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Most Powerful Ford Transit Sport Van Heads Up Distinctive Three Model Line-up A new 185PS version of Ford’s enhanced 2.0 litre EcoBlue diesel engine makes the Transit Custom Sport van the most powerful ever, heading up a range of three Transit Sport van models with their signature twin sports stripes. In addition to a nine per cent power increase and 415Nm of torque for more responsive performance, Transit Custom Sport van customers benefits from a connectivity boost with the introduction of FordPass Connect on-board modem technology. The new Transit Connect Sport van, revealed last year at the IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hannover, Germany, is also now available, and features the upgraded 120 PS 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel and six-speed manual transmission. The compact Transit Courier Sport van completes the line-up. “Not everyone is satisfied with a standard white van: Ford’s Sport
series vans appeal to customers who want to make a statement, while still delivering the tough, capable character that has made the Transit family best sellers,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “As well offering eyecatching style, the upgraded Sport vans are responsive and well-equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies.” Transit Custom Sport sales rose by 58 per cent in 2018 compared with the previous year, with 4,402 vans sold, and sales of the Transit Courier Sport were up by 52 per cent, with 1,044 vans sold. Ford delivered its best commercial sales in 25 years in 2018, selling
380,900 commercial vehicles in its 20 European markets, equating to more than 1,000 commercial vehicle sales every single day of the year. Priced from £32,270, the Transit Custom Sport van uses a new 185PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine featuring enhanced high-pressure fuel injection, low-friction architecture and a revised lowinertia turbocharger design that helps deliver a broader spread of power across a wider rpm range. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual, with CO2 emissions from 155g/km CO2 and fuel efficiency up to 43.5mpg; or the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, with CO2 emissions from 163g/km, and
fuel efficiency up to 41.5mpg. Designed to turn heads, the van combines the bold twin sports stripes with a muscular body kit including body-side mouldings and wheel arch extensions and body-colour bumpers, side mirrors and door handles, alongside 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. The sporting style also features partial leather interior trim in Ebony, including second or third seat rows where fitted. Transit Custom Sport series customers are offered a wide choice of bodystyles including van, kombi and double-cab-in-van models in both short- and long-wheelbase versions. Driving dynamics are optimised with a unique chassis specification delivering enhanced steering, handling and ride, and a more responsive and agile feel.
New Head of Van at MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd has appointed Daniel Holbein to the position UK Head of Van, effective 1 April 2019. In his new role, Daniel will have overall responsibility for the MAN TGE product range, vehicle sales, volume planning and all van operations within the UK, reporting directly to Thomas Hemmerich. Commenting on the appointment, Thomas Hemmerich said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Daniel will take on responsibility for the MAN TGE Van range here in the UK and in doing so join the Board of Directors. “Daniel has been with MAN since 2011 in a number of senior sales roles and his knowledge of the brand, experience in sales, passion and drive will be invaluable. We all look forward to welcoming him.” Daniel started his career with MAN Truck & Bus AG in 2011 and until 2015 he held key management positions in sales and pricing strategy in Germany with global responsibilities. In 2016 he became Head of Price & Margin for the truck segment within Truck Sales based in Munich, a position he holds today.
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