Ford will reveal details of its next-generation Transit Custom next month, with the best-selling van in the UK gaining an electric version for the first time.
The medium-sized van will continue to be available with a diesel or plug-in hybrid powertrain but, following the recent launch of the full-size E-Transit, will be joined by a pure-electric version that is to be revealed next month.
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Ford’s 2023 Transit Custom will share its chassis and much of its running gear with the next-generation Volkswagen Transporter, following the announcement of the ‘Project Cyclone’ joint venture in 2019. The cooperation between Ford and Volkswagen extends beyond the Transit Custom, with next year’s new Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck being jointly developed with Ford.
The Transit Custom will be built in Turkey, at the Ford Otosan plant in Kocaeli, the self-proclaimed ‘home of the Transit’. This follows a €2bn (£1.7bn) investment in the plant to transform it into a fully integrated factory for the build of vehicles and batteries, making it ideally suited to electric LCV production.
While the electrically powered model will be the focus for the new generation Transit Custom, diesel remains the powerplant of choice for many operators, something Ford isn’t abandoning just yet. That’s good news for the firms’ engine plant in Dagenham that build the engines for Transit models, securing its future for the medium term.
Alongside the electric Transit Custom, Ford’s commercial business unit, Ford Pro, recently committed to introducing a further three new all-electric commercial vehicles by 2024, following the production start of the all-electric E‑Transit last month.
The new announcement will mark the next key milestone on the road to zero emissions for all Ford vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint of facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035.
“The next generation Transit Custom range – including the all-electric versions – will strengthen Ford’s position as Europe’s number one commercial vehicle brand,” commented Stuart Rowley, President, Ford of Europe.
“Transit Custom is the jewel in our commercial vehicle crown and key in our drive to grow our commercial vehicle business as we continue to create a sustainable, profitable Ford business in Europe rooted in an electrified future.”
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