Ford's legendary Transit commercial vehicle is once more making headlines after the six millionth example rolled off the production line April 30 at the Ford-Otosan plant in Kocaeli, Turkey.
The milestone vehicle – a white, medium-wheelbase, FT280 Kombi – is destined for a German fleet customer, but Transit's production achievement and its upcoming 45th birthday are also being celebrated in special ceremonies at Ford's other Transit assembly plants around the world in Southampton (United Kingdom), Nanchang (China) and Hai Duong (Vietnam).
"With six million units now produced and a 45-year life so far, Transit is not only the longest-serving model in Ford of Europe's product portfolio, but throughout that time it has been a major pillar of our profitable business in Europe, and is one of the most successful commercial vehicles in automotive history," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe chairman and CEO. "We are very proud that the Transit name has become synonymous with vans in many markets around the world and we fully intend that it will continue to build on that iconic status into the future."
Right from its launch in 1965, Transit has lived up to its reputation as a durable, practical and versatile tool for professional customers, consistently offering the latest commercial vehicle technologies combined with high levels of durability and safety, car-like comfort and driving quality and low cost of ownership.
The latest-generation Transit is the only medium commercial vehicle range in the world to offer customers the availability of front, rear- and all-wheel drive powertrains on one platform.
"It's just one example of our razor-sharp consumer focus with Transit," said Steve Adams, Ford of Europe vehicle line director for commercial vehicles. "Our aim always is to deliver for our professional customers a wide range of commercial vehicles fully tailored to meet their diverse demands and needs."
Created in the days even before the European Community and Ford of Europe existed, Transit was the first Ford product to be conceived and developed for the whole of Europe, bringing together for the first time engineering and marketing teams from Britain and Germany. It has remained a pacesetter ever since.
Ford Transit is also a truly global success story and is now available to customers in more than 85 markets on five continents. In its highest volume market, Britain, it has continuously held position as the segment leader since its launch in 1965.
Despite the recent economic difficulties, Transit was the most successful vehicle in the one and two-tonne segment in 2009 within its main 19 European markets. With an overall market share of 12.8 percent – up 0.2 points on the 2008 result – Transit posted its best European share for six years.
In August 2010, the Ford Transit will pass another key milestone as it will celebrate its 45th birthday.
"The Ford Transit has a superb heritage and an even brighter future. We'll keep counting and we will keep reminding the world that Transit remains true its heritage and its hard-won reputation," Fleming said.
