Story: COLIN DAWSON

Ford’s new Transit Custom named ‘International Van of the Year’

Transit Custom: setting new standards in styling, drivability and load-carrying, says award jury

Ford’s all-new Transit Custom was tonight named ‘International Van of the Year’ at the Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show. The 24-strong international jury praised the Transit Custom for its styling, driveability, load-carrying ability, safety features and low ownership costs.

“The van has a car-like exterior and interior, driving dynamics which are very close to a passenger car and, notwithstanding that, is a very functional and practical vehicle,” International Van of the Year jury chairman Pieter Wieman said. “Ford has paid a lot of attention to the active and passive safety aspects of the new model, and to reducing the cost of ownership.”

Wieman said the Transit Custom had set new standards with regard to styling, drivability and load-carrying ability. He said Ford had succeeded in building a complete new light van on its global commercial vehicle platform with the use of proven driveline and chassis components.

The Transit Custom accumulated 117 out of a possible 133 points from the jury of 24 specialist journalists. Second placed the was Dacia Dokker and, in third, the Mercedes-Benz Citan.

The 2013 trophy was presented on the evening of the first press day of the Hannover show at which Ford is displaying the Transit Custom, alongside the all-new Transit and Transit Connect. The company recently revealed it is harnessing its global platform strategy and completely redesigning its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe over the next two years.

“Transit Custom is a new kind of 1-tonne van – hard working and practical, but great to look at and great to drive,” Ford of Europe vice president of product development Barb Samardzich told Business Vans.

Sales of the new Transit Custom have already begun to business van buyers in major markets across Europe.

Keep up to date with developments with our business van news section.

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