Ford Tourneo Custom Points to Future European and Asia Van

Ford will introduce a concept for the Tourneo Custom at the Geneva Motor Show that is meant to show the future for Ford's one-ton vans. The eight-seat van can be specified for personal use or as an upscale executive shuttle. 

Ford says the Tourneo Custom Concept represents what it future vans will look like, and viewing the vehicle certainly makes it seem nearly ready for production. The concept is powered by Ford's 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi diesel with 155ps with start/stop tech. Production versions will be available with 100ps, 125ps or 155ps with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. 

"Our forthcoming new range gives us the opportunity to appeal to new customers with a fresh new direction, and we have seized that opportunity with both hands," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

The Tourneo Custom Concept features a new interior design and more driver-focused cockpit. The instrument panel is oriented towards the driver. The rear seats can be removed for extra space when needed. It includes technologies like Ford's SYNCH voice technology, more airbags than previous models, a rear view camera and lane departure warnings.

Ford is clear that it intends the Tourneo Custom for European and Asian markets. Do not expect it in the US or South America any time soon. The production version of these commercial vans will be introduced near the end of 2012 with short and long wheelbase versions.

The new, larger rear-wheel drive Transit will be shown later in the year, and it will be sold in North America.