February 9th 2009
The Tanfield Group Plc (“the Group” or “the Company”)
Electric Vehicle Development Partnership with Ford Motor Company
The Tanfield Group Plc, the leading manufacturer of aerial work platforms and commercial electric vehicles, today announces an electric vehicle development collaboration with Ford Motor Company.
Tanfield will work with Ford to introduce a battery-electric light van, the first vehicle in the Company’s broad electrification strategy for the North American market which was announced at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. This vehicle will be based on the European-designed Ford Transit Connect which goes on sale in North America this year.
Tanfield will manufacture a limited number of electric Ford Transit Connect vehicles in North America during 2010, with future production to ramp up in line with customer demand. The vehicles will be fully branded as a Ford product and sold through selected Ford dealerships.
Tanfield already works with Ford of Europe to produce commercial electric vehicles based on the Ford Transit and Transit Connect chassis.
Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group Plc, said: “We are proud to be delivering the first vehicle in Ford’s new electrification strategy, with the battery-electric Ford Transit Connect.
“This enhances the Ford commercial vehicle portfolio with a zero-emission light van that is cost-effective, gets the job done and does not compromise Ford’s high standards for exceptional driving experience. It offers fleet owners the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint, improve city air quality and make a positive step towards our national energy security.“
“The collaboration with Ford and development of the battery-electric Ford Transit Connect demonstrates that Smith Electric Vehicles is the industry leader in commercial electric vehicles.”
The vehicle’s performance capabilities are expected to include a range of up to 100 miles on a full charge, without compromising the Transit Connect’s superior driving experience. It will operate very similarly to a conventional light van, but with smoother acceleration, less noise and zero emissions.
Tanfield will be wholly responsible for supplying and integrating the power train, battery pack and control systems into the existing vehicle chassis envelope, with engineering support from Ford.
Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Product Development, said: “Our collaboration with Smith will result in the first battery-electric vehicle in Ford’s electrification strategy and positions Ford at the vanguard of the commercial electric vehicle industry.
“The partnership approach adopted for delivering the battery-electric Ford Transit Connect ensures the most efficient route to market, through shared investment and expertise.”
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http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/eseries/ - Ford: Electric van in 2010 - Ford Van Rental - Rent A Ford Van
Battery-powered Transit Connect van will be targeted at small business owners.
By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com senior writer
New York (CNNMoney.com) — Ford Motor Co. will introduce its first all-electric vehicle in 2010, but it will be intended for business owners - not families. The electric Transit Connect, a small van, will be offered in “select” U.S. Ford dealerships.
“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 for global product development in a company announcement.
The van will able to to travel about 100 miles on a fully charged battery, according to Ford.
The introduction is part of a longer term electric-vehicle strategy that Ford announced at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
The plan also calls for a battery-powered small car in 2011 and “advanced hybrid” and plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2012.
Non-electric Transit Connect vans will go on sale in the U.S. later this year as 2010 model year vehicles. Ford (F, Fortune 500) is marketing the van, which is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, as a more fuel-efficient and space-efficient alternative to larger work vehicles, such as ford’s own E-series vans.
The Transit Connect has been sold in Europe since 2003, but this will be the first time the van is available in the U.S. Ford made some cosmetic changes to the van for its American introduction.
To create the electric Transit Connect, Ford is working with British firm Smith Electric Vehicles, which modifies existing commercial vehicles to use electric power. Smith already offers its customers electric versions of the Transit Connect.
Several other carmakers will also be introducing plug-in vehicles next year. General Motors (GM, Fortune 500) plans to sell its “range extended” electric car, the Chevrolet Volt, which will run on batteries but also have a small gasoline engine to generate electricity for longer range. Chrysler plans to sell a similar vehicle as well.
Toyota (TM) has also announced plans for a test fleet of plug-in Prius hybrids later this year, and Nissan (NSANY) plans to introduce an electric-only “city car” in 2010.
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