Ford Pro has presented its latest solutions to maximise uptime, service and productivity to business customers in Europe at the IAA Transportation Show 2022.
At the event, Ford Pro – Ford’s standalone global commercial vehicle business launched last year – revealed a single platform integrating vehicles with software, charging and connected services. This enables commercial customers to reduce costs and optimise efficiency as they transition to electric vehicles.
The brand’s line-up of electric vehicles at the show is led by the all-new E-Transit Custom, revealed earlier this month, while the next-generation Transit Custom range will also include plug-in hybrid and EcoBlue diesel-powered derivatives. First vehicle deliveries start mid-2023.
“Our all-new E-Transit Custom is going to help more small businesses than ever transition to all-electric. And for those businesses not yet ready or able to go all-electric, the all-new Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid and EcoBlue variants will still boost productivity, supported by an all-new architecture and the Ford Pro ecosystem of intelligent, connected solutions,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.
At the IAA event, Ford Pro also showcased a unique off-road Ranger Raptor performance pick-up and premium Ranger Wildtrak, both featuring on the company’s stand.
Ford Pro also revealed its Upfit Integration System, which streamlines digital conversions. The ‘first-to-market’ solution is being introduced in Europe on the new Transit Custom. The new system features an interface module that allows seamless connection to the vehicle’s electrical system, and also enables conversions to be controlled via the 13-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen rather than bolt-on switchgear. This allows conversions to be delivered more quickly and efficiently, as well as potentially improving reliability and safety.
The brand also announced the expansion of Mobile Service offering in key markets including Germany. Using specially converted vans to bring Transit Centre capability to customers’ depots and driveways, Mobile Service is already carrying out 70% of a large UK fleet’s scheduled maintenance work – which is expected to rise to 90% for the all-electric E-Transit and E‑Transit Custom – to save businesses the cost and downtime of workshop visits.
The expansion of Ford Pro Mobile Service in Germany follows a successful trial that began in 2021 with five Mobile Service vans operating in selected cities across the country. Ford Pro Mobile Service is now growing to 49 vans, making the uptime-enhancing offering available to fleet customers in Germany’s major cities. By the end of 2022, Ford Pro Mobile Service in Germany will operate 88 Mobile Service Vans across the country.
“Spiralling costs are putting our European business customers under huge pressure, and the need for productivity solutions has never been greater,” said Ted Cannis, CEO, Ford Pro. “Ford Pro’s revolutionary single platform is designed to help our customers cut costs and streamline their operations as they make the switch to electric vehicles.”
