Energy company E.ON has taken delivery of nearly 120 new Ford Transit Custom vans for use by its meter fitters nationwide. The E.ON fleet currently comprises around 2,000 vehicles, the majority of which are Ford-badged.

The 118 Transit Custom vehicles – all of them 310 short wheelbase models equipped with the Dagenham-built 100PS 2.2 TDCi power unit – will slot into the fleet once they have undergone conversion by Qi Van Systems, including the fitment of special racking in the load area, Trakm8 telematics and an AVI alarm system.

The vehicles are the first to join the E.ON fleet which have been through the new Whole Vehicle Type Approval ‘enhancement’ scheme, which covers conversions and the addition of after-market equipment.

The Ford Transit Custom offers outstanding fuel economy from 46.3mpg, thanks largely to fuel-saving ECOnetic technologies such as Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging. It also boasts class-leading load-carrying ability, including innovative features such as the load-through hatch in the bulkhead for extra-long items, and an integrated roof rack which can be folded away when not in use. It retains strong residual values and has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Stephen Gafson, Ford Direct sales manager, said:

“Ford has enjoyed a long and mutually successful business relationship with E.ON and I’m delighted to see them place a large order for the multi-award-winning Transit Custom. The new van is already well on the way to establishing its own market niche, and will be key to the continued success of the Transit range.”

In September 2012, the Ford Transit Custom became the fourth winner in 12 years from the Transit family to claim the International Van of the Year crown at the Hanover IAA Commercial Vehicle Show.

Ford has sold more than 7,500 Transit Custom vans so far this year – exceeding targets to achieve the expected first year UK volume of 10,000.