Ford Transit Custom receives Euro NCAP Gold award for assistance tech

The Ford Transit Custom has received a Gold award from Euro NCAP for the performance of its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

While crash tests are not performed on commercial vehicles, last year the safety testing organisation introduced a new means of assessing how well vans avoid collisions with other road users.

Ford is the only LCV manufacturer with Gold-rated vans in both the one‑tonne and two‑tonne segments, with its Transit Custom and Transit models.

“Driver safety is a top priority for us and for our customers, so we design our vans to help every business protect their staff and help prevent accidents on the road,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “I’m delighted to see Euro NCAP’s recognition of Ford’s leadership in van safety as we take every opportunity to add value to our customers’ businesses.”

Transit Custom’s Gold rating results from an elevated safety specification, including standardisation of Seat Belt Reminder technology earlier this year.

Other enhancements coming to the Transit Custom from early 2022 include a new Digital Rear View Mirror, which offers twice the field of view of a conventional rear-view mirror to help drivers of panel van, double-cab-in-van and shuttle bus models where rearward visibility is often obscured.

Panel van versions also now feature LED‑lit airline roof tracks for easier cargo restraint, and a double load floor option with underfloor drawers to fit short- and long-wheelbase vehicles.

Ford is also introducing a new 150PS variant of its 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine for Transit Custom kombi, Tourneo Custom and Transit Nugget models. The new engine is available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox and can also be specified with Ford’s 48-volt mild hybrid system.