August 6, 1965 marks a historic date for Ford and the commercial vehicle industry: the Production of the first Ford Transit at the Langley plant in Berkshire. This new model represented a departure from previous Ford Thames vans, thanks to its innovative design and the versatility it offered to professionals in a variety of sectors.
The Ford Transit was designed to be robust and reliable, with a large cargo space and a front-mounted engine that provided better weight distribution and handling. Early versions were equipped with Kent petrol engines o V4and were produced in different wheelbase and load capacity variants, adapting to the needs of a large and diversified clientele.
Ford Transit in the 70s and 80s, growth and popularity
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Ford Transit became synonymous with reliability and affordability. During this period, Ford introduced diesel enginesfurther expanding the range and reducing operating costs for owners. The vehicle conquered a solid reputation throughout Europe and not only, becoming an indispensable tool for artisans, traders and transport companies.
The 90s, modernization and globalization
With the arrival of the 90s, the Transit underwent significant evolutions. The third generationlaunched in 1986, saw the introduction of new engines, improvements in the safety and comfort for the driver. This decade also saw the expansion of production outside Europe, with new plants in Asia and South America, consolidating the Transit’s global presence.
The new millennium, technology and efficiency
The beginning of the new millennium marked the arrival of the fourth generation of the Ford Transit nel 2000with further technological improvements and a greater focus on fuel efficiency and emissions. Ford introduced the Transit Connecta more compact model intended for urban markets, further expanding the range of commercial vehicles offered.
2010-2020: Innovation and Sustainability
In recent years, the Ford Transit has continued to evolve with the introduction of advanced technologies and sustainable solutions. The fifth generationintroduced in 2013, saw the implementation of driver assistance systemsadvanced connectivity and EcoBlue engines, which deliver significant improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions.
The future of the Ford Transit, towards electric mobility
Looking to the future, Ford is aiming on the electrification of its commercial vehicle rangeThe Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid and fully electric E-Transit represent the first steps towards an all-electric range, meeting growing demand for sustainable transport solutions and reducing the environmental impact of commercial transport.
Source: www.autoblog.it
