• Transit Custom Nugget camper offers inbuilt modem that creates Wi-Fi hotspot with high-speed internet connection for up to 10 devices
• Already popular in Germany, Nugget is being introduced across European markets with a range of new features that are designed to make driving easier and more comfortable
•  “Digital nomad” and #vanlife trends are reflected by growing sales of small campers that are predicted to continue well into the next decade

Escaping in a camper van can be a great way of getting away from it all. But what about the times when you want to stream a movie, catch up on some work online and keep the kids amused with their favourite TV shows?

Ford’s new Transit Custom Nugget camper creates a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, keeping all the family happy and helping to alleviate FOMO (fear of missing out) as everyone can also check their social feeds. High-speed internet is now provided as standard via the FordPass Connect onboard modem, and Wi-Fi is available at up to 15 metres from the vehicle.

“Wi-Fi makes the Transit Custom Nugget even more of a home from home, allowing customers to enjoy entertainment online or to work remotely, whether on holiday or living a ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.

The onboard Wi-Fi is good news for the growing tribe of “digital nomads” who travel and work online full-time, while the rise of the hashtag #vanlife has reflected the increasing popularity of life on the road. A record 125,000 motorcaravans were sold in Europe in 2018, * with sales of more compact one-tonne campers of all makes growing by 13 per cent, according to Ford data. Booming sales are forecast to continue well into the next decade.

The onboard modem is introduced as part of a package of enhancements to the latest Transit Custom Nugget that improve performance, fuel efficiency and driver comfort.

An upgraded version of Ford’s 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engine offers a new, more powerful 185 PS variant, available with a choice of manual and automatic transmission. The EcoBlue diesel – also offered with 130 PS – 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.

Furthermore, the new Nugget features further advanced driver assistance technologies that include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Aid and Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow. Active Park Assist helps steer the Transit Custom Nugget into and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces, while the driver controls acceleration and braking.

As before, drivers can access their music on the road using Ford’s available SYNC 3 connectivity and entertainment system. SYNC 3 allows drivers to control audio and navigation functions plus connected smartphones using simple voice commands.

The Ford Transit van has been a popular vehicle for camper conversions since its launch in 1965. Already a success in Germany, the Transit Custom Nugget camper is being introduced in a range of European markets including Austria, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland and the U.K. The three-room layout sleeps up to four people, while the long-wheelbase Nugget Plus version adds a built-in toilet and handbasin.

# # #

* #vanlife has 6 million posts on Instagram

Transit Custom Nugget CO₂ emissions from 164 g/km, fuel efficiency from 6.3 l/100 km NEDC

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.

Since 1 September 2017, certain new vehicles are being type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) according to (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended, which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Since 1 September 2018 the WLTP has begun replacing the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which is the outgoing 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.