Details of the next-generation Ford Transit Custom will be revealed on 9 May, with a pure electric version heralding Ford’s next step along its electrification journey.

The medium-sized van will continue to be available with a diesel or plug-in hybrid powertrain but will be joined by a pure-electric version that is to be revealed next month.

To be built in the Ford Otosan plant in Kocaeli, Turkey, the 2023 Transit Custom will share its underpinnings with the next-generation Volkswagen Transporter, following the two firms’ ‘Project Cyclone’ joint venture agreement made in 2019. The van isn’t the only model being developed in cooperation with Volkswagen, as the new Amarok pickup will be built around the forthcoming Ford Ranger platform.

Late in 2020, Ford announced a €2bn (£1.7bn) investment in the Kocaeli plant – regarded as the ‘home of the Transit’ – to transform it into a fully integrated factory for the build of vehicles and batteries, making it ideally suited to electric LCV production.

While electrification is an ever-growing trend, diesel remains the powerplant of choice for many operators. That will ensure that Ford’s engine plant in Dagenham continues for the medium term, producing engines for the Transit range globally.

Ford’s commercial business unit, Ford Pro, recently committed to introducing a further four 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.”

Phil Huff
Latest posts by Phil Huff (see all)
Published on