In the US the new Transit will be available with a 3.7-litre V6, the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 and, for the first time, a diesel – a new five-cylinder 3.2-litre unit belonging to the company's Duratorq family. Ford has not announced the European powertrain options.

The American range, to be built at the upgraded Kansas City plant, will offer multiple size options, including three roof heights, and up to 500 cubic feet or load space – almost 80% more than in the largest E-Series.

There will be chassis cab and cutaway versions, plus special models to serve as ambulances or airport shuttle vehicles.

The re-engineered Transit Connect will be sold with two different wheelbases in North America, and a choice of the 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine or a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit. As with the Transit, there is no indication of the European line-up.

Ford says the new Connect can haul up to 725 kilos of cargo or pull a 900-kilo trailer.

Both models enter the US market in the fourth quarter of 2013.

CVs make up 29% of all vehicle sales there and the market is expected to grow by a further 28% – or 4.8 million – by 2017.

The Ford F-Series is one of the top-selling vehicles of all time and the Atlas Concept has been created ‘to showcase the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define future pick-up trucks,’ said product development chief Raj Nair.

It has active aerodynamics in the form of grille and wheel shutters, automatically folding side running boards and a front airdam that is only deployed at high speeds, all with the aim of reducing drag.

The tailgate can hold extra-long loads above the rear deck to free more space, and the car helps the driver hook up trailers and back into parking spaces when towing.