(February 24, 2010) COLOGNE — Ford of Europe is stepping up its development of e-mobility solutions with participation in the colognE-mobil project now underway in Germany.

In the project's first phase, Ford will provide ten Ford Transits into which UK-based Smith Electric Vehicles (SEV) will install their pure battery-electric powertrains. SEV has been marketing this vehicle as the Smith Edison for UK and European operators since 2007.

Ford and SEV will build seven Transit panel vans for delivery service companies, two Transit buses for shuttle services and one Transit chassis-cab that will be used by the public service department of Cologne. Later in the project, a number of Ford Focus BEVs will add to the range of vehicles tested.

Ford is responsible for the technical maintenance and service of the vehicles which will be primarily used in urban areas, and will evaluate customer experiences throughout the project period.

The colognE-mobil project will initially emphasise commercial vehicle application of pure electric powertrains, and Ford's participation furthers the company's commitment to accelerate the introduction of electric powertrains for a broad range of vehicles.