Ford has announced a new range of protection shields for its Transit and Transit / Tourneo Custom vans and people movers.
The shields are designed to help operators meet social distancing requirements and deliver additional peace of mind for occupants.
They are intended to supplement operators’ existing personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene protocols – and can be fitted in configurations to suit individual applications.
As part of the official Ford Accessories range, customers will be able to order the shields through Ford dealers as well as via the Ford Online Shop.
“Commercial vehicle operators have faced unprecedented challenges in 2020 and are adapting to new norms as they continue to provide their vital services to our communities and economy,” said Owen Gregory, Ford’s European commercial vehicle aftersales director.
“Our new protection shields provide additional support to our customers as they continue to operate in challenging circumstances, offering drivers and passengers peace of mind as they work and travel.”
The impermeable shields are made of transparent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic with integrated straps for simple installation, and can be sanitised as part of operators’ interior disinfecting procedures.
Removable suction cups attach to the window interiors to provide unobtrusive fixing points for the straps, which also attach to existing fittings in the cabin. Customers can fit, adjust and remove shields without requiring interior modifications, and the design allows the shields to pack down flat for storage.
Once installed, the shields do not restrict passenger comfort, interior space or operation of the heating and ventilation systems.
The transparent PVC material also allows the driver to retain full visibility of the windscreen, side windows and mirrors, and passengers can still hear and see each other as normal.
Initial availability is for Transit and Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom vans and people movers. Shields for Transit / Tourneo Connect, and Transit Courier will follow later this year.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fleet operations and business travel
A discussion hosted by Fleet News on the UK business response to the fleet challenges presented by Covid-19.
A panel of experts will provide an insight into the trends and changes that they are seeing, before leading a debate and discussion among participants, including delegates, on future working practices, changes to travel policies, opportunities offered by mobility solutions and implications for fleet sizes, replacement cycles, funding methods and vehicle type.
Chaired by editor in chief Stephen Briers, in this 45-minute webinar, he will be in conversation with:
- Dale Eynon is director of Defra Group Fleet Services and will give a fleet operator view of how covid-19 is affecting fleet operations
- Kit Allwinter is senior consultant at AECOM and is a specialist in sustainable and active travel including shared mobility. He will provide a view on how Covid-19 is changing the way people travel and business working practices, etc. and the implications for travel and fleet activity, especially in urban areas
- Paul Hollick, chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals. He’ll be representing the views of UK fleets, providing insight into how their operations are likely to evolve and change due to new working practices sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.
Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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