Ford transition
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FORD is expected to come close to producing its two millionth Transit before replacing it, probably early in 1986. The name Transit has for many become synonymous with the one-ton panel van which has been market leader for all of its 19 years' production run.
Today, it is still outselling the combined efforts of its three closest rivals, with production running at about 280 a day.
Robotic equipment, programmable weld units and new production lines, costing around £74m are being installed to build its replacement at Southampton.
Improved diesel technology will increase demand for compression power ignition, but the choice of engines and driveline is not expected to alter substantially. But whatever is changed, Ford's alkyd paint process, will remain.
The Southampton factory was one of the first in Britain to have an automated cathodic electrocoat anti-corrosion treatment.