Ford will present its latest generation of connected and electrified Transit products at the IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hannover, Germany, from 20-27 September 2018. Ford’s Transit Custom plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will make its show debut in production form, and the new Transit with a segment-first 48-volt mild hybrid (mHEV) powertrain.

Ford’s Hannover display will feature a comprehensive line-up of models that will feature on-board modems—led by the new 2-tonne Transit making its global debut at the Show—plus new Ford-developed products to help fleets optimize their operations.

The new 2-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 smart new front-end design and an all-new interior with enhanced stowage space.

In addition to upgraded 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engines providing reduced cost of ownership, 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 targets a zero-emission range of up to 50 kilometres (31 miles), and features the multi-award winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine as a range extender. The EcoBoost engine charges the on-board batteries when longer trips are required between charging stops, supporting a total range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles).

Displayed in final production form in Hannover, the PHEV has a compact liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack located under the load floor, preserving the full cargo volume offered by the standard van. The vehicle features the all-new interior design from the latest Transit Custom, including dedicated information displays for the PHEV variant.

Ford will announce 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 utilization, 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.