February 9th 2009

The Tanfield Group Plc ("the Group" or "the Company")

Electric Vehicle Development Partnership with Ford Motor Company

The Tanfield Group Plc, the leading manufacturer of aerial work platforms and commercial electric vehicles, today announces an electric vehicle development collaboration with Ford Motor Company.

Tanfield will work with Ford to introduce a battery-electric light van, the first vehicle in the Company's broad electrification strategy for the North American market which was announced at this year's Detroit Auto Show. This vehicle will be based on the European-designed Ford Transit Connect which goes on sale in North America this year.

Tanfield will manufacture a limited number of electric Ford Transit Connect vehicles in North America during 2010, with future production to ramp up in line with customer demand. The vehicles will be fully branded as a Ford product and sold through selected Ford dealerships.

Tanfield already works with Ford of Europe to produce commercial electric vehicles based on the Ford Transit and Transit Connect chassis. 

Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group Plc, said: "We are proud to be delivering the first vehicle in Ford's new electrification strategy, with the battery-electric Ford Transit Connect.

"This enhances the Ford commercial vehicle portfolio with a zero-emission light van that is cost-effective, gets the job done and does not compromise Ford's high standards for exceptional driving experience. It offers fleet owners the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint, improve city air quality and make a positive step towards our national energy security."

"The collaboration with Ford and development of the battery-electric Ford Transit Connect demonstrates that Smith Electric Vehicles is the industry leader in commercial electric vehicles."

The vehicle's performance capabilities are expected to include a range of up to 100 miles on a full charge, without compromising the Transit Connect's superior driving experience. It will operate very similarly to a conventional light van, but with smoother acceleration, less noise and zero emissions.

Tanfield will be wholly responsible for supplying and integrating the power train, battery pack and control systems into the existing vehicle chassis envelope, with engineering support from Ford.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Product Development, said: "Our collaboration with Smith will result in the first battery-electric vehicle in Ford's electrification strategy and positions Ford at the vanguard of the commercial electric vehicle industry.

"The partnership approach adopted for delivering the battery-electric Ford Transit Connect ensures the most efficient route to market, through shared investment and expertise."

For further information:

ENDS