The all-electric Ford E-Transit has received a Gold Award from independent vehicle safety authority Euro NCAP for its advanced driver assistance systems.
The E-Transit’s Gold Award means Ford now offers the only two vehicles in the 2-tonne segment with Euro NCAP’s Gold Award for driver assistance, after the E-Transit’s diesel-powered sister Transit models were first commended in December 2020 and are the only vehicles in the 2-tonne segment with a Euro NCAP Gold Award. The 1-tonne Transit Custom also has Gold Award status.
The award follows analysis of technologies including autonomous emergency braking when approaching vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as lane keeping technology, traffic sign recognition and occupant monitoring systems.
“Euro NCAP is a byword for vehicle safety, and the organisation extending its Gold Award to E?Transit is testament to Ford’s commitment to customer safety across its commercial vehicle range,” said Stuart Southgate, director, Safety Engineering, Ford of Europe. “E?Transit’s advanced driver assistance systems help look after drivers and other road users, and support operators looking to maximise uptime while limiting insurance and accident repair costs.”
Euro NCAP’s simulations tested driver warning and active safety technology actions when approaching parked vehicles or slower traffic, as well as when a vehicle in front brakes sharply. Testing also included responses to a child running into the road, and cyclists and pedestrians walking in or crossing the road - potentially likely scenarios in the urban environments where Ford anticipates the majority of E-Transits will be operated.
Ford boasts that E-Transit’s Gold Award extends their leadership in van safety technology. Transit Custom is also a Gold Award winner, making Ford the only manufacturer with Gold-rated vans in the 1?tonne, 2-tonne and EV segments.
The company is already piloting E-Transits in typical daily operation with selected customers across Europe, and customer deliveries are scheduled to begin this spring (2022 ).
