BIRMINGHAM, UK, April 29, 2025 – The Ford Transit van celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, marking six decades of loyal service to businesses and communities across the UK, with celebrations kicking off at the CV Show in Birmingham.
Since the first vehicle left the production line in 1965, Transit has become a byword for getting the job done – reliably and efficiently. Fast forward 60 years, and a new generation of connected and electrified Transit vans is raising productivity to a new level.
Commercial vans provide the backbone for the economy – supporting €1 trillion in economic activity across Europe alone – and Ford Transit vehicles play a significant role in the lives and jobs of millions of people. From getting workers to a building site, to keeping our stores stocked and delivering goods to our doors, or even rushing a patient to hospital, people depend on Transits to keep the world moving.
The latest Transit line up from Ford Pro features four key models – Courier, Connect, Custom and the larger two-tonne Transit, each available with electrified powertrains and full connectivity to Ford Pro’s supporting services.
“The words ‘iconic’ and ‘legendary’ are often over-used but both are applicable when it comes to the Ford Transit in the UK,” said Lisa Brankin, Chair and Managing Director, Ford of Britain and Ireland. “Most of us rely on the humble Ford Transit every single day, whether its delivering goods, transporting people or mobilising business and trade services – Transit is an essential tool to get the job done.”
Transit has remained the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle for 59 years, with total nameplate sales of more than 96,000 in 2024 – accounting for more than a quarter of the total LCV sector. This position is reinforced by Ford’s experienced team of Transit Centre dealers and network of approved vehicle convertors – all ready to serve Transit customers across the country.
Throughout its long history, Transit has been built on continuous innovation, taking real-world customer insights and translating them into features that simplify every-day tasks – from the side-loading doors on the 1965 Transit, to the latest digital tools and software of today, such as Delivery Assist, that can transform efficiency as businesses electrify their Transit fleets.
From its origins serving European van customers, Transit has grown into a global success story, with a family of products of different sizes to support a huge range of applications – stretching from Europe to the United States and China.
Looking forward, the Transit and its army of customers are right at the centre of Ford’s future thinking. The Ford Pro business – dedicated to helping commercial customers succeed – offers a support-system of software and connected services to boost efficiency and maximise time spent working hard on the road, and the latest generation of Transit products sits at the heart of that ecosystem.
To recognise 60 years of Transit, a 1965 Mk1 Transit and the record-breaking Supervan 4.2 take centre stage on the Ford Pro stand in Hall 5 at this year’s CV Show in Birmingham alongside the freshest, most advanced Transit line up, ever.
Ford Pro is also launching its Power Promise at the CV Show - a package designed for small business customers looking to purchase a new all-electric commercial vehicle and provide peace of mind when it comes to making the switch to electrification.
The package provides a discounted home charger costing just £10, or an £825 contribution towards a charging installation at a commercial premises; free five-year service and roadside assistance plan; eight-year high-voltage battery warranty; 12-month free vehicle management software and access to Ford’s expansive Blue Oval Charge Network (BOCN) – all included with the sale of the vehicle. Alternatively, for customers who do not have the ability to install a home charger and do not requirement a commercial charging installation, a £500 saving on the vehicle purchase will be offered.
Eligible for the £10 home charging offer is the new Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), making its UK public debut at the CV Show. An all-new powertrain delivers 697 Nm of torque – the most of any production Ranger model – as well as 281PS, a target EV range above 26 miles and full charge in under four hours using a wall box. Ranger PHEV comes in XLT, Wildtrak and – unique to PHEV models – Stormtrak series, priced from £40,840.83 (RRP excluding VAT).
This year’s CV Show also signifies a deepening of Ford’s partnership with the RNLI Lifeguards, becoming the official vehicle supplier with the latest-generation Ford Ranger. Ford has partnered with the RNLI for six years and is now rolling out new and updated Ford Ranger vehicles across RNLI Lifeguarded beaches.
RNLI lifeguards have been protecting beaches since 2001 and now patrol 249 across the UK and Channel Islands, from Easter and throughout the Summer, providing first aid and helping those who get in trouble in the water – however, their primary focus is on prevention by helping stop accidents before they happen.
“We are delighted to continue and expand our role in supporting RNLI Lifeguards, and the outstanding work they do” said Mandy Dean, Commercial Vehicle Director, Ford of Britain and Ireland. “Seeing new Ford Rangers being deployed across select UK beaches shows the all-round dependability of the vehicle to meet the requirements of the RNLI Lifeguard role.”
The latest, RNLI-branded Ranger can be seen on Ford’s stand in Hall 5.
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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.
