Ford wins the battle of the vans in extreme conditions

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

Ford has achieved a landmark double victory in the Arctic Van Test – one of the most gruelling tests of vehicle performance on the planet.

 

The all-new Ford Transit and the all-new Ford Transit Connect finished first in their respective classes after competing in the punishing five-day ordeal that subjects vehicles and drivers to extreme challenges in ice and snow.

 

In the frozen north of Finland, where temperatures can drop as low as -50 C, the vehicles slalomed across a frozen airfield and tackled a torturous 700 kilometre route of icy, rutted roads.

 

The Ford Transit vans won for their overall performance across categories that included fuel efficiency, load carrying, and handling.

 

Paul Randle, Vehicle Line Director, Global Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe, said: “Every one of our new Ford Transits is tested in the world’s toughest climates and driving conditions long before launch, so they are prepared for just this kind of challenge.

 

“Our customers depend on their Transits to get the job done, and we have made sure they are ready for work, whatever the weather.”

 

Expert drivers from six European commercial vehicle magazines drove all the vans taking part in the Arctic Van Test and rated the two Transits winners to deliver Ford’s first double victory in the event’s 23-year history. The challenge also tests engine starting, and heating and demister operation, after vehicles have been left outside overnight in sub-freezing conditions.

 

The all-new four-vehicle Ford Transit family was designed and engineered at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre, Essex.

 

 

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