BRENTWOOD, Essex, 10 February, 2010 – Ford dealers across the country are offering state education facilities such as schools and colleges an additional preferential discount of up to 17 per cent against the purchase of a Ford Transit minibus.

The Ford Transit minibus range starts with the nine-seat Shuttle Bus and includes 12-, 15- and 17-seat minibuses. All models are designed to carry occupants in a safe, spacious, well-equipped interior. The Transit provides a car-like ride and handling experience that is helpful to those who usually drive cars. Standard safety features on a Ford minibus include ABS, ESP, driver and passenger airbag on all models with additional latest generation seatbelts that suit both adults and children on 15- and 17-seat models.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "The Ford Transit minibus line-up can accommodate everyone from a chess team to a football team. They appeal to schools for their reliability and class-leading design. Transit minibuses are easy to drive and handle which is a major consideration for teachers who would not normally drive such a large vehicle."

Education establishments looking to take advantage of the latest Ford School Bus programme should visit their local dealer, found via www.ford.co.uk.