Ford Pro Boosts Productivity with New Digital Features and Enhanced Technology Coming to Ford Transit in 2024

Ford Pro in Europe announces major upgrade in digital capability for its Transit and E-Transit commercial vehicles, available to customers in 2024.

• Enhancements add 5G connectivity, Ford Power-Up wireless updates, a 12-inch touchscreen and new Delivery Assist and Upfit Integration System to Ford Pro’s ecosystem of productivity-enhancing software and services.
• Uprated front axle, new eight-speed automatic transmission and lighter chassis help maximise load capacity and improve vehicle handling, performance and efficiency.
• Available for order later this summer, the 2024 Transit and E-Transit models are fully integrated with Ford Pro’s productivity-boosting charging, software and servicing offering.

Ford Pro in Europe today announced significant vehicle performance and productivity-enhancing upgrades coming in 2024 to Transit – the world’s best-selling cargo van – designed to help businesses do more and optimise their operations.

The Ford Transit and E-Transit models gain a comprehensive step up in standard connectivity features and Ford PowerUp wireless update capability. New software simplifies aftermarket conversions and automates repetitive tasks for delivery drivers who can often make 150 drops a day. Chassis improvements and an eight-speed automatic transmission option boost payload and improve vehicle performance, handling and efficiency.

“As Europe’s commercial vehicle sales leader for eight successive years, we never stop looking for new ways to help keep our customers ahead of the curve,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “We’ve put our market-leading expertise into improving the digital features, hardware and supporting Ford Pro ecosystem for the latest Transits to accelerate our customers’ productivity more than ever.”

Enhanced technology as standard

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

• SYNC 4 communication and information system, supported by a 12-inch centrally-mounted touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster for a driver-focussed, intuitive cab, with Connected Navigation for real-time traffic information to help drivers plan routes and stay on schedule.
• Ford’s latest 5G modem provides superfast connectivity to Transit’s smart technologies with Ford Power-Up wireless updates for vehicle productivity improvements without a trip to the dealer.
• New Delivery Assist technology – available on long wheelbase panel van E-Transit and Transit models with automatic transmission – automates repetitive security tasks for delivery drivers who often make up to 150 drops a day, shaving up to 20 seconds from each delivery. Shifting into Park stops the engine, activates the hazard warning lights and alarm, and locks any doors the driver does not use to exit the cab or access parcels. Pressing the brake pedal then restarts the engine and deactivates the hazard lights.
• Ford Pro’s Upfit Integration System lets drivers control aftermarket installed equipment via digital buttons on the standard in-cab touchscreen and also links to Ford Pro software packages for remote monitoring – for example, to track temperature in refrigerated vehicles carrying pharmaceuticals or food and drink where an uninterrupted cold chain is essential.

Engineered for greater performance, efficiency and capability

A comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems for driver and cargo safety become standard for 2024 on Transit, including Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Alert & Aid, and Intelligent Speed Assist. Driver assistance packs include a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring and Stop & Go, and Auto Park Assist with a 360-degree camera to provide added reassurance for drivers and can help reduce downtime, repair and insurance costs for operators.

The 2024 model introduces a new eight-speed automatic transmission option for front-wheel drive Transits to improve performance, efficiency and load-hauling ability. The new transmission maximises capability with up to 4,250 kg GVM and 6,000 kg GTM – 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 brake pads to be changed more easily, shortening servicing time by approximately two hours. New 16-inch wheels become standard across the 2024 model.

A new heavy-duty GAWR pack is also now available for front-wheel drive models, raising the front axle maximum weight to 2,000 kg from 1,850 kg to increase conversion potential and save time and effort for operators by reducing load distribution demands. Ford Pro expects this to particularly benefit applications such as horseboxes or low loaders which require easy access to the load area and high payloads.

The latest Transit and E-Transit models are available for customer order later this month and enter production next year, with deliveries expected from summer 2024. Since its launch in 2022, the Ford E-Transit has become a clear leader in the two-tonne EV segment, representing over 50 per cent of all electric vehicles sold in Europe in its class.