Azure Dynamics Receives 27 Transit Connect Electric orders from FedEx Express, DTE and others
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OAK PARK, MI--May 24, 2011: Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) ("Azure" or the "Company"), a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles, today announced 27 Ford Transit Connect Electric van sales, including a five unit sale to returning customer FedEx Express, a four unit sale to the City of Toronto, a three unit sale to DTE Energy, one of Michigan's largest energy suppliers, and 15 unit sales to various Ford commercial truck dealers.
"These new orders underscore several key drivers in the electric vehicle market expansion," said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "Some major vehicle fleets like Azure customers' FedEx, AT&T, Canada Post, Post Norway, etc, are employing specific quantities of Transit Connect Electric vans to gain operational experience with the technology in advance of expected increased deployment. Energy producers like Azure customers' DTE, SoCal Edison, NYPA, Xcel and others are using the vans to help them understand necessary energy production and distribution requirements related to the increasing national fleet of EV vehicles. Last, our Ford dealership partners are eager to meet interest from their customers who are seeking the operational benefits that the Transit Connect Electric promises."
At FedEx Express, the Transit Connect Electric will be part of one of the world's hardest working vehicle fleets providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. The five vans, ordered through Holman Ford Lincoln in Pennsauken, NJ, will further the FedEx goal of decreasing environmental impact in day-to-day operations.
DTE Energy, headquartered in Michigan and one of the nation's largest diversified energy companies, is dramatically and rapidly expanding its use of alternatively-fueled vehicles in its fleets. The three vans, ordered through Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights, MI, will join DTE's fleet are among the first pure EV vehicles that the company will employ.
The City of Toronto, another returning Azure Dynamics customer, ordered four Transit Connect Electric vans through Eastcourt Ford Lincoln in Agincourt, ONT.
FedEx Express and the City of Toronto had previously acquired Azure's BalanceTM Hybrid Electric drivetrain demonstrating that commercial fleet customers may deploy multiple alternative energy technologies to serve various fleet needs. The BalanceTM Hybrid Electric has a 60% market share in the medium duty (Class 2c - 5) hybrid commercial truck market in North America.
An additional 15 Transit Connect Electric vans were sold to a variety of Ford commercial truck dealers who will use the vehicles as customer demonstrators to increase awareness and appreciation of the product with potential customers. These dealerships, representing locations across North America, include:
- Green Mountain Power though Heritage Ford, South Burlington, VT
- Johnson Controls through Heiser Ford Lincoln, Glendale, WI
- ThyssenKrupp Elevators through Sutton Ford Lincoln Mercury, Matteson, IL
- University of Toronto through Oak-land Ford Lincoln, Oakville, ONT
- Westar Energy through Olathe Ford Lincoln (2 units), Olathe, KS
- Folsom Lake Ford, Folsom, CA
- Gary Yeomans Ford Lincoln Mazda, Daytona Beach, FL
- Mission Valley Ford, San Jose, CA
- Midway Ford Truck Center, Kansas City, MO
- Pearson Ford, Zionsville, IN
- Sanderson Ford, Glendale, AZ
- Suburban Ford, Sterling Heights, MI
- Trans-West Truck Center, Fontana, CA
- Van Bortel Ford Inc, East Rochester, NY
The Ford Transit Connect Electric utilizes an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls to achieve a range of 50 to 80 miles depending on auxiliary usage and drive cycle and is rechargeable using either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlet. Commercial vans generally return to a central location at the end of each driving cycle making for easy overnight recharging. Use of the vehicles will also reduce fuel and maintenance costs, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with a variety of partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions.
