IT’S not the immediate journey you think of for Ford’s trailblazing new Transit Custom PHEV, but travelling the length of the UK is a good demonstration of the plug-in hybrid electric van’s potential.
It was also a way for two auto industry execs, James Davis (Cox Automotive) – above right – and Stephen Wright (Ford), to raise money for for Mind, the UK’s leading mental health charity.
The 1,180 mile trip included stops at five Manheim auction centres, NextGear Capital and ALD Automotive, where Davis and Wright spent time talking about the challenge, collecting donations, and letting emplpoyees examine the Transit plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV).
Dave Petts, Ford Transit Custom PHEV lead, commented on the duo’s fund raising trip:
“The journey provided excellent exposure for our prototype Ford Transit Custom PHEV and has produced some fantastic data for us to review. Whilst not designed for such a journey it proves the van’s capability and eliminates any range anxiety.”
The #chargingroundbritain Ford Transit Custom PHEV takes a break
Davis added: “The prototype van performed faultlessly throughout the challenge and we were pleased with the level of engagement at the auction centres and businesses we visited.
“Many people, including myself, have experienced anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, so I’m delighted that we were able to use this tour as an opportunity to talk about just how common it is, and to raise so much money.”
The Cox Automotive/Ford team rasied £2,278 for Mind during their #chargingroundbritain tour.
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