• Since its debut in 1965, the Ford Transit has been one of the UK's best-selling commercial vehicles.
• Ford has supplied Transits to BT since 1986.
• In 2002 BT was one of the first companies to receive Ford's new light commercial van the Transit Connect.
  

Ford Press Release

Date: Wednesday, May 1 2002

IN THE BIGGEST single fleet deal in its history, Ford Motor Company has signed a £289M contract with BT for Ford Transits.

BT operates a fleet of 22,000 medium commercial vehicles and the three-year contract will supply the telecommunications company with long- and short-wheel base diesel Transits.

Steve Parker, Ford's commercial vehicles director, said: "We are delighted that BT has chosen to extend its partnership with Ford for the supply of medium commercial vehicles. Our relationship with BT goes back over 15 years and is built on the strength of the Transit product and its outstanding reputation for durability and low cost of ownership."

Ford has been supplying Transits to BT since 1986 and also has a three-year contract which began in July 2001 to supply cars on the firm's user-chooser scheme, which comprises every vehicle in the Ford range.

A further three-year contract from July 2000 will see Ford supplying light commercial vehicles--the Fiesta Van and Escort Van--to BT, and the firm will be one of the first to receive Ford's new light commercial vehicle, the Transit Connect.

Commenting on the agreement, Janet Entwistle, General Manager, BT Fleet, said: "Our business is based on providing the most efficient services supported in the most cost-effective manner. Our decision to place this contract with Ford is based on the Transit's whole life costs for our operations."

The Ford Transit has been the UK's best-selling commercial vehicle for 36 years, since its debut in 1965, and over four million have been sold worldwide.

	This BT Ford Transit one-tonne utility has custom made Anglian bodywork fitted out by Papworth. Note: The Piper does not extend round to the rear of the vehicle, but the smaller BT logo and Freefone 0800 800 800 www.bt.com can be seen on the rear door. Photo: W248 BOC © LSA July 2000
	A Ford Transit panel van, circa 2000. The revised (red and blue)  BT Piper logo is very bold and clear against the white background. Photo: Light Straw © March 2003
	A 2001 registered Ford Transit van with BT exact logo.   Photo: LB51 GWO © David Cott
	T-Reg Ford Transit van with BT Piper logo.   Photo: T730 JDA © LSA February 2000.