New Ford Transit

The 'Van of the Year' jury, which comprises an independent panel of leading commercial vehicle journalists representing 19 European countries, awarded the new Ford Transit the 2007 trophy in what was described as "one of the closest fought 'Van of the Year' battles ever."

"2006 has been a bumper year for new light and medium commercial vehicles which has made this competition tougher than ever, and this award even more significant for Ford Transit," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. "We're delighted to follow up the success of the 2001 Transit and the 2003 Transit Connect in winning 'Van of the Year' trophies, and it is appropriate reward and recognition for the dedication of so many Ford of Europe employees who contribute to the Transit story."

In its official statement, the 'Van of the Year' jury said: "In announcing the decision, the jury was particularly impressed by the fact that Ford’s engineers have taken one of Europe’s best vans and made it even better. Whether in city traffic or on motorways, the driveability of Transit is excellent.

"The jury also appreciates the fact that the Ford designers and engineers maintain more than most other van manufacturers, permanent contacts with potential and existing purchasers in order to monitor constantly their wishes and needs.

"This resulted in the fact that in the new Transit the cab interior has been brought up to a level approaching that of a car. The philosophy is that van-drivers often spend more hours in their vehicles than car drivers. The high ergonomic standards do not only concern the driver’s seat and the position of steering wheel and gear lever but also include the excellent visibility via the large windows and the well positioned rear view mirrors."

Particular praise was forthcoming for the new features introduced on the latest Transit model. "Constant monitoring of the wishes of van users also resulted in some other interesting improvements," noted the 'Van of the Year' jury statement. "The dash mounted gear lever is an example of that, as is the self charging waterproof ignition key. Other examples are the addition of a new low-roof medium wheelbase variant and a new heavy duty front axle model."

The jury also appreciated the development of the new All-Wheel-Drive Transit derivative, plus the confirmation that Ford's load-adaptive Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) will be standardised on all diesel Transit van and bus models from January, 2007, with chassis cab and rear-wheeled models following later in 2007.

"The International Van of the Year jury is worried about the high and, in some European countries, still increasing number of accidents with vans. By offering ESP as standard, Ford makes an important contribution to traffic safety in the European Union," the jury statement said.

Inherent Transit strengths were also highlighted by the jury. These included the accessibility and flexibility of the large load box, Transit's security systems, the cost-of-ownership equation including low repair and maintenance costs, and Ford of Europe's extensive Commercial Vehicle Specialist dealer network.

"We are very proud of the Transit and its achievements over the last forty years," said Fleming. "Receiving the 'Van of the Year 2007' award makes us even more determined to keep Transit ahead of the competition, whatever it takes."

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