Ford announced March 5 that when its all-new Transit commercial van debuts in North America in 2013, it will come equipped with Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 gasoline engine.

“The new Ford Transit commercial van will deliver all the capability and capacity that customers get with today’s E-Series, but with the bonus of improved fuel economy and potentially lower operating costs thanks to its available EcoBoost engine,” said Tim Stoehr, Ford Commercial Truck marketing manager. “This engine has revolutionized the half-ton pickup segment for F-150 and we’re expecting it will have the same effect on commercial vans.”

Ford said the EcoBoost V-6 contributes to the 25% reduction in fuel when compared with its E-Series vans. The engine going into the Transit had a successful year in 2011 in the F-150, according to Ford.

Ford reiterated the engine’s features, including a high-pressure direct-injection fuel system fed by a common rail, which precisely delivers fuel for a fast and complete burn; turbocharging; oil-cooled pistons with optimized bowls designed to improve combustion efficiency; and as a result, reduced CO2 emissions and fuel use.

Ford is investing $1.1 billion in its Kansas City assembly plant, where the Transit will be built alongside the F-150.