Tag Archives: Ford

Ford Marks Southampton Closure With Transit Charity Donation

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Ford donated 3 minibuses to Southampton communityFord has marked the closure of its Transit plant in Southampton by donating three of the last Transit minibuses built at the factory to local organisations with long-standing ties to the Southampton plant.

Two of the minibuses were donated to Naomi House children’s hospice and The Cedar School, both of which have long-standing ties with Southampton employees at the Ford plant.

The third minibus was donated to Southampton City Council, in recognition of the firm’s long-standing relationship with the city and its community.

The council’s white, nine-seater minibus was handed over to The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Southampton (Councillor Ivan White) by Southampton operations manager, John Oldham, and will be used by Southampton charities and organisations across the city as a community bus.

Ford is no longer the major employer it used to be in the city, but it has been able to re-employ 134 employees at its new Vehicle Refurbishment Centre, which has opened on the existing Ford site at Swaythling and is the result of a £12m investment in the future of the site. The new facility will prepare vehicles for sale through Ford Direct, the company’s approved use sales program.

Autoglass Celebrates 44 Years of Transits

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Autoglass Ford Transit Custom LWB

One of the new Autoglass Ford Transit Custom LWB vans

Not many companies remain loyal to one brand of vehicle for nearly half a century, but Ford Transits have been the mainstay of the Autoglass fleet for 44 years.

The glass-fitting firm recently ordered 90 new long wheelbase Ford Transit Custom vans to update its 1,250-strong Transit van fleet.

The long wheelbase version of the Transit Custom was chosen because like cars, windscreens are getting bigger and more curvacious than they used to be, and require more storage space inside the van.

“The glass we have to carry is getting bigger and therefore so must our vehicles,” said Autoglass fleet manager Ged Raymond. “The 290 long wheel-base Transit Custom meets our needs perfectly and is being well received by our mobile technicians. They have always loved the Ford Transit and they like this one even more thanks to its comfort and drivability.”

Each Autoglass van is specially equipped with racking to carry the firm’s stock-in-trade as well as an electrical conversion unit to provide 240-volt power for tools and equipment. The Transit models used by Autoglass are all supplied through Heartlands Ford in Birmingham, and typically enjoy a four-year/100,000-mile working life.

All-New Ford Transit Connect Now Available To Order

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Ford Transit Connect

The all-new Ford Transit Connect is now available to order for delivery late in 2013.

The all-new Ford Transit Connect is now available to order, for delivery late 2013.

The new Transit Connect is part of Ford’s completely new commercial vehicle range, which started with the launch of the Transit Custom, and will be followed by a new two-tonne Transit and a new Transit Courier in 2014.

Available in Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi bodystyles with short-wheelbase (L1) and long-wheelbase (L2) versions, the Ford Transit Connect offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9m3 and 3.6m3 with a full bulkhead, or 3.7m3 and 4.4m3 including the front loadspace area.

The new vehicle can carry payloads of up to 1,000kg matching best in class figures.

A load-through hatch in the bulkhead and fold-flat passenger seat enable long loads up to 3.0m (L1) and 3.4m (L2) to be safely carried in the vehicle. In addition, a multi-fold dual passenger seat (like the Citroen Berlingo) now enables van models to carry up to three people in the cab. With a width between the wheelarches of 1,226mm, both models can accommodate two Europallets in the load area.

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. DCiV versions feature 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 2m.

Ford Transit Connect cockpit

When Ford says the cabin offers car-like design and comfort, it isn’t joking.

The Transit Connect delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency, with the ECOnetic model capable of 70.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 105g/km when fitted with a fixed 62mph speed limiter (with other fixed and switchable speed limiters available as options) – a 34 per cent improvement versus the current model.

Ford ECOnetic Technologies, including Auto-Start-Stop and Active Grille Shutter, help to minimise fuel consumption on selected models.

The full powertrain line-up includes the highly-efficient, Dagenham-built 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with a choice of 75, 95 and 115PS power outputs, and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with 100PS power output.

Finally, 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 the equivalent of three million miles in arduous testing, including at least 250,000 miles in tough real-world fleet conditions.

Developed under the One Ford global product strategy at Ford’s commercial vehicle centre of excellence in Dunton, Essex, the all-new Transit Connect will be produced at Ford’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Valencia, Spain for sale across Europe, North America and other worldwide markets.

Something tells me it could be a big hit with van hire companies and is likely to gain market share from the Vauxhall Combo / Citroen Berlingo families.

Ford Scores Speedy 400-Van Order

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Equipment hire firm Speedy has placed an £8.6m order for 400 new vans and pick-ups with Ford, cementing an 18-year relationship between the two companies.

Ford Transit Custom belonging to Speedy

One of Speedy’s new Ford Transit Customs.

The Speedy order – comprising 380 Ford Transit vans, including new Transit Custom models, and 20 Ford Ranger pick-ups – will be operated through 283 fixed Speedy sites throughout the UK.

Karen Nixon, Ford UK regional fleet manager, said:

“This 400-vehicle order from Speedy is testament to the reliability of Ford’s award-winning commercial vehicle range and evidence of the outstanding commitment Ford makes to its fleet customers. Ford’s on-going investment in low-CO2 technology is helping companies like Speedy in their quest for lower whole life vehicle costs.”

As with all of Speedy’s fleet, the new Ford vehicles will be fitted with telematic equipment to provide comprehensive reporting of driver behaviour, in an effort to encourage improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Speedy logistics director Richard Martin said:

“Our fleet is an extension of our company brand so it is important that we choose the right vehicles to meet our customers’ needs and requirements. Speedy operates through a large network of depots covering the whole of the UK and these Ford vehicles will be vital to transport assets and equipment.”

Speedy, which is based in Newton-le-Willows, close to St Helens and Wigan on Merseyside, is the largest equipment hire company in the UK and serves 10% of the UK market, through its network of 325 depots. The firm is also expanding into the Middle East and also offers a wide range of training services to its customers.

vanrental.co.uk verdict:

In my view, the new Transit Custom offers all the prestige and quality of certain highly-fashionable German manufacturers, along with a fresher, newer design than some comparable models.

Both the Transit Custom and the Ford Ranger have best-in-class five-star Euro NCAP ratings — despite their size and weight, vans and pick-ups have not scored well in safety tests, historically, and Ford is amongst the first manufacturers to start to correct that problem.

Ford Transit Custom Doubles Up With Another Award

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Ford Transit Custom front view

The Ford Transit Custom was chosen as ‘Best Medium Van’ by the Trade Van Driver magazine award judges.

Ford’s newest commercial vehicle models, the Transit Custom and Ranger, have received two more industry awards, bringing their total to 15 awards in 12 months.

Brentwood-based Ford’s bulging trophy cabinet will need to be expanded soon, following the firm’s double victory at the 2013 Trade Van Driver (TVD) Awards, where the highly acclaimed Ford Transit Custom and Ford Ranger pick-up received top honours.

The Ford Transit Custom is “Best Medium Van”, hailed by TVD judges as “a quantum leap forward” over its predecessor. The Transit Custom’s intelligent design, more fuel-efficient engine line-up, and introduction of advanced vehicle technologies like SYNC – Ford’s in-car connectivity system – were all praised.

The Ford Ranger is “Best 4×4 Truck” against stiff competition – praised for its robust appearance, its car-like ride and handling and supreme ability to cope with rough terrain. The variety of different Ranger models was also highly commended by the judges.

The TVD Awards aim to give recognition to manufacturers, firms and people who, in the opinion of the judges and readers using light commercial vehicles daily, offer the best solution to retail van buyers.

Ford sales director, Andy Barratt, said:

“The awards for Ford’s exciting commercial vehicle range keep on coming. We’re delighted with Transit Custom’s very healthy sales start, contributing to Ford’s overall 21 per cent share of the UK CV market for the year to date. Ranger continues to sell remarkably well having nearly doubled its presence in the pick-up segment to 16.6 per cent so far this year, compared with 2012.”

The Ford Transit Custom and new Ford Ranger have won 15 awards between them in the last 12 months, including the prestigious International Van of the Year 2013 and International Pick-up Award 2013 titles.

Ford’s A Hit For Six At VansA2Z Awards

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Ford Transit Custom

The Ford Transit Custom is VansA2Z.com Van of the Year 2013

Ford demonstrated why it remains the UK’s favourite commercial vehicle manufacturer by hitting the ball out of the park and winning an unprecedented six awards  at the recent VansA2Z Awards 2013 (apologies for the mangled sporting metaphors — the awards took place at Lords Cricket Ground, London).

The Brentwood-based company took home trophies for the following categories, with its new Transit Custom model (a direct competitor to the Mercedes Vito and Volkswagen Transporter) bagging no fewer than three:

  • Ford Transit Custom – Van of the Year
  • Ford Transit Custom – Best Small Panel Van
  • Ford Transit Custom – Best Innovation
  • Ford Transit – Best Minibus
  • Ford FiestaVan – Best Small Van
  • Ford Ranger – Highly Commended Pick-up

The Ford Transit Custom also claimed the overall Van of the Year award as well as winning in the Best Small Panel Van and Best Innovation categories. Its win in the Best Innovation category is particularly well deserved, as it is the first vehicle in its segment to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Ford Transit won Best Minibus for the third year running, and the frugal new Fiesta Van – which accounts more than 60 per cent of its segment – won Best Small Van. Ford Ranger, International Pick-up of the Year 2013, was highly commended.

Neil McIntee, VansA2Z editor, said:

“We’re delighted to award the Transit Custom Best Small Panel Van and the overall Van of the Year accolade. Ford has raised the bar to new heights with the introduction of Transit Custom. In terms of dynamics, refinement, safety and clever, functional design features, it is untouchable.”

The all-new Ford Transit Custom claimed the International Van of the Year 2013 title when it was launched last year and has sold more than 1,100 units since November 2012.

Ford To Display New Transit Range At Birmingham CV Show

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All-new Ford Transit

The new Ford Transit, due to go on sale in 2013

Ford will exhibit its widest and most high-tech line-up of commercial vehicles ever at the International CV Show 2013 at the NEC, Birmingham.

New models on show will include the all-new Transit, a full-size large van model that will compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Renault Master and Fiat Ducato family and is due to be introduced late in 2013.

The 5,400sq ft Ford stand will have more than 15 vehicles on display, including the all-new Ford Transit Custom, the all-new Ford Transit Connect and the all-new Ford Transit – with more detail on the all-new Ford Transit Courier to come at the show.

Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director, said:

“Following the award recognition of the new Transit Custom at the IAA CV Show in Hannover, Ford is continuing the product story by introducing its most exciting range of commercial vehicles ever at this year’s CV Show here in Britain.”

Production versions of the all-new Ford Transit Custom Sport Van and ECOnetic models will also be on display, alongside new Ford Fiesta Van and the award-winning Ford Ranger models completing the picture of Ford’s largest-ever commercial vehicle family.

Ford will also have representatives on hand to talk about its new Transit24 service offering, which I wrote about recently.

Ford Launches Transit24: A 24-hour Service Promise

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Mechanic inspecting Ford Transit Custom as part of Ford's Transit24 serviceFord has launched Transit24, a service level agreement designed to provide fast and consistent aftersales services to its commercial vehicle customers.

Part of Ford’s on-going investment into the UK’s largest dealer network, Transit24 will help to minimise vehicle downtime and reduce whole life costs for Ford customers. The new initiative comes in the wake of the launch of the Transit Custom, which forms the first part of the complete renewal of its commercial vehicle line-up by 2014.

More than 90 of Brentwood-based Ford’s 200-plus commercial vehicle authorised repair network will be identified as “Transit24 Dealers” to provide first class service, maintenance and repair for all commercial vehicles. They will provide priority treatment for all urgent work and aim to complete vehicle-off-road repairs on the same working day, or within 24 hours.

Each Transit24 site employs Ford-trained technicians and offers specialised workshop equipment, tools and training, and can look after all service, maintenance and warranty work. They will offer while-you-wait servicing to suit the customer, including late night appointments at least once a week, and will respond to online service booking requests within 20 minutes.

Collection and delivery of vehicles can be arranged and every vehicle leaves the dealership washed and ready for work. Fleet National Pricing for 25-plus fleets ensures the best prices for routine servicing and fixed-content jobs.

Jon Wellsman, Ford of Britain Customer Service Director, said:

“This initiative from Ford provides added value and convenience for our customers. Ford offers a class-leading range of commercial vehicles and technologies and with the most accessible dealer network in the country, the aim is to offer the best and most widespread care and assistance for Ford customers.”

Other benefits include using only genuine Ford parts, whether in stock or delivered to the dealership by 9am the next day, and a sophisticated internet-linked vehicle diagnostics system. Other dedicated back-up from Ford includes an electronic recalls programme and the support of a dedicated team at the Ford Fleet Service Centre.

Every Ford Transit and Transit Connect comes with a comprehensive three year/100,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty and with Ford Assistance, a premium roadside assistance package which includes ‘load continuation’, so that in the event of a breakdown, the load can be delivered before the vehicle is taken to a repairer. Ford also offers a free Fleet Accident Management service to all business customers.

This could be a deal that appeals to busy van hire companies and trade operators, for whom every hour of lost availability directly equates to lost earnings.

Ford And Vauxhall Vie For UK Van Market Leadership

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Vauxhall Vivaro - built in Britain

Vauxhall Vivaro - built in Britain

Despite the gloomy van registration statistics released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) this week, the battle between the UK’s two ‘homegrown’ van manufacturers shows no signs of letting up.

Small businesses love Vauxhalls

In 2012, Vauxhall maintained its position as the most popular van manufacturers with retail buyers; small business and private customers who buy direct from a Vauxhall dealer.

The Luton-based manufacturer sold over 11,000 vehicles to small businesses.  Market share was 16%, with Vauxhall topping the monthly retail sales charts in March, April, September and December.

Ford is fleet favourite

Ford, on the other hand, remains the most popular commercial vehicle manufacturer overall, with the Brentwood-based company accounting for one in every five commercial vehicles sold in the UK in 2012.

Although the British-built Vauxhall Vivaro was the most popular medium van in the retail segment, the Ford Transit dominated the medium van sector overall, accounting for 30% of all medium vans sold in 2012, up from 26.8% in 2011: it is a fine van, and much newer than the current Vivaro design, which is due for replacement.

It’s a pity that Transits aren’t going to be made in Southampton anymore, especially as Vauxhall has managed to keep Vivaro manufacturing at Luton .

What do you drive?

Some people get very passionate when debating the relative merits of Fords and Vauxhalls. Leaving German brands aside, which do you prefer?

Personally, I’ve owned three Fords (one car and two Transits) and one Vauxhall (car) so far in my life and there has been nothing between them in terms of reliability and running costs — although I have to admit that I’ve liked my Fords more than I liked my old Vectra…

Ford Transit Custom Sport Van: A New Van For The Boss

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Ford Transit Custom Sport Van
The Ford Transit Custom Sport Van goes on sale early in 2013 — definitely one for the boss.

Ford’s previous Transit Sport Van and Transit Connect Sport Van proved very popular with self-employed traders and small businesses looking for a flagship van — and Ford is aiming to build on that success with the new Transit Custom Sport Van.

The new model will be powered b y a Dagenham-built 155PS 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine that delivers 385 Nm of torque.

Brentwood’s latest high-spec van will only be available in short wheelbase with a 2.9 tonne gross vehicle weight and Ford says it will combine “strong performance with muscular styling and a bold colour-coded exterior”…

The spec will include body-colour bumpers, side mirrors, door handles and body-side mouldings. The van will sit on 18-inch alloy wheels on low profile 235/50 tyres, and the signature twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

Inside, there will be partial leather trim combining Pewter seat fabric with charcoal black leather bolsters, and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity package and a DAB audio system.

The Transit Custom Sport Van will be available to order in early 2013. For more details visit Ford’s website.