AuraGen Approved by Ford Motor Company for Use in F-Series Ambulance Applications
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--Feb. 26, 2003--Aura Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:AURA) today announced that the Ford Motor Company has approved the AuraGen(R) for use in Ford F-series ambulance applications. Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVMs) can now use the AuraGen to meet the ever-expanding mobile power requirements of their ambulance customers. Included in the Ford action was the approval for Ship-Thru installation of the AuraGen, which expands the AuraGen's existing Ship-Thru status into F-series ambulance applications."As the dominant supplier of vehicles for the ambulance market in North America, Ford is continually looking for new products to meet the exacting requirements of ambulance applications," said Neal Meehan, Aura Chairman and CEO. "I believe Ford's action represents a recognition of the increasing importance of mobile power and the AuraGen's unique capabilities. Ford's approval is a significant step towards expanding the opportunities for the AuraGen in ambulance applications."
"Using the AuraGen system translates into tremendous space utilization opportunities in our rescue bodies, since we don't have bulky generators to contend with anymore," said Sean Duffy, Rescue Manager for Horton Emergency Vehicles. "The space that we would normally reserve for a generator can now be utilized by our customers for installation of more mission-critical equipment. At the same time, we save on available payload capacity, since the weight of the generator is eliminated from the rear axle."
The AuraGen Mobile Power System offers significant advantages in ambulance applications. The AuraGen is capable of generating full power up to 8500 watts at all engine speeds, including idle, and provides engine-off power options. The under-hood integration of the AuraGen saves valuable space and eliminates theft and requires virtually no maintenance. Its high-quality, pure sine wave power is ideal for the increasingly sophisticated equipment installed in ambulances. With full power available at the push of a button, the AuraGen offers continuous power with unprecedented ease of operation. In addition, the AuraGen can't overload the ambulance's charging system or tax the existing battery system.
"The AuraGen provides quality life-saving power with long-term paybacks, which is an attractive combination in the ambulance industry," said Dennis Jones, VP of sales and marketing for Auto Truck group. Auto Truck is a Ford-approved Ship-Thru installer for the AuraGen. "With the newly approved Ship-Thru for Ford ambulance applications, the AuraGen is readily accessible to anyone in need of mobile power."
The Ship-Thru approval for the AuraGen significantly enhances the convenience to Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVMs) who manufacture vehicles for ambulance applications by allowing them to order the AuraGen as an installed option. The AuraGen can now be installed at the approved Ship-Thru upfitters, located adjacent to the Ford truck manufacturing plant. The customized vehicle then follows its normal delivery process to the ordering QVM and, ultimately, the end-customer. Installed on vehicles such as the Ford trucks, the AuraGen serves the mobile power needs of customers in the Oil & Gas, Telecom, Cable, Utility, Municipality, Emergency Vehicle, Recreational Vehicle and Military markets.
About Aura Systems
Aura Systems, Inc., a technology leader in mobile power, develops and sells AuraGen(R) mobile induction power systems to the industrial, commercial and defense mobile power generation markets. The Company's unique and patented energy solution is the only proven, commercially available pure sine wave power system that can continuously provide thousands of watts of power at low engine speed, and is fully integrated under the vehicle hood. The AuraGen(R) is capable of generating full power up to 8500 watts at all engine speeds, including enhanced engine idle speed for gasoline engines and at idle speed for bigger diesel engines. The AuraGen(R) combines sophisticated mechanical and electronics design, advanced engineering and break-through electromagnetic technology to produce a highly reliable and flexible mobile power generating system that creates alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electricity, both with and without the engine on. For more information about the Company's AuraGen(R) product visit the company's website at http://www.aurasystems.com.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and information based on the beliefs of Aura's management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, Aura's management. Such statements reflect the current views of Aura with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including risk factors identified in Aura's 10-K and other SEC filings. Actual results, events and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Aura undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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