FORD is making significant upgrades to the Transit - the world's best-selling cargo van -designed to help businesses and optimise their operations.

The Ford Transit and E-Transit models gain a comprehensive improvement in standard connectivity features and Ford PowerâUp 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 opportunities to help increase our customers' productivity," said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. "We work hand-in-hand with our customers to understand the challenges they face and create new solutions together. These new innovations improve Transit's digital features, hardware and supporting Ford Pro ecosystem to deliver a new level of productivity for our customers."

New features for 2024 in Europe include Ford's SYNC 4 communication and information system,supported by a standard 12-inch centrally-mounted touchscreen and eight-inch digital instrument cluster for a driver-focussed cab, withConnected Navigationfor real-time traffic information to help drivers plan routes and stay on schedule.

The latest Transit also gets Ford's latest5G modem, which provides superfast connectivity to Transit's smart technologies with Ford Power-Up wireless updates for vehicle productivity improvements without a trip to a dealer.

A newDelivery Assistsystem- available on long wheelbase panel van E-Transit and Transit models with automatic transmission - automates repetitive security tasks for delivery drivers which Ford says shaves 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

There is also Ford Pro's Upfit Integration System which 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 keeping goods cold is essential.

A comprehensive suite ofadvanced driver assistance systemsfor driver and cargo safety become standard for 2024 on Transit, including pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping alert and 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 and go, and auto park assist with a 360-degree camera.

The new transmissionmaximises capabilitywith up to 4,250kg GVM and 6,000kg GTM - an increase of 700kg and 1,750kg respectively.

New wheel hub and brake systemsreduce weight by up to 27kg depending on vehicle configuration. The design also allows the brakes to be changed more easily, shortening servicing time by up to two hours when replacing all four discs. New 16-inch wheels become standard across the 2024 model.

A newheavy-duty gross axle weight rating packis also now available for front-wheel drive models, raising the front axle maximum weight to 2,000kg from 1,850kg 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 that require easy access to the load area and high payloads.

The latest Transit and E-Transit models will enter production next year, with deliveries expected from summer 2024.

Since its launch in 2022, the Ford E-Transit has become a leader in the two-tonne EV segment, representing over 50 per cent of all electric vehicles sold in Europe in its class.