Ford Transit vans are a common sight in Britain. But how many are there on our roads, why are they so popular, and what is the history of the Ford Transit? This article provides the answers.
How many Ford Transits are there in the UK?
In 2021, 1,048,867 Ford Transits were registered in Great Britain, more than double the number of 20 years ago.
Why are they so popular?
Reliability, cargo capacity, customisation, price, fuel economy, and low maintenance requirements are the key reasons for their popularity.
Options for van rental in Bristol
Renting a van can make both economic and practical sense. There are a number of specialists in van rental Bristol and the surrounding area, many of whom have several Ford Transits on their books. Some of them, such as www.autolynecarvanrental.co.uk/van-hire-bristol, have online resources which you can browse to see what models they offer.
A brief history
The first generation of Ford Transits was launched in 1958, and the wide-body design offered a lot more space than other similar vehicles. There was a choice of petrol or diesel engine, and the range included panel vans, crew vans, pick-ups, and minibuses. In 1970, there was a significant update with the Mark II range offering enhanced reliability, safety, and comfort. An automatic version also became available.
The second generation of the Ford Transit van arrived in 1986 and included an overhaul of the exterior and changes to the suspension. A further update in 1994 saw the addition of electric windows, a central locking system, airbags, and air conditioning.
The year 2000 saw the arrival of the third generation. This included two different height options and a choice of front or rear-wheel drive. 2006 saw a few minor improvements and the release of the Transit ‘sports van’.
2013 saw the fourth generation arrive. This offered several different height options and capacities, a choice of wheelbase lengths, a choice of trims, and larger loading bays.
More recently, Ford introduced a fully electric version (E-Transit), and a plug-in hybrid version.