While the all-new 2024 Ford Transit / Tourneo Custom has already been unveiled in Europe, the Jiangling Ford joint venture has just launched a facelifted version of the outgoing model for the Chinese market, which is simply called JMC Transit.
The JMC Transit is based on the long-wheelbase and high-roof variant of the first-gen Ford Transit Custom, resulting in a pretty spacious nine-seater cabin. The exterior has been updated with clear references to the EU-spec Transit Custom, in line with Ford’s latest design language.
Read: Ford Tourneo Custom Debuts With Diesel, PHEV, And Full Electric Options
More specifically, the large grille is flanked by slimmer and more aggressive LED headlights, with a light-colored trim piece making an impression of a full-width LED bar. The redesigned bumper features sporty intakes infused with chrome elements, in line with other Ford products in China. Despite the significant changes up front, the profile and rear end are largely carried over, with the rising character line, the greenhouse, and the vertically-mounted LED taillights making it clear we are talking about an update of the old model.
Interior changes are also quite dramatic, with a completely redesigned dashboard. The centerpiece is the digital cockpit with dual 12.3-inch screens integrated within the same panel above the horizontally-mounted climate vents. The model doesn’t get the fancy steering wheel of the EU-spec 2024 Ford Transit Custom that can transform into a desk/table, but it benefits from new tech. This includes a total of 13 ADAS systems allowing Level 2 autonomous capabilities, 64-color ambient lighting, remote control features, voice control, Baidu navigation, and reversing camera.
The Chinese-spec model by Jiangling Ford is available with turbocharged 2.0-liter powertrains running on diesel or petrol. Power is transmitted to the front axle through a nine-speed automatic gearbox, with a cheaper five-speed manual option likely following in the near future. Mind you, the newer EU-Spec 2024 Ford Transit Custom is also offered in a fully electric form alongside the diesel and petrol options.
The fact that Jiangling Ford updated the original Transit Custom (2012-present) is not surprising at all when you consider that the recently facelifted JMC Teshun harks back to the ancient second-gen Ford Transit which was originally introduced in 1986.
