Ford of Britain Announces Prices for All-Wheel-Drive 2008 Ford Transit

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 22 October, 2007 – The new all-wheel-drive (AWD) 2008 Ford Transit is now available priced from £23,495 for the 330 short wheelbase panel van. The AWD system automatically provides stepless torque flow to the front wheels when traction loss at the rear is detected.

Highlights:
* Ford introduces an 'intelligent' all-wheel-drive system to Ford Transit line-up
* Available on Ford Transit with 2.4-litre 140PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission
* All-wheel-drive system increases traction without affecting ground clearance
* Ideal for utility companies, hotels, agricultural and forestry companies and police forces
* On sale now priced from £23,495

This new model is specifically targeted at customers who frequently face low friction surfaces and bad weather conditions: the new Ford Transit AWD adds more flexibility and reliability for operators working in these conditions. The Transit's AWD system is available with the 2.4-litre 140PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "The addition of the AWD system extends the choice for Transit buyers again, adding extra confidence when driving over slippery road surfaces. The system's design helps to reduce friction and mechanical losses often associated with AWD technology."

The Ford Transit AWD will be offered above the rear wheel drive on chassis cab, minibuses and the Transit panel van range including Double-Cab-in-Van. Low, medium or high roof derivatives will be available and short, medium or long wheelbase.

The AWD system is purely mechanical and operates automatically so that the driver is not distracted by any manual input. In slippery conditions the system simply increases drive to the front wheels, enhancing the vehicle's overall road performance. Drive is taken off the transmission main shaft via a helical gear set towards the front differential. A system of mechanical multiplate clutches combined with an hydraulic freewheel mechanism feeds power forward when required.

Standard ground clearance is also retained as a bulky differential housing is not needed with this compact and lightweight AWD system. Compared with the standard rear wheel drive Transit, the additional front axle weight is just 70kg – the rear axle weight remains virtually unchanged at just 10kg heavier.

"The all-wheel-drive system is completely invisible to customers, requiring no driver intervention, and it doesn't sacrifice any of the vehicle's core commercial qualities. It greatly expands Transit's capability as it adds more safety and flexibility to any kind of delivery or transport usage," added Steve Kimber.

Source: Ford Motor Company

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