A racer of vintage cars, Jim Farley has spent his first few weeks as Ford Motor Co.’s chief executive thinking about one of the company’s more utilitarian models: a cargo van.
Ford is planning an electric version of the Transit, the top-selling U.S. van, used by plumbers, delivery companies and other businesses. Set to go on sale next year, the vehicle highlights two pillars of Mr. Farley’s growth strategy: extend Ford’s lead in commercial vehicles and add new subscription services that will generate profit after the sale.
