The Ford Transit is a well-known name in the minibus segment (16-seater commercial vehicle) and for good reason. With its attractive pricing compared to competitors like the Hyundai Solati, strong American branding, and proven durability, the Ford Transit has become one of the flagship products of Ford Vietnam.
Building on this success, the new generation of the Ford Transit is expected to maintain its number one position, offering attractive upgrades and new features. Some of these features are a first in the minibus segment.
The 2024 Ford Transit was officially introduced on July 5.
New Competitive Pricing and More Options for Customers
The Ford Transit 2024 is now offered in three versions instead of just one. The base model, Trend, is priced at 905 million VND, a 56 million VND increase compared to its predecessor. The Premium version (16-seater) is priced at 999 million VND, still lower than the Hyundai Solati (1.07 billion VND). Lastly, there’s the new Premium+ version (18-seater) priced at 1.087 billion VND.
The introduction of the Premium+ version with its additional row of seats is a strategic move that appeals to transportation businesses as it directly translates to increased revenue.
The Ford Transit Premium+ 2024 has a length of 6,703 mm, 705 mm longer than the 16-seater versions.
Additionally, Ford Vietnam has partnered with GMC Auto, a Ford-certified modifier (QVM), to introduce two Limousine versions with 10 and 12 seats, catering to the diverse needs of Vietnamese customers. These variants are priced at 1.379 billion VND and 1.499 billion VND, respectively. Considering that approximately 30% of Ford Transit vehicles in the market are converted into Limousines to meet the high-end transportation needs of customers, these versions have great potential.
Eye-Catching New Design with Distinctive Features
The fourth generation Ford Transit is built on a new platform, providing a foundation for a design overhaul. The front of the vehicle looks modern and attractive, featuring a grille and distinctive ‘C’-shaped headlights that are familiar to Vietnamese users through other Ford products like the Ranger and Everest.
The ‘C’-shaped headlights are consistent with the design of the Ranger and Everest, both designed by Vietnamese-American designer Max Tran. Other details on the front of the Ford Transit 2024 are reminiscent of the Territory.
The headlights now feature LED technology, an upgrade from the halogen bulbs of the previous model. Below them are LED fog lights, promising improved illumination.
The Premium version sports sporty-looking alloy wheels with a brushed finish.
Both the Premium and Premium+ versions have a height of 2,775 mm, while the base Trend version is lower at 2,485 mm.
Enhanced Interior with Segment-First Features
The interior of the Ford Transit 2024 also receives a redesign, offering a modern look that’s uncommon in the minibus segment. The Premium and Premium+ versions feature a dual-screen setup, including a fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen.
For the first time in the minibus segment, a model is equipped with a dual-screen setup, even surpassing some SUVs in the C-segment.
The steering wheel features buttons for cruise control, hands-free calling, and volume adjustment.
The instrument cluster behind the steering wheel has a stylish and eye-catching design.
The two higher-end versions of the Ford Transit 2024 support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, another first in the minibus segment.
The vehicle is equipped with automatic climate control, ensuring comfortable temperatures for all passengers with dedicated vents for each row.
The transmission remains a user-friendly 6-speed manual.
The base Trend version of the Ford Transit 2024 retains the manually operated sliding door from the previous generation, while the Premium and Premium+ versions introduce a new level of convenience with power sliding doors and power-deployable running boards. Additionally, the Trend version does not have the overhead storage compartments found in the Premium and Premium+ versions, resulting in a lower roof height of 2,485 mm.
The higher-end versions offer a spacious cabin with ample headroom. Even passengers with a height of 1.75 m can stand comfortably inside without having to bend down.
The front row features three seats, with the driver’s seat having a foldable armrest, a cup holder, and a hole on the left side of the instrument cluster for an optional phone holder.
The control panel on the driver’s side door includes buttons for the power sliding door.
One of the most significant changes in the Ford Transit 2024 is the redesign of the seat layout. In the previous generation, each row had three connected seats with an aisle on the side, which could be inconvenient for passengers getting in and out and uncomfortable for the middle passenger. The new generation introduces a more practical design with individual seats and a central aisle, optimizing space and providing armrests for each passenger, making long journeys more comfortable.
All seats in the Ford Transit 2024 are upholstered in cloth and can be reclined.
Each row of seats will have cup holders and USB-A charging ports, a new feature not found in the Trend version.
The second row includes an additional jump seat that can be folded away when not in use, but it does not have a headrest.
The last row of seats can be folded away to increase luggage space, and the rear hatch has been redesigned for easier loading and unloading.
Powerful New Engine and Best-in-Class Safety Features
Under the hood, the Ford Transit 2024 is equipped with a new 2.3L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering 168 horsepower and 425 Nm of torque. This represents a significant improvement over the previous generation, with a 26% increase in power and a 20% increase in torque.
Engine bay of the Ford Transit 2024.
The Ford Transit 2024 requires the addition of AdBlue fluid to ensure compliance with Euro 5 emissions standards.
Following Ford’s tradition of offering comprehensive safety features, the Transit 2024 is equipped with front airbags for the driver and front passenger, three-point seat belts for all seats, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
Smart Fleet Management Solutions
Along with the launch of the new Ford Transit, Ford Vietnam also introduced smart fleet management solutions for the first time, including Uptime and Upfleet services. These services are available for a fee of 499,000 VND per vehicle for 12 months or 999,000 VND per vehicle for 36 months.
Uptime optimizes the fleet maintenance process, aiming to reduce vehicle downtime by up to 80%. Notable features include predictive vehicle health analysis and the ability to schedule service appointments with Ford Vietnam.
Upfleet, on the other hand, provides a direct connection between the operating vehicle and the management center. It includes digital tools such as online mapping (for vehicle location and route tracking), scheduling and passenger pickup points, and driver assignments.
The Upfleet service includes a website for business owners or managers and a mobile app for drivers, enabling efficient fleet monitoring and performance analysis through a digital platform.
Conclusion
With the introduction of multiple versions, the Ford Transit 2024 can flexibly meet the diverse needs of customers, especially transportation businesses with large fleets. The Trend and Premium+ versions are particularly attractive, with one offering a low initial investment and the other providing 18 seats, making them ideal for transportation companies.
The practical changes and competitive pricing of the Ford Transit 2024 are expected to help it maintain its leading position in the minibus segment. From 2013 to the present, this model has consistently led the segment, capturing over 60% of the market share.
Review of the “mobile room” for successful people
With a price tag of under 2 billion Vietnamese dong, it is very difficult to find a competitor who can “match” the Ford Transit from the MT Luxury brand, from its space, amenities, entertainment technology, to its ability to “blend in with the crowd” without attracting attention – a factor that many successful people highly appreciate.