Happy 50th birthday to the brilliant Transit range of Vans, nearly NINE Million and still going strong.

• The Ford Transit, the Blue Oval's legendary commercial vehicle, is today taking 50 years, during which it was sold 8 million copies. Over time it was joined by other family members Transit, in which even today has the Custom, the Connect and Courier
• The Transit sold in 50-year history, averaging one every 180 seconds, parked in a row would cover the distance of the entire circumference of the earth
• The total production of Transit, including all members of the family share this year will exceed 9 million.
• Transit 2 tons will be produced for the first time in the US and will be sold in 118 markets globally

The Ford Transit, the Blue Oval's legendary commercial vehicle, is today taking 50 years, during which it was sold 8 million copies. Over time it was joined by other family members Transit, in which even today has the Custom, the Connect and Courier.

The first Transit left the production line of the factory Ford of Langley, England, on August 9, 1965. The Transit sold in 50 years, on average one every 180 seconds, parked in a row would cover the distance of the entire circumference of the earth.

"The family of Transit commercial vehicles play an important role in the work and life of millions of Ford customers worldwide," said Barb Samardzich, chief operating officer of Ford Europe. "From the construction sector in the delivery, not to mention the special equipment such as ambulances, the Transit is the ideal solution for those who need a versatile and reliable way of working."

Launched in the same year in which the world was singing the tune of the Beatles' Help! and the Rolling Stones on those of (I Can not Get No) Satisfaction, Transit had immediately an extraordinary success and has accompanied, in those years, the modernization and growth of European economies. Over time, the Transit has evolved adding variants and special models, like the incredible number of Supervan with Cosworth V8 engine.

The popularity of the Transit has quickly fueled demand across Europe, and already in 1976 the production had exceeded one million, became the second in 1985, third in 1994, 4 in 2000, 5 in 2005, 6 in 2010 and 7 in 2013. The total production of Transit, including all members of the family share this year will exceed 9 million.

The Transit introduced in the commercial vehicle market innovative technologies and safety driving assistance derived from the world of cars, such as adaptive cruise control (Adaptive Cruise Control) and the monitoring of road markings and attention of the driver (Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert). In the past, the Transit has innovated the segment with technologies such as the sliding side doors, brakes with ABS as standard, halogen headlights and diesel engines with direct injection.

"The Transit family continues to innovate and help customers reduce their operating costs, to increase safety at work and to increase its ability to transport goods and equipment," added Samardzich.

The success of the Transit has sanctioned the extension, beyond Europe, to a global dimension and the launch of the brand in 118 markets. Ford now produces half of the Transit family in Nanchang, China, in collaboration with strategic partner Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC), and Kansas City, in the US, which in 2014 replaced the historic family-E Series.

"The Ford Transit has had a tradition of extraordinary and has faced an even brighter future," said Samardzich. "We are coming to celebrate an important milestone, the 50 years of the life of the Transit, from which we look forward to continue offer our customers the best transport solution for the operation of their work."

Translated from Spanish by Google - Apologies for any errors caused.