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.

CV SHOW 2015 - The undisputed king of vans, The Transit celebrates 50 years of excellence.

• Ford’s Transit van celebrates its 50^th anniversary in August with almost 8 million Transit and Transit Custom models built since 1965
• Parked end-to-end, 50 years of Transits would circle the globe; on average, customers have bought a new Transit every 180 seconds during its lifetime
• Transit has grown from a single model in Europe, to an entire family of Ford Transit vans delivering to customers worldwide
• Expanded all-new four-model Transit line-up is boosting demand, with Ford commercial vehicle sales in March reaching a record-high in the UK
• Demand for smaller Transit Connect and Transit Courier models means total production for the whole Transit family is expected to top 9 million units in 2015
• All-new two-tonne Transit is now built and sold in North America for the first time, extending the model to 118 customer markets across six continents

Ford’s popular Transit van celebrates its 50^th anniversary in 2015, marking five decades of loyal service to businesses around the world. The celebrations will begin at the CV Show in Birmingham and culminate on Transit’s birthday in August.

Since the first vehicle left the production line in Langley, England, on August 9, 1965, almost 8 million Transit and Transit Custom models have been built, and the Transit has grown from a single model to an entire family of Transit vans.

Lined up end-to-end, 50 years of Transits would circle the globe, and on average a new Transit has been bought every 180 seconds during its lifetime.

The latest expanded Transit line-up features four all-new models – Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier – which are boosting demand for Ford commercial vehicles, with sales at an all-time high in March up 43 per cent at 16,497, compared with March 2014.

“The Ford Transit has touched the lives of most of us,” said Mark Ovenden, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain. “From house moves to moving people, the Ford Transit is an essential tool to get the job done. It has become a mobile office or workshop for some – and loved by us all.”  

Launched in the same year that the first person walked in space, the Transit made an immediate impact, providing practical support to the booming economy. The Transit evolved with a vast range of bodystyles and variants: from the parcel van, through tipper trucks and campers, to outrageous one-offs, including the Cosworth V8-powered Supervans.

Growing popularity saw production of the Transit accelerate, and after passing the first million milestone in 1976, it rapidly passed the next ones in 1985, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2013. Add demand for the smaller Transit Connect – with more than 1 million sold – and the compact all-new Transit Courier, and total Transit production is scheduled to top 9 million during 2015.

Transit has also introduced a list of technology innovations to help improve performance, comfort and safety; from features like side-loading doors, radial ply tyres and halogen headlights, to direct injection diesel engines, high security locks and standard anti-lock brakes. The latest Transit models have added state-of-the-art technologies like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid.

The success of the Transit has seen production expand beyond Europe, including facilities in Nanchang, China and in 2014 the Transit entered North America for the first time, with the all-new two-tonne Transit being built in Kansas City, Mo. This has helped extend the all-new Transit to 118 markets across six continents.

"Ford’s Transit family continues to lead the way in innovation,” Ovenden said. “With 50 years of van sales leadership in the UK under its belt, the new four-van Transit range is looking forward to its next half century.”

FORD #1 - Mustang takes pride of place in Paris.

• European specification new Ford Mustang makes public debut in Paris; the first Mustang confirmed to go on sale across the region after 50 years of production will arrive in 2015
• New Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models promise world-class levels of performance and refinement; sleek design retaining classic Mustang key design elements
• New Mustang will deliver power of choice in Europe, from 5.0-litre V8 engine to the all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine
• State-of-the-art suspension is optimised to deliver world-class handling, precise steering control and ride comfort; innovative technology for enhanced control and connectivity

The new Ford Mustang will make its European production debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

The new Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models will go on sale across Europe in 2015 for the first time after 50 years of production, and promise world-class levels of performance and refinement while embracing the Mustang’s half-century of heritage and status as a global icon.

“The Mustang’s reputation for performance and its iconic status as a symbol of freedom and optimism precedes it even in those parts of the world where the car has never been sold,” said Stephen Odell, Ford executive vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The new Mustang is modern, technologically advanced and creative, without forgetting the heritage that has inspired Ford customers for generations.”

More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since it was first launched in 1964. The world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook, Mustang has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games.

The new Mustang has been developed with world-class performance, driving dynamics and ergonomics in mind – and includes a significant amount of advanced driver convenience and driver aid technologies.

“The new Mustang is one of the most hotly anticipated cars ever, we are very excited to now give drivers in Europe the opportunity to experience the real thing,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.

Unmistakably Mustang

The clean-sheet design of both Ford Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the vehicle, retaining key design elements of the classic Mustangs recognisable to car fans across Europe, including the long sculpted bonnet and short rear deck, with a contemporary execution.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression and when you see this car, you immediately see a Mustang strong and true,” said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, The Americas.

Several key design features define the new Ford Mustang, including:

• A low roof height and wide stance
• Sleek profile enabled by steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
• Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps
• Contemporary execution of the iconic car’s signature trapezoidal grille and shark-bite front fascia

Ford Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car an upscale appearance and a quiet cabin. The top has a sleek profile when folded for open-air motoring.

Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomy cabin with an aviation-inspired cockpit, while ergonomic and tactile switches and knobs provide control. The vehicle’s width and new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers and a usefully shaped bootspace that can accommodate two golf bags.

The Mustang experience

The way Ford Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience. The Ford Mustang offers outstanding power options and a sophisticated new chassis designed to meet the driving dynamics expectations of European drivers.

Ford’s acclaimed 5.0‑litre V8 engine – yielding 418 PS and 524 Nm of torque for Europe – is joined by an all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang; delivering turbocharged performance with the fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions demanded by Europe’s car consumers.

“This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer.

The Mustang’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver usable performance. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect, with 314 PS and 434 Nm of torque for Europe. An automatic transmission option features steering wheel-mounted shift paddles that deliver convenience and control for drivers.

A Mustang for the true driving enthusiast

The new Ford Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the front structure while reducing mass, providing a strong foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.

The new double ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of large, powerful brakes. Both 2.3-litre EcoBoost and V8-powered GT Mustang models will feature performance brake packages behind standard 19-inch wheels in Europe.

At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application, and are well-suited to European roads and high speed driving culture. New aluminium rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

Smart technology

The new Mustang features a significant number of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control, and connectivity when they want it.

On a twisty road or a weekend track day, the driver can tap the toggle switches on the console to quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time.

The new Mustang will be among the first vehicles in Europe to offer SYNC 2. Ford’s advanced infotainment system features a high-resolution, 8-inch colour touch screen and advanced voice control for easier access to audio, navigation, climate control and compatible mobile phones.

SYNC 2’s navigation system also offers a split-screen display with detailed intersections, spoken street names, 3D highway junction and landmark views, and the Michelin travel guide. SYNC 2 enables drivers to issue simpler “one-shot” navigation destinations, and to ask the system to “play” a desired artist. Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will bring up a list of local restaurants, which you can then get directions to.

“From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right,” Pericak said. “We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is fast, great-looking, refined and efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people around the world have associated with Mustang for decades.”

50 years in development, the new Worldwide Mustang takes a bow

• All-new sophisticated design clearly inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage evolved to attract wider array of customers and expand global market availability
• Mustang now available with three engines offering a broader power of choice – a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine
• Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort

The next chapter in the life of the iconic pony car begins today as the all-new Ford Mustang – loaded with innovative technologies and delivering world-class levels of performance – is simultaneously revealed around the globe in six cities on four continents.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time ever, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

“We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang – an American automotive icon that symbolizes optimism and freedom for millions of people around the world,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln.

All-new shape, yet unmistakably Mustang
The clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements – including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with contemporary execution.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression, and when you see this car you immediately see a Mustang strong and true,” said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, The Americas.

Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including:

• A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track
• The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
• Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals
• Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille

Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin. The new top lowers twice as fast as before, and has a sleeker profile when folded for open-air motoring.

The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control. The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags.

The Mustang experience
The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience that makes drivers just want to get in and hit the road. With more options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The upgraded V6 and V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.

“This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to, with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer.

The Mustang EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable performance and projected segment-leading fuel efficiency. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with output projected at more than 305 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

With at least 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect.

Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control.

Most nimble pony ever
When life throws drivers a curve, the all-new Mustang sets new handling benchmarks for the brand, delivering world-class dynamics and ride quality.

“We already set a very high standard for Mustang’s dynamics with Boss 302, and our goal was to go above and beyond that with this new car,” said Pericak.

Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.

The new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes. This is expected to be the best stopping Mustang yet, with three available brake packages.

At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

Smarter than your average pony
The all-new Mustang features a significant amount of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control and connectivity when they want it. From Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC® and MyKey® in every Mustang built, plus available Track Apps, MyColor gauges and new Shaker Pro audio system, drivers will be able to customize their time behind the wheel.

The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they can take control of how the car behaves. On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can tap the toggle switches on the console to quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time.

The advanced new Ford-developed stability control system is tuned to maximize Mustang’s dynamic capabilities. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, Mustang GT includes standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.

When it’s time to back off and relax for the drive home, available advanced driver-assist features including Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control can help ease the load, while SYNC AppLink™ lets drivers control their smartphone apps to listen to their favorite form of entertainment.

50 years of Mustang
April 17, 2014, marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the original Ford Mustang and each 2015 model celebrates the milestone with a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the words “Mustang – Since 1964.” Mustang will continue to be built in the United States at Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

“From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right,” said Pericak. “We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is quicker, better-looking, more refined and more efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people have associated with Mustang for half a century.”