Transit Connect Electric UK Dealers Announced

Having set a foothold in Europe last month, Ford's first electric vehicle, the Transit Connect, is getting its act in order, starting with the creation of the much-needed dealership network. Following the appointment of a dealership in Norway, Azure Dynamics, the company that fitted the Transit with the electric drive train, announced this week that the model will retail in the UK through the four dedicated electric vehicle centers operated by Ford (two in London and one each in Bristol and Warrington).

The Connect Electric is currently on display at the 2011 Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show. There, the audience can experience for the first time what will become a fleet of Ford electric vehicles in the near future (Ford will launch five electric vehicles over the next few years).

The electric version of the Transit, based on the long wheelbase Connect, is powered by a system called Force Drive. It comprises a battery electric drive train which is capable of giving the vehicle a range of 130 km or 80 miles on a full charge. The top speed of the vehicle is rated at 120 km/h (75 mph).

"This is a momentous first step in delivering alternative fuel vehicles into the UK market. We have chosen Ford Retail as they offer our customers a consistently high level of support across a number of key cities in the UK.," said Ricardo Espinosa, Azure Dynamics European Operation managing director.

"They have the vision and experience that is vital to help develop the right sales and aftermarket structure, as well as deliver the very best levels of customer service possible."