(Images: Ford Motor Co.)
It’s a tough job, but Ford’s willing to do it: Law enforcement agencies looking for a way to securely transport prisoners between facilities now have an option 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 created with Warminster, Pa.-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,” says Jonathan Honeycutt, Ford police marketing manager.
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,” adds Honeycutt. “This new vehicle is tough, smart and efficient – ideal for the needs of law enforcement agencies.”
Transit PTV is built on the 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, the company says.
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 Strokediesel.
Transit makes extensive use of boron steel, which has proven its durability through more than 7 million miles of testing.
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.
