THE next generation Ford Transit Custom range will include an all-electric model in addition to plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid and conventional engine variants when it arrives in 2023..

The new Custom range - which includes the Transit Custom van and Tourneo Custom people mover - goes into production with all-electric versions of both models as part of the most extensive Transit Custom range ever offered in Europe.

All versions of the next generation Transit Custom will be built by Ford Otosan - Ford's joint venture in Turkey - in Kocaeli, the home of the Ford Transit range.

In addition, the next generation Volkswagen one-tonne commercial vehicle will also be built in Kocaeli.

"The next generation Transit Custom range - including the all-electric versions - will strengthen Ford's position as Europe's No.1 commercial vehicle brand," said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.

"Transit Custom is the jewel in our commercial vehicle crown and key in our drive to grow our commercial vehicle business as we continue to create a sustainable, profitable Ford business in Europe rooted in an electrified future."

Ford said in February that its entire commercial vehicle range will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid, by 2024, with two-thirds of Ford's commercial vehicle sales expected to be all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030.

In 2020, Ford achieved its sixth successive year as the leader in commercial vehicle sales in Europe. The trend has continued into 2021, with Ford maintaining its position as the continent's best-selling commercial vehicle brand.

The announcement is a positive move for other Ford manufacturing facilities in Europe and for the European and Turkish supplier industries providing components for the next generation Transit Custom Range.