 The five millionth Ford Transit has rolled off the production line |
The five millionth Ford Transit van has rolled off the production line at Southampton's Ford assembly plant. John Denham, Southampton Itchen MP, officially handed the keys to the Lords Taverners charity on Monday.
Paul Thomas, managing director of Ford of Britain, made a speech marking the Transit's 40th birthday.
On Sunday, enthusiasts drove a convoy of restored models from Essex, via Kent, to Southampton to celebrate the vehicle's birthday.
About 150 vans, some dating back as far as 1965, set out from the Ford Dunton Research plant at Basildon.
Their route from Dartford followed the M25, the A26 and A27 through Kent and Sussex, and then the M27 into the city.
The convoy arrived at the plant in the afternoon, where Ford employees hosted a fun day for them.
Ford Transit production moved to Southampton in 1971 and the four millionth vehicle was made in 2000.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
