The Ford Transit has won the International Van of the Year Award four times since 2001 and can now add a fifth title to its count after the new Transit Custom scooped the 2024 title.

Ford’s new one-tonne van, which we reviewed in October, faced competition from the Iveco eDaily and Renault Trafic E-Tech, with the trio taking the top three places. Behind those were the other finalists, including the Hyvia Master E-Tech H2, Mercedes-Benz eCitan and Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen.

With electric and hydrogen power across the finalists, it’s noteworthy that the Transit Custom was the only model powered by a traditional diesel engine, although an all-electric E-Transit Custom is coming.

Ford Transit Custom International Van of the Year

Collecting the awards on behalf of Ford Pro, Tim Slatter, vice president of product programs, said: “This is a pride point for our Ford teams across the globe who strive to deliver quality-driven products for our customers. We are delighted that the jury has recognised the strength of our newest commercial vehicles, built with the purpose of supporting customers’ business needs across all vocations.”

An expert panel of 25 commercial vehicle journalists voted the third-generation Transit Custom as the winner after going on sale across Europe earlier this year, undoubtedly impressed by its best-in-class cabin, sharp driving dynamics and impressive technology such as over-the-air software updates.

Ford Transit Custom International Van of the Year

Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe, said: “We are very proud that the IVOTY jury has bestowed this prestigious award on the all-new Transit Custom. As the leading one-tonne van of choice for European customers, the all-new Transit Custom has been designed and engineered to meet their wide-ranging needs. Along with our award-winning diesel, customers will soon also have the choice of electric and PHEV versions too. Every model is packed with innovation and superfast connectivity to Ford Pro’s uptime, charging and productivity software ecosystem to help our customers’ businesses thrive.”

Jarlath Sweeney, chair of International Van of the Year, said: “Well, it’s a ‘High Five’ for the Ford Transit on winning the International Van of the Year Award 2024. This is the fifth occasion that the Ford Transit has won IVOTY, first in 2001 and 2007 with the then all-encompassing model. Soon after its launch, the new generation standalone one-tonne variant — the Transit Custom — secured the title in 2013, and in 2020 and now for 2024. Congratulations to all involved for this significant achievement.”

Phil Huff
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