Transit goes all-wheel-drive

Ford is now offering an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) version of the Transit van range, which continues to claim the title of Ireland"s best-selling commercial vehicle. This new AWD Transit is specifically targeted at customers who frequently face low friction surfaces, adding more flexibility and reliability to their transportation needs. The Ford Transit range showcases exactly what versatility for commercial vehicles is all about - a range of clean and efficient engines, a choice of front- or rear-wheel-drive, dozens of body configurations, a heavy duty front axle option and passenger car comfort. The Transit"s AWD system is available with the 2.4-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with 103 kW (140PS) and a six-speed manual transmission. The system is purely mechanical and self-activated, which means the driver is not distracted by having to engage the system and can therefore fully concentrate on driving. Furthermore, the system dramatically increases traction capabilities and positively affects the vehicle"s road performance as a safety plus. Ford claims the Transit AWD gives the driver a lot of extra confidence when driving over slippery road surfaces. The Transit AWD will be offered with rear-wheel-drive, single rear wheel vehicles across a broad range of cab styles, including single and double chassis cab, M2 Bus, Kombi and Kombi Van, and the standard Transit van range, including double cab in van. Low, medium or high roof derivatives will be available and short, medium or long wheelbase. Key customers for the new model are those frequently encountering low friction surfaces and bad weather conditions. The Transit AWD has outstanding off-road capability but does not include raised ground clearance, therefore retaining standard load heights. As such, on the Continent, the Transit AWD is an ideal shuttle vehicle for ski resorts and hotels in mountainous areas where drivers encounter snow and icy conditions, which lead to reduced grip. In Ireland, the new Transit AWD is perfectly suited for authorities like the emergency services, forest wardens, rescue services and fire brigades, providing the reassurance and confidence to handle situations which are beyond the capabilities of a standard vehicle. Utility companies will also benefit from the capabilities of the Transit AWD, as they are surefooted performers for field and track work (for example, crossing a muddy field track to fix a pylon) without the need to send two vehicles in case the first becomes stuck on a slippery surface. Ultimately, this saves time and means that utility resources can be more effectively deployed.