A production version of the Ford Transit plug-in hybrid will be among the key models to debut at the IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hannover, this week.

The company’s Hannover display will feature a comprehensive line-up of models including the new two-tonne Transit making its global debut at the Show – plus new Ford-developed products to help fleets optimise their operations.

Ford’s range of electrified products, including the Transit Custom plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be displayed in production form, and the new Transit with a segment-first 48-volt mild hybrid (mHEV) powertrain.

“Hannover will mark the arrival of an exciting new family of Transit commercial vehicles that are ‘born connected’,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “Advanced connectivity, and our game-changing electrified vehicles, will create extensive new opportunities to create value for our customers.”

The new two-tonne Ford Transit will deliver more fuel efficient engines, increased payload, built-in connectivity and advanced driver technologies when it launches in mid-2019, along with a new front-end design and an all-new interior with enhanced stowage space.

In addition to upgraded 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines, new Transit customers will be able to specify 48-volt mHEV technology on manual transmission vehicles to further improve fuel efficiency, particularly in stop-start urban driving. The mHEV system captures energy on deceleration in a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, and uses the stored energy to help drive the engine and electrical ancillaries.

Ford’s Transit Custom PHEV has a hybrid system that targets a zero-emission range of up to 31 miles, and features the 1.0‑litre EcoBoost petrol engine as a range extender. The EcoBoost engine charges the on-board batteries when longer trips are required between charging stops, providing operators with outstanding efficiency and flexibility, and a total range of more than 300 miles.

Ford is announcing two new connected vehicle fleet solutions at Hannover, developed in-house by Ford Smart Mobility.

Ford Telematics will provide fleet operators with a web-based application providing solutions to help fleet professionals improve vehicle utilisation, maximise vehicle availability, optimise running cost and manage their drivers.

Ford 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.

Following its debut at the Gamescom trade fair in Cologne, the new Ranger Raptor also makes its first appearance for an automotive audience in Hannover. Developed by Ford Performance for the true enthusiast off-roader, the pick-up will go on sale to thrill-seeking customers in Europe in mid-2019 powered by a Bi-turbo version of Ford’s 2.0‑litre EcoBlue diesel engine that delivers 213PS and 500Nm of torque.

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