Ford Turned to the Stars to Help New Ford Transit Lose Weight
The soon-to-launch new Ford Transit van will be up to 176 pounds lighter than its predecessor, but it will still enjoy a 176-pound increase in max load-carrying capabilities. How? Simple: spaaaaaaaaaace.
Ford engineers applied an aluminum hood to the Transit — a first for any commercial vehicle in Europe — as well as spin-formed wheels and a composite bulkhead to ensure the lighter weight of the Transit. To help ensure the durability of these lighter components, Ford used computer-aided design systems more commonly used in the aerospace industry.
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This also works in conjunction with the new 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine lineup, which includes a first-in-segment EcoBlue Hybrid mild-hybrid option, as well as upgrades like electric power-assisted steering and low-rolling-resistance tires. So, in essence, the new Ford Transit is lighter and better on fuel, but it still does more work. Again: spaaaaaaaaaace.
“Payload is critical for businesses. Lighter weight also improves fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, so every part of the Ford Transit team worked to a weight-saving target, while maintaining strength and durability as a priority,” said Michael McDonagh, Transit global chief program engineer. “The increased payload further enhances the Transit’s reputation for outstanding productivity.”
Ford is the leading commercial vehicle brand in Europe and is maintaining that standing so far in 2019 thanks to an 11.8 percent increase in Q1 sales of the Transit. The launch of the new Transit van in just a matter of weeks should only help bolster Ford even further and lead to another year of sales dominance in its traditional European 20 markets.
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