Menzies Distribution is to deploy 150 new-generation Ford Transit vans across 15 UK sites.
The Transit, which received a mid-cycle facelift in 2020, was chosen for its cabin and new instrument panel, more powerful and efficient engines, and improved capacity. Maximum load space is 15.1m3, gross payload excluding passengers is 2.25 tons and maximum load length is 4.3m. The vans feature driver assistance and safety systems, while on the outside, livery is fully recyclable, to ensure the sustainability of the vehicles’ branding.
The Transits are expected to add further versatility to the Menzies fleet, notably for final-mile use. They will operate from 15 sites, with larger numbers of between 13 and 26 new vans earmarked for Stockton-on-Tees, Swansea, Cullompton, Coventry and Bristol. The vehicles will support commercial customers in services including parcel delivery and in several areas of newstrade.
‘Fleet’ is one of the three main pillars within the Menzies Distribution sustainability pledge, alongside ‘energy consumption’ and ‘reuse and recycling’ for the business and its partners. In 2021 the group committed a substantial investment to new assets including more than 100 VW Crafter vans, bespoke lifting roof trailers, tractor units, high cubic capacity curtain-siders and 189 New Generation MAN TGX trucks.
Adam Purshall, fleet and procurement director at Menzies, said, “The Ford Transit has been an iconic feature of final-mile and urban delivery for decades and this is the toughest, most trusted Transit yet. In addition to our focus on our dedicated electric fleet, in order to achieve a reduction in our footprint it’s imperative that we upgrade our traditional fleet with the very best in class in terms of fuel efficiency, aerodynamics and Euro 6 compliance for this important part of the work undertaken by Menzies Distribution.”
Mark Wilkie, fleet and commercial vehicle director of TrustFord said, “We first started working with Menzies Fleet over three years ago with our mobile service support and are delighted to be building on that existing partnership with this exciting new order. We are really looking forward to working with the team on further innovation and fleet solutions going forward.”
