Ford’s compact and efficient all-new Transit Courier van makes its global debut at the 2013 Birmingham CV Show as the company presents its complete line-up of four next-generation Transit commercial vehicles for the first time. Offering class-leading loadspace, running costs and safety features, the Transit Courier is the smallest member of the all-new Transit range, and joins the Transit Connect, Transit Custom and Transit in the most comprehensive ever line-up of Transit vehicles. “Ford has now completely transformed its commercial vehicle line-up, with four all-new, class-leading Transits for European customers,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “With the all-new Transit range, we expect sales to grow to 400,000 units per year by 2016, well over 50 per cent more than we sell today.” The Transit Courier goes on sale in spring 2014, when all four new Transit models will be available in European showrooms. The line-up will also include the spacious new high-roof version of the Transit Custom that is also revealed for the first time in Birmingham. Ford’s renewed commercial vehicle range is completed by the new Fiesta Van and new Ranger, winner of the International Pickup Award 2013, joining the Transits on the Birmingham stand. All-new Transit Courier The all-new Transit Courier marks a significant development for the Transit range, expanding the nameplate into the compact van segment for the first time. Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the Transit Courier delivers class-leading load volume of 2.3m3 (SAE) with standard full bulkhead within an overall length of 4.16 metres, and offers the agile handling and manoeuvrability of a compact vehicle. The load compartment offers best-in-class features including: longest load length at floor level of 1.62 metres greatest access width through sliding rear side doors full-height, full-width steel bulkhead (glazed or unglazed), fully compliant with DIN and ISO standards for load restraints optional folding mesh bulkhead and fold-dive passenger seat to accommodate extended length items, with class-leading load length of 2.59 metres six cargo tie-down points (DIN and ISO compliant), including four rear side-mounted points to avoid obstruction of the floor area multiple pre-installed bodyside fixing points to mount racking or framework optional ultra-bright LED loadspace lighting With a generous load volume and maximum payload capacity of 660kg, the Transit Courier can accommodate a wide variety of cargo and equipment, including a standard Euro pallet. “With 10 per cent more load volume and floor area than its closest competitors, the all-new Transit Courier brings a new level of productivity to the compact van segment,” Samardzich said. “This is a stylish, practical and affordable new van that businesses will value for its agility and exceptionally low cost of ownership.” The Transit Courier will be available with highly-efficient diesel and petrol engines that target best-in-class fuel economy, and offer Auto-Start-Stop on all units. Customers can choose between the Dagenham-built 1.5-litre 75PS and 1.6-litre 95PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, and the remarkable 1.0-litre 100PS EcoBoost petrol engine, the “International Engine of the Year” 2012. Providing a stylish and professional appearance, the Transit Courier demonstrates the dynamic character of Ford’s global design language with its strong rising shoulder line, slim headlamps and high-mounted signature trapezoidal grille. Rugged bumpers and bodyside mouldings provide added protection and minimise repair costs. The cabin offers an ideal mobile-office environment, with smart stowage including a “mega-centre” console capable of storing A4 documents and small laptops; overhead stowage; and a storage drawer under the driver’s seat. A device dock in the centre of the instrument panel enables occupants to store, mount and charge mobile devices including phones and satnavs. The Transit Courier will also offer voice-activated in-car connectivity system, Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance, Rear View Camera, Easy Fuel, Speed Limiter and standard ESC (Electronic Stability Control); and a class-leading variety of safety features. All-New Transit Connect The stylish all-new Transit Connect van sets new standards for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability. Available in short-wheelbase (L1) and long-wheelbase (L2) versions, the Transit Connect offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 3.0m3 and 3.7m3(SAE) and a maximum payload of up to 1,000kg. Ford offers Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi derivatives. Smart design and engineering ensure the new Transit Connect delivers best-in-class load carrying ability. A load-through hatch in the bulkhead and fold-flat passenger seat enable long loads up to 3.0 metres (L1) and 3.4 metres (L2) to be safely carried in the vehicle. In addition, a multi-fold dual passenger seat now enables van models to carry up to three people in the cab. The Kombi and Double-Cab-in-Van models offer seating for five, or seven in the L2 Kombi model, and deliver flexible rear seat configurations with a movable mesh bulkhead. The L2 model also offers a unique fold-flat seat capability that optimises loadspace from the front passenger seats rearwards and accommodates loads of up to 2.0 metres. The Transit Connect targets best-in-class fuel efficiency offering an improvement of up to 30 per cent over the current model; as well as reduced cost of ownership through minimised maintenance and repair costs with extended service intervals. The powertrain line-up includes the highly-efficient 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel with a choice of 75, 95 and 115PS, and the 1.0-litre 100PS EcoBoost petrol engine, as well as a version of the acclaimed 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that is available with a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford ECOnetic Technologies that help to minimise fuel consumption include Auto-Start-Stop and Active Grille Shutter. Unlike many rivals which are tested like passenger cars, the all-new Transit Connect has been subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering millions of miles of arduous testing in laboratories, at proving grounds and on customer fleets. The all-new model also builds on the Transit Connect’s reputation for outstanding security: the improved remote locking system now offers two channels for enhanced security and can be fully configured to the customer’s needs, while anti-tamper shielding of the door lock latches prevents destruction of the locks by drilling or chiselling. The new model offers a stylish cockpit with car-like design and craftsmanship, smart stowage solutions, and the latest Ford driver assistance features and interior technologies. Transit Connect is the first in its class to offer Active City Stop and Tyre Pressure Monitor, and features Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance. Deliveries are due to start by the end of 2013. From : Motoring News