The last of the classic Transits has been driven off the production line at Ford's Southampton plant, making way for the all-new model. The old bus derivative Transit has been replaced by short and medium wheelbase models.

Southampton has produced more than 1.5m Transits since it started production in 1972. More than £600m has been invested in the plant since it was opened and there has been substantial investment to prepare for the new model. Improvements include £36m spent on a paintshop and more than £700,000 for a new Partnership Training Centre.

Vin May, plant manager, said: “The production of the all-new Ford Transit at Southampton is great news for both the people at the plant and for the local community.”