Ford

A new all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ford Transit that automatically provides stepless torque flow to the front wheels when required on slippery surfaces will go on sale in the UK in the first quarter of 2007. The new derivative is specifically targeted at customers such as utility companies, hotels, agricultural and forestry companies and police forces who frequently face low-friction surfaces. The Transit’s AWD system will be available with the 2.4 litre 140 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said the addition of the AWD system extended the Transit choice, adding extra confidence when driving over slippery road surfaces.

The AWD system is purely mechanical and operates automatically so that the driver is not distracted by having to engage the system. In slippery conditions the system increases drive to the front wheels, enhancing the vehicle’s overall road performance. Compared with the standard rear-wheel-drive Transit, the additional front axle weight is just 50kg – the rear axle weight does not change. Transit AWD, which will be available across a range of bodystyles, while improving off-road capability does not include raised ground clearance, therefore retains standard load heights.

Ford says the new Transit AWD is perfectly suited for authorities like police, forest wardens, rescue services and fire brigades, providing the reassurance and confidence to handle situations which are beyond the capabilities of a standard vehicle. Transit ambulances fitted with the AWD system, for example, will be more able to ensure ongoing mobility in adverse conditions and deliver patients safely where previously they may have been delayed.

Utility companies will also benefit from the capabilities of the Transit AWD, as they will be surefooted performers for field and track work (for example crossing a muddy field track to fix a pylon). Ultimately this saves time and means that utility resources can be more effectively deployed. Mr Kimber says: “The all-wheel-drive system is completely transparent to customers, requiring no driver intervention, and it doesn’t sacrifice any of the vehicle’s core commercial qualities. It greatly expands Transit’s capability as it adds more safety and flexibility to any kind of delivery or transport usage.”

Vauxhall

Vauxhall has brought car-type safety levels to the light commercial vehicle sector with the showroom arrival of the fifth generation Astravan. Almost 10,000 Astravan’s are sold annually and Vauxhall is billing the new version as the “Driver’s Van” with a particular focus on driver comfort. Active safety features include the dynamically designed chassis, ABS, EBD, emergency brake assist and optional tyre deflation detection system, while in the event of a crash new Astravan benefits from the same passive safety features that earned the Astra car range a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.

Driver and passenger airbags are standard, while side airbags are offered as an option. Astravan also features Vauxhall’s patented pedal release system that pulls the pedals away from the driver to minimise cabin intrusion.

“Vauxhall is billing the new version as the 'Driver’s Van' with a particular focus on driver comfort”

Vauxhall says new Astravan has been designed to provide a pleasant working environment with seats designed to prevent premature fatigue and a loss of concentration – both identified as major factors in accidents involving commercial vehicles. Using new materials and improved contours, they offer higher side supports and a longer seat base to provide more cushioning under the driver’s legs, while the sports seats fitted to Sportive models have an even more defined, figure-hugging position.

Finally, six individual lashing points on the rear deck allow objects to be secured in place, while a half-height bulkhead with optional extension mesh prevent loads from sliding forwards into the cabin during heavy braking.

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