FORD PRO BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY WITH NEW DIGITAL FEATURES AND ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY COMING TO FORD TRANSIT IN 2024.

CORK, 20 July 2023 – Ford Pro in Europe today announced significant vehicle performance and productivity-enhancing upgrades coming in 2024 to Transit – the world’s best-selling cargo van – ¹ designed to help businesses do more and optimise their operations.

The Ford Transit and E-Transit models gain a comprehensive step up in standard connectivity features and Ford Power‑Up wireless update capability. New software simplifies aftermarket conversions and automates repetitive tasks for delivery drivers who can often make 150 drops a day. Chassis improvements and an eight-speed automatic transmission option boost payload and improve vehicle performance, handling and efficiency. ²

“As Europe’s commercial vehicle sales leader for eight successive years, we never stop looking for new opportunities to help increase our customers’ productivity,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “We work hand-in-hand with our customers to understand the challenges they face and create new solutions together. These new innovations improve Transit’s digital features, hardware and supporting Ford Pro ecosystem to deliver a new level of productivity for our customers.”

Enhanced technology as standard

To help customers of all vocations achieve the productivity benefits of connected commercial vehicles, Ford Pro continues to expand the digital capabilities of its Transit and E-Transit commercial vehicle portfolio. New features for 2024 in Europe include:

• SYNC 4 communication and information system, ³ supported by a 12-inch centrally-mounted touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster for a driver-focussed, intuitive cab, with Connected Navigation ⁴ for real-time traffic information to help drivers plan routes and stay on schedule
• Ford’s latest 5G modem, ⁵ which provides superfast connectivity to Transit’s smart technologies with Ford Power-Up wireless updates for vehicle productivity improvements without a trip to the dealer
• New Delivery Assist technology ⁶ – available on long wheelbase panel van E-Transit and Transit models with automatic transmission – which automates repetitive security tasks for delivery drivers who often make up to 150 drops a day, shaving up to 20 seconds from each delivery. Shifting into Park stops the engine, activates the hazard warning lights and alarm, and locks any doors the driver does not use to exit the cab or access parcels. Pressing the brake pedal then restarts the engine and deactivates the hazard lights
• Ford Pro’s Upfit Integration System, which lets drivers control aftermarket installed equipment via digital buttons on the standard in-cab touchscreen and also links to Ford Pro software packages for remote monitoring – for example, to track temperature in refrigerated vehicles carrying pharmaceuticals or food and drink where an uninterrupted cold chain is essential

Engineered for greater performance, efficiency and capability

A comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems for driver and cargo safety become standard for 2024 on Transit, including Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Alert & Aid, and Intelligent Speed Assist. ⁶ Driver assistance packs include a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring and Stop & Go, and Auto Park Assist with a 360-degree camera to provide added reassurance for drivers and can help reduce downtime, repair and insurance costs for operators. ⁶

The 2024 model introduces a new eight-speed automatic transmission option for front-wheel drive Transits to improve performance, efficiency and load-hauling ability. ² The new transmission maximises capability with up to 4,250 kg GVM and 6,000 kg GTM ⁷ – an increase of 700 kg and 1,750 kg respectively.

New wheel hub and brake systems reduce weight by up to 27 kg depending on vehicle configuration. The design also allows the brakes to be changed more easily, shortening servicing time by up to two hours when replacing all four discs. New 16-inch wheels become standard across the 2024 model.

A new heavy-duty Gross Axle Weight Rating pack is also now available for front-wheel drive models, raising the front axle maximum weight to 2,000 kg from 1,850 kg to increase conversion potential and save time and effort for operators by reducing load distribution demands. Ford Pro expects this to particularly benefit applications such as horseboxes or low loaders that require easy access to the load area and high payloads.

The latest Transit and E-Transit models are available for customer order later this month and enter production next year, with deliveries expected from summer 2024. Since its launch in 2022, the Ford E-Transit has become a clear leader in the two-tonne EV segment, representing over 50 per cent of all electric vehicles sold in Europe in its class. ⁸

# # #

¹ Based on S&P Global Mobility New Registrations data CY2014-CYE 2022, which is compiled from government and other sources and captures 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries as reported in March 2023. Transit family-based volumes of vans, wagons, chassis cabs and cutaways include Ford Transit, Transit Custom. Excludes Transit Connect and Transit Courier.

² Officially homologated driving range will be published closer to on-sale date. In accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). Published range (intended target value according to WLTP) can be achieved with a fully charged battery – depending on the existing series and battery configuration. The actual range may vary due to various factors (eg. weather conditions, driving style, route profile, vehicle condition, age and condition of the lithium-ion battery).

Officially homologated fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions figures will be published closer to on-sale date. The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumptions, CO₂-emissions and electric range are determined according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended. The applied standard test procedures enable comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers.

³ Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

⁴ Navigation services require SYNC 4 and FordPass Connect, complimentary Connected Service and the FordPass app (see FordPass Terms for details). Eligible vehicles receive a complimentary 90-day trial of navigation services that begins on the new vehicle warranty start date. Customers must unlock the navigation service trial by activating the eligible vehicle with a FordPass member account. Annual service contract is required for connected navigation services. Connected service and features depend on compatible network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. FordPass App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.

⁵ FordPass Connect, the FordPass App, and complimentary Connected Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms for details). Connected service and features depend on compatible network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Connected service excludes Wi-Fi hotspot.

⁶ Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

⁷ Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.

⁸ Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye