Ford today unveiled the all-new Fiesta Sport Van and new connectivity technologies that will strengthen the company’s market leading position in the commercial vehicle market at the 2018 CV Show.
Joining the latest generation of Ford Transit commercial vehicles – including the new Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier models – the Fiesta Sport Van marks the company’s return to the urban hatchback van market with a class-leading new offering.
Ford also announced its first two connected commercial vehicles in Europe, introducing the new FordPass Connect on-board modem technology to the new Transit Connect and Fiesta Sport Van, to help deliver enhanced productivity and convenience for businesses.
Further highlights at the CV Show include innovative solutions for urban transportation with a Transit Custom plug-in hybrid from the London fleet trial, and a concept for more efficient last-mile delivery. Ford also revealed the distinctive new Ranger Wildtrak X model.
“With the all-new Fiesta Sport Van joining three new Transit models, the Ford stand in Birmingham is packed with new metal,” said Hans Schep, Ford European general commercial vehicle manager. “Add in innovative connectivity and mobility solutions, and you can see how determined we are to support our customers – both now and in the future.”
Ford has been the top-selling commercial vehicle brand in Europe for the past three years, and has consolidated its leadership position so far in 2018, with 93,200 sold year to date through the end of March, marking the highest first quarter for Ford commercial vehicle sales since 1993.*
Stylish, compact and economical – all-new Fiesta Sport Van
Responding to strong customer demand, the Fiesta Sport Van returns to the Ford commercial vehicle line-up in autumn this year. Based on the latest multi-award-winning Fiesta passenger car, the all-new Fiesta Sport Van provides a stylish, compact and economical vehicle for businesses of all sizes.
The new model, in an eye-catching Sport series, is powered by a 1.0-litre EcoBoost with 125PS and 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine with 120PS.**
Inside the three-door body, there is a practical load compartment capable of carrying approximately 1.0 cubic metre of cargo with a load length of almost 1.3 metres, and gross payload of around 500kg. The load space features a composite and mesh full bulkhead, durable sidewall trim, and a tough rubber floor covering with four tie-down hooks.
The all-new Fiesta Sport Van’s cabin provides a smart and comfortable working environment, trimmed with attractive, hard-wearing materials, and providing the latest interior technologies including Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system.
Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, the SYNC 3 system is standard, and comes with a floating, tablet-inspired 8-inch colour touchscreen. Using the Ford SYNC AppLink feature, drivers are able to access a wide range of key apps from their smartphone using the large display in the vehicle, now including the popular Waze traffic app and Cisco WebEx.
Business customers also benefit from the convenience and efficiency delivered by the new FordPass Connect on-board modem for connectivity on the move.
Like the Fiesta passenger car, an unprecedented range of driver assistance technologies can be specified to enhance the Fiesta Sport Van’s comfort, convenience and safety, including Ford’s Pre‑Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Information System.
The comprehensive suite of technologies helps urban van drivers overcome typical daily challenges, such as Cross Traffic Alert to support easy and safe parking, plus Traffic Sign Recognition and Adjustable Speed Limiter to help avoid speeding fines.
For customers wanting the ultimate in sporting style for their business, the all-new Fiesta Sport Van is available with unique front and rear design treatment, colour-coded rocker panels and up to 18-inch alloy wheels. The sporting theme continues inside the cabin, with revised seats and trim materials, as well as unique steering wheel, pedals and gear lever. Adjustable Speed Limiter and Lane Keeping System are standard, heated seats and steering wheel are optional.
More on Fiesta Sport Van at http://fiestavan.fordpresskits.com.
Connected CVs introduced with FordPass Connect
As part of the strategy to expand cellular-based connectivity across its product line-up, Ford is announcing its first European commercial vehicles to offer FordPass Connect on-board modem technology.
Launched on the new Transit Connect and Fiesta Sport Van, FordPass Connect enables business users to interact with their vehicles like never before, turning them into mobile wifi hotspots with connectivity for up to 10 devices, and helping drivers plan faster, less stressful journeys with live traffic updates for the SYNC 3 navigation system.
In addition, FordPass Connect allows a range of features via the FordPass mobile app to make the vehicle ownership experience easier and more productive, including:
- Vehicle Health Alerts, advising when service action may be needed, such as low oil life, failed bulbs, or other vehicle alerts
- Vehicle Status, for checking fuel levels, alarm status, tyre pressures and more
- Door Lock and Unlock, to remotely secure the vehicle and its load compartment
- Vehicle Locator, helping drivers find their vehicle in busy car parks or work locations
The FordPass app is flexible, so that businesses with more than one vehicle can conveniently interact with their connected vehicles using a single FordPass account, or via multiple accounts.
Innovative solutions for urban goods transportation
The Ford CV Show stand highlights the company’s innovative approach to urban goods transportation, pioneering new solutions to help tackle the challenges of inner city air quality and congestion.
On display in Birmingham is one of the plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) Transit Customs currently participating in a 12-month fleet customer trial in London, which is exploring how the hybrid vans can contribute to cleaner air targets and enhanced productivity in city use.
The PHEV Transit – operated by Transport for London, which is supporting the fleet trial project – has an advanced hybrid system that targets a zero-emission range exceeding 50 kilometres (31 miles), and features the multi-award winning Ford EcoBoost 1.0-litre petrol engine as a range extender. The test vehicle features telematics delivering real-time data on the van’s performance.
In total, 20 PHEV Transits will be running in the trial, working in a cross-section of city-based businesses. The vehicles are equipped with geofencing technology, which is capable of automatically modifying vehicle settings based on each van’s location.
Development of the fleet trial vehicles is supported by a £4.7 million grant from the Government-funded Advanced Propulsion Centre. This has enabled Ford, working with partners Prodrive Advanced Technology and Revolve Technologies, to place the pilot vehicles with real-world fleets at a much earlier stage, so that customer feedback can be used to help fine tune the Transit Custom PHEV ahead of volume production in 2019.
Also on display is a digital service concept aimed at commercial fleet operators delivering goods and services in cities. The service uses a multi-modal approach to connect van fleets with bike couriers and walking porters in the city to help increase the efficiency and speed of last-mile deliveries. Ford is looking for fleet partners to join a London trial later this year.
Desirable new Ranger Wildtrak X
Following the sales success of the exclusive Black Edition model, Ford is introducing a new special version of the Ranger, which is Europe’s top-selling pick-up.*
The striking new Ranger Wildtrak X makes its debut at the show, featuring Performance Blue metallic paint, available on the flagship Wildtrak for the first time. The exterior treatment also features a distinctive black finish to details such as the radiator grille, sport bar, roof rails, side steps, alloy wheels and Wildtrak decals, as well as to the standard roll and lock load-bed cover.
The premium cabin features black full-leather seats, with stylish contrast stitching in River Rock grey. The Wildtrak X will be offered in Double Cab bodystyle, powered by the Ranger’s powerful 200PS 3.2-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 driveline. Vehicles are available to order now for delivery in August.
