Ford offers new Side Wind Stabilisation technology on Transit and Transit Custom commercial vehicles

• Ford offers new Side Wind Stabilisation technology on Transit and Transit Custom commercial vehicles to help reduce driver stress on journeys in high winds
• Ford-developed system monitors sensors 100 times per second, and if a gust is detected, carefully applies the brakes on one side to help the driver stay in lane
• Side Wind Stabilisation fitted as standard to all new Transit and Transit Custom vehicles, together with the state-of-the-art high-efficiency Ford EcoBlue diesel engine

As winter storms hit, strong gusting winds provide an additional challenge to motorists, particularly those driving high-sided vehicles.

That’s why all new Ford Transit and Transit Custom commercial vehicles are fitted as standard with a new technology that helps drivers stay in lane when their van is hit by a sudden crosswind or the turbulence created by a large truck.

Side Wind Stabilisation is an advanced feature that was developed by Ford engineers, and works by carefully applying the brakes on one side of the vehicle to reduce the effect of a side wind gust on the vehicle’s path.

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“No-one likes that feeling when your vehicle gets caught by a wind gust, or you are passing close to a fast-moving truck,” said Marc Suermann, chassis controls supervisor, Ford of Europe. “This new technology will help make driving less stressful for Transit drivers, particularly on those dark and stormy winter days.”

At vehicle speeds over 50mph, the Side Wind Stabilisation system monitors stability sensors 100 times per second. If a sudden gust is detected, the feature can become active within less than 200 milliseconds – the time it takes a sprinter to react to the starting pistol.

Ford engineers tested the new system at a special test track which uses six powerful fans to generate crosswinds of up to 50mph, as well as on public roads in areas which are notorious for strong winds on the coast.

The Side Wind Stabilisation technology is offered on Ford’s latest Transit and Transit Custom models that feature the state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, delivering 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.

Advanced new driver assistance features for both models also include the 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.

Ford launches new colour editions of the ever popular Transit Customer LCV.

• Ford launches exclusive new Transit Custom models for customers that want to combine eye-catching looks with impressive capability
• New Transit Custom Colour Edition brings vibrant contrasts to the one-tonne van market, in four striking colour schemes with contrasting roof, mirrors and skid plate
• Sport series with signature twin stripes now available in eight bodystyles; responds to rising customer demand, with sales up 52 per cent in first 10 months of 2016
• Latest Tourneo Custom people mover also enhances appeal with Sport package, plus new 6-speed automatic, rear air suspension and alloy wheel options

Ford has revealed exclusive new variants of the Transit Custom one-tonne commercial vehicle that provide stylish and functional transportation for independent businesses and artisans who want to stand out from the crowd.

The new Transit Custom Colour Edition van offers four eye-catching colour schemes that feature contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side stripes, along with unique black 17‑inch alloy wheels.

The Transit Custom Sport series van with its signature twin bonnet stripes is also now available in a much wider choice of bodystyles. 

 Sport series customers can now select van and double-cab-in-van models in both short and long wheelbase versions; in addition, the latest Tourneo Custom people mover can be specified with the same Sport package.

“Many of our retail customers are no longer satisfied with a standard white van, and these stunning new vehicles provide the perfect solution,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “The new Transit Custom makes a really positive statement about their business, and looks great on the driveway at the weekend.”

The demand for sporting and distinctive Transit models has continued to build since the original Sport Van was introduced by Ford in 2007. During the first 10 months of 2016, sales of the current Transit Custom Sport are up by 52 per cent in the UK compared to the same period the previous year.

New Colour Edition – bold contrasts, sports style

Available for delivery in spring 2017, the Transit Custom Colour Edition provides van customers with an exclusive new appearance option with just 400 units available in the UK.

Inspired by the bold contrasting colours of Ford’s successful passenger cars like the Fiesta and Focus Red and Black Editions, the new model can be specified in Race Red, Deep Impact Blue and Frozen White with Jet Black contrasts, and Shadow Black with Race Red contrasts.

All Transit Custom Colour Edition vehicles have a short-wheelbase, standard roof van bodystyle, and are based on the 290 Trend series model featuring the powerful all-new 170PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission, with the enhanced chassis settings from the Sport series van.

Transit Custom Sport series with expanded appeal

Responding to customer demand for a wider choice of body and seating options, the Transit Custom Sport series is now available in six different variants – a significant expansion from the single short-wheelbase van version offered previously.

As before, the range-topping Sport series features a muscular body kit and a fully colour-coded exterior, with body-colour bumpers, side mirrors and door handles, along with body-side mouldings and wheelarch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model. The bold appearance is finished off with new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

The sporting style also features partial leather interior trim combining Pewter seat fabric with charcoal black leather bolsters, including second or third seat rows where fitted, and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC connectivity package.

The standard powertrain combines the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with a 6-speed manual, but customers can also specify the new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option on three of the Sport series variants.

All Sport models are based on the 290 series Transit Custom, with driving dynamics further optimised with a unique chassis specification delivering enhanced steering, handling and ride, and a more responsive and agile feel.

Compared to a standard vehicle, roll control is improved by a thicker front anti-roll bar and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar. On the van model, this is combined with softer rear springs for increased comfort when lightly laden, along with unique damper tuning, with firmer settings on the rear, for enhanced ride and steering control. Double-cab-in-van models have different spring and damper settings optimised for both handling and rear passenger comfort.

The expanded Transit Custom Sport series is available to order at the end of the year for customer delivery in spring 2017.

Tourneo Custom people mover – with Sport, Auto and Rear Air Suspension options

For the first time, Ford’s spacious and versatile Tourneo Custom people mover is now available with a Sport series option, providing both private buyers and business purchasers with a more dynamic exterior appearance and a stylish sports interior.

The Sport variant is based on the Tourneo Custom Titanium model, and can be specified as an 8-seat vehicle in either short or long wheelbase form with the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine. The exterior and interior enhancements are shared with the equivalent Transit Custom.

The latest Tourneo Custom is also now offered with significant new features and technologies including the smooth and responsive new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system that delivers a supple, controlled and level ride across a wide range of load conditions, and an attractive new 17-inch alloy wheel option for enhanced handling and braking performance.

Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom showcase all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel

Ford earlier this year introduced the state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine to Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom vehicles, delivering 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

Ford presents latest Transit and Transit Custom line-up powered by state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine.

• Ford presents latest Transit and Transit Custom line-up powered by state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine at 2016 IAA Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show
• All-new EcoBlue diesel 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
• Show debut for new six-speed automatic in Transit and Transit Custom; Ford reveals enhanced all-wheel drive system and advanced SYNC 3 connectivity for Transit
• Ford strengthens position as the number one selling commercial vehicle brand in Britain, with sales of the Transit Custom up 18 per cent compared with the same period last year

The advanced all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel engine takes centre stage at the 2016 IAA Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show, delivering improved cost of ownership and performance in Ford’s latest Transit and Transit Custom models.

The Ford EcoBlue engine powers every vehicle displayed on Ford’s Hannover stand, and provides commercial vehicle operators with fuel efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent compared with the outgoing 2.2-litre TDCi engine, with CO₂ emissions from 157g/km,* and delivers significant improvements in low-rpm torque for enhanced driveability. 

Hannover also marks the show debut for the new six-speed automatic transmission variant of the Transit and Transit Custom, and Ford revealed the introduction of an enhanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system and the new SYNC 3 communications system on Transit.

Two years on from completing the renewal of its Transit line-up at Hannover 2014, Ford is firmly established as Europe’s fastest-growing commercial vehicle brand. Over the past 24 months, Ford has seen its market share grow from 10.8 to 12.9 per cent as it rose from fourth in the market to become the No. 1 selling brand.**

The growth in Ford commercial vehicle sales is continuing in 2016, with demand for the expanded four-model Transit family and Ranger pickup increasing and sales of the Transit Custom in the UK up by 18 per cent for August year-to-date compared with last year.

“Ford’s EcoBlue engine is a real diesel game changer, combining reduced cost of ownership with outstanding performance and cleaner emissions,” said Bernhard Mattes, Chairman, Ford of Germany. “As our sales growth shows, Ford already offers the most advanced line-up of commercial vehicles in Europe, and the all-new Ford EcoBlue engine takes it to a new level.”

All-new Ford EcoBlue diesel – cheaper to run, better to drive

The all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel uses a completely new architecture engineered to provide the next-generation of clean, efficient and refined engines for future Ford cars and commercial vehicles.

The 2.0-litre engine has been developed with the latest turbocharging, fuel injection, combustion system, structural design and low-friction technologies to deliver significant improvements in fuel efficiency, performance and operating refinement, while delivering the outstanding durability and low cost-of-ownership demanded for a Transit power unit.

Available now in the latest Transit and Transit Custom models, the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue engine is offered in 105PS, 130PS and 170PS power ratings, each of which offers increased power and torque compared with the outgoing 2.2-litre engine. Improved low-end pulling power – with 20 per cent more torque at 1,250rpm – delivers more flexible and responsive performance in everyday driving.

Lower running costs are supported by significantly improved fuel efficiency. Transit van models equipped with optional Auto-Start-Stop achieve CO₂ emissionsfrom 174g/km and average fuel consumption from 42.8mpg – a 10 per cent reduction over the equivalent outgoing model.

Transit Custom vehicles fitted with optional Auto-Start-Stop deliver CO₂ emissionsfrom 157g/km with average fuel consumption from 46.3mpg – 13 per cent down from the equivalent outgoing model.

Ford anticipates a fuel cost saving of up to £1,250 over 80,000 miles for the operator of a new 105PS Transit Custom van compared with the previous 100PS model.***

Scheduled maintenance costs are also reduced, with the extended variable service intervals of up to two years/36,000 miles offering up to an additional 6,000 miles between services on both Transit and Transit Custom models, intervals that are not exceeded by any competitor.

The Ford EcoBlue diesel engine has been engineered to meet Ford’s rigorous commercial vehicle durability standards, powering Transit vehicles through the equivalent of 3.4 million miles of punishing durability testing, including 250,000 miles of testing at the hands of real-world Transit customers.

Ford’s Hannover stand reflects the huge variety of Transit and Transit Custom models available with the EcoBlue engine to suit all business needs, including a comprehensive offering of specialised body options and conversions ranging from tippers and refrigerated vans to minibuses and emergency vehicles.

Smooth-shifting six-speed automatic – specially engineered for Transits

Transit front-wheel drive and Transit Custom customers who require improved comfort and convenience in urban driving will be able to choose a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission in place of the standard manual gearbox, for delivery in early 2017. The new transmission can be specified in combination with the 130PS and 170PS versions of the Ford EcoBlue engine, and Auto-Start-Stop is standard on all variants.

The transmission has been specially engineered for the Transit applications, including a new torque converter and external casing to optimise refinement, and is based on a highly durable design that has proven itself with powerful front-wheel drive vehicles in North America, with a torque capacity of more than 415Nm.

A unique calibration ensures that the transmission is perfectly matched to the torque delivery of the Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, providing responsive performance together with excellent fuel economy, and CO₂emissions as low as 174g/km on Transit Custom. The transmission can detect when the vehicle is on a road with a steep gradient, or carrying a heavy load, and adjusts the shifting strategy for optimal efficiency.

The electronically-controlled transmission delivers smooth and quick gear changes – with typical shift times of less than 0.5 seconds – and the SelectShift facility provides the option of manual shifting for enhanced control using a switch mounted on the side of the gear lever. The Auto-Start-Stop feature has been carefully tuned to suit the needs of commercial vehicle customers, with an on-demand electric pump to maintain transmission pressure so that the driver can pull away quickly as soon as the engine has re-started.

Transit intelligent AWD – lighter and more capable

Ford’s intelligent AWD system for the Transit model has been re-engineered to deliver improved capabilities in combination with the all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel engine.

The new fourth generation Transit AWD system features an enhanced driveline design that combines the front differential and AWD coupling into a single, compact unit. This revised design reduces weight by 10kg, and allows the driveline to be packaged more efficiently around the layout of the EcoBlue engine.

Ford engineers have also further optimised the calibration of the Electronic Stability Control and AWD control systems to provide improved traction and stability in all driving conditions.

In combination with the increased low-end torque of the EcoBlue engine, the latest generation system enables drivers to achieve smoother, more confident progress on challenging surfaces, enhancing the already class-leading traction and driving dynamics offered by the system.

The Transit AWD system automatically distributes available engine torque to front and rear wheels using a specially developed electronically-controlled AWD coupling, and can vary the front:rear torque distribution between 0:100 and 50:50. Two modes are provided, with the standard AWD Auto mode suitable for most driving situations, and an AWD Lock mode that enhances traction in more extreme driving situations such as deep sand or deep snow.

Transit AWD models can be specified with the 130PS and 170PS Ford EcoBlue engines, which deliver improved fuel efficiency with CO₂ emissions from 224g/km and average fuel consumption from 32.8mpg – an 11 per cent improvement compared with the outgoing model.

The AWD driveline option is available on a broad range of Transit van and chassis cab bodystyles, and will appeal to customers who frequently face slippery winter road surfaces and light duty off-road situations, such as service vehicles at ski resorts, utility companies in rural areas and maintenance engineers operating in all weather conditions. The new Transit AWD models are available to order at the end of the year for delivery in 2017.

“I need fuel” – SYNC 3 communications system responds to simple voice commands

Ford’s latest Transit, Transit Connect and Ranger models can now be specified with the new SYNC 3 communications system, which allows drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, navigation, and climate functions (where fitted) with more conversational voice commands.

Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need fuel”, “I need a coffee”, or “find an address”, drivers can locate nearby fuel stations, cafés, or the location of their next job. The system then guides the driver to the selected destination via the navigation.

SYNC 3 has a redesigned touchscreen that features larger, easier to operate buttons, and can be used just like a smartphone with pinch-to-zoom and swipe gestures. With a more powerful processor, the system also delivers faster and more responsive performance.

Designed to complement modern smartphones, SYNC 3 provides a powerful set of features for customers who use their vehicles as mobile offices, including phone calls using simple voice commands, audible text messages, and full compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ functions.

Using the integrated AppLink feature, customers can voice or touch control a wide range of popular apps from a connected Android or iOS smartphone, enabling them to access the latest weather forecast, music services or local parking information. AppLink also provides the opportunity for developers to create tailored apps driven by vehicle data, such as logistics or fleet optimisation tools, which could provide valuable benefits for larger business customers.

Unique OEM rear air suspension and new driver assist technologies

Ford’s Transit Custom Kombi M1 and Tourneo Custom models are available to order from November with a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system, for customer delivery in early 2017.

The system was developed specially for the passenger carrying variants of the Transit Custom vehicles, and meets Ford’s full commercial vehicle durability standards. 

The suspension design features an air spring mounted on a trailing arm for each side of the vehicle, with an electronically-controlled air compressor to deliver the required spring rate for the two springs.

Height sensors on the trailing arms detect when the vehicle load changes, such as when passengers enter or leave the vehicle, and the air spring rates are automatically adjusted to suit the new load condition and maintain a level ride height. 

The air springs, including the profiling of their internal core, are custom designed for the vehicle, with extensive tuning by Ford dynamics specialists to achieve the desired ride characteristics.

The air suspension system is ideal for applications like shuttle and executive travel businesses where loading in the rear of the vehicle can vary by as much as 1 tonne depending on the quantity of passengers and luggage. 

The system enables the vehicle to deliver a supple, controlled and level ride across a wide range of load conditions, providing improved passenger comfort and vehicle dynamics.

The new Transit and Transit Custom models with the Ford EcoBlue engine also benefit from advanced new driver assistance and vehicle technologies to enhance confidence and comfort behind the wheel.

These include the 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 is fitted to both new models as standard equipment, and 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.

* 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.

** Ford of Europe reports its sales for the 20 European main markets where it is represented through National Sales Companies.  

The Euro 20 markets are: Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland.

*** Based on a fuel cost of approx. £1.10 per litre

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