The Transit was chosen by British Gas primarily for its class-leading economy and low emissions, provided by its Dagenham-built 125hp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine, as well as its ability to meet the needs of the firm’s central heating installation engineers.
The Ford Transit also enabled British Gas operators to achieve significant cost savings by recycling the bespoke racking systems fitted to their existing Transit models. Another advantage was the extra security offered by the Transit’s large load capacity, which enables awkward loads to be accommodated inside the van, rather than on external racking.
Colin Marriott, fleet general manager, British Gas, said: ‘It was a no-brainer really. The vans used by our central heating installation engineers are a vital resource for them and they love the Transit. When we asked, they said: “Give us the same again, please.” On top of that, by sticking with the same body shape, we have been able to take fantastic advantage of being able to recycle all the racking systems, saving tons of steel, energy and a lot of money.’
The vans also meet the company’s vehicle whole-life cost model, which also determines the replacement timing for its vehicles.
All the Ford Transit vans being supplied are 330 medium wheelbase, medium roof models, equipped with air-conditioning, speed limiter and winter tyres, enabling the engineers to carry out their work in the toughest of environments.
A total of 32 of the vans will be four-wheel drive versions, which will be located strategically around the country by British Gas, for use in the most severe weather.
