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Celebrating 60 Years and Counting – The Ford Transit’s Unstoppable Story in Numbers

DUNTON, UK, Aug. 8, 2025 – Get ready to celebrate a monumental milestone as the world’s No.1 best-selling van turns 60.

An astonishing 31,536,000 minutes have whizzed by since the first legendary Ford Transit rolled off the production line on August 9, 1965, and from the very first minute, Transit has been an unwavering powerhouse – tirelessly empowering professionals and championing businesses and communities.

A lot has changed in that time, but some things have stayed the same.

“Every shopkeeper, contractor, ambulance driver, builder, baker or candlestick or holiday maker, can find his own special requirements in Ford Transit”, said Ford’s original press announcement from 1965.

That statement is more true today than ever.

In a truly staggering display of enduring appeal, over 13,000,000 Ford Transits have been produced during the past six decades. This remarkable feat equates to a new van rolling off the production line every two and a half minutes, non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

As Transit fans around the world celebrate the iconic vehicle’s 60th birthday – and begin counting down to the exciting Transit Festival in Essex, UK, September 20 – let's dive into more astounding figures that shine a light on the legacy of Ford’s industry-defining van.

Transit in Numbers:

Transit is the No.1 one best-selling van in the world.

10,100,000 is the number of Transit vans that have been produced in Europe and Türkiye since 1965. Globally, over 13,000,000 Transits have been produced.

Almost 1 in 5 vans sold in Europe in 2024 in the 1-tonne and 2-tonne segments was a Ford Transit or Transit Custom. 1

A new Transit van was purchased on average approximately every 2 minutes across Europe in 2024. 1

There are over 1,300 variations of 2-tonne Transit available to order including different body styles, lengths, heights, powertrains and trim levels – and that’s before choosing a colour or other options.

The Mk1 Transit offered payloads up to 35 cwt – approximately 1,700 kg. Today’s Transit panel van offers payloads of more than 2,400 kg. 2

The largest L4 H3 Transit van can carry almost 236,000 ping-pong balls in its 15.1 m3 loadspace. 2

2,000 PS is the power output of the electric Ford SuperVan 4.2.

E-Transit’s enhanced range option increases driving range to up to 402 km – a 28 per cent increase compared with the standard battery. 3

52 per cent is the growth in annual Transit and Transit Custom sales in Europe between 2014 and 2024. 1

4 times as many Transits were produced in Europe and Türkiye in 2024 compared with the first full year of Transit production in 1966.

822,000 is the number of additional days of vehicle availability across Europe in 2024 enabled by the Transit’s connection to the FORDLiive uptime system.

217 Ford Pro Converter partners across 18 European markets ensure that specific customer requirements for bespoke vehicles can be met.

Transit or Transit Custom has been the best-selling van in the UK for 59 years.

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1 Full year figures from S&P Global, formerly IHS Markit Insight. Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland.

2 Max payload varies and is based on accessories and vehicle configuration. See label on doorjamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. Always properly secure cargo.

3 Up to 402 km driving range based on full charge of E-Transit with enhanced range option. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures shown are for comparability purposes and should only be compared with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. The actual range may vary due to various factors (e.g. weather conditions, driving style, route profile, vehicle condition, age and condition of the lithium-ion battery).

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 171,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

Contact:

Peter Watt

Ford Pro Communications, Europe

+44 (0) 7393 764 837

pwatt3@ford.com