The all-new Ford Transit Courier is now delivering enhanced productivity and connectivity for customers, with the first examples of the lead-in Transit model now arriving with businesses across Europe. To maximise productivity, Transit Courier has been completely redesigned around a larger and more flexible cargo area that delivers 25 per cent more load volume than the outgoing model, offering space for two Euro pallets and increased payload. Bold exterior design makes Transit Courier a desirable, eye-catching billboard for operators’ businesses. Inside, the all-new load area and cabin design include customer-led features to boost productivity and comfort while at work. A comprehensive array of driver assistance technologies has also made Transit Courier the first van to receive a platinum safety award from Euro NCAP according to their most recent testing standards. The all-new Transit Courier is fully integrated with Ford Pro's platform of software and connected services to drive efficient operation, whether for owner-operators or large fleets – including uptime-boosting Ford Pro Software management tools and Ford Pro Service to reduce cost of ownership. “We’ve responded to customer demand with the all-new Transit Courier, delivering the capability of a larger van while keeping the footprint compact, and adding connected support including Ford Pro Telematics and uptime-boosting FORDLiive to accelerate productivity,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.
The Courier range will be completed by the electric E-Transit Courier model, with order books opening later this year.
Delivering more functionality
Transit Courier combines a bold new-look exterior with significantly enhanced capabilities. The space-efficient squared form delivers increased load capacity in all dimensions, while its short overhangs and SUV‑inspired design emphasise its toughness and capability.
Cargo length has been increased by 181mm to 1,802mm, and new rear suspension with angled shock absorbers increases the load width between the wheelarches to 1,220mm. This means the compact van can now carry two Euro pallets. Total cargo volume is 2.9m, 25 per cent more than the outgoing model. This can be further increased using the optional new load-through bulkhead which enables customers to carry items such as planks or pipe over 2,600mm long.
Customers can now choose between a standard payload model, or a high payload version fitted with dual-rate springs to handle maximum gross payload of up to 854kg – an increase of over 45 percent compared with the outgoing model. Maximum towing weight for all variants is 1,100kg. All panel vans feature 180-degree opening rear cargo doors and six floor tie-down points as standard. LED loadspace lighting, rubber or wooden floor covers and half-height cargo stowage rails are available to help operators use the load area more efficiently.
For businesses requiring enhanced security for their vehicle and its contents, Ford Pro is partnering with vehicle security experts TVL to offer a range of convenient factory-fit lock packs, to provide improved protection against a range of threats including physical attack.
Cabin designed around customers’ productivity
Transit Courier’s high level of built-in technology is headlined by a “digiboard” instrument panel containing a digital instrument cluster and eight-inch centre touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 connectivity system. Subscription-based Connected Navigation can boost productivity and reduce driver workload with updates on traffic, parking and local hazards. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard. The onboard connectivity is powered by a built-in modem as standard, enabling always-on connectivity with the Ford Pro ecosystem and wireless software updates that can evolve the vehicle’s capability over time without requiring a dealer visit.
For drivers who need regular access to their smartphone, a built-in dashboard phone mounting fin is standard on all Transit Courier vans. This removes the need for a vent or windscreen mount and keeps the phone in a safe but visible location.
New in-cab storage solutions keep the paperwork, devices and cables necessary for a day’s work organised. Drivers benefit from easy-access open storage behind the digiboard and above the glovebox as well as storage for tablets or A4 pads in the centre console. The door bin inserts feature a separator and a holder large enough for 1.5-litre bottles.
Compact van, comprehensive support
The FordPass Pro mobile app is available to assist busy small business owners who manage their own vehicles. The complimentary smartphone app enables customers to remotely lock and unlock their van, check its location, track fuel spending, and receive health alerts for fluid levels, tyre pressures, oil life and brake condition to help prevent costly breakdowns.
Customers with five or more vehicles can also benefit from one year of complimentary access to the tailored features of Ford Pro Telematics. The system uses live data to help maximise productivity, including dashboards on vehicle location, health and servicing status. Ford Pro Software users can also benefit from enhanced vehicle security alerts for collisions and break-ins. With Fleet Start Inhibit, fleet managers can remotely enable and disable Transit Courier to help prevent theft or unauthorised use outside of work hours.