After initially unveiling the pair a few months ago, the high-tech nine-seat Tourneo Custom people hauler and the one-ton Transit Custom panel van workhorse are launching on the Old Continent, with first deliveries pegged for the fourth quarter of the year.
The Blue Oval Company is in search of a new identity in Europe. They have a lucrative business agreement with Volkswagen for the Ford Pro commercial vehicle program that has already yielded significant results – the latest Ranger and Ranger Raptor plus the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok mid-size pickup trucks. The company even introduced the first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid with Pro Power Onboard for added off-grid capability.
But after selling ownership of the Ford Romania business to Ford Otosan – which will oversee production of the popular Ford Puma small crossover and its future EV version, they are now also searching for an investor to take over their iconic plant in Saarlouis, Germany! Well, at least the Ford Pro business is booming, as usual.
Thus, after presenting a few months ago the all-new Ford Tourneo Custom and its workhorse sibling, the Transit Custom, now the company is launching both across Europe. For starters, the new generation Tourneo Custom range is now available to configure and order. In contrast, the all-electric E?Tourneo Custom will see the order books open soon, with first deliveries scheduled for next year. The all-new Transit Custom will land with its first customers during Q4 this year, and the all-electric E?Transit Custom will become available from next summer.
As far as the highlights are concerned, Ford promises the Tourneo Custom range will be the most comprehensive ever, with EcoBlue diesel engine choices (136, 150, and 170 ps options), an all-new PHEV variant, plus the E-Tourneo Custom rocking a 64-kWh battery pack and 160 kW motor with up to 325 km of driving range. The Tourneo Custom PHEV will become available to customers next spring, and fans can choose from Active, Sport, or Titanium X models, by the way.
Moving on to the Transit Custom panel van, this is the latest iteration of Europe's top-selling one-tone van, and the company not only integrates PHEV and all-electric powertrains but also offers all-wheel drive options for the first time. As a panel van, the load volumes are from 5.8 to 6.8 cubic meters for the standard roof model, and there are also double-cab-in-van or kombi body styles available with both short and long wheelbases for added choice.
Last but not least, both integrate a lot of new technologies – the Tourneo Custom's cabin can fit a 14-speaker B&O sound system with a subwoofer and "sophisticated" ambient interior lighting. At the same time, the Transit Custom van rocks the entire suite of Ford Pro's platform of software and connected services, including 5G modem connectivity.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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