FORD will launch its first battery-electric models with zero emissions in Europe next year.
And the American giant has confirmed that there will be five full electric or hybrid vehicles available for European customers by 2013.
First up is the Transit Connect Electric, a pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle which goes on sale in North America later this year with the aim of reaching Europe from 2011.
It will be followed in 2012 by the Focus Electric, based on Ford's next-generation Focus model and one of at least ten vehicles that will be developed from the company's new global C-car platform.
Three other vehicles – two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid – will be introduced in 2013.
Ford of Europe chairman John Fleming said: "Our goal is to provide consumers with access to significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions to meet their functional needs and without compromising their driving experience.
"There is increasing interest among a number of customers in Europe for electrified vehicles and we are responding by stepping up our efforts to bring these models to the marketplace alongside our latest-generation, fuel-efficient petrol and diesel powered models.
"This is further evidence of how the ONE Ford global product vision is transforming our business. European consumers will not have to wait too long before they can choose from a range of electrified alternatives from Ford."
Further details of Ford's hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be revealed closer to launch.
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