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Ford is targeting its new 4.6-tonne Transit at operators looking to drop in weight from 7.5 tonnes. The marque, which unveiled the model at a press event in Munich last week, says it also wants to attract those who run smaller vans and who require an increase in payload. Ford believes the emergency services, municipal services, as well as the construction and motorhome industries, should all benefit from the increase in gross vehicle weight.

The 4.6-tonne Transit is available with both  the six-speed 140hp and the all-new 200hp rear-wheel drive powertrains. Ford claims the new 2.2-litre 140hp van, which replaces the 130hp five-speed model, delivers 13% more torque - 350Nm compared with 310Nm. It says the 3.2-litre, five-cylinder, 200hp TDCi engine develops 470Nm of torque. Both axles have been strengthened to accommodate 1,850kg in the front and 3,300kg in the rear.

To cope with the extra payload, the model comes with larger rear brake callipers, a heavy-duty handbrake lever, uprated rear springs, revised front and rear damper settings and a new front damper for the chassis-cab version. Steve Kimber, Ford of Britain commercial vehicles director, says: "We are confident it will prove a hit with operators - those who want to climb the payload ladder and others who want to downsize from 7.5 tonnes.

"The commercial vehicle market continues to evolve, and it's important we continue to develop our product range to meet customers' changing needs. The Transit  range is known for its diversity and these new additions will give operators more choice than ever before." Kimber says so far this year, Ford has sold almost 50,000 Transits in various guises. He adds: "The Ford Transit continues to be Britain's best-selling van and is outselling the top three competitors even when their sales are added together."