How the Ford Transit Custom became king of the UK vans

You don’t have to be a professional driver or tradesperson to know about the Ford Transit Custom, and the dominance it continues to have over the UK’s commercial van market. For decades, it has been the go-to choice for tradespeople, small businesses and fleet operators, arguably setting the standard for modern commercial vans. And indeed, that’s why it continues to be such a mainstay of the very best van deals that we offer here at The Van Discount Company.

It’s earned that reputation through consistent performance, thoughtful design, and an ability to meet the real-world demands of professionals across the country. So in case you’re curious, this is how it got there.

Where the legend began

The Transit name first appeared in 1965, built by Ford for working people who needed solid, reliable transport. It became a hit with everyone from builders to delivery drivers, and before long the original Transit was a staple of British roads. Fast forward to a couple of decades later, when the Transit Custom launched in 2012, it brought that same working spirit into a more compact, more agile package. It was made for cities, towns and winding backstreets without giving up the payload and practicality that had earned the Transit its reputation.

The Custom comes with a body size that suited everyday trade work, but still comfortably handles like a much smaller car. Its load capacity, driver visibility and urban manoeuvrability were all central to the design. What’s more, Ford’s widespread servicing network, high availability of parts, and its strong residual values all helped to give extra confidence to buyers – and that goodwill continues right through to today. By the mid-2010s, the Transit Custom was untouchable as a universally-loved asset for independent trades, growing firms, and well-established market leaders alike.

What set the Ford Transit Custom apart from its rivals

In short, the prevailing feeling amongst the industry has always been that at heart, the design of the Transit Custom has always been almost singularly focused on the people who used it. The cabin layout takes inspiration from cars, with a driving position that feels natural and a dashboard designed to support real day-to-day tasks. Controls are intuitive, its build quality is solid, and storage options are exactly where drivers need them. All that means that the van essentially serves to give drivers and staff members a comfortable, productive working environment on the move – in addition to its ability to ferry people and goods to where they need to go.

As we’ve touched on above, it handles beautifully too. The suspension has been tuned for composure, not just capacity. The steering responds quickly, and the turning circle feels compact even on narrow residential roads. All that meant the Transit Custom effectively keeps the drive controlled and stable, whether carrying tools, materials or bulky deliveries.

Another key strength is its load functionality. The load bay comes with sensibly placed tie-down points, wide-opening rear doors, and a side access door that makes kerbside work quicker. The option for a load-through bulkhead means that longer items can be safely stowed without affecting cabin space.

Its reliability is another major draw, too. The Custom is still widely-renowned for strong panels, hard-wearing finishes and minimal downtime. Fleets appreciate its low cost of ownership, while sole traders trust it to handle long hours and rough jobs.

Constantly adapting, constantly evolving

So far, the Transit Custom has kept pace with almost every major shift in the commercial van landscape. Ford continually has refined its engines, bringing in the EcoBlue diesel line with improved fuel economy and lower emissions. As legislation evolved and clean air zones expanded, the Custom met these changes head-on with cleaner, compliant drivetrains.

What’s more, infotainment systems have integrated with smartphones, dashboards are now digital, and driver aids like lane keeping, crosswind assist and pre-collision alerts have become standard on many trims.

The interior upgrades extended beyond gadgets, too. The soundproofing has been improved over time, materials have become easier to clean, and the seating is more supportive than ever for long working days. Lighting in the cargo area got brighter. Even small adjustments – like redesigned door handles and tougher footwells – reflected a design ethos that’s listened to drivers, and moved with them.

The Ford Transit Custom today

Today, the Transit Custom sits at the heart of Ford’s commercial range. It offers more choice than ever: short or long wheelbase, low or high roof, single or double cab. You can configure it for heavy-duty site work, customer-facing mobile services, or flexible delivery operations. Every version reflects a decade of tuning and improvement.

Hybrid technology is well-established in the current line-up, and a full electric variant is now available. The E-Transit Custom offers smooth, quiet operation with zero tailpipe emissions, tailored for fleet work in built-up areas. Battery range, load balance and real-time connectivity make it a viable workhorse for modern businesses. And if you need long-range diesel performance, the EcoBlue options remain strong, combining power and economy in equal measure.

Driver experience continues to improve, too. The latest cabins feature larger screens, simplified control layouts, and over-the-air software updates that keep systems current without a trip to the garage. The van remains secure and future-ready, with remote tracking and digital key management for fleet operators who need tight control.

Styling updates give it a more refined, professional look – bold but purposeful, without drifting into flashiness. Essentially, it’s a van that looks capable because it is. On building sites, in city centres, on motorways and back roads, the Transit Custom continues to lead by example. Every feature, every spec, every trim level reflects a van that earned its place through consistency, quality and sheer hard graft.

And of course, if you’re weighing up the idea of getting one for your own business or organisation, you’re in exactly the right place. Here at The Van Discount Company, we’re proud to be able to offer the Ford Transit Custom for market-leading prices, and we’ve even been able to save some customers up to 30% off the RRP of selected models! Call now on 01282 872 530 to take advantage of our expert advice and the best new van deals today.