New 2024 Ford Transit revealed with more tech and digital features
New 5G connectivity, over-the-air updates and tech to help reduce downtime are all introduced in the 2024 Ford Transit and E-Transit vans
There's a revised Ford Transit coming in 2024, and Ford Pro - the company's commercial vehicle division - has released details of what to expect from the updated model. One of the main benefits is the introduction of 5G connectivity and the arrival of Ford PowerUp, the company's over-the-air software update system. This should help reduce downtime when the Transit is at the dealer for a service, therefore boosting productivity.
The update applies to the Transit and electric E-Transit, but there's much more to it than just a software refresh. All models now come with a 12-inch touchscreen display as standard, with Connected Navigation on offer that gives drivers real-time traffic information. In addition, an eight-inch digital instrument cluster is also included.
One new innovation that's been added is Delivery Assist automated technology. This is designed to recognise repetitive tasks undertaken by delivery drivers, and on auto models, shifts the van into Park, automatically shuts off the engine, activates the hazard warning lights and locks any doors that aren't used by the driver to either leave the vehicle or remove a parcel. When the driver returns, pressing the brake pedal reverses the process, so they're ready to roll again. It's claimed that this system could shave 20 seconds off a parcel delivery. If a driver is making 150 deliveries a day, that's a lot of time saved.
Standard safety kit now includes pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking, lane assist and Intelligent Speed Assist. Ford is also offering six optional assistance packs that can add blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control that also works in traffic jams, plus auto park assist with 360-degree cameras.
The front-wheel drive Transit can now be had with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which boosts vehicle weights, while redesigned wheel hubs reduce unsprung weight by up to 27kg and facilitate quicker brake changes - reducing the time to change a set of four discs by two hours. All models now come with 16-inch wheels as standard.
Finally, the front-wheel drive Transit now has a maximum front axle weight of 2,000kg, which will help in the manufacture of configurations such as horseboxes and low-loaders, where a high payload is required along with easy access.
Speaking at the new Transit's unveiling, Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe, said. “As Europe’s commercial vehicle sales leader for eight successive years, we never stop looking for new opportunities to help increase our customers’ productivity. We work hand-in-hand with our customers to understand the challenges they face and create new solutions together. These new innovations improve Transit’s digital features, hardware and supporting Ford Pro ecosystem to deliver a new level of productivity for our customers.”
Order books for the revised Transit and E-Transit will open later this summer.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Ford Transit Custom...
