Cologne, 8 October, 2007 - Ford is extending its comprehensive Transit range further with a new SportVan model and significant new powertrain options including a new Durashift 6-speed transmission on Transit front-wheel-drive (FWD) for the very first time.

All FWD variants are powered by the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine and there are three different power outputs available. The output of the most powerful version has been increased from 130 PS to 140 PS; whereas the mid-range remains covered by the 85 PS and 110 PS variants – both retaining their five-speed manual transmission.

Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) models are powered by the 2.4-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, available in three configurations – 100 PS, 115 PS and 140 PS – and the 2.3-litre Duratec petrol engine that is compatible with both Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuels. The new 3.2-litre 200 PS Duratorq TDCi engine gives the greatest power to the RWD powertrain line-up.

The new six-speed transmission for FWD variants is a joint venture with one of Ford's long-term partners, GFT (Getrag Ford Transmissions). Both of Ford's Transit assembly plants, Kocaeli in Turkey and Southampton in the UK, will be manufacturing this new derivative.

"By giving the most powerful FWD variant a new six-speed transmission we're able to offer our customers an even greater Transit portfolio," said Christine Lund, Chief Programme Engineer, Commercial Vehicles. "A lower load floor for easier loading and unloading, a larger load space with extra interior height and outstanding manoeuvrability are all attributes that customers recognise in our FWD option. Our new six-speed transmission retains all of these vehicle attributes while delivering up to ten per cent better fuel economy and more comfortable cruising."

The new 140 PS six-speed transmission powertrain also contributes to improved SQ&V (sound quality and vibration). The wider gear range and the dual mass flywheel noticeably improves the SQ&V while achieving exemplary launch behaviour due to the shorter first gear and higher torque supply from the engine.

"The new six-speed transmission for FWD will primarily attract customers in the two tonne cargo segment who seek improved performance, a good towing capacity of up to GTM 5,500kg, power and torque for motorway cruising and long-distance

driving," said Henrik Nenzen, Director Commercial Vehicles, Marketing Sales & Service. "Urban customers are more likely to spend much time in traffic and require less power. These customers will be satisfied with the five-speed transmission for occasional highway use. Adding six-speed to the high power FWD derivative will complement the six-speed transmission that already exists on the mid-power 115 PS and high-power 140 PS RWD models."

The new six-speed transmission offers a wider range of available gear ratios than the current five-speed transmission, allowing greater potential for optimisation of fuel economy at all vehicle speeds, while the power and torque upgrades offer rewarding performance and good throttle responses when desired.

The 'shorter' (higher numerical) gearing in first gear allows for improved 'pull-away' and increased towing capacity. The 'longer' (lower numerical) gearing in top gear gives the opportunity for improved highway fuel economy, with reduced engine speed for a given vehicle speed.

The increase in power from 130 PS to 140 PS is accompanied by a substantial torque increase of 40 Nm to 350 Nm – available in a wide band from 1,800 rpm to 2,400 rpm.

"The wider range of gear ratios and the use of a dual mass flywheel gives a much better pull-away in first gear, especially when the vehicle load is high or the launch manoeuvre is being performed on a gradient," said Christine Lund. "This contributes to much less driver fatigue, especially in stop-start driving situations, helping the driver to feel fresh and alert – something that is especially important to drivers that need to continue working when they reach their destination."

The variety of Ford Transit bodystyles provides the perfect base vehicle for a variety of modifications for specialist owner/operator groups. The new six-speed transmission for FWD will be of particular interest to artisans, motor home owner/operators and people carriers who will appreciate its high speed fuel economy, towing capacity of up to Gross Train Mass (GTM) 5,500 kg, increased power and torque, relaxed cruising experience and enhanced SQ&V at high speeds.

Customers whose vehicles will be used almost exclusively in a more urban environment and use the FWD format still have the option of the five-speed transmission with the choice of 85 PS or 110 PS versions – providing good fuel economy for urban settings, a car-like driving experience and a quiet engine with good SQ&V. Coupled with a low load floor these variants are popularly used by operators whose activities centre around multi-drop deliveries in urban environments, for example.

Artisans and owner/operators who require a more car-like driving experience will be particularly interested in the new six-speed transmission, as they seek the value and economy that the new Durashift six-speed transmission delivers. Motor home owner/operators want to feel relaxed when cruising and benefit from the improved fuel economy and the range that a six-speed gearbox can provide.

"The new Durashift six-speed transmission for FWD ensures Transit will continue to compete effectively in an increasingly competitive market segment," said Phil Collareno, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Commercial Vehicles. "Our philosophy with Transit is clear - we continue proactively to offer existing customers the choices necessary to match their exact requirements, we bring to market affordable new technologies as they become available, and we continue to ensure that Transit remains an attractive, contemporary and technology-packed option to bring new customers to Ford."

In the new Transit SportVan, Ford adds a dash of style and 'sportiness' to the van segment. The Ford Transit SportVan is available as front-wheel-drive and short wheelbase bodystyle and is powered by the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine delivering the enhanced 140 PS power and 350 Nm of torque. The new six-speed transmission is paired with this engine.

The large body of the Ford Transit provides ideal scope for bold design statements and styling features. Immediately obvious is the supplier-branded styling kit developed in conjunction with MS Design, specifically for the Transit SportVan:
18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres, a body coloured front lower spoiler with a bright centre section, body coloured side skirts with bright inserts and rear lower skirts all make for a dynamic and unique appearance.

The Transit SportVan is available in Performance Blue metallic paint and two further metallic colours. Uniquely used for the first time on the Transit, Performance Blue is already established as a colour available on many of Ford's sporty performance models such as the Fiesta ST. Other colours available for the Transit SportVan from the existing Transit palette are Tonic and Sublime. The front bumper and grille is body coloured and the twin exhaust tailpipe and optional Ford GT-style white bonnet stripes clearly show that the Transit SportVan means business.

"Customers increasingly want to personalise their vehicles and drive a van that's different and stylish," said Phil Collareno. "As well as being used in a professional capacity, many owner-operators also use their vans for private purposes. With the Transit SportVan we offer a vehicle that really stands out from the crowd."

For added protection and security, Transit SportVan features power door deadlocks and a load area protection kit.

Inside, the Transit SportVan takes cabin comfort to the maximum. Standard cabin equipment for optimum driver and passenger comfort includes air-conditioning, Ford's 6006 audio system operated via stalk control with front loading in-dash six CD player, power windows and electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors.

Further driver assistance and passenger safety features include a high series cluster with trip computer, cruise control and passenger airbag. Interior styling has added finesse by the use of leather steering wheel with alloy spokes and leather gear shifter knob. A high specification visibility pack incorporates auto headlights, auto wipers, Ford's unique 'Quickclear' heated front screen, tinted glass and integrated front fog lamps to ensure that the driver has the best visibility in all weather conditions.

"With the addition of the 140 PS six-speed transmission and the Transit SportVan to an already comprehensive range there are now more versions of the Transit available than any other commercial vehicle in the segment. Ford of Europe's commercial vehicle sector is on track for a record year with Transit experiencing a 14 per cent sales increase year-to-date compared to last year. Transit Connect and Ranger are also enjoying impressive sales with increases of five and ten per cent respectively," said Henrik Nenzen.

		April 2007 CV show in Birmingham I was asked to help out on the Ford stand for the week here are some pictures from the press pack and some that were taken while we were working that week.
		What other CV company invites the club that suports there vehicle to join them on there stand at a big event like this,