Ford Transit: Big moves

In December 2019, Ford Philippines brought in its famous people mover, the Transit, as management saw the continued growth of the light commercial bus and van segment.

First launched in 1965, the Transit has cycled through six generations and over seven million units have been sold to meet the demands of enterprise customers whose primary business is moving people and goods alike. Ford reported that the nameplate has also won numerous industry awards for “fuel efficiency, design, (and) value.”

Almost a year removed from the Transit's local launch, the automotive business landscape has shifted massively in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. And when we say “shift,” we don’t mean it to be necessarily disadvantageous to the Transit.

In fact, the 15-seater might be finding a more focused market these days of “socially distanced” travel where space is not just a bonus but is mandatory.

It comes into the local market with one variant, available in three colors. The vehicle is powered by a 2.2-liter Duratorq diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The power plant delivers 135ps and 385Nm to drive the Transit, which measures 5.981 meters long, 2.4m wide, and 2.517m tall.

Aside from generous space for its passengers, the Transit offers 21 stowage bins, 12 cupholders, and multiple power 220-volt sockets. Each of the 15 passengers receive three-point seatbelts with headrests. An escape hatch is provided for emergency situations, as well as a window-breaking hammer.

For added safety and convenience, the Transit gets a rearview camera, extra-wide doors, rear cargo doors with 180-degree opening capacity, easy-clean non-slip rubber flooring, power sidestep, power folding side mirrors, hill launch assist, and load stabilization.

On its face, the Transit receives a three-bar grille, halogen reflector headlamps with daytime running lights, and fog lamps. Standard are steel wheels with hub caps, black bumpers and side moldings, and rear bumper with integrated step. The rear doors swing open a maximum of 180 degrees, but may be locked at 90 degrees for safety (and to prevent hitting adjacent vehicles and people).

The power sidestep automatically deploys when the passenger door slides open. However, should there be an obstacle (such as a high curb), the sidestep will retract. Meanwhile, the front passenger-side airbag can be manually deactivated using the vehicle key in case a child needs to sit in front.

The Transit requires only a once-a-year scheduled service interval, allowing for better and more competitive owner experience.

The vehicle is priced at P2.3 million.

Photos by Kap Maceda Aguila, photo of engine is from Ford Philippines