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AUG
16
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History of the Ford Transit
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| Posted Under General By Jackie at 8:40am |
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Ford Transit vans have been rushing up and down the United Kingdom and driving through its cities and towns for the last six decades or so. Ford Transit is in fact a range of different models of van, minibus and pickup truck that has changed with the times ever since its conception in the early 1960s. They are produced by the Ford Motor Company based in Europe and for the last 40 years, the Transit van has sat right at the top of the pile of light commercial vehicles in terms of popularity, sales and design.
The first Ford Transit was built in Cologne, Germany, in 1953 and was known as the FK 1000. It was not very successful, however, and production ceased in 1965. In October of that same year, the first Ford Transit proper was launched as a model that is widely referred to as the Ford Transit Mark 1. This model was manufactured in Ford's Langley plant, but as demand rapidly increased production had to be moved to a larger factory in Southampton where Transits are produced to this day. This Mark 1 model was hugely innovative at the time and its broadness and American-influenced design allowed it to substantially improve upon the carrying capacities of the other vans available.
The Transit rose in popularity and in 1978 and then again in 1986, Ford designers decided to give their vans facelifts creating the Mark 2 and Mark 3 models. The Mark 2 Ford Transit was released revealing a whole new stylish nose section, an upgraded interior as well as a new Pinto engine to replace the Essex V4. The Mark 3, eight years later, further modified the previous model to cater to its users' needs and this model was easily recognisable from its innovative one-box bodyshell in which the windscreen and bonnet were at the same angle. In subsequent years the design was tweaked to increase performance and style.
It was not until 1994, however, that the Mark 5 models were introduced with significant amendments from before. These hugely popular models had a new nose with grills that vaguely resembled a smiling face prompting the Transit's 'smiley' nickname. The engine was also changed and a 2.0 L DOHC 8-valve engine as used in the Ford Scorpio replaced the previous engine. Air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, airbags and central locking were also all made available as extras at the time.
Since the iconic Mark 5 models, the Ford Transit has been revamped on two further occasions, firstly in 2000 then again in 2006. The 2000 Mark 6 design's major mechanical innovation was that it was now available in front and rear-wheel drive. The style was also altered somewhat so the Transit fit in with Ford's New Edge designs. The Mark 6 vans featured a Duratorq turbo diesel engine as used in the Mondeo and could reach a speed of 60 miles/hr in 21 seconds. It won the international award of Van of the Year in 2001. Keeping up their high standards, Ford won International Van of the Year again in 2007 with its Mark 7 Transit van which was one more step up in terms of styling and engineering.
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AUG
10
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What are the different classifications of driving licences?
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| Posted Under General By Jackie at 11:00am |
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There are currently over 20 different categories of driving license authorised by the British Government. These various documents allow holders who have passed the appropriate tests to drive specific vehicles with certain specifications on public roads. These different categories of driving license can be separated into a number of groups and below is a brief explanation of the licenses, what qualifications are needed to gain that license and the specifications of the vehicles permitted by the license.
Motorcycles
Driving mopeds, with an engine capacity of up to 50cc and capable of speeds under or up to 50km/hr, is permitted with a P-category license, which can be acquired at a minimum age of 16. At 17, it is possible to get an A1-category license which allows holders to drive light motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 125cc and a power output of under 11kW. An A-category license refers to motorcycles of power output not exceeding 25kW and a power/weight ratio of up to 0.16kW/kg.
Three or Four-Wheeled Light Vehicles
Motorised tricycles and quadricycle licenses are available at 17 and are B1-category. This license permits the use of three or four-wheeled vehicles of weights is up to 550kg.
Cars
B-Category licenses refer to cars of up to 3500kg, not exceeding eight passenger seats with a trailer of up to 750kg. Towing vehicles can also be driven given that the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is less than 3500kg and the trailer is lighter than the vehicle. A special automatic B-category license also exists which only applies to cars with an automatic transmission. For combinations of B-category vehicles with trailers where the specifications do not meet the B-license allowances, a B + E category license exists. The minimum age specification for all these licenses is 17.
Medium Sized Vehicles
For larger vehicles of weight between 3500kg and 7500kg, and with a trailer not exceeding 750kg, a C1-category license can be applied for. This requires a minimum age of 18. If, however, one wishes to drive a vehicle with a trailer where the towing vehicle falls into C1, but the trailer weighs over 750kg, a C1+E license is available. With this license the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 12000kg and the trailer must be lighter than the towing vehicle. This license has a minimum age restriction of 21.
Large Vehicles, Minibuses and Buses
C-category licenses cover vehicles over 3500kg; D1-category licenses cover minibuses with between 9 and 16 passengers; and D-category licenses cover buses with more than 8 seats. With these licences, the towing of a trailer not exceeding 750kg is also permitted. If a trailer of over 750kg is towed, it is possible to get a C+E, D1+E or D+E license, respectively. All of these licenses can be authorised to those at least 21 years old.
Other Categories
Agricultural tractors require an F-category license and can be authorised when 17. Road rollers can be driven by 21-year olds with a G-category license. Tracked vehicles require a G-category license for those at least 21. A K-category license can allow those at least 16 to drive mowing machines and pedestrian-controlled vehicles.
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