FORD PRO REVEALS ALL-NEW TRANSIT CONNECT WITH PHEV POWER

Ford Pro today revealed the all-new Transit Connect compact van, completing the brand’s new-generation line-up of high-productivity electrified Transit commercial vehicles in Europe.

Advanced, efficient powertrains include the first Transit Connect plug-in hybrid, which offers businesses a generous targeted 68-mile electric range, as well as both AC and DC fast charging capability.

Customers also benefit from enhanced carrying capacity and capability with load volumes up to 3.7m3, and a transformative new seating concept for Kombi models. Additional premium features include a connected digital cockpit and Transit Connect’s broadest-ever suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

Whether a small business or a city-based fleet, Transit Connect operators can accelerate their productivity through Ford Pro support including software, servicing and flexible finance plans, as well as a dedicated fleet solution for telematics.

“Over the past two years, we’ve electrified the Transit family to help every kind of customer accelerate their productivity and electrify their business. Our all-new Transit Connect is another key step in that mission,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “Transit Connect’s new Plug-in Hybrid offering, high-tech interior and support from Ford Pro pack serious hard-working appeal into a stylish and compact body.”

As the third generation of Ford Pro’s popular Transit Connect compact van, the all-new model forms part of Ford Pro’s strongest-ever compact van line-up, along with the all-new Transit Courier, and the forthcoming electric E-Transit Courier.

Transit Connect enters production in spring 2024, with initial deliveries of the diesel van scheduled for summer this year as part of a phased launch plan. Transit Connect PHEV will join the range before the end of the year, with Kombi models completing the line-up in early 2025.

Ford Pro’s electrified Transit range in Europe

A completely new powertrain line-up for Transit Connect is headlined by the model’s first-ever PHEV driveline. The system couples a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to a high-voltage battery and electric motor to deliver a combined 150PS and 350Nm of torque 7 through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Maximum payload is 770kg, and maximum trailer weight is 1,400kg.

Transit Connect PHEV has a targeted electric range of up to 68 miles and, in EV mode, can still deliver up to 330Nm of torque for urban load-hauling.

Customers can top up the battery with a 50kW DC fast charger if required, or recharge fully using the onboard 11kW AC charger between shifts.

Three drive modes help to optimise energy use:

• EV Now, for driving using only the electric motor
• EV Auto, which balances the EV and petrol motors to best suit driving conditions
• EV Later, to save EV power for later – useful for highways before reaching a city

Capable load carrying

Transit Connect is designed to serve a broad range of compact van customer requirements, so Ford Pro offers the model with short- or long-wheelbase options in two‑seat Van or five‑seat Kombi bodystyles.

The panel van’s new load area design delivers an increased load volume of 3.1m3 or 3.7m3 depending on wheelbase choice. Maximum payload is 820kg, and the competitive 1,500kg towing capacity enables customers to tow a wide range of equipment to support their business.

Transit Connect Kombi introduces a revolutionary new flexible seating concept, that enables dual-use customers to quickly and easily switch their vehicle from a comfortable five-seater to a capable work van. The rear seat easily folds forward and upward in seconds to increase the load volume to 2.5 m3 (L1) or 3.1 m3 (L2), with L2 models having space for two Euro pallets. In their folded position, the rear seats form a protective full-height bulkhead, and ensure that front seat occupants benefit from a refined driving experience.

Productivity powered by Ford Pro

Support from Ford Pro can help Transit Connect operators to accelerate productivity by maximising uptime and reducing cost of ownership. The new model features a dedicated solution for fleet customers, incorporating a plug-in device for connectivity to Ford Pro Telematics software solutions.

Ford Pro Service also delivers maintenance support designed to suit commercial customers’ needs, including Mobile Servicing capability that can carry out 70 per cent of maintenance and repair tasks at a time and location convenient for the customer. A major UK fleet found that Mobile Servicing contributed to reducing downtime from three days to as little as two hours for equivalent work.

Ford Pro has more than 200 partners across Europe in its accredited Ford Pro Convertor network. These partners can deliver popular compact van conversions including refrigeration and racking with technical support and approval of Ford Pro Special Vehicles, and are supplied with aftersales care equivalent to that of a factory Ford Pro vehicle.

Efficient new powertrain range

As an alternative to the new PHEV powertrain, customers can choose a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel engine with two power outputs: a 122PS engine is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; The 102PS variant is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox only. Ford Pro expects highly competitive fuel efficiency up to 58.8mpg to help customers reduce fuel costs.

The availability of intelligent all-wheel drive on the all-new Transit Connect will boost appeal to customers in the Nordic and Alpine regions in particular, providing enhanced traction and confidence in challenging weather conditions.

Advanced technology for a premium experience

A 10-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the range with a configurable main display flanked by secondary vehicle information. This is combined with a 10‑inch colour central touchscreen 13 with available Connected Navigation 14 to create a stylish and productive digital cockpit.

Drivers who use a work phone for navigation or to contact customers benefit from wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto mirroring, 15 with wireless device charging on Limited and Active series. 16 Charging larger equipment such as laptops or tools on-the-go is also easy, as USB-C ports in the cab offer up to 45 watts of power.

Offered in combination with a heated steering wheel, customers can also select optional heated front seats certified by leading spinal health group Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR), the Campaign for Healthier Backs. These feature four-way electric lumbar and adjustable extended leg supports for optimum comfort.

Transit Connect’s standard advanced driver assistance systems include Pre-Collision Assist with Auto Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, Evasive Steer Assist, and Intersection Assist to help prevent or mitigate collisions with other road users.

A rear-view camera and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert are standard on high-series models for even greater driver confidence when manoeuvring, and as on the all-new Transit Custom, can help to prevent “dooring” incidents with other unsighted road users.

Further optional technologies include Pro Trailer Backup Assist to help drivers manoeuvre a trailer without jack-knifing. 10 The system uses sensors and a rear-view camera to help the driver intuitively guide the trailer with a control knob and digital display rather than the steering wheel.

The series line-up delivers compelling options for fleet, artisan and personal-use customers:

• Trend – available on van and kombi models, aimed at fleet and cost-conscious buyers
• Limited – upmarket van with 17-inch alloy wheels, work surface in passenger seat back
• Active – a desirable, rugged Kombi with SUV-inspired styling, LED lights and roof rails