First Generation Ford Transit Custom Updated In China

The Ford Transit Custom has won its fair share of awards in Europe while also topping the UK’s sales charts, though an all-new model is currently in the works complete with ICE, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric variants. However, that isn’t the case in China, where the Ford Transit Custom – which is built by JMC Ford, a joint-venture between The Blue Oval and Jiangling Motor Corporation (JMC) – has received some updates that aim to cater that model specifically to customers in that part of the world.

The first-generation Chinese version of the Ford Transit Custom has been in production in that country since 2017, which means that it was due for some updates. Now, it has received precisely that, in the form of revised exterior styling at the front and rear that’s more in-line with some recently launched Blue Oval models in China, along with a new interior design, transmission, and tech features.

In China, Ford sells the Transit Custom in two flavors – Basic, which is more of a simple, commercial-focused work van with blacked-out trim, and Business Tourer, which is a more feature-laden and luxurious version with chrome trim. Inside the cabin, both versions get twin 12.3-inch digital instrument clusters and infotainment screens running JMC’s Dolphin software. Each is also equipped with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features and a bevy of safety tech.

In terms of powerplants, the Chinese Ford Transit Custom can be equipped with either a turbocharged 2.0L gas engine that produces 202 horsepower, or a 2.0L diesel that generates 121 horsepower. The gas engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic, while the diesel is only available with the manual gearbox. The updated van is set to launch in China soon, with pricing starting out at 155,000 RMB ($22,670 USD).

We’ll have more on the Transit Custom soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Transit news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.