At this week’s Commercial Vehicle Show, Ford announced that it is significantly boosting the productivity of its Transit commercial vehicle range with a major technology and specification upgrade that introduces new driver assistance and connectivity features, while also standardising key active safety technologies on volume-selling models.
In a significant move to extend the fitment of active safety technologies already recognised with a Gold Award by independent vehicle safety authority Euro NCAP, Ford is fitting Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, autonomous emergency braking technology and Lane-Keeping System as standard on all Ford Transit Trend, Limited and Trail models from spring 2022 – meaning that over 60 per cent of Transits sold across Europe will now include these features.
Ford is also extending its technology leadership in the Transit segment with a comprehensive programme of updates to provide customers with important new features and capability across the Transit line-up. This includes introducing the advanced new connected SYNC 4 communication and information system with a 12-inch touchscreen, enabling multiple new features and technologies to further support safety and productivity, and expanding the comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems with new features like Reverse Brake Assist and 360 Camera.
“We are sharpening our focus on the productivity of Transit customers, prioritising new technologies that make a real difference to uptime and cost of ownership,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe, in the lead up to the event. “Transit has always been a technology leader, but this package of upgrades means more drivers than ever before can benefit from our advanced active safety and connectivity technologies, for greater comfort, productivity and peace of mind.”
As part of a major realignment of the features offered on Ford’s flagship commercial vehicle, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection autonomous emergency braking system – which Euro NCAP has recognised as a clear class-leading feature – will become standard for Transit Trend, Limited and Trail series vehicles. Lane-Keeping System is also standardised on the same Transit series, and across all N2-rated Transit vehicles. To further boost value for Transit operators, on the popular Trend series Ford is also standardising Quickclear heated windscreen, auto lighting and rain-sensing wipers, to help reduce driver workload.
On the range-topping Limited series, customers now benefit from additional standard features to help maximise their productivity including the SYNC 4 system with 12-inch touchscreen, high-mounted rear-view camera with LED downlighter and the keyless Ford Power starter button for easy starting during frequent-stop itineraries.
At the heart of Ford’s advanced suite of connected vehicle features is the all-new SYNC 4 communication and information system, which is controlled using an easy-to-use 12-inch touchscreen and offers twice the computing power of outgoing SYNC 3. The SYNC 4 system is designed to be wirelessly upgraded with Ford Power-Up software updates, with many such updates requiring little to no action by customers as they install new software in the background. Updates that require reboots can be scheduled at convenient times, such as overnight.
SYNC 4 includes features designed to enhance productivity and reduce driver workload, such as:
- Cloud-connected live traffic, weather and parking updates for the optional navigation
- Wireless connection to Android Auto and Apple Carplay with Applink
- Capability to have two mobile devices connected simultaneously
- Advanced Speech Recognition with Conversational Language Commands
- Digital Owner’s Manual with convenient search functionality
- Operators subscribed to Ford Telematics can also deliver In-Cab Coaching via the SYNC 4 system to help support safe and efficient driving.
All Transits feature the FordPass Connect modem as standard, delivering always-on connectivity to support a wide range of features and services to enhance vehicle productivity. This includes the ability to leverage the FORDLiive connected uptime system, the free service available to operators of Ford commercial vehicles that enables them to maximise uptime using real-time vehicle health data.
Fleets can access these benefits using the complimentary Ford Telematics Essentials management tool, which allows managers to receive vehicle health alerts via a simple web-based dashboard.
