Production of Tourneo Courier will be launched in Turkey[1] next spring.Mavi Boncuk |
Tourneo Courier is based on the global “Ford” B platform, which is also used in the Fiesta and B-Max. The new model is available in five-seat and seven-seat modified version with a larger 400 mm wheelbase. Length of “five-seat” is 4450 mm, while the Grand version is up to 4820 mm.
Producers themselves describe a new minivan as a “model, suitable for a family, who need spacious and yet inexpensive car.”
Motor gamma of Courier has 1.6-liter TDCI in three capacities: 70 hp, 90 hp and 109 hp, and the 1.0-liter and 1.6-liter EcoBoost (97 and 121 hp, respectively). All engines, except the 1.6-liter EcoBoost, will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The latter will receive six-step “automatic” Powershift.
As for equipping new items, the creators mentioned that both versions will receive a list of equipment, which are usually installed on the passenger models of Ford, including Active Grille Shutter, reducing aerodynamic drag and emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere .
[1] Preparing for strong global growth in 2014, the Ford Motor Company is expanding its investments in Turkey, the brand’s commercial vehicle production hub. Following through a 4-year plan that includes a new vehicle plant, capacity upgrades and research & development (R&D) operations in Turkey, the US-based carmaker’s total investments for the 2011-2014 period will reach USD 1.6 billion, far exceeding the planned amount of USD 1 billion.
Active in Turkey through its subsidiary Ford Otosan, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Turkey's Koc Holding, the company has invested more than USD 1.2 billion in Turkey since 2011. The company will channel USD 340 million to its operations in Turkey this year, taking the total to almost USD 1.6 billion.
Relying on its Turkish unit’s expertise in the manufacturing and engineering of light and heavy commercial vehicles, Ford’s investment in the said period covers a new plant, new vehicle additions and R&D works. The company’s two Turkish plants exported over 200,000 vehicles in 2013.
Nearing operational status, the third Ford Otosan in Turkey located in Yenikoy, Kocaeli, will begin rolling out the new Tourneo Courier light commercial vehicle by April. Designed and engineered by Ford Otosan in Turkey, the new Courier will reach customers in more than 110 countries.
The company’s light commercial vehicle plant in Golcuk, also in Kocaeli province, will add a new Transit van to its production line, which currently consists of the Tourneo Custom and Transit Custom, taking the total output to 290,000 vehicles per year.
Ford Otosan’s plant in Inonu, Eskisehir is undertaking heavy truck manufacturing and engine development for Ford’s global markets. A hundred million dollars will be invested in the plant for the development and production of 11 and 13-liter Ecotorq engines, used in Ford Cargo line trucks as well as in various industrial and marine applications. Both the truck and the engine are designed and built by Turkish engineers.
Ford Otosan’s Gebze Engineering Center has become the third largest of its kind for the global automaker with 1,200 personnel involved in research and development in the facility.