The concept • Since the last all-new Transit appeared in
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1986, the panel van market has become much more sophisticated: it has fragmented into smaller, front-wheel-dnve models (such as the VW Transporter and M-B Vito) and larger front and rearwheel-drive vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter and the Renault Master,
The Transit has traditionally had rearwheel drive, but this is now putting it at a disadvantage against lighter, more space-efficient AND vans. So, with the strongest brand image in the market, how was Ford to compete on all fronts? Dave Grandinett, the Transit's chief programme engineer, describes this as "a key strategic dilemma".
The solution was to produce front and rear-wheel-drive variants of the Transit, using substantially the same bodyshell and floorpan. FWD models will cover the "cretonne" market, with a gross vehicle weight of around 2.6 tomes, while RWD versions will cover the "two-tonne" market and beyond, with GVWs from 2,8-4.25 tonnes.
This seems like a complex approach, but Ford claims that with ingenious engineering it has kept more than 95% of parts common to both versions: for instance, the independent front suspension and steering assembly is identical, apart from the hubs.