The all-electric Ford E-Transit’s comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems has earned the commercial vehicle a Gold Award from independent vehicle safety authority Euro NCAP.
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.
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.
“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.”
E-Transit offers driver assistance technologies including Pre‑Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Information System with Lane Change Warning & Aid, Junction Assist, a 360-degree camera and Reverse Brake Assist.
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.
E-Transit’s Gold Award extends Ford’s 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 in spring 2022.
