Ford Transit gets outfitted for prison duty

Wed, 24 Sep 2014

Between the Taurus-based Police Interceptor, the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility and the F-150 and Expedition special service vehicles, Ford has no lack of offerings for law enforcement. And now it has one more in the form of the new Transit PTV.

Based on the fullsize Transit van, the Prisoner Transport Vehicle can move as many as 12 prisoners in three separate compartments between detention facilities. Created in collaboration with Pennsylvania-based Havis Prisoner Transport Solutions and with input from Ford's Police Advisory Board, the Transit PTV takes advantage of the Transit's considerable configuration options that include three roof heights, two wheelbases, three lengths and four body-styles – not to mention engine options that include the flex-fuel 3.7-liter V6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel.

"Transit PTV is the latest example of Ford's deep commitment to helping provide law enforcement agencies with capable vehicles. This concept proves Transit is upfit-ready and designed to Built Ford Tough standards," said Jonathan Honeycutt, Ford police marketing manager. "Many Police Advisory Board members have had the chance to drive this vehicle and they are excited about it. This new vehicle is tough, smart and efficient – ideal for the needs of law enforcement agencies."

ONLY PEOPLE NOT THRILLED ABOUT RIDING IN ALL-NEW FORD TRANSIT? PRISONERS

- Ford adds to its Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicle lineup with new prisoner transport concept based on 2015 Ford Transit full-size van line
- 2015 Ford Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle, or Transit PTV, offers space to carry as many as 12 prisoners in three separate compartments
- Transit PTV developed with input from Ford's Police Advisory Board to demonstrate Transit's flexibility for law enforcement needs

Law enforcement agencies looking for a new way to securely transport prisoners between facilities have an innovative option to consider based on the all-new Ford Transit.

The 2015 Ford Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle concept, or Transit PTV, features an upfit prisoner conveyance system Ford Motor Company created with Warminster, Pennsylvania-based Havis Prisoner Transport Solutions to showcase Transit's flexibility for law enforcement applications. It offers space to carry as many as 12 prisoners in three separate compartments.

"Transit PTV is the latest example of Ford's deep commitment to helping provide law enforcement agencies with capable vehicles," said Jonathan Honeycutt, Ford police marketing manager. "This concept proves Transit is upfit-ready and designed to Built Ford Tough standards."

Transit PTV was designed with input from Ford's Police Advisory Board, a group of law enforcement professionals from across North America.

"Many Police Advisory Board members have had the chance to drive this vehicle and they are excited about it," said Honeycutt. "This new vehicle is tough, smart and efficient – ideal for the needs of law enforcement agencies."

Transit PTV is built on the all-new 2015 Ford Transit van, which offers the most configuration choices among full-size vans to provide a vehicle that meets the specific needs of buyers.

Transit is available in three roof heights, two wheelbases, three lengths and four body styles. It provides a range of powertrain choices with a lineup that includes two gasoline engine options, an E85-capable 3.7-liter V6 and an available 3.5-liter EcoBoost® as well as an available 3.2-liter Power Stroke® diesel.

Transit makes extensive use of boron steel, which has proven its durability through more than 7 million miles of testing.

Ford is the sales leader in police vehicles, offering a wide array of choices to meet the specialized needs of law enforcement agencies. Transit PTV joins Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicle, Special Service Police Sedan, F-150 Special Service Vehicle and Expedition Special Service Vehicle in the Ford law enforcement vehicle lineup.

Ford Police Interceptor utility was the best-selling police vehicle in 2013 – a trend that has continued through 2014, according to Ford analysis of Polk police vehicle registration data. Together, Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility topped 25,000 units sold in 2013, with the utility vehicle accounting for 56 percent of sales.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 186,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.

By Noah Joseph