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Ford Offers All-Wheel-Drive for the Transit Minibus

Ford introduced a new "intelligent" all-wheel-drive system for its best selling utility van. By intelligent, Ford means this four wheel traction system comes in only when required.

The system's role is to prevent unwanted lateral slides and offer improved stability. This is specially requested by people who work in a wet and muddy environment or deal with special transportation. The driver doesn't require any specific training as the system is automatic and engages only when wheel spin is detected at the rear.

This new all-wheel-drive system can be purchased at an extra cost of 3,995 pounds ($6,613) and can be fitted on Fords 15-seat Transit Minibus and the Transit panel van range including Double-Cab-in-Van.

So far, Ford announced the all-wheel-drive option only for the 140 hp 2.4-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission. The system's flexibility refers only to it being suitable for all the height versions with low, medium and high roof and all the wheelbase sizes, meaning short, medium or long.

"We’ve had tremendous interest in AWD from construction, roadside assistance and utility companies. On top of that we know that taxi companies and schools may also benefit from extra traction in many every-day situations. Being automatic in its operation, means that no special training or driving techniques are required", said Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director for Ford of Britain.

The mechanism allows the Transit to retain its normal ground clearance, while vehicles weight is increased by 10 kgs to the rear axle and 70 kgs to the front axle.
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