Expert jury gives Custom thumbs up
An expert jury of 25 commercial vehicle journalists voted Ford Pro’s all-new Transit Custom the winner of the 2024 International Van of the Year award.
Earlier this year, Ford Pro's latest Transit Custom – which leads its segment – became available for purchase throughout Europe. This model – which comes with the widest choice of variants ever – introduces distinctive digital and customer-centric features. These include a 5G modem for high-speed connectivity, software updates for more than 30 vehicle modules, Delivery Assist (which can save over 20 seconds per stop), factory-installed Alexa Built-in, and a versatile MultiCab body style.
The jury placed the Transit Custom ahead of the new Iveco eDaily. Also on the podium and in third position was the Renault Trafic E-Tech. The other finalists included the HYVIA Master E-Tech H2, Mercedes-Benz eCitan and Opel Vivaro-e Hydrogen. This indicates the diversity and choice of drivetrains available today in the light commercial vehicle sectors.
Coming to SA
The all-new Transit Custom is heading to South Africa next year. The base model is scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2024, while the Sport will hit local shores by the middle of next year.
Designed in response to customer feedback, the all-new Transit Custom presents a variety of inventive features aimed at optimising productivity throughout the workday. Among these features is a clever tilting steering wheel that serves as a practical work surface for the driver. The vehicle's architecture was strategically optimised to achieve an overall height of less than two metres, enhancing accessibility in height-restricted environments such as multi-storey car parks, garages, and underground loading bays.
The van boasts a class-leading side load door aperture that improves the loading process. This side door includes a newly integrated access step, making entry into the load compartment even more convenient. Additionally, drivers have the option of a power sliding side door with hands-free operation, particularly beneficial when carrying parcels or equipment. The vehicle's chassis and body structure have been optimally packaged, resulting in a lower load floor compared to the previous model, facilitating both cargo loading and cab access.
A noteworthy enhancement is the introduction of a new semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension design across all Transit Custom vans. This design not only contributes to the lower floor height but also enhances steering precision, handling, and traction. The repositioning of the front wheels and strut towers further forward brings about improved cross-cab access, increased foot space, and the addition of footrests for front occupants. Additionally, this adjustment results in a shorter front overhang, which makes the vehicle easier to park and manoeuvre.
Proud of award
Hans Schep, General Manager of Ford Pro Europe, said: “We are very proud that the International Van of the Year jury has bestowed this prestigious award on the all-new Transit Custom. As the leading one-tonne van of choice for European customers, the all-new Transit Custom has been designed and engineered to meet their wide-ranging needs. Along with our award-winning diesel, customers will soon also have the choice of electric and PHEV versions too. Every model is packed with innovation and superfast connectivity to Ford Pro’s uptime, charging and productivity software ecosystem to help our customers’ businesses thrive.”
Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury, congratulated Ford on the win. “Well, it’s a ‘High Five’ for the Ford Transit on winning the International Van of the Year Award 2024. This is the fifth occasion that the Ford Transit has won the International Van of the Year, first in 2001 and 2007 with the then all-encompassing model. Soon after its launch, the new generation standalone one-tonne variant – the Transit Custom – secured the title in 2013, in 2020 and now for 2024. Congratulations to all involved on this significant achievement.”
The Transit Custom was Europe’s top-selling one-tonne van last year as well as the UK’s best-selling vehicle overall for 2021 and 2022. The all-new model is produced at Ford Otosan’s state-of-the-art Yeniköy Assembly Plant in Turkey.
