BT Fleet has become the first fleet to put the new Ford Transit Connect into service, with a view to taking delivery of further vehicles later in the year.

The telecoms firm, which is Ford's biggest customer, is operating 10 pre-production short wheelbase Transit Connects around the south of England to evaluate the van's ability. All vans are liveried and are fitted with the 1.8-litre 76bhp diesel engine.

Ford is confident of success with its mini Transit, claiming it is its first small van to be built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform, rather than being converted from a car. As a result, Ford believes it has built it tougher than its competitors. Steve Parker, Ford commercial vehicles director, said: 'We are delighted that BT is gaining this early experience, and we are sure that they will find the Transit Connect's load box functionality, durability and security a major asset. Ford's relationship with BT goes back 15 years and is built on the strength of the Transit product.'