Ford is about to launch a new Transit van line with connectivity and PHEV options at the Hannover CV show. It will also offer new telematics and fleet monitoring products.
A new two tonne variant will make its global debut offering better fuel efficiency and payload.
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Claimed segment first 48 volt mild hybrid (mHEV) technology will also appear.
The Transit Custom plug-in hybrid (PHEV) van will make its first appearance in Germany in final production form prior the 2019 launch.
"Hannover will mark the arrival of an exciting new family of Transit commercial vehicles that are 'born connected'," said Ford Europe CV chief Hans Schep. "Advanced connectivity, and our game-changing electrified vehicles, will create extensive new opportunities to create value for our customers."
The two-tonne Transit will combine technology change with a mid-life front-end mild redesign and a new interior with more stowage space.
The upgraded two-litre EcoBlue diesel engines will be supplemented by 48-volt mild hybrid with manual transmission to further improve fuel efficiency, particularly in stop-start urban driving. The mHEV system captures deceleration energy in a 48-volt lithium ion battery and uses the stored energy to help drive the engine and electrical ancillaries.
The Transit Custom PHEV has a zero-emission range of up to 31 miles, and used the one-litre I3 EcoBoost petrol engine as a range extender – up to around 300 miles.
The production standard show vehicle has the new interior including dedicated information displays.
The automaker is also announcing two new connected vehicle fleet products at Hannover, developed in-house by Ford Smart Mobility. These products have been created by combining fleet operator with Ford vehicle expertise and vehicle data.
Web-based applications will help improve vehicle use and availability, optimise running costs and manage drivers. Separate data services will enable fleet operators to have the option of working with their own third-party service providers to access OEM-grade vehicle data – delivered directly from the vehicle to the "cloud"" – to create their own bespoke fleet solutions.
