Ford's leadership in the commercial vehicle sector in Europe was validated by the 2013 Transit Custom winning the International Van of the Year award at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany, beating the second-place Dacia Dokker and third-place Mercedes-Benz Citan. Although externally similar to the rear-drive Transit that will be coming to the U.S. in 2013, the front-drive Transit Custom is sold primarily in Europe, where it has been a favorite of commercial drivers and fleets for decades.
A panel of 24 judges cited the Transit Custom's carlike design, fuel economy, capability, and low cost of ownership as key factors in their pick. Among the innovative features on the Transit Custom are a pass-through bulkhead for transporting long items, a folding integrated roof rack, and Lane Keeping Aid and Ford's Sync multimedia interface.
In the IVOTY award's 22-year history, the Transit and Transit Connect have won the award four times, with the Transit winning in 2001 and 2007, the Transit Connect winning in 2003, and the Transit Custom this year for 2013.
The Transit Custom is powered by Ford's 2.2-liter Duratorq turbodiesel four-cylinder offered in three power levels from 100 to 155 hp and up to 284 lb-ft of torque.