Ford finally unwraps PDV
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• After a gap of almost two years, Ford has re-entered the big-volume parcel-van market with its latest aluminium-bodied Transit PDV (parcel delivery van), which has 35% more load space than the old Transit parcel-van.
The Transit PDV is based on an extended 3.74m wheelbase new generation 190 chassis cowl and is produced by Dormobile, the light vehicle bodybuilder and minibus converter. Ford, however, will sell all PDVs through its UK Transit dealer network as a Special Vehicle Option (SVO).
Although a production version of the PDV was originally shown at last year's NEC Motor Show, changes to the original specification have delayed its arrival. Since starting full production recently, Dormobile has built over 100 PDVs.
Compared with the recently introduced extra-high-roof long wheel base Transit (Commercial Motor last week), the PDV pro vides an impressive 46% more cube in its stylish 14. 75m3 body, which is a marked departure in design from the old slab-sided Transit parcel van, previously sold by Ford, and also converted by Dormobile.
The PDV body is similar in design to the Dormobile-built Transit minibus range (CM 27 August/2 September) in having a mild steel subframe with alloy side panels andglass-reinforced plastic roof and front and rear mouldings.
Dormobile cuts away most of the regular 190 chassis cowl, fitting new doors and a different front windscreen and GRP panels over the original front wings. The original bonnet and grille, however, are retained, along with the driver's seat—a passenger seat is optional — and the standard Transit dash and instrumentation.
In addition to the body with its full-height, gla zed, rear doors, Dormobile also fits a plywood floor and translucent GRP panel in the roof to help illuminate the loading area.
Deck length behind the driver is 3,925mm, while the interior loading height is 1,865mm. Internal width at the waist is 2,040mm. Ford quotes a kerbweight of 2, 020kg for the 3. 5tonne GVW 190 Parcel Delivery Van, which provides a payload, with a driver on board of 1, 480kg.
The PDV's unusual rear closure has unequal sized sidehinged doors, with the left