FORD UNVEILS NEW BRITISH BUILT TRANSIT
30 April 2006 - Ford

Ford of Britain Chairman and Managing Director Roelant de Waard has unveiled for the first time the all new British-built Ford Transit at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham.

''The Ford Transit is a true British success story of which we are all very proud''. said Roelant de Waard. ''The new Transit has been designed in Dunton, Essex, the engines will come from Dagenham, the gearboxes from Halewood in Liverpool and it will be assembled in Southampton.

''As you can see, the new Transit moves the product forward with innovative and class leading design, it’s more car like than ever before and offers our customers high levels of comfort, luxury and refinement. It’s now available in 160 colours as well as white! It’s come a long way in its 41 years life but has lost none of its true character and dependability. There will be carry over prices for new Transit commencing at £13,000 through to £23,000. We have worked hard to ensure it keeps its number one slot.''

The commercial vehicle sector in the UK has grown by 85% over the past 10-years to more than 350,000 a year with Transit sized product seeing the most growth.

''The growth of the commercial vehicle market is a social phenomenon of our time - more and more houses are being built, the growth of the small business as well as the explosion of the internet and home delivery shopping – all these businesses rely on flexible and reliable transport. The new more car-like Ford Transit will fulfil these customers needs.'' commented Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain Chairman and Managing Director.

To reinforce the importance of the British Ford team who will be assembling the all new Ford Transit, the Birmingham unveiling was beamed by satellite into the Southampton Plant where workers also witnessed a simultaneous unveiling.

Ford Southampton Plant Manager Trevor Negus said ''We are all proud of what we do here, we’ve driven the new Transit, we love it and know that Britain will too. It’s a very exciting time for everyone involved with the new Transit''.

Ford also unveiled the new Transit Connect – a unique commercial vehicle equipped with the latest technology including highly efficient Euro IV compliant common-rail diesel engines. The new Transit Connect will be available in both long and short wheelbase versions with a modern contemporary look with a redesigned front bumper and grille as well as a choice of new colours.

And the Ranger pick-up – all new, completely redesigned interior and exterior with increased loading and towing capacity thanks to its new 2.5 litre diesel engine which provides greater power and torque. Sales of the Ford Ranger have more than doubled over the past five years thanks to its combination of toughness and style. The new Ranger is tougher still but also offers more refinement and comfort.

www.ford.com

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