Ford Motor Company 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," says 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, according to the carmaker. 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 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.

Ford says 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.

For more information, visit www.ford.com.