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.

Three million Chevy Cruzes sold, in just six years, now thats a success story.

Global compact car is brand’s best-selling nameplate

Eleven plants. One-hundred and eighteen countries. Eighty-eight awards. And now, 3 million sales for the Chevrolet Cruze.

The best-selling Chevrolet model crossed the milestone this month, just 16 months after selling its 2 millionth model. From the U.S. and Canada, to Laos and the Philippines, to Lebanon and Qatar, the Cruze has proved itself a global player among small cars.

“The Cruze is an extremely adaptable car that can cater to the demands of nearly every market in the world,” said Alan Batey, GM executive vice president of Global Chevrolet. “It is a testament to Chevrolet’s global focus and capabilities to offer a car that is so highly regarded in so many places.”

Since launch in 2008, the Cruze has collected 39 product awards in China, 27 in the U.S. and 12 in Brazil, and others.

Chevrolet is committed to building product in – or near – the markets where they are sold. Cruze is built in 11 different countries on five continents and sold in 118 countries.

“Small car sales around the world have been growing exponentially as emerging markets, in Asia and South America, increase car ownership while mature markets, like the U.S., downsize for fuel economy,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst for AutoTrader.com. “Small cars like the Cruze are driving sales globally and will continue to do so.”

The Cruze endured intensive durability testing, including extreme weather tests and more than 210 crash tests tailored to the regulatory demands of the countries where it is sold.  

To appeal to the different markets’ tastes, the Cruze is available in in three body styles, including a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and station wagon. Cruze is powered by five different engines, 1.4-, 1.6-, and 1.8-liter gasoline engines, and 1.7- and 2-liter diesel engines.

“The cost of energy is going to be an issue for a long time and in most markets that’s a big consideration,” said Joe Phillippi of AutoTrends Consulting in Andover, N.J. “If you can offer someone very affordable, high quality transportation at an affordable price with a substantial package of safety equipment, that’s a big plus.” 

Chevrolet recently launched a new version of the Cruze catering to the styling and packaging demands of Chinese customers. Cruze sales in China lead all countries with 1.13 million sold since launch in 2009.

For the U.S. market in 2015, the Cruze will have OnStar with 4G LTE standard, providing passengers with a mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot for up to seven devices. The 2015 Cruze will also have Siri Eyes Free integration, allowing users to text, call, ask for directions and even send email while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The U.S.-market 2015 Cruze has an available 2.0L turbocharged clean diesel engine, allowing drivers to cruise 717 miles on one tank of fuel.

Top 10 Markets for Cruze and sales through July 2014

China	1.13 million
U.S.	900,000
Russia	195,000
Brazil	134,000
Canada	123,000
South Korea	73,000
Mexico	50,000
Turkey	30,000
India	28,000
South Africa	27,000