Ford Pro in Europe today announced major performance and productivity upgrades coming in 2024 to the Transit – the world’s best-selling cargo van – 1 and are aimed at helping businesses increase momentum and optimize their operations.

Ford Transit and E-Transit models get a comprehensive upgrade package that covers both standard connectivity features and Ford Power Up wireless update capability. The new software simplifies aftermarket conversions while automating repetitive tasks for freight and goods delivery drivers who can often make as many as 150 deliveries a day. Chassis enhancements and the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission increase payload and improve vehicle performance, handling and efficiency. 2

“Being the commercial vehicle sales leader in Europe for eight consecutive years, we never stop looking for new opportunities to help our customers increase their productivity,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “We work closely with our customers to understand the challenges they face and create new solutions together. These new innovations enhance Ford Pro’s digital features, hardware and supporting ecosystem to achieve a new level of productivity.”

Improved technology as standard equipment

To help customers from all lines of business achieve the productivity benefits of connected commercial vehicles, Ford Pro continues to expand the digital capabilities of its Transit and E-Transit vehicle portfolio. New features for 2024 in Europe include:

• SYNC 4, 3 communications and information system supported by a centrally-mounted 12” touchscreen and 8” digital instrument cluster for an intuitive driver-focused cabin, with Connected Navigation 4 for real-time traffic information, which helps drivers to plan routes and stick to the schedule

• Ford’s latest 5G modem, 5 providing ultra-fast connectivity to Transit’s smart technologies, with Ford Power-Up wireless updates for vehicle productivity improvements without visiting a dealer store

• New Delivery Assist 6 technology – available on E-Transit and Transit long-wheelbase panel van models with automatic transmission – which automates repetitive safety tasks for freight and goods delivery drivers who often make up to 150 deliveries a day, saving up to 20 seconds from each delivery. Placing the selector in Park stops the engine, alarms and alarm are activated, and all doors not used by the driver to exit the cabin or access packages are locked. Then, by depressing the brake pedal, the engine is restarted and the alarms are deactivated

• Ford Pro’s Upfit Integration System, which allows drivers to control aftermarket equipment via digital buttons on the standard cabin touchscreen. The system also connects with Ford Pro software packages for remote monitoring – for example, to monitor the temperature in refrigerated vehicles transporting pharmaceuticals or food and beverages, where uninterrupted cooling is essential.

Designed for greater performance, efficiency and capabilities

A comprehensive suite of advanced driver and cargo safety support systems will be standard in 2024 Transit, including Pre-Collision Assist with autonomous emergency braking, Lane Keeping Alert & Aid and Intelligent Speed ​​Assist. 6 Driver assistance systems packages include Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring and Stop & Go, as well as Auto Park Assist with 360-degree camera that provide additional confidence to drivers and can help reduce downtime, repairs and insurance costs for managers. 6

The 2024 model year introduces a new eight-speed automatic transmission option for front-wheel drive Transits to improve performance, efficiency and cargo capacity. 2 The new gearbox maximizes the potential with up to 4,250 kg GVM and 6,000 kg GTM 7 – an increase of 700 kg and 1,750 kg respectively.

New wheel hub and brake systems reduce weight by up to 27 kg depending on vehicle configuration. The design also allows for easier brake changes, reducing maintenance time by up to two hours when replacing all four discs. New 16-inch wheels are standard on the 2024 model.

A new heavy-duty Gross Axle Weight Rating package is now also available for front-wheel drive models, increasing the maximum front axle weight to 2,000kg from 1,850kg. This increases conversion capabilities and saves time and effort for operators by reducing load sharing requirements. Ford Pro expects this to particularly benefit applications such as horse trailers or low loaders, which require easy access to the cargo area and high payloads.

Production is set to begin next year, with deliveries expected to begin in the summer of 2024. Since its launch in 2022, the Ford E-Transit has been the undisputed leader in the two-ton EV, accounting for over 50% of all of electric vehicles sold in Europe in its class.