Ford confirms huge $20,000 price cut for Transit hybrid

Ford’s local arm has confirmed a mammoth price cut for its Transit Custom plug-in hybrid (PHEV), allowing the model to fall under the government’s $80,000 threshold for the Clean Car Discount rebate scheme.

Formerly priced from $99,900, the Transit Custom PHEV will get a new retail price of $78,990 plus on-road costs from August 1 onwards. This means the model will be eligible for a $5,750 rebate.

“We have made the decision to make the Transit Custom Van PHEV more accessible than ever before and have adjusted the price to make it a more viable option for people who want to drive a greener alternative,” said Ford NZ CEO Simon Rutherford.

“Customer feedback was that they were prepared to pay a premium for the PHEV compared with the diesel, but we’ve been able to make it an even more attractive proposition.

“From August 1, the Transit Custom PHEV will be available from $78,990 (+ORC), which enhances its consideration level for new van buyers as it now falls within rebate eligibility requirements.”

While there are no electrified utes currently for sale in New Zealand, tradies looking for options can find slightly more of them in the van sector. Along with the Transit Custom PHEV, the fully electric LDV eDeliver 3 and EV80 and the fully electric Renault Kangoo EV are also offered locally. The Nissan e-NV200 is also a regular fixture on Kiwi roads thanks to grey imports from Japan.

The release, sent by Ford NZ earlier today, also acknowledged next year’s launch of the fully electric Transit Cargo. The 350-kilometer full-size van is set to arrive on our shores in the second quarter of 2022.

“For Tradies and our other customers with key functional needs who are likely to be one of the groups most affected by future penalties, we are looking at providing them with alternatives in the new Transit Custom and Tourneo Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles,” Rutherford added.

“A range of 350km will likely be more than enough for the majority of city-based drivers, such as couriers and tradesmen, and is certainly far in excess of the average distance most people drive each day.”

Ford NZ’s reception of the government’s Clean Car Discount and Clean Car Standard has been mixed in the past. In June spokesperson noted the amount of confusion surrounding the legislation, adding that the levy on utes like the Ranger is “just going to be an added cost to NZ businesses – passed along ultimately to their customers and in resale of utes.”

But, the brand appears to have changed its tune somewhat, noting in today’s release how it’s geared up local dealers to be more knowledgeable on the subject of EVs.

“There’s been a real step-change in the way EV and PHEV models are viewed, which makes it an exciting time to be bringing new energy powertrain options to the market. […] Our dealer partners are ready, having completed technical training and invested in charging infrastructure to become certified EV dealers and be at the forefront of the change,” said Rutherford.

“All-new vehicles such as F150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E are capturing the attention of motoring enthusiasts around the globe, thanks to their incredible power, acceleration and performance capabilities. They also provide insights into what may well be possible for Kiwis in the future.”