The discrepancies between the South African and United Kingdom automotive landscapes might be vast, yet both share a noteworthy similarity; the best-selling vehicle competes in the commercial and not passenger vehicle segment.
Whereas the Toyota Hilux reigns supreme on local soil, the Ford Transit has been the UKs best-selling vehicle for years even during the reign of the now discontinued Fiesta, the Vauxhall (Opel) Corsa and more recently, Fords own Puma.
Small but tough crowdWhile one-tonne vans are to Europe what bakkies are to South Africa, the local market is anything but anti-van as just under 2000 units were moved last year.
Of this, the Transit ranked second behind the Toyota Quantum, but ahead of amongst others, the Hyundai Staria, Mercedes-Benz Vito and the vehicle it will soon provide the base for, the new Volkswagen Transporter .
Although guaranteed to play second fiddle to the Ranger, the Transit remains an important model for the Blue Ovals commercial division as evident by its confirmation in both Custom panel van and people carrying Tourneo Custom guises at its 100 th anniversary celebration last year.
