Fords Expands ECOnetic Range

[russellw]

Ford Australia will expand its successful ECOnetic range from July with the launch of a new Transit ECOnetic Van.

The new Transit ECOnetic Van will introduce ultra-low fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions to the commercial van market. It will deliver 7.2 L/100km fuel economy and produce just 189 g/km of CO2 emissions, which places it at the forefront of the full-size van market in Australia for fuel economy and the leader for CO2 emissions.

Available as a short-wheelbase (SWB) only, the Transit ECOnetic Van will feature a 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine, combined with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The fuel efficiency improvements are achieved without any degradation in power and torque from the standard model, with engine outputs of 85 kW at 3500 rpm and 300 Nm from 1800-2000 rpm.

It also continues to offer outstanding cargo capacity of 6.55m3 and a payload of 1172 kg.

"We have been looking for opportunities to extend our ECOnetic range of vehicles since we introduced the Fiesta ECOnetic in late 2009," said Ford Australia Marketing, Sales & Service Vice President Beth Donovan.

"Offering low fuel economy and emissions to commercial van customers, through a range of ECOnetic technologies, was the logical next step to build upon the extremely successful launch of the Fiesta ECOnetic."

The Transit ECOnetic Van is the result of the same smart thinking that delivers Australia's most fuel-efficient vehicle, the Fiesta ECOnetic, including:

• Low rolling resistance tyres (215/75 R16C)
• Aerodynamic wheel covers
• Low friction oil
• A recalibrated 2.2L Duratorq TDCi engine
• Green shift indicator

It will also feature 16-inch steel wheels, unique ECOnetic badging on the right rear door and be speed limited to 110 km/h.

"We expect that the Transit ECOnetic will appeal to customers who prioritise low fuel costs while reducing their impact on the environment," said Donovan.

"It is a true no compromise alternative for business owners as it has better fuel economy and lower emissions than the leading vans on offer today."

The Transit ECOnetic Van will have a Manufacturer's List Price of $36,490* when it goes on sale in July.





Six million Transit milestone and 45th anniversary

Right from its launch in 1965, the Ford Transit has been a true global success story and is now available to customers in more than 85 markets on five continents.

It is one of the most successful commercial vehicles in automotive history and has just celebrated a significant six-millionth production milestone in ceremonies at the Transit assembly plants in Southampton (UK), Kocaeli (Turkey), Nanchang (China) and Hai Duong (Vietnam). The six-millionth Transit vehicle was produced at Kocaeli plant in Turkey on April 30.

Transit is also heading for its 45th anniversary in August this year, which will be another impressive milestone in an extensive history that includes many records, not least that it is Ford of Europe's longest serving vehicle brand.

In its 45 years Transit has gone through an unparalleled metamorphosis, from an affordable, durable and practical, yet rather spartan workhorse into one of the most versatile, consumer-focused and sophisticated commercial vehicle ranges in European automotive history. But it has also been consistent in pushing the boundaries of vehicle technology in the light and medium van segments to new levels.

Source: Ford Media