Ford to launch four electric vans
Ford have announced significant strides toward an all-electric future in Europe, which will see the company transformed and offering a new generation of four all-electric fully-connected commercial vehicles by 2024.
Ford Pro is the business unit focused on Ford’s commercial vehicle business and together with the passenger car equivalent will define Ford’s future in Europe and these efforts will support Ford’s global plans to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The company today announced it is targeting zero emissions for all vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint of facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035.
Four new electric commercial vehicles by 2024
Reaffirming its leadership as Europe’s top-selling commercial vehicle brand, Ford’s Transit range will include four new electric models – the all-new Transit Custom one-tonne van and Tourneo Custom multi-purpose vehicle in 2023, and the smaller, next generation Transit Courier van and Tourneo Courier multi-purpose vehicle in 2024.
“I am delighted to see the pace of change in Europe – challenging our entire industry to build better, cleaner and more digital vehicles. Ford is all-in and moving fast to meet the demand in Europe and around the globe,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “Our march toward an all-electric future is an absolute necessity for Ford to meet the mobility needs of customers across a transforming Europe,” said Stuart Rowley, chair, Ford of Europe. “It’s also about the pressing need for greater care of our planet, making a positive contribution to society and reducing emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.”
New JV to increase battery production in Europe
To support Ford’s ambitious vehicle electrification plans they have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding for a new, industry-leading joint venture business in Turkey with SK On Co. Koc Holdings. Subject to execution of a final agreement, the three partners plan to create one of the largest EV battery facilities in the European wider region.
The joint venture would be located near Ankara and will manufacture high Nickel NMC cells for assembly into battery array modules. Production is intended to start as early as mid-decade with an annual capacity likely to be in the range of 30 to 45 Gigawatt hours.
The investment the three partners are planning in the battery joint venture – including support from the Turkish Government – will directly benefit large and small commercial vehicle operators across Europe, reducing energy and running costs and providing a significant contribution to CO2 reduction.
All new Transit Courier for Craiova
Ford’s manufacturing plant in Craiova Romania will play a significant role in the company’s electric and commercial vehicle growth plans in Europe building the all -new Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier, a compact multi-purpose vehicle, will also be produced in Craiova from 2023, with all-electric versions coming in 2024. To further boost electric and commercial vehicle capacity, Ford announced this morning that Ford Otosan will assume ownership of the Craiova plant and manufacturing business, subject to regulatory approval and consultation. Ford Otosan, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Koç Holding, is one of the longest running and most successful joint ventures in the global auto industry.
