Ford has fitted out a Transit Custom with a refrigerated solution in partnership with RTS – Thermo King’s distributor in the UAE – and its own distributor, Al Tayer Motors, to demonstrate the suitability of the van for a range of perishable goods applications.
The Transit Custom’s body has a class-leading load space up to 8.3m3, a wide side-loading door and 180 degree rear opening doors, and has low running costs, thanks to Ford’s latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which delivers 15km per litre.
“Ford’s Transit Custom refrigerated van delivers class-leading load-carrying ability and access,” said Terry Rayner, director for commercial vehicles at Ford Middle East and Africa.
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“Engineered with fuel efficiency in mind, it can run up to 1,100km without refuelling, which over the year will save our customers an estimated 15 hours refuelling time and give them more time to increase their productivity.”
Together with Thermo King, Ford designed the interior of the temperature-controlled Transit Custom to have space for two standard sized pallets with its long wheelbase variant.
Alongside its storage and access features, the Transit Custom delivers a driver-focused cockpit with car-like ergonomics and boasts the largest clear windscreen glass area of any vehicle in its class.
Rayner continued: “Transit Custom is an ideal accompaniment to any business that requires refrigeration on the move, and we’re excited to be showcasing its versatility to the tens of thousands of industry stakeholders at the Gulfood Manufacturing show in Dubai.”
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The Transit Custom was also the first vehicle in its class to receive the maximum 5 Star Euro NCAP Advanced Rewards rating for its innovative safety technologies.
To maximise occupant protection, the vehicle features ultra-high-strength boron steel, an enhanced restraint system with curtain airbags for the front seat occupants.
Gulfood Manufacturing, the largest show of its kind in the Middle East, will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 31 to November 2, and the Ford Transit Custom will be on display for all three days in the logistics section of the exhibition.
