British energy supplier SSE is to deploy 507 Ford Transit Customs this year as part of its nationwide smart meter roll-out programme.
The first of the liveried vehicles are already hitting the road, with full delivery of the order to be completed by November.
The vans will increase Ford’s share of the company’s 6,000-vehicle light commercial fleet to nearly 30% and were chosen for their driver comfort and load area as well as whole-life costs.
SSE has specified its Transit Customs with the 130hp 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue TDCi engine with Auto-Stop-Start technology, with internal storage and racking systems fitted at Qi Van Systems of Telford, Shropshire, and liveries from Mediafleet of Witney, Oxfordshire.
Stephen Gafson, Ford of Britain direct sales manager, said: “This is a massive order for Ford and one which underlines the competitiveness and desirability of the Transit Custom for major companies seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution.”
The order comes just weeks ahead of the start of fleet trials of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Transit Custom. The vehicle uses Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine as a range extender, giving an electric range of 31 miles and a total range of more than 310 miles.
