Fords transit van now sells worldwide and has become teh worlds best selling commercial vehicle range of products.

• Ford Transit was the best-selling cargo van family* globally in 2015, with nearly 400,000 vans registered, based on IHS Markit global new vehicle registration data for calendar year-end 2015
• Ford has been Britain’s top-selling commercial vehicle since launch over 50 years ago and is also Europe’s number one CV brand
• Transit is the best-selling van in America with sales up 31 per cent year-to-date; and is the best-selling nameplate in the light bus and van segment in China, based on data from China Insurance Information Technology Company

Fleets and tradespeople around the world are increasingly turning to Ford vans to get the job done, making the Ford Transit family the best-selling line-up of  cargo vans on the planet.

Ford Transit was the best-selling cargo van family* globally in 2015, with nearly 400,000 vans registered, based on IHS Markit registration data.

“We are focused on building our clear global leadership in trucks, vans and commercial vehicles,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Global Product Development, and chief technical officer. “While other manufacturers only offer their van line-ups regionally, Ford has cracked the code on developing global van architecture that can be customised to regional needs.”

Transit is building on a 50-year legacy in Europe. In the past 25 months, Ford has seen its commercial vehicle market share grow from 10.8 per cent to 12.9 per cent in Europe.

This makes Ford the No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand in Europe for the first time in 18 years, thanks to continued growing demand for its completely new and expanded Transit range – including Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier – based on IHS Markit commercial vehicle registrations.

Transit Custom sales in Europe grew 23 per cent to 89,800 units year-on-year during the first three-quarters of 2016, and Transit sales grew 17 per cent to 64,800 units during the same period.**

“Ford sold more than 247,000 commercial vehicles in the first three quarters of 2016 – an 18.6 per cent increase year-on-year – and our Transit models are the cornerstone of that success,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “Equipped with an all-new generation of powerful Ford EcoBlue diesel engines, Transit and Transit Custom now offer even greater load-hauling capability alongside improved fuel-efficiency for reduced running costs.”

The success of Transit has also propelled Ford to become the top seller of commercial cargo vans in the U.S, accounting for 40 per cent of the full-size commercial van market in the country through September – up from 36 per cent in 2015. Strong demand for Transit is putting Ford on track for its best year for U.S. van sales since 1978, based on Ford-reported data. Transit now outsells even America’s best-selling minivan, based on industry-reported sales.  

Overall industry sales for Class 1-3 vans in the U.S. and Mexico are expected to continue growing, according to work truck industry association NTEA, which predicts industry sales will increase 10 per cent in 2016 compared with 2015.

Transit is the best-selling nameplate in the light bus and van segment in China, on track to become the best-selling nameplate there for 2016, based on data from China Insurance Information Technology Company.

Transit also remains the UK’s favourite van after over 50 years of sales leadership and after a successful March, commercial vehicle sales are on track to be at a record high at year end.

Deep roots for Ford commercial cargo van leadership

Ford’s commercial cargo van legacy began when the first Transit left the production line in Langley, England, Aug. 9, 1965. Transit became a favourite in Europe, and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Ford is expanding its Transit line-up in China as part of its relationship with Jiangling Motors Corporation, which started in August 1995, with the first Ford Transit produced there in December 1997.

More than eight million Transit and Transit Custom vehicles have been built, as the range grew from a single model more than half a century ago to an entire family of commercial cargo vehicles. Lined up end-to-end, 50 years of Transit vans would circle the globe. A customer buys a new Transit every 180 seconds on average, based on Ford sales and production data.

Transit debuts Ford EcoBlue diesel

Ford earlier this year introduced the new Transit and Transit Custom, powered by state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine technology that delivers significant cost of ownership and performance benefits, with fuel efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent and low-end torque by 20 per cent.

Sophisticated new driver assistance technologies for both models include:

• Pre-Collision Assist emergency braking system – the first in the segment to feature Pedestrian Detection technology – that reduces the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or helps drivers avoid some impacts altogether
• An upgraded Electronic Stability Control system that provides an enhanced suite of functions to improve vehicle stability in extreme driving situations including Side Wind Stabilisation – a new system that applies the brakes on one side of the vehicle to reduce the effect of a sudden side wind gust on the vehicle’s path

Also offered is a new six-speed automatic transmission for Transit and Transit Custom; and an enhanced all-wheel drive system and advanced SYNC 3 connectivity for Transit.

Ford CV sales were at their 2nd highest ever in 2015 and last month achieved an all-time best-ever record.

Ford commercial vehicle sales were at their second highest ever in 2015 and last month achieved an all-time best-ever record. Last year CV registrations exceeded 100,000, maintaining Ford’s position as the UK’s favourite, which has been held for the past 50 years.

Ford Transit has led the UK CV sector from its launch in 1965 and Ford’s CV range secured a 24.8 per cent share in 2015, up from 23.5 per cent in 2014.  Ford’s CV sales lead of 61,041 increased by 38.8 per cent compared with 2014.

Ford’s fresh and extended CV range helped deliver Ford’s second best ever commercial sales in 2015.  UK CV sales in 2015 were 429,576 up 16.5 per cent, compared with 2014, while Ford CV sales in 2015 were 106,356 up 22.9 per cent.

Continuing the success, Ford went on to record its all-time best-ever month for commercial vehicle (CV) sales with 20,735 registrations in March 2016. 

March 2016 highlights:

• Transit Custom and Transit first and second in CV sales
• Transit Custom, Transit and Ranger lead their respective segments
• Ford records highest-ever monthly CV sales and 29.4 per cent CV market share

First quarter 2015 highlights:

• Ford is the UK market leader in total vehicle and commercial vehicle sales
• Ford CV sales and share up dramatically, sales volume is up 16 per cent compared with the same period in 2015

UK commercial vehicle sales in March were up 4.1 per cent at 70,947 compared with March 2015.  Total sales of Ford CVs were at the highest level ever recorded, up 21.3 per cent at 20,735, compared with March 2015, three times the sales volume of its nearest rival.

Ford light commercials sales in March were up from 3,755 to 3,959, compared with March 2015, and LCV market share increased from 20.9 to 25 per cent.  Ford medium commercials sales in March rose from 13,449 to 16,776, compared with March 2015, and MCV market share increased from 30.2 to 34.2 per cent.

For the year to date there were corresponding increases in LCV and MCV sales and share and Ford’s total CV sales increased from 26,470 to 31,975 compared with the same period in 2015 with total CV sales share increasing from 25.2 to 28.6 per cent. 

The full availability of Ford’s extended CV family has helped deliver these significant increases in sales and share.  Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom, Transit and Ranger all placed in the top three in their respective market segments.

UK SALES JANUARY - Ford continues to dominate, month in month out, decade in decade out.

Ford, the UK’s market leader, is maintaining strong momentum into 2016 with increased sales across all market sectors, compared with January 2015.

Highlights of the January sales figures issued today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) include:

• Ford’s sales lead increased across all sectors.
• Ford CV sales are more than double those of its nearest rival.
• Fiesta is the UK best seller; Transit Custom and Transit, 1st and 2nd in CVs.
• Ford celebrates 50 years of UK CV market leadership and is also Europe’s most popular CV brand.
• Fiesta has been the UK best seller for seven consecutive years and Europe’s leading small car for four years.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said:  "Ford’s strong sales start to 2016 builds on the momentum evident in 2015 and is a direct result of continued investment in exciting products and industry-leading technologies.

“This is being recognised by outstanding media coverage for the new Focus RS and it is celebrated in our new ‘Unlearn’ marketing campaign that challenges consumers to take a fresh look at the brand, using the Mustang, Edge and GT as prime examples of bold and surprising new models."

According to the official SMMT figures, January car sales in the UK were up 2.9 per cent at 169,678 registrations, compared with January 2015.  Ford sold 22,035 cars in January, up 2.6 per cent, compared with January 2015.  Ford’s car sales lead over its nearest rival was 6,773, an increase of 49 per cent, compared with January 2015.

Ford remains the clear leader in retail car sales, which most accurately reflect the preferences of private buyers.  At 13.3 per cent, Ford’s January retail car sales share was 5.4 percentage points ahead of its nearest rival. 

The Ford Fiesta has been the best-selling small car in Europe for four years and the UK best-seller for seven years.  It is the best-seller in the UK by a significant margin with 8,353 sales and a 4.9 per cent market share in January, 3,514 sales and 2.1 percentage points of market share ahead of its nearest competitor.  Fiesta also leads UK retail sales with 4,816 registrations, 2,345 ahead of its nearest rival.

The strength and breadth of the Ford model range is demonstrated by Fiesta (1^st), B-MAX (3^rd), Focus (1^st), C-MAX (1^st), EcoSport (5^th), Kuga (2^nd), Mondeo (2^nd), Galaxy (1^st) and Mustang (3^rd) all featuring near, or at, the top of their segments in January.

UK commercial vehicle sales in January were down 2.2 per cent at 24,291, compared with January 2015.  Sales of Ford CVs were up 0.3 per cent at 6,500, compared with January 2015.  Ford’s CV market share in January was 26.8 per cent, up from 26.1 per cent in January 2015.

Ford is entering its 51^st year of UK CV market leadership and it has been confirmed that in 2015 it was also the most popular CV brand in Europe.

Ford’s fresh and extended CV range is delivering record levels of CV sales with CV registrations more than double those of its nearest rival.  Fiesta Van (1^st), Transit Courier (2^nd), Transit Connect (2^nd), Transit Custom (1^st), Transit (1^st) and Ranger (1^st) are all placed first or second in their respective market segments.

UK Police forces have chosen to expand their fleets with a range of new Ford vehicles.

Police forces nationwide have chosen both the Ford Kuga sport utility vehicle (SUV) and Transit Custom van to renew fleets from 2016. In a total deal comprising 1,100 vehicles, forces across the country have recognised the Kuga’s all-wheel drive capability and versatility of the iconic Ford Transit.

First the UK’s northern consortium of 22 police forces ordered 680 Ford models, including 120 Kuga SUVs and 560 Transit Custom medium vans.  Half of the Transit Customs will be supplied by Ford as cell vans, converted by its Special Vehicle Preparation (SVP) operation into a vehicle capable of securely transporting two detainees, accompanied by up to five police officers.

Ford Kuga and Transit Custom were also top of the SUV and van wish list of the country’s southern consortium, which includes six fire services as well as 28 police forces.  They also added 110 Ford Transit Connect light vans and 30 Ranger pick-ups to the 80 Kugas and 200 Transit Customs which made up their Ford order.

“Ford has a long history of working with emergency services spanning 50 years,” said Terry Adams, Ford direct sales manager.  “The stylish and capable Ford Kuga has established itself as their rural beat car of choice with all-important all-wheel drive necessary for winter conditions.”

British Transport Police, South Wales and Dyfed Powys are other forces with Ford Kugas on their fleets.  The market-leading Ford Transit Custom is used in every police region in the country, with roles as cell vans, crime scene units, dog carriers and camera vans.

The new all-wheel drive Ford Mondeo is considered the best estate for the transportation of police dogs.  Its high payload and volume capacity best meet new DEFRA and RSPCA guidelines on in-car kennel size and welfare of dogs in transit.

Broadcaster, Ford driver and dog owner, James Whale (pictured), visited Ford SVP, in Essex, to see how Mondeos are converted into dog units and to be introduced to the acclaimed new Kuga police SUV and newly finished Ford Focus ST patrol car.  The addition of a diesel estate to the Focus ST range last year attracted great interest from the police in its combined performance, fuel economy and generous load space – prompting SVP’s special build of a one-off demonstrator.

The Traditional Yellow fleet of Vans from Ford continues with another 550 Transit Connect's & Couriers to The AA.

Ford will deliver more than 550 Ford Transit Custom and Courier vans to the AA, maintaining its 50 per cent share of the motoring organisation’s distinctive 3,000-vehicle fleet.

The bulk of the AA’s order is for Ford Transit Custom, with around 400 being fitted by Ambrosetti UK with the AA’s new recovery trailer system, heavy duty electrical systems, special equipment racking and the organisation’s trademark yellow livery.

In one of the largest orders to date for the recently launched Ford Transit Courier, the AA is taking 70 examples for use by agents selling memberships across the UK.

A further 70 Ford Transit Custom models are equipped as AA Battery Assist vehicles which carry a wide range of replacement batteries and offer a 24/7 roadside fitment service for AA members. There will also be nine Ford Transit Customs kitted out as AA Fuel Assist vehicles, on call to members who have misfuelled their car.

This year’s order takes the AA’s total delivery of Ford Transit Custom models to almost 850 in the two years since the van was launched. It’s a popular choice among the AA’s technicians: “Ford Transit Custom is very well received,” says AA commercial vehicle fleet engineer, Chris Wiltshire. “Technicians like the working space, the cab and driving position, and we like it for the best load area in class, enhanced towing capacity and very good whole-life costs.”

James Powell, Ford direct sales business manager, said: “This order further strengthens the ties between Ford and the AA, as Ford already has a long-running arrangement to supply 2,000 cars annually to the AA Driving School.

“We are pleased that the AA finds the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Courier ideal for its needs, a cost-effective purchase and a valuable addition to its fleet of vehicles, many of which are doing vital work to help motorists stranded at the roadside.”

Oxford, UK, could be powered by the electricity saved by Ford of Europe's plants after a raft of energy saving schemes.

• Energy usage, per vehicle produced, reduced by 25 per cent since 2011 following investments of £20 million in Ford’s European plants
• Generated annual energy saving of 800 gigawatt hours – equivalent to the energy used each year by a city the size of Oxford
• New Energy Management Operating System contributes to prestigious International ISO 50001 certification for Ford facilities at Cologne and Saarlouis in Germany
• Industry-first heat recovery system transforms and recycles low-grade waste heat from paint systems

Ford in Europe is on course to achieve a reduction in energy usage, per vehicle produced, of 25 per cent since 2011, following investments of  £20million specifically targeting energy waste.

This means that each year Ford will save about 800 gigawatt hours at its European plants – roughly the amount of energy used annually by a city with a population of 170,000, such as Oxford.

As part of the Ford Production System, a new energy management operating System is now deployed throughout Ford’s European manufacturing centres. Facilities in Cologne and Saarlouis, Germany, for example, have achieved International ISO 50001 status for their energy management and efficiency.

“Constantly finding new ways of saving natural resources is an important challenge for Ford, especially in an energy intensive industry such as car-making,” said Richard Douthwaite, manager, Energy Management, Ford of Europe. “Recycling waste heat from factory paint ovens is just one of the creative ways we are reducing energy demand, helping us to lower the environmental impact of our manufacturing facilities around the world.”

The energy-saving measures include a system that recovers heat energy from the paint oven exhaust stacks and returns it as useful heat into the district water heating system. The system in Cologne has delivered 16 gigawatt hours since start-up in November 2013. A similar system is now operational in Ford’s Saarlouis plant and a further one is planned for its factory in Valencia, Spain.

A second paint heat recovery project, believed to be an industry-first, relates to the transformation of massive volumes of low-grade heat otherwise exhausted from the Cologne paint spray booths. The process uses heat pump technology, and some residual energy from the paint oven exhaust recovery, to convert low-grade heat to useful heat that is then re-introduced at the fresh air intake of the paint spray booth to offset the gas burners. Anticipated full year savings are 50 gigawatt hours.

The company is continuing its switch to low-energy LED lighting at its manufacturing facilities in Europe. More than 25,000 new LED fixtures were installed at facilities around the world last year. Ford is also rolling-out the installation of an advanced automated building heating control and ventilation system at its factories. The hi-tech system allows Ford energy teams to remotely control – and even switch off – heating systems in individual offices, or areas that are not in use, within its plants.

In the UK, Ford’s Dagenham and Bridgend engine plants both use renewable energy sources to help power their operations. Three wind turbines at Dagenham provide enough clean energy to power engine production at the Ford Dagenham Diesel Centre while a wind turbine and solar energy contribute to Bridgend’s sustainable energy actions.  

Sustainability is a core part of Ford’s business strategy, both in terms of smart manufacturing and mobility solutions; and a range of technologically advanced, fuel-efficient vehicles. Ford’s Sustainability Report is an important part of the company’s commitment to transparency and has helped to drive progress within Ford and across the industry.

UK SALES SEPTEMBER - FORD - #1 Best Seller (Fiesta) - #1+ #2 Best Seller CV (Transit & Connect).

Ford total vehicle sales exceeded 70,000 in September as it recorded its all-time best-ever month for commercial vehicle (CV) sales with 16,526 registrations.

According to the official September sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):

• Ford total vehicle sales 71,296, up from 69,438 in September 2014
• Ford is the UK market leader in total vehicle, car and commercial vehicle sales
• Fiesta is UK best-seller; Transit Custom and Transit first and second in CV sales
• Transit range is third in UK total vehicle sales
• In 50^th year as UK CV sales leader, Ford outsells nearest CV rival by two to one

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said:  "Vehicle sales are boosted in September due to the number plate change, and in combination with March sales account for a third of the UK annual total.  Ford’s best-ever car and CV ranges have contributed to Ford sales for March and September combined exceeding 150,000.

“Ford’s long-standing UK market leadership – 38 years for cars, 49 years for CVs – is being strengthened through continued investment in exciting products and industry-leading technologies.  The sales success of our fresh and extended CV range underlines this, while car sales are outpacing rivals thanks to the flow of new models, including C-MAX, S-MAX, Galaxy, Mustang and Mondeo Vignale."

The official figures released by the SMMT today show that total car sales in September were up 8.6 per cent to 462,517 units, compared with September 2014. Ford car sales were 55,083, 11,125 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.  For the year to date (end September) total UK car sales were 2,096,886, up 7.1 per cent compared with the same period in 2014.  Ford car sales for this period were 268,328, 56,228 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.

Ford is also the clear leader in retail car sales, which most accurately reflect the preferences of private buyers.  For September, Ford’s retail car sales share was 11.4 per cent, 3.2 percentage points ahead of its nearest rival, and for the year to date, Ford’s retail car sales share was 12.2 per cent, a lead of 4.0 percentage points.

The Ford Fiesta is in its seventh year as the UK top seller and in September it recorded 22,807 registrations, 7,137 sales and 1.5 percentage points of share ahead of its nearest rival.  With total registrations of 108,054 for the year to date, the Ford Fiesta is the UK best seller by a significant margin – 35,219 sales and 1.7 percentage points of market share ahead of its nearest competitor.

Ford’s broad customer appeal across its car range is demonstrated by Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, Kuga and Galaxy all occupying top three places in their respective market segments.  Ford Kuga sales are at the highest level since it was launched with September registrations of 5,090, up 13.9 per cent, compared with September 2014,  and sales for the year to date of 25,605, up 35.4 per cent, compared with the same period in 2014.

UK commercial vehicle sales in September were up 19.4 per cent at 65,472, compared with September 2014.  At 16,526, total sales of Ford CVs were at the highest level ever recorded following the previous record of 16,497 achieved in March this year.  Ford CV sales for the month and for the year to date are more than double those of its nearest rival.

For the year to date total UK CV sales were up 18.9 per cent at 325,940, compared with the same period in 2014. Total sales of Ford CVs for the year to date were up 23.6 per cent at 80,833, compared with 2014.

Ford light commercials sales for the year to date were up from 12,643 to 17,679, compared with the same period in 2014 and Ford medium commercials sales for the year to date were up from 52,735 to 63,154, compared with 2014.

The full availability of Ford’s extended CV family has helped deliver this strong sales momentum.  Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom, Transit and Ranger are all placed in the top three in their respective market segments.