FedEx Express, Azure Dynamics Enter Agreement to Develop Hybrid Electric Powertrain
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. today announced it has signed agreements with Azure Dynamics Corp. (TSX: AZD) (LSE: ADC), a leading developer of hybrid-electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, to develop gasoline parallel hybrid-electric powertrains for their delivery fleet.
Under terms of the agreements, Azure will supply a parallel hybrid-electric test vehicle to FedEx Express for the Ford E-450 hybrid commercial delivery van development program. Once the development phase is completed, FedEx Express has committed to purchase a minimum of 20 pre-production parallel hybrid-electric Ford E-450 delivery vans to be delivered by May 2008.
“FedEx Express introduced hybrid-electric vehicles to the commercial vehicle market six years ago, and we look forward to further advancing this important, environmentally-conscious initiative with Ford and Azure Dynamics,” said John Formisano, vice president, Global Vehicles, FedEx Express. “We continue to look for opportunities for economic efficiencies, environmental stewardship and being a good corporate citizen. We are encouraged that this project can do just that.”
“These agreements with FedEx Express provide an opportunity for greater customer input in product development, as well as a high-profile, multinational fleet as a lead customer for the Ford E-450 parallel hybrid electric vehicle,” said Scott Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics. “We look forward to our association with FedEx Express, and to working with Ford in support of the FedEx commitment to cleaner-energy transportation solutions.”
In 2004, FedEx Express introduced the FedEx OptiFleet E700, an environmentally-superior delivery truck, into its delivery fleet. With 93 hybrid-electric vehicles in service in North America that have traveled more than one million miles, FedEx Express has the largest fleet of hybrid-electric delivery vehicles of any transportation company within the United States.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $35 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 275,000 employees and contractors to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit fedex.com.
About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) (LSE: ADC) 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 various partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.
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