CV Update

Tough, no-nonsense Fords are ready to get active

Ford has announced new rough-road-capable Trail and Active variants for the Transit and Tourneo ranges, available to order now for delivery in late summer.

The new Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail models have been designed specifically to operate in tougher working environments, with the enhanced traction of a new mechanical limitedslip differential (mLSD) on front-wheel drive Transit and Transit Custom variants, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on Transit.

Exclusive exterior and interior upgrades further ensure the Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail are equipped to deliver comfort and capability in challenging conditions without compromising practicality.

New Active variants of the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom support the multi-activity lifestyles of private and business customers with additional body cladding and the option of an mLSD for enhanced traction on loose, slippery or soft surfaces. An SUV-inspired exterior adds Leeds City Council has delivered a massive boost to its goal of carbon-less future by taking delivery of 122 Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 All-electric LCVs.

The compact vans will be used for the delivery of council services and will play a major role in a new EV Trials Scheme through which West Yorkshire businesses can experience the Kangoo Z.E.33 for free via the Council’s EV initiative.

This single order makes a significant contribution to Leeds City Council’s goal to be a carbon-neutral authority by 2030.

The award-winning Kangoo Z.E.33 was chosen for its value, space and range of up to 143 miles (WLTP). 102 of the vans will be used by the council’s visual appeal as well as boosting practicality off the beaten track. “The Active and Trail models demonstrate how versatile and capable the

Transit range can be,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.

“From businesses that operate off the beaten track to families who want a vehicle as property maintenance and civil enforcement teams, with the remainder to be made available to local businesses through its new EV Trials Scheme. Under this scheme local businesses and organisations are able to enjoy a completely free trial of one of the Kangoos for up to two months, to ensure electric vehicles are suitable for their operations.

Each van will be equipped with telematics devices, which gather journey and charging data, with users receiving a tailored report highlighting the findings and the environmental and potential financial benefits that transitioning to an electric vehicle can generate for their business or organisation. The Renault Kangoo Z.E. will make up nearly half of the 50 electric vans and cars that are available to trial.

adventurous as they are, there is a Transit to suit every need.”

The range of Active vehicles will be further expanded later in 2020, with the introduction of the smaller Transit Connect Active and Tourneo Connect Active models. More details will be

Leeds Council goes green as Kangoos added to fleet

provided closer to launch.

VW adds to Pimlico line

Long-standing Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles customer, Pimlico Plumbers, has renewed its fleet of vans with an order of 100 of Volkswagen’s latest Transporters. The vans have been purchased through SMG Croydon and all feature updated conversions, bespoke livery and fully comply with the latest ULEZ requirements. The 100 new Volkswagen Transporters will feature bespoke conversions, helping Pimlico Plumbers to complete its work as swiftly and efficiently as possible. The conversions include Fleet Shield roof racks, an on-call light box, Track Vine Telematics for fleet, a wash basin and new vehicle racking – all while sporting the company’s iconic livery.