The Ford Transit and its electric sibling, the E-Transit, are set to receive a technology update for 2024 that includes Delivery Assist functionality. This addition will ease the workdays of multidrop drivers and enhance efficiency, among a suite of new features and safety upgrades for the 2024 models.

Ford Transit 2024: Delivery Assist

Available on long-wheelbase E-Transit and Transit panel vans with automatic transmission, the new technology automates repetitive security tasks for delivery drivers, shaving up to 20 seconds from each delivery. With many drivers making as many as 150 drops a day, that adds up to a potential 50 minutes a day saved.

It works by shutting down the engine, activating the hazard warning lights and alarm, and locking any unused doors — those that the driver doesn’t use to exit the cab or access parcels — whenever the vehicle is placed into Park. Pressing the brake pedal then restarts the engine and deactivates the hazard lights.

With no need to find the right buttons on a keyfob to lock and unlock doors — often while trying to juggle parcels and boxes — or worry about leaving the engine running, a driver should be able to work more efficiently, spending less time on each job.

Ford Transit 2024: Enhanced Connectivity

All 2024 model-year Transits will receive Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, accessible through a 12.0-inch central touchscreen. The system includes connected navigation with real-time traffic information, as well as smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The driver also receives an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel, showing navigation instructions and the usual array of information a driver needs.

Ford Transit 2024 Cabin

With the addition of an integrated 5G modem, the Transit and E-Transit models will benefit from high-speed data transfers and receive over-the-air ‘Ford Power-Up’ updates. The new technology also allows smart technologies to be updated without visiting a dealership.

An Upfit Integration System has also been added, allowing drivers to control aftermarket installed equipment via digital buttons on the touchscreen. The system also links to Ford Pro software packages for remote monitoring — useful to track temperature in refrigerated vehicles where an uninterrupted cold chain is essential.

Ford Transit 2024: Safety Updates

The revamped Transit and E-Transit models will boast a broad array of advanced driver assistance systems, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping alert and aid, and intelligent speed assist.

Additional safety packs will offer a blind spot warning with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with lane centring and stop & go, and automatic park assist with a 360-degree camera. These updates should provide increased safety for drivers and could help reduce operators’ downtime, repair, and insurance costs.

Ford Transit 2024 Rear
Ford Transit 2024: Mechanical Changes

Wide-ranging improvements have been made to the Transit, starting with a new eight-speed automatic transmission option for front-wheel drive vans. The new transmission improves performance, efficiency and load-hauling ability, increasing GVM to 4,250kg (up by 700kg) and GTM to 6,000kg (up 1,750kg).

New wheel hubs and brake systems reduce weight by up to 27kg, depending on vehicle configuration. The revised design also allows the brakes to be changed more easily, shortening servicing time by up to two hours when replacing all four discs. New 16-inch wheels become standard across all models.

Enhanced conversion potential comes in the form of a new heavy-duty Gross Axle Weight Rating pack for front-wheel drive models. This boosts the front axle’s maximum weight to 2,000kg, up from 1,850kg, making load distribution less demanding for converters and operators. According to Ford Pro, this is likely to attract operators of horseboxes or low loaders who require easy access to the load area and high payloads.

Ford Transit 2024: Availability

Orders for the upgraded Transit and E-Transit models open this month, with production slated for next year. Customers can expect deliveries to start in the summer of 2024.

Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro, Europe, stressed Ford’s ongoing commitment to customer productivity: “As Europe’s commercial vehicle sales leader for eight successive years, we never stop looking for new opportunities to help increase our customers’ productivity,” said Schep. “We work hand-in-hand with our customers to understand the challenges they face and create new solutions together. These new innovations improve Transit’s digital features, hardware and supporting Ford Pro ecosystem to deliver a new level of productivity for our customers.”

Phil Huff
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