Ford is updating its Transit vans as part of the enhancing of its commercial lineup for 2019 and 2020 models. The company is continuing unveilings that began last month for F-250 and F-350 SuperDuty pickups with announcements during this week’s Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.
Available engines for the full-size Transit include a new standard 3.5-liter gasoline engine and a 2-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel, which join the current 3.5-liter EcoBoost double-turbo V-6, officials said. The new V-6 uses a port-fuel direct-inject (PFDi) system for performance and efficiency, and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission from the F-150 series. The new V-6 replaces the 3.7-liter engine.
Newly optional is an all-wheel-drive system that automatically biases torque and power between rear and front wheels. This adds traction in areas prone to snow and ice, while chassis and floor heights remain the same as for 2-wheel-drive models.
“We integrated Transit’s new all-wheel-drive system into the vehicle design early on to ensure it does not raise the load floor or seat height, making this van configuration as easy to enter and exit as the standard rear-wheel-drive model,” said Ray Eyles, chief program engineer. “This is a significant benefit for commercial drivers who are in and out of their vehicles dozens of times a day, as well as for shuttle bus passengers and families.”
In normal mode, this AWD system continuously monitors and optimizes torque output with the capability of sending up to 100 percent of available torque to the front wheels to help prevent slipping on loose surfaces. Using the vehicle’s selectable drive modes, the driver can engage mud and ruts or slippery modes at any speed to help increase the AWD system’s capability for traveling in challenging conditions. All-wheel drive is available with gasoline powertrains.
The 2020 Ford Transit will have an additional configuration. A crew cab joins the existing cargo van, passenger van, chassis cab, and cutaway versions. It can carry five people in two rows of seating with side curtain airbags.
New standard driver-assist features include Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking and Pedestrian Detection, forward collision warning, post-collision braking, Lane-Keeping System, and auto high-beam headlamps.
Transit passenger van XLT is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes the features listed above plus Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage and cross-traffic alert. A new side sensing system joins the existing reverse sensing system as standard on XLT.
Available enhanced active park assist can simplify maneuvering into parallel or reverse perpendicular parking spots. With the touch of a button, it provides prompts to the driver to manage gear selection, accelerator and braking, while Transit automatically steers itself into place. Enhanced active park assist includes park-out assist, which automatically steers the van out of a space while the driver controls the gear shifter, accelerator and brakes, making for less stress.
Other new driver-assist features available include adaptive cruise control, front and rear split-view camera and adjustable speed limiting device.
Smart and connected Transit
Standard with the new Transit are an embedded FordPass Connect modem with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and connectivity for up to 10 devices, especially useful for commercial customers who use their vans as mobile offices or workshops.
Fleets can further enhance efficiency by choosing available new Ford Telematicsand Ford Data Services, which put an array of tools at the disposal of fleet managers. Fleet managers can employ easy-to-use features like detailed live map GPS tracking with order-to-delivery status, geofencing with alerts and key performance indicators.
Fuel waste reporting helps identify ways to save costs, while Ford Telematics suggests coaching opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce waste and reveal concerns like seatbelt use or speed compliance. Managers can receive proactive maintenance notifications and vehicle health alerts, enabling them to schedule service, plan ahead and maximize uptime.
Other technology updates include a center stack that can be optioned two different ways – either with a standard 4-inch full-color multifunction display or 8-inch slim-line touch screen display, each with the latest in SYNC 3 plus Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility. A 4.2-inch productivity screen in the cluster provides vehicle information and phone call status. AppLink for SYNC allows customers to control select apps on the touch screen without plugging in their Android or iOS device.
The upgraded 2020 Ford Transit will ship this fall, Ford said.
Source: Ford
