• Covers come off new Ford Transit for the first time
• New Ford Transit Connect shares the stage with its big brother
• New Ford Ranger revealed to the public for the first time
• 26 new Ford commercial vehicles on Show stand

The Ford stand at this year's Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show at the NEC, Birmingham in England (26th-27th April), will be an array of new models for the commercial vehicle world. A new range of Ford commercial vehicles is being launched across Europe and the new Transit, Transit Connect and the Ranger will all be unveiled for their British debuts.

Ford plans to display 26 new vehicles at the Show giving operators the chance to inspect the landmark arrival of the new range at close quarters.

New Transit

The Ford Transit remains by far Britain's most popular van, and the latest changes, the most significant for six years, are designed to keep it firmly ahead of the pack. The vehicle’s fresh exterior styling underlines that this is a thoroughly contemporary commercial vehicle.

Key features on the new Transit include a dashboard-mounted gearshift, disc brakes all-round and ABS as standard, a redesigned dash with extra storage space, boosted front-axle capacity, twin batteries and a completely new range of Euro IV- compliant TDCi diesel engines.

Further refinements set to redefine the term "van" include a coded locking system with rechargeable waterproof ignition fob and the option of fitting a Bluetooth kit, cruise control, satellite navigation and leather trim.

There are 60 basic structures and body styles in the new Transit range, which goes on sale this (northern) summer in Europe. Amongst the 26 new Transits on display one will appear in the livery of British Telecom, which is taking delivery of many examples this year as it updates its 16,000-strong medium commercial Ford-based fleet.

Meanwhile, Show visitors will get a preview of the new Ford Ranger utility, which goes on sale in the UK in September.

With its rugged, contemporary exterior looks and completely redesigned interior, the Ranger will make an immediate impression, while under the bonnet a new 2.5-litre Duratorq TDCi 143PS diesel engine provides significantly greater power and torque.

Sales of the Ford Ranger have more than doubled over the past five years thanks to its combination of toughness and style, and the new Ranger is tougher still, but also more refined and comfortable.

With its sidewall raised by 6cm the Ranger now offers class-leading loadbox capacity, along with a one tonne payload and towing capacity increased to three tonnes.

Durability, driving quality and go-anywhere ability have been boosted by fitting larger suspension upper control arms and spring bushing, shock absorbers and leaf springs, along with bigger 16 inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres. There is a new rear stabiliser and improved hydraulic braking.

The 2006 Ford Transit Connect will appear at the NEC in both long and short wheelbase form with a more contemporary look, thanks in part to a redesigned front bumper and grille and a choice of new colours.

The Transit Connect's Euro IV-compliant TDCi diesel engines include a new higher-powered 110PS version in addition to 75PS and 90PS units. The Connect also benefits from a series of detail changes to the interior, particularly on LX versions.

The new Thai-built Ranger will arrive in Australia, as the Ford Courier, late this year. The Australian release date for the new Transit has not yet been announced. The Transit Connect is not expected to be released in Australia.

2006 Ford Ranger Crew Cab utility