REVIEW

Ford Pro reveals fully revised Transit Custom range plus all-new E-Transit Custom

Productivity is the main theme behind Ford Pro, the new name for Ford Motor Company’s light commercial divisions. The ‘blue-oval’ brand demonstrated that productivity focus at the IAA, with a selection of its latest solutions designed to maximise uptime and meet the service requirements of business customers. Ford Pro solutions comprise of a single platform integrating vehicles with software, charging and connected services – enabling commercial customers to reduce costs and optimise efficiency as they transition to electric vehicles.

“Spiralling costs are putting our European business customers under huge pressure, and the need for productivity solutions has never been greater,” said Ted Cannis, CEO, Ford Pro at the event. “Ford Pro’s revolutionary single platform is designed to help our customers cut costs and streamline their operations as they make the switch to electric vehicles.”

Premiered at the Show was the all-new E-Transit Custom, along with the next-generation Transit Custom range – including the next level plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and EcoBlue diesel-powered derivatives. Featuring next-generation battery technology, E-Transit Custom will offer a range of up to 380 km and 125kW fast charging capabilities.

The all-new Plug-In Hybrid version benefits from a new powertrain, similar to that used by the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid. It combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a 11.8kWh (usable) battery to deliver a targeted pure-electric driving range of up to 56km. It also offers 2.3kW of power for tools and equipment on work sites via ProPower Onboard.

Customers can also specify Transit Custom with the latest generation of Ford EcoBlue diesel engines in 110PS, 136PS, 150PS and/or 170PS power outputs. The six-speed manual gearbox is available with an optional mechanical limited-slip differential for enhanced traction. In addition, a high-efficiency eight-speed automatic gearbox is introduced, which offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,500kg and is available in combination with a new all-wheel drive system, available on Transit Custom for the first time.

All-new Transit Custom has been redesigned from the ground up and features an extensive range of new customer experiences to enhance productivity, such as the Mobile Office option with innovative tilting steering wheel. Key features and derivatives include:

n All-new vehicle architecture with lower cargo floor height, sub-2m overall height and independent rear suspension n Four size variants – L1 or L2 lengths, with H1 or H2 roof heights n Panel van, double-cab-in-van, kombi and L-shaped bulkhead body styles n Standard 5G modem and 13-inch

SYNC 4 touchscreen

n Five specification levels - Base, Trend,

Limited, Active, Trail and Sport

All next-generation Transit Custom vehicles are fully integrated with the Ford Pro platform of software and connected services. “Our all-new E-Transit Custom is going to help more small businesses than ever transition to all-electric. And for those businesses not yet ready or able to go all-electric, the all-new Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid and EcoBlue variants will still boost productivity, supported by an all-new architecture and the Ford Pro ecosystem of intelligent, connected solutions,” said Hans Schep, General Manager, Ford Pro, Europe.

The all-new Transit Custom will be built by Ford Otosan in a state-ofthe-art new plant in Turkey. Customer deliveries of Transit Custom with EcoBlue powertrains are set to begin in mid-2023, with other variants available from later in the year.

Ford Pro Upfit Integration System streamlines digital conversions

Half of all Transits sold in Europe feature some kind of conversion, and many of these modifications require integration with the vehicle’s electrical system – including the addition of controls and displays – which can be challenging and time-consuming for converters. To streamline this process Ford Pro has developed an Upfit Integration System, a first-to-market digital solution that is introduced in Europe on the all-new Transit Custom. The new system features an interface module that allows seamless connection to the vehicle’s electrical system, and also enables conversions to be controlled via the 13-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen rather than bolt-on switchgear. This allows conversions to be delivered more quickly and efficiently, as well as potentially improving reliability and safety as converters will not have to modify the cab area or splice into factory wiring to fit controls.

In addition, as sales leaders of the pick-up segment in Europe, new versions of the Ranger Raptor performance truck and Ranger Wildtrak both featured prominently. Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

Renault showcases extent of its expertise in all-electric vans

Pictured at the reveal of the new vehicles are Heinz-Jürgen Löw, Head of Renault’s Light Commercial Vehicles Unit and Louis Morasse, Director of the Renault Commercial Vehicle Design range

Ever since Renault won the International Van of the Year award 10 years ago with the commercial launch of the all-electric Renault Kangoo in 2011, the French brand continues to develop and innovate zero-emission vehicle technology. Following on from the launch of the latest Kangoo E-Tech Electric and upgrades to the Master E-Tech Electric is a first ever emission-free version of the Trafic Van. As with the other electric vans in the range, no compromises have been made compared to the electric van’s petrol/diesel siblings, boasting the same level of features, diversity, and customisation to suit customer needs.

The Trafic Van E-TECH Electric still boasts storage options that are best-in-class for load length, modularity, and customisation:

n It is either 5.08m or 5.48m long and 1.967m or 2.498m high

n Its load volume ranges from 5.8m3 to 8.9m3

n The load length can extend up to 4.15m (on the extended L2 version featuring the ‘through load’ bulkhead)

n It comes with a 90kW motor with a 750kg towing capacity and can carry up to 1.1 tonne

n The 52kW battery has a range of 341 km WLTP

Renault also launched the innovative and unique Hippie Caviar Motel, built the new Kangoo L2 E-Tech Electric. This converted van is designed to serve as a camper van that can cover 285 km and takes only 30 minutes to recuperate 170 km of battery power, ready for more adventures. The 90kW (120hp) motor runs off a 45kWh battery that can plug into 80kW DC outlets.

A selection of clever storage solutions provide plenty of room for sports gear both inside and outside the vehicle. Fold down the back seat into a bed and enjoy the night sky through the large panoramic roof. The roof rails are perfect for transporting gear for watersports, skiing and other activities. The all-electric show car is perfectly in line with Renault’s strategy to reduce CO2 emissions over a vehicle’s entire life cycle, through the use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as the cork and recycled tyres for the shelves and flooring.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles highlights versatility of IVOTY 2023 ID. Buzz Cargo

A selection of world premieres by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles of the ID. Buzz family, International Van of the Year 2023 (IVOTY), included a refrigerated variant and a paramedic conversion. These were joined at the IAA in Hanover by a range of more than 30 new models, including a taxi version of the Multivan and a mobile e-bike workshop Crafter conversion.

ID.Buzz Cargo in Pick-Up form

ID. Buzz Paramedic vehicle:

A near-production concept, produced by Bösenberg, has room for three people, with the cargo space designed for use as a doctor’s workspace and storage for medical equipment. The paramedic equipment is also incorporated and run from a separate battery system.

ID. Buzz Cargo with box body:

A box body has been added by Veth Automotive, increasing the load capacity from 3.9m3 to 6.0m3 and enabling a payload of 680kg. The sides and back of the box can be fitted with conventional doors, sliding doors, or roll-up shutters, giving couriers flexibility in accessing packages. The inside of the box features a hard-wearing, non-slip floor.

ID. Buzz Cargo refrigerated vehicle:

This refrigeration conversion by Wükaro is designed specifically for last mile deliveries. The concept combines electric drive with an electric cooling system, comprising of a low-profile 230V cooling unit on the roof, with a flat ceiling evaporator, four lithium-ion batteries and an inverter. The batteries are housed within the wheel arches to save space and together supply up to eight hours of charge. With a payload of 390kg, it is perfect for frozen food deliveries, restaurant takeaways or as an ice cream van.

ID. Buzz Cargo as Miele Service Van:

With “paprika red” paintwork, the collaboration between CS/Würth and VWCV was created for Miele. The cargo space has been fitted out with a unique shelving system tailored to service technicians’ specifications for storing materials, spare parts and tools for the Miele customer service personnel. A centre console with integrated folding table serves as a workplace for the driver in the passenger compartment.

Pictured at the reveal of the new vehicles are HeinzJürgen Löw, Head of Renault’s Light Commercial Vehicles Unit and Louis Morasse, Director of the Renault Commercial Vehicle Design range