Ford Transit Connect Commercial Truck

Ford Transit

Ford Motor has announced that its Transit Connect commercial truck which is due in showrooms later this year, will feature a companion electric model but mid-2010 that will get up to 100 miles on a single charge. Ford was the last American maker to come on board with all electric vehicles, but now intends to introduce a battery-electric powered small car in 2011 followed by a plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012. Ford is showing off the gas-powered Transit Connect, starting at $21, 475, at the Chicago Auto Show later this week.

General Motors Corp is working on the Chevy Volt, a Malibu-size four-door vehicle while Chrysler LLC has begun developing the two- seater Dodge Circuit. Both vehicles are to be introduced in 2010. All three American manufacturers are under the gun to offer more fuel-efficient alternative energy choices to consumers, who have been staying away from car lots in record numbers.