication and information system that includes Wireless Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto with optional wireless charging, along with embedded satellite
navigation. The advanced cockpit is completed by a 12-inch instrument cluster
that incorporates a seven-inch configurable display.
Ford designers matched the high level of digital innovation with ergonomic
features designed to make Transit Custom more comfortable for drivers spending
long shifts in the cab. The new platform enables a more car-like driving
position, while the flat cabin floor along with the electronic handbrake and
help cross-cab access.
The cabin design was also optimised around a segment-first roof-mounted
passenger airbag. Changing from the traditional dashboard location creates
storage space large enough for a laptop or A4 file, and increases flexibility
for upfit panels and devices that can now be fitted closer to the driver using
industry-standard AMPS mountings.
The integrated 5G-capable FordPass Connect modem enables Transit Custom to
receive Ford Power-Up updates for more than 30 separate vehicle modules. These
can help improve vehicle performance, deliver quality upgrades, update
existing features and add new functions and capabilities.
Efficient powertrain
The Transit Custom is powered by Ford’s efficient and economical 2.0-litre
Single Turbo EcoBlue diesel four-cylinder engine which produces 100kW of power
at 3 500 r/min, along with 360Nm of torque between 1 750 and 2 500 r/min.
The 2.0L diesel engine uses AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid to transform nitrogen
oxide into harmless nitrogen and water, significantly reducing the impact of
its exhaust emissions. A 20litre AdBlue tank is standard.
Additionally, the Transit Custom features Auto Stop/Start, which further
reduces emissions in busy city environments.
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
The powertrain can be optimised for a range of use cases using Selectable
Drive Modes, with productivity enhancing options including Eco and Tow/Haul,
enabling drivers to easily tune Transit Custom’s performance to suit different
operating requirements and driving conditions.
Exceptional safety
There’s no shortage of safety equipment in the Transit Custom, which features
ABS brakes, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
(EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as standard. This is complemented by
Driver Alert with impairment monitor, Evasive Steering Assist, Forward
Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Roll Over Mitigation and Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System. Six airbags are fitted, comprising dual front, side and
curtain airbags.
To aid parking manoeuvres, the Transit Custom features front and rear parking
sensors in combination with a 180-degree split view rear camera. The lighting
package includes highly effective LED headlights with daytime running lights,
as well as automatic headlight activation and automatic high beam control.
Vehicle security features comprise shielded power door deadlocks, a two-step
door unlocking system and optional Thatcham Category 1-specification alarm and
immobiliser.
Pricing (includes VAT):
– Transit Custom Base Long Wheelbase Van 2.0L SiT 6MT R692 200
Included as standard is a four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-
year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance
corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually,
whichever occurs first. In addition, over the counter parts (OTC) and service
parts warranty (SPW) are covered for two-year/unlimited distance. Customers
have the option of purchasing a Ford Protect Service or Maintenance plan
upgrades up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to
seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an
additional one or two years.
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Read the latest news from Ford South Africa by visiting the Newsroom: https://www.ford.co.za/about-ford/newsroom/
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com or www.quickpic.co.za – follow us at www.facebook.com/FordSouthAfrica, www.twitter.com/FordSouthAfrica, www.instagram.com/FordSouthAfrica or www.youtube.com/FordSouthAfrica.
Contact:
Hanleigh Daniels
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa
+27 12 842 2691
hdanie35@ford.com