'One way to maintain leadership is to take our product in a whole new direction,' he said during a media unveiling of the Transit Connect last week. The 2010 model will debut to the public on Wednesday at the Chicago Auto Show and will arrive this summer.

While typical vans are heavier and more truck-like, the Transit Connect looks more like an overgrown car -- though it's built on a dedicated commercial platform. It offers more than 135 cubic feet of storage space, which can also be custom configured with storage devices by outside vendors who have already worked with Ford. Customers can order the two-passenger Transit Connect stripped down or have it delivered completely set up for their needs.

To demonstrate the possibilities, Ford will display in Chicago five vehicles outfitted for five different businesses, including one for a company that childproofs homes and another that helps train animals.

'A big piece of this vehicle is giving customers the flexibility to get what they want,' said Rob Stevens, the van's chief engineer.

Indeed. Since Ford introduced the van in Europe in 2003, more than 600,000 have been sold in 58 countries. The U.S. marks the 59th country.

The Transit Connect is powered by a 2-liter inline-four cylinder engine that produces 136 horsepower and 128-pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and Ford estimates it will get 21 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Final EPA estimates have not been completed.

The bed of the van allows for items longer than six feet to be loaded. There is 47.8 inches between the wheel wells, and the cargo area spans 59.1 inches from the floor to ceiling. The second-row door slides open, much like a minivan and the split back doors open 180 degrees or 255 degrees.

Stephanie Brinley, an industry analyst for AutoPacific Inc., said the Transit Connect doesn't face any head-to-head competition at the moment and could be of great benefit to small business owners.

'There is a lot of opportunity in this segment,' said Brinley, noting many small business owners have had to convert their personal vehicles to fit their business needs.

'Additionally, Ford commercial trucks understand how to cater to business people, they know what it takes and what their people want.'

Ford also is expected to announce today that the Transit Connect will be its first all-electric vehicle, available beginning in 2010. It will have a range of about 100 miles. Ford will work with Smith Electric Vehicles to electrify the Transit Connect.

Brinley said it was smart of Ford to introduce its first electric vehicle to commercial customers. Fleet managers typically maintain and monitor their vehicles better than many consumers.

Ford executives said an electric Transit Connect fit into the company's plans because many commercial routes are less than 100 miles and include a lot of stop and go traveling, which will allow the vehicle to recharge the batteries through regenerative braking.

In 2011, Ford will introduce a small electric car, the next generation hybrid in 2012 and a plug in hybrid in 2012.