FORD

Transit Automatic: the first van with automatic transmission in Brazil

This month, Ford starts selling the Transit Automática, the first van with automatic transmission in Brazil, bringing a pioneering option in the segment for commercial customers looking for maximum performance, economy and productivity in their business. The model arrives to continue the expansion of the Ford Pro product portfolio, the new structure of the brand's Commercial Vehicles Division, expanding the offer of the line that has grown the most in share in the segment since last year and which will also include, in the future , the Transit Chassi and the 100% electric E-Transit.

“Transit Automática is yet another advancement and pioneering of the line, a product long awaited by customers in the commercial segment and fully developed with a focus on their productivity”, says Guillermo Lastra, Director of Commercial Vehicles at Ford South America. "In addition to reducing driver fatigue and distraction, it has a standard of efficiency, economy and durability that favors vehicle uptime and total cost of operation."

The Transit Automatic arrives in minibus versions, with 15 or 18 passengers and glass, and long van with high roof (L3H3), with a capacity of 12.4 m3. Its ten-speed transmission, with torque converter, brings state-of-the-art engineering to offer a more efficient and comfortable drive that contributes to lowering the total cost of operation. Associated with the start-stop system and the three driving modes - exclusive in the category -, plus rear-wheel drive, it helps to increase the average performance of the fleet.

The new transmission's modern technology favors productivity and safety. It has less wear on parts and components, which increases the durability of the power train, reduces the frequency of maintenance and the risk of unforeseen stops. Its simple operation also reduces drivers' stress, creating a more efficient driving pattern and reducing the risk of accidents. Passengers, in turn, benefit from greater driving comfort.

Transit Automatic arrives with a price positioned in the same range as its main competitor with manual transmission, bringing a better return for the commercial customer's business. With prices starting at R$298,200 for the glazed minibus version and R$274,500 for the van version, Ford shows its willingness to continue growing consistently in the segment.

Performance and Economy...Transit's automatic transmission utilizes real-time adaptive shift scheduling that selects the optimal gear to optimize performance and fuel economy in every driving scenario. Together with the modern 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engine, with 165 hp (@ 3,500 rpm) and torque of 390 Nm (@ 1,750 - 2,750 rpm), it guarantees power on slopes, safety on slopes and overtaking, further improving drivability, one of the most praised features of the van.

Among other advances, this engine has a variable geometry turbo that delivers performance in all rotation ranges and extremely low friction levels, including an oil-bathed belt to reduce wear and improve acoustic comfort.

“The greater number of automatic transmission ratios allows the engine to work closer to maximum efficiency”, says Daniel Santos, Product Development manager for Ford South America. "Its smooth and progressive acceleration helps to raise the driving standard of drivers and reduce the total consumption of the fleet".

In an approximate calculation, a professional driver makes more than 750,000 gear changes per year in a vehicle with a manual transmission. The new automatic transmission eliminates this effort and increases the comfort of the driver who spends long periods at the wheel, with staggered starts and accelerations, without vibrations and harshness.

Maintenance and durability...Economical maintenance is another advantage of Transit Automatic. As it does not require changing the clutch kit, it reduces the number of service stops and has a transmission system maintenance cost of around 70% less.

The new transmission's durability has been proven in over 6 million km of tests, equipping Ford pick-ups and commercial vans in the world's most demanding markets. It was also validated for Brazilian conditions at the Tatuí Development and Technology Center, in a program that included 3,000 hours of calibration tests on a dynamometer and running-in, and under real conditions of use.

Exclusive standard equipment...Besides performance, technology, safety, quality and low operating cost, Transit stands out for having the most complete list of standard equipment in the segment. The Transit Automatic is no exception to the rule, with the same exclusive items found in the other models of the line.

It is the only one with auto start-stop, three driving modes and factory connectivity modem, integrated to the vehicle's electrical architecture, which allows you to receive preventive alerts, speed up service in case of assistance, generate reports with indicators for the business, locate the vehicle and schedule and track services online.

It also comes as standard with electronic stability and anti-rollover control, adaptive load control, side wind stabilization and ramp start assistant (AdvanceTrac System), on-board computer with 2.3-inch screen, SYNC Move multimedia with 8.0-inch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and reversing camera with parking sensor.

The multifunctional steering wheel with excellent turning radius, improved sound insulation and maximum EuroNCAP grade safety are other differentials. The minibus version is also the only one in the category with autonomous braking assistance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistant, adaptive autopilot, electric side step and three-point seat belts on all standard seats.

Ford Pro...Transit Automática arrives to continue the expansion of the Ford Pro product line, which has a dedicated structure and a complete portfolio of products and services to serve commercial customers in all their needs.

“Ford is a global leader in solutions for commercial vehicles and with the arrival of Ford Pro we are strengthening our local structure to serve this customer in a 100% dedicated way”, says Matias Guimil, Strategy and Product manager at Ford South America. “Our objective is to offer a complete portfolio of products and services designed to bring the greatest return to the commercial client's business, based on the specific journey of this type of consumer”.

This dedicated structure has a specific sales and post-sales team to give priority to commercial customer service, with options that allow you to purchase the vehicle with the financing conditions that best suit the profile of each consumer, or through the car subscription program. FordGo and FordGo Fleet vehicles, serving all types of customers, whether small entrepreneurs or large fleet owners.

The network of dealerships with more than 100 points of sale and services operates in an integrated manner with systems and parts warehouses through connectivity, to provide priority service to commercial customers. After-sales services also include 24-Hour Assistance with an exclusive center and connectivity tools to streamline service, in addition to FordProtect maintenance plans for overhauls and wear parts and the FordProtect Premium Care warranty extension plan.

Ford has Transit's regional manufacturing with localized parts to offer greater product availability to customers and a local engineering and development center including the proving ground in Tatuí (SP), which facilitates the development of modifications for specific uses, from large fleets or government bodies, integrating a joint effort between Ford, modifiers, dealerships and consumers.

In addition, Ford Pro has an area dedicated to monitoring connectivity and improving the consumer experience, as well as introducing new technologies, such as electrification.

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