Ford Transit Range Continues to Develop

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 22 October, 2007 – Following the announcement of the most powerful Transit engine (200PS), the largest Transit (4.6 tonne) and a heavy duty series, the Transit range now comes with a new six-speed transmission, more models with electronic stability programme (ESP), hill launch assist (HLA) and optional coated diesel particulate filters.

Highlights:
* New six-speed transmission together with upgraded powertrain
* ESP extends to dual rear wheel drive and incorporates hill launch assist
* New optional coated diesel particulate filter (cDPF)
* All models available to order now

Steve Kimber, director, commercial vehicles, Ford of Britain, said: "The Transit range is known for its diversity and these new additions will give operators more choice than ever before.

"We were proud to be the first to make adaptive ESP standard on a van and that roll-out is now complete with the inclusion of dual rear wheel drive and 17-seat minibus."

New Six-speed powertrain
All front-wheel-drive Transits are being enhanced with the introduction of a new 2.2-litre 140PS six-speed power train, replacing the 130PS five speed model. In addition to the extra gear, this new powertrain also develops an extra 13 per cent of torque -350 Nm compared with 310Nm for the previous model. This new powertrain will be available in Transit SportVan around Spring 2008.

Progress of Load Adaptive Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
The inclusion of ESP in Transit continues as planned with dual rear wheel drive models now being produced with ESP as standard. This includes Jumbo vans, chassis and chassis double cabs and 17-seat minibus. In addition, ESP is being upgraded across the range to include hill launch assist (HLA). This feature uses the ESP system to help the driver when accelerating from stationary on an incline. When the driver removes foot pressure from the brake pedal to accelerate, the system momentarily holds the vehicle to prevent it rolling backwards.

Coated diesel particulate filter (cDPF)
Separately available as an option from £850 is a coated diesel particulate filter (cDPF). This is now available on FWD 2.2-litre 85PS and RWD 2.4-litre 100PS. The latter gains six speed transmission when cDPFs are specified. For this, two different technologies are used: front-wheel drive models will be equipped with a standard diesel oxidization catalyst in conjunction with a regenerative DPF. Transits with rear- wheel drive come with an in-exhaust fuel vaporization system that is used to regenerate the DPF – a Ford-first technology. In addition to this eco-friendly system, a shift indicator system is being introduced to assist in driver behaviour and further optimise fuel economy.

Notes:

The new Ford Transit range, launched in June 2006, has already won several accolades:

* International Van of the Year 2007
* From What Van?: Best Security Panel Van (Transit), Best Security, Light Van (Connect), Best Light Van (Connect), Best Minibus (Transit) and Best One-Stop-Shop Conversions (Transit).
* From the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO): Fleet Light Van of the Year (Connect) and Fleet Panel Van of the Year (Transit).
* From Professional Van and Light Truck magazine: Transit for Best Medium Panel Van and Best Minibus.
* From Fleet World: Van Manufacturer of the Year, Best New Van and Best Security on Transit.

Source: Ford Motor Company

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