1 June 2001: The Ford Transit range of commercial vehicles has been extended to comprise a new 15-seater bus, which is now available in Ireland.

Powered by a 2.4 litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine, with a choice of 90PS or 125PS outputs, the bus includes driver and outer front passenger airbags as standard, along with anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). The bus features an immobiliser, remote keyless entry with central locking, and three-point seatbelts on all seats.

The new vehicle has an anti-slip step and illumination, and accommodation features headroom and legroom described by the makers as 'generous' for both front and rear passengers. Safety details include a first aid kit and location decals, fire extinguisher and passenger assist grab handles on the sliding door.

Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Henry Ford & Son Limited, says the new bus derivative betrays little of its commercial van origins, increasing its appeal as a corporate courtesy vehicle. As a PSV it benefits from the legendary dependability associated with the name ‘Transit’.

International and Semperit Irish Van of the Year, the Transit has achieved record registrations of over 4,000 units. It was Ireland’s 5th most popular vehicle for the first quarter of 2001 – car or van. The Transit recently carried off the Arctic Test in Lapland, which puts vehicles through a range of tests in extreme conditions.

The new bus retails from £24,500 (ex Cork). A 17-seat derivative will be introduced later in the year. BB