Sixty years. That’s how long the Ford Transit has been the backbone of British business, the cornerstone of commerce, and the trusted companion of professionals across the globe.
As we celebrate this diamond anniversary, it’s time to reflect on a vehicle that has kept the world moving.
From Launch to Worldwide Reach
On 9 August 1965, the first Ford Transit rolled off the production line, marking the start of automotive history. Ford’s original press announcement captured its ambition:
“Every shopkeeper, contractor, ambulance driver, builder, baker or candlestick maker, can find his own special requirements in Ford Transit.”
Six decades later, that vision holds true. The Transit has evolved from a simple commercial vehicle into the world’s best-selling van. More than 13 million have been produced worldwide, with over 10.1 million built in Europe and Turkey.
That is the equivalent of a new van rolling off the line every two and a half minutes for 60 years. In 2024, almost one in five vans sold in Europe’s 1-tonne and 2-tonne segments was a Transit or Transit Custom.
A Quick Timeline of the Transit
1965: First Ford Transit rolls off the production line.
1970s: Transit becomes the UK’s leading commercial van, expanding across Europe.
1986: Introduction of the Transit Custom prototype.
2000s: New designs and technology improve efficiency and payload.
2013: Launch of the latest-generation Transit Custom.
2014-2024: European sales rise 52%; production quadruples since 1966.
2022: Launch of the All-Electric E-Transit with extended-range option.
2025: The Transit turns 60, celebrating six decades of supporting businesses worldwide.
Innovation That Keeps Businesses Moving
The Ford Transit’s success comes from continuous evolution. The family now includes the Transit Courier, a small panel van; the Transit Connect, a mid-sized model; the Transit Custom, a larger cargo solution; and all-electric variants.
Today, the Transit is available in over 1,300 configurations of the 2-tonne model, covering body styles, lengths, heights, trims, and powertrains. Payloads now exceed 2,400kg, proving Ford’s commitment to meeting modern business needs.
Electrification is central to its future. The All-Electric E-Transit, with its extended-range option, offers up to 249 miles of driving range, a 28% increase over the standard model.
Built Into the Fabric of Britain
For 59 consecutive years, the Transit or Transit Custom has been the UK’s best-selling van. This is a testament to the trust British businesses place in Ford. From delivering medicines to hospitals to transporting tools and goods, the Transit has enabled countless enterprises to thrive.
Beyond everyday transport, its capabilities extend even further. The largest Ford Transit (L4 H3) offers 15.1m³ of load space, while Ford’s FORDLiive uptime system added 822,000 days of vehicle availability for businesses across Europe in 2024.
By using real-time data to monitor vehicle health and predict maintenance needs, FORDLiive helps businesses reduce breakdowns and cut workshop time, keeping vans on the road and operations running smoothly.
Your Local Ford Transit Experts
The Ford Transit’s popularity shows no signs of slowing, with each generation building on the last through new technologies and greater efficiency. The next chapter will focus on sustainable powertrains and smarter features, but one thing will not change: the Transit’s role in keeping Britain working.
Stoneacre’s Ford Transit Centres in Doncaster and York support businesses of every size. From single vans to full fleets, our specialists are here to match you with the right model and keep it on the road. Explore the range today and see why the Transit continues to drive business forward.
