Ford plans Transit plug-in hybrid

Ford has set out plans to launch a plug-in hybrid Transit Custom van in Europe by 2019, as part of a five year programme for electrified vehicles.

The move is part of a $4.5 billion investment in electrified vehicles by 2020, and reflects the company’s aim to be an auto and a mobility company, including leading in electrified and autonomous vehicles and providing new mobility solutions.

“As more and more consumers around the world become interested in electrified vehicles, Ford is committed to being a leader in providing consumers with a broad range of electrified vehicles, services and solutions that make people’s lives better,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and CEO.

“Our investments and expanding line-up reflect our view that global offerings of electrified vehicles will exceed gasoline-powered vehicles within the next 15 years.”

The Transit is one of seven electrified vehicles that it plans to launch globally. These also include a hybrid version of the Mustang that will deliver V8 power, an SUV, an autonomous vehicle, a pick-up, and two police vehicles. In total, it plans to launch 13 electrified vehicles.

It will invest $700 million to expand its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan into a factory that will build high-tech autonomous and electric vehicles along with the Mustang and Lincoln Continental.

The company said that this year it would begin testing its new generation of EV technology. In Europe, Ford will put the Transit Custom plug-in hybrid on the road later this year, along with a new set of mobility services, telematics and connectivity solutions.