Last updated: 18.09.2018

Ford today revealed the new 2-tonne Transit model at the IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hannover, Germany, marking the global debut of the smartest and most productive Transit ever.

Providing increased load-carrying capability and upgraded powertrains that optimise fuel efficiency by up to 7 per cent, the new Transit also is introduced with a segment-first new diesel mild hybrid (mHEV) powertrain option that delivers an additional fuel efficiency improvement of around 3 per cent compared with the standard diesel model, with up to 8 per cent in stop-start urban applications.

The new Transit is connected as never before, offering operators the benefits of the Ford PassConnect on-board modem technology which will help fleet professionals to improve vehicle utilisation and optimise running costs.

On sale in Europe from mid-2019, the new Transit builds on the success of the outgoing model, which has helped to establish the Transit nameplate as the leader in its segment in both Europe and North America. Sales growth in Europe has continued during 2018 with 67,000 vehicles sold in August year-to-date, an increase of 14 per cent over the prior year.

“This is a Ford Transit for the modern business world: it’s as tough and practical as our customers demand, cost of ownership is reduced and its connectivity will improve operational efficiency,” said Michael McDonagh, Transit global chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe. “Ford is also setting the pace in electrification, with a new mild hybrid powertrain ideal for urban deliveries.”

Enhanced fuel efficiency. More choice

Ford’s advanced 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine* has been further optimised to deliver fuel efficiency improvements of up to 7 per cent according to Ford engineering data based on a real-world driving cycle.

A fuel-injection system that increases peak pressure to 2,200 bar helps achieve more efficient combustion. To reduce friction within the engine, new steel pistons feature a slimmer skirt design than the out-going cast-aluminium design. A variable-flow oil pump reduces parasitic losses by adapting oil delivery to demand.

Further fuel efficiency improvements are achieved with the introduction of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 2-tonne Transit for the first time; an extensive programme of weight saving; the use of low-rolling-resistance tyres; and aerodynamic enhancements. Fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop technology remains standard across the range.

Drivers can also use Efficient Drive Mode, which uses GPS positioning to give predictive advice on how to achieve the best fuel economy on the road ahead.

The choice of 105 PS, 130 PS and 170 PS power ratings is expanded with the addition of a new 185 PS variant, which delivers a generous 415 Nm of torque. All ratings benefit from an enhanced turbocharger design that helps to deliver a broader spread of torque across a wider speed range than before.

From spring 2020, in addition to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive Transit models will be available with Ford’s highly efficient and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Scheduling, which assesses individual driving styles to optimise gearshift timings.

Segment-first mHEV technology

To provide even greater fuel efficiency benefits for commercial vehicle operators, the new Ford Transit introduces innovative diesel mHEV technology as an option for front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles, which adds a further improvement of around 3 per cent based on WLTP analysis. Increased benefits of up to 8 per cent can be achieved in applications featuring a high proportion of stop-start driving, for example during urban delivery operations.

A belt-driven integrated starter/generator replace the standard alternator, enabling recovery and storage of energy during vehicle decelerations, and charging a 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack. The stored energy is used to provide torque assistance to the engine under normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries.

The Transit mHEV system has been optimised to enhance fuel efficiency for operators rather than providing a performance boost over the standard powertrains. The immediate torque assistance provided by the hybrid system does, however, deliver improved response when pulling away at low engine speeds.

Increased payload

The new Ford Transit will be among the class leaders for payload, thanks to a programme of weight savings in every area of the vehicle, which has helped deliver increases in load carrying ability.

To achieve these savings, the vehicle design was further optimised using advanced computer-aided engineering systems from the aerospace industry. Weight-saving examples include a new aluminium bonnet; the use of spun steel wheels with varied thicknesses; and a single exhaust muffler configuration replacing the outgoing twin-muffler design. For the first time, light, strong composite materials are used for the bulkhead in place of steel.

A new Power Side Load Door also provides ease of operation when loading or unloading. The new high-mounted down-lighter offers excellent illumination when working at night in the area behind the rear cargo doors.

Keeping connected

As part of the strategy to expand connectivity across its entire commercial vehicle product line-up, Ford is offering FordPass Connect on-board modem technology for the new Transit, enabling fleet operators to improve vehicle utilisation and optimise running costs through solutions like the new Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services products that are also launching during 2019.

The on-board modem also enables a range of features to be accessed via the FordPass mobile app to make the vehicle ownership and operating experience easier and more productive for owner-drivers and fleet drivers.

Further advanced technologies include Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system that can be operated using simple, voice commands, or via pinch and swipe gestures on an eight-inch touchscreen; and Ford’s MyKey system which allows fleet managers to program the key to limit driver’s speed and radio volume, and to permanently switch on active safety features.

Aftermarket conversions and accessories can now access data from the Transit’s electrical systems via new Vehicle Integration System 1.0.

Driving business

The Transit’s refined and car-like driving character is enhanced with the introduction of EPAS technology that also helps reduce driver fatigue by adding more assistance while parking and manoeuvring, and enables driver assistance technologies including Active Park Assist and Lane-Keeping Aid.

For the first time, Transit drivers will be able to choose from Selectable Drive Modes to match driving performance to conditions: Eco Mode, Slippery Mode, Mud/Rut Mode for all-wheel drive models and Tow/Haul Mode for smooth power delivery when towing large trailers or boats that weigh more than the vehicle kerb weight.

A comprehensive range of advanced driving assistance technologies have also been introduced to help reduce stress and tiredness, and to help avoid or mitigate the impact of collisions. These include:

• Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow system, featuring an extended blind spot zone that covers the vehicle plus a trailer of up to 10 metres in length
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which combines the functionality of Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control to help drivers stay within legal speed limits
• Enhanced Lane-Keeping System
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, now capable of detecting pedestrians at night when they are illuminated by the headlamps

New features are also provided to make life easier and less stressful when manoeuvring and parking within busy commercial and urban environments, and potentially avoid costly bumps and scrapes. These include:

• Front and Rear Wide-View Cameras to help drivers view oncoming traffic when edging out of a narrow parking space, on busy roads or when reversing
• High mounted rear-view camera, positioned to offer better visibility when reversing, in particular with the doors open
• Parking Aid, enhanced with additional side sensors
• Active Park Assist (APA), which helps drivers find suitable spaces and park handsfree nose-to-tail or side-by-side with other vehicles
• Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers exit parallel parking spaces hands-free
• Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them.

Instantly recognisable exterior. Practical all-new interior

The Ford Transit’s smart new exterior features a taller, more assertive three-bar grille and a redesigned lower fascia. The front panels and bumper have been re-profiled to improve aerodynamics and create a bolder appearance with uncluttered easy-to-clean surfaces. High-series models feature powerful bi-xenon headlamps and new LED daytime running lights with a distinctive Transit family signature.

In line with the latest Transit Custom, the vehicle has an all-new interior design, providing enhanced style, practicality and driver comfort. The new instrument panel is packed with practical touches for drivers who use the cabin as a mobile office, including significantly improved stowage with three open-topped bins on the top of the dashboard; a new device dock on lower series models enables drivers to mount both mobile phones and later larger tablets.

The interior features attractive and hard-wearing materials, including smart new seat fabrics that have been subjected to Ford’s toughest ever abrasion tests. All-day comfort is further enhanced by new seat designs featuring revised foam padding and geometry for optimised support.

A new Limited series is now available for the growing number of users requiring a high-specification variant to support their business requirements. As with the outgoing model, Transit customers can select from a huge range of more than 450 core variants, including front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive drivelines, with a full range of bodystyles and chassis cabs, including the recently introduced low-height Skeletal chassis.

The new Ford Transit will be produced at Kocaeli in Turkey alongside the Transit Custom; Ford last year announced a $52 million investment at the Ford Otosan joint venture in Turkey to expand production at the site by 40,000 units to 330,000 vehicles per year.

* Officially homologated fuel-efficiency and CO₂ emission figures will be published closer to on-sale date

The declared Fuel/Energy Consumptions, CO₂ emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel-efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel/energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and electric range. CO₂ is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

From 1 September 2017, certain new vehicles will be type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) according (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended, which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. From 1 September 2018 the WLTP will fully replace the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which is the current test procedure. During NEDC Phase-out, WLTP fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are being correlated back to NEDC. There will be some variance to the previous fuel economy and emissions as some elements of the tests have altered i.e., the same car might have different fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.