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Ford to Offer First Battery Electric Commercial Vehicle on Global Transit Connect Platform

Posted on: Sunday, 8 February 2009, 23:01 CST

- The first product in Ford's aggressive new electric vehicle plan, a battery electric-powered version of Ford's global Transit Connect commercial vehicle, will be offered in 2010

- Ford is collaborating with Europe's leading battery electric commercial vehicle upfitter -- Smith Electric Vehicles, a unit of the Tanfield Group -- to quickly bring this vehicle to market in North America

- The initiative leverages the "One Ford" global strategy, delivering pure battery electric power for commercial applications on a global platform. It also supports Ford's strategy of bringing scalable, affordable and fuel-efficient solutions for millions while helping reduce American commercial vehicle dependence on oil

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today announced plans to market a pure battery electric-powered light commercial vehicle in North America, based on the all-new Transit Connect global commercial vehicle platform.

"The new Transit Connect light commercial vehicle with battery electric power represents the next logical step in our pursuit of even greater fuel economy and sustainability," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development.

Transit Connect with battery electric power is the initial offering in Ford's aggressive new electric vehicle plan to bring pure battery-powered vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids to market. To start, during the next four years, Ford will introduce in North America:

• Transit Connect battery electric commercial vehicle in 2010
• A new battery electric small car in 2011
• Next-generation hybrid vehicles in 2012
• Plug-in hybrid versions in 2012

Collaboration with experienced global partner enables speed to market

Ford is working with Smith Electric Vehicles, the European market's leading battery electric upfitter of commercial vehicles, which is part of the U.K.-based Tanfield Group of companies.

Since 1920, Smith has converted tens of thousands of vehicles to battery electric power.

Transit Connect commercial platform ideally suited to battery electric power

Transit Connect has been designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe on a dedicated global commercial vehicle platform to beat tough, light commercial vehicle durability standards.

A range of up to 100 miles makes the battery electric powered Transit Connect a useful hauler, with significantly reduced operation and maintenance costs over the long haul.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

Source: PR Newswire

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