Ford expands commercial vehicle lineup with three new Transit variants

• Two-tonne Transit now available in South African and Sub-Saharan African markets
• Panel van, chassis cab, and Tourneo versions of the award-winning Transit are on offer
• Extensive durability testing covers the equivalent of 11 million km or 275 round-the-world trips; includes more than 500,000 km with hard-working real-world customers

Pretoria, South Africa,August 2014 – Ford’s all-new Transit van and chassis cab variants, along with new Tourneo people movers, will become the backbone of small and large businesses, with a total of six new derivatives of the company’s award-winning commercial vehicles.

The two-tonne version of the Transit panel van is available to customers in both medium wheelbase (MWB) or extended long wheelbase jumbo configurations to suit customers’ load-carrying needs. Both versions also retain the smart load space features that have made Transit a household name abroad. These two vans are joined by the MWB and Jumbo versions of the Transit chassis cab, which businesses can tailor to fit their needs. The Tourneo is also added to the commercial vehicle lineup and will be available in 15-seat configurations. Built from the ground up as a people mover, the Tourneo offers African businesses a factory-built bus for safely transporting passengers.

These new models are part of an unprecedented renewal of Ford’s entire commercial vehicle range for South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa, and they come to market alongside International Van of the Year winner for 2013, the Transit Custom, and the Tourneo Custom.

“As part of our expansion in South Africa and the Sub Sahara African region, we’re bringing in more Ford product than ever before – and that includes commercial vehicles,” said Gavin Golightly, marketing manager at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA). “The Transit has been a leader in Europe for over 25 years. Now, local businesses will also have access to the best on offer with the new Transit, which boasts smart capabilities that sets it apart from the crowd. We are also ensuring that we have a number of dedicated Ford Dealerships to better suit the needs of the new market these vehicles appeal to.”

Joining the successful new Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom, launched last year, the all-new Transit is based on a state-of-the-art global platform. Ford earlier this year celebrated the production of the seven millionth Transit van since it launched the iconic brand in 1965.

Warranty

The standard warranty is valid for three years or 60 000 km whichever occurs first for both warranty and corrosion.

Subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent global commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, the all-new Transit has covered the equivalent of 11 million kilometres in arduous testing in Europe and North America – the same as driving around the globe 275 times – with more than 500,000 km of that total covered by actual Transit customers.

The new model has also undergone a series of extreme strength tests to ensure the vehicle would behave in a safe and predictable manner when subjected to the worst kinds of impacts experienced in real-world use: one test involved striking a 150 mm kerb at 60 km/h.

The purposeful, modern exterior design of the Transit panel van conceals a load area that can accommodate key standard-length items including pipes or building boards, and has more-vertical side walls as well as larger, more practical door openings. The side load doors boast an opening width of 1 300 mm, for easier loading and unloading with forklift trucks.

The two Transit panel vans on offer feature two different roof heights, and smart new features that include:

• Integrated high-grip rear bumper step offering a class-leading step height
• DIN/ISO compliant side-wall mounted tie-down points help keep the load floor clear
• Loadspace lighting provides maximum interior illumination
• High-visibility reflectors warn other road users when the rear doors are open at 90 degrees
• 2,800 kg towing capacity for MWB; 3,500 kg towing capacity for Jumbo

*Superior driver comfort, smart capability

Transit’s cabin offers generous amounts of shoulder and head-room, with excellent visibility, a comfortable driving position, and a steering column that is fully-adjustable for rake and reach.

The interior also incorporates a range of smart stowage solutions, including a full-width overhead shelf and a large hidden compartment under the dual passenger seat. Three 12-volt power sockets can be used for charging or powering mobile devices. Transit also offers an in-vehicle entertainment system as standard, including Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Ford engineers have tuned the vehicle to deliver class-leading driving dynamics, with more confident, car-like handling in both city and highway driving. The cab also offers excellent ride comfort and low noise levels.

Further smart technologies that help enhance driver awareness, confidence, and safety during long working days at the wheel include Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and rear view camera with front and rear park sensors (optional).

The vehicles provide the latest Electronic Stability Program (ESP) technology with innovative features including Curve Control – a unique Ford-developed program designed to slow the vehicle in a safe and stable fashion when it enters a bend like a highway exit ramp too quickly – along with Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control and Hill Launch Assist.

*Varies for SSA Markets

For sale in six continents

The new-generation Transit and Tourneo were developed under the One Ford product strategy for sale in six continents, including Europe, North America, Africa, and other key markets worldwide.

Pricing:

Ford Tourneo
Tourneo 2.2 TDCi 12 seater	R 403 421
Tourneo 2.2 TDCi 18 seater	R 491 140
Ford Transit single chassis cab
Transit Single Chassis Cab 2.2 TDCi MWB	R 315 702
Transit Single Chassis Cab 2.2 TDCi LWB	R 385 877
Ford Transit van
Transit Van 2.2 TDCi MWB	R 350 789

[ source : Ford ]

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