Ford's European import, the Transit Connect, is already receiving a bit of a makeover—or, more accurately, a close relative has been born—even before the compact commercial truck goes on sale in the U.S.

The light-duty van, which has sold more than 600,000 units in 58 countries so far, debuts here this summer. And now Ford has announced that, in the first half of 2010, the Transit Connect will be available as an all-electric vehicle as well.

"The new Transit Connect light commercial vehicle with battery electric power represents the next logical step in our pursuit of even greater fuel economy and sustainability," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vp of Global Product Development. "A growing number of our commercial vehicle fleet clients have expressed interest in electrification as a sustainable mobility solution. By leveraging our global team and asset portfolio, we're able to quickly bring this environmentally friendly, strong 'silent type' to market."

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