National Grid has added 200 new Ford Transit Custom vans to its fleet of 3,350 vehicles, for use by its engineers maintaining the gas supply network.

The fully-liveried Ford Transit Custom  Econetic models, powered by the Dagenham-built 2.2-litre TDCi 100PS diesel engine, are now fully operational throughout the National Grid fleet, equipped with racking systems, first aid equipment and special lighting.

The vans are used for emergency call-outs and day-to-day by engineers, including the fitment and repair of gas metering equipment.

Stephen Gafson, sales manager at Ford direct, said: "The new Transit Custom is ideally suited to its role with National Grid and financially it clearly makes sense to the company, too. We are very pleased that Ford's long association with National Grid is to continue."

The new Ford Transit Custom has collected a total of 15 commercial vehicle awards within the past 12 months.

Joining the Transit Custom and Connect models is the all-new Ford Transit Courier and next-generation Ford Transit, completing the transformation of Ford's Transit commercial vehicle range.