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Azure Dynamics Force Drive(TM) Technology Powers New Ford Transit Connect Electric
- Ford and Azure Dynamics partner to create electric version of 2010
North American Truck of the Year, the Ford Transit Connect Electric
- Azure Dynamics will provide patented Force Drive(TM) electric
powertrain to create zero emission vehicle with up to 80 miles range
per charge
- Partnership builds on existing business relationships between Ford,
Azure Dynamics and battery supplier Johnson Controls-Saft
- Transit Connect Electric to deliver lower costs and zero emissions
for targeted commercial delivery fleets
CHICAGO, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - As increasing numbers of fleet
operators and individual vehicle owners are demanding the benefits of
clean, efficient alternative power for their vehicles, Azure Dynamics
Corporation (TSX: AZD) has collaborated with Ford Motor Company to
introduce the Transit Connect Electric, a pure electric powered version of
the 2010 North American Truck of the Year. The Transit Connect Electric
makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show tomorrow.
Azure Dynamics, a leading developer of hybrid electric and electric
powertrains for commercial vehicles, is providing its patented Force
Drive(TM) battery electric powertrain to replace the gasoline engine in the
popular Transit Connect. Force Drive(TM) components have previously been
deployed in more than 40 vehicle integrations and have more than 25 million
miles of on-the-road experience. Azure has been designing and developing
electric drive systems for more than 20 years.
"The Transit Connect Electric is an ideal vehicle for our Force
Drive(TM) technology," said Scott Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Oak
Park, MI, based Azure Dynamics. "Force Drive(TM) is especially effective
for fleets with predictable short range routes and frequent stop-and-go
urban driving conditions that Transit Connect Electric vehicles are likely
to encounter. We'll be able to offer owners lower operating and maintenance
costs and zero emissions in a vehicle that can go up to 80 miles on a
charge," Harrison said.
"Fleet owners are demanding greater operating efficiency in cleaner
vehicles. The Transit Connect Electric delivers on both fronts," said Gerry
Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager. "As the first product in our aggressive
electrified vehicle plan, we expect the Transit Connect Electric to be an
immediate hit and keep Ford squarely on track to leadership in the electric
vehicle market."
Force Drive's(TM) lithium-ion battery, provided by Johnson
Controls-Saft, is expected to last the life of the Transit Connect Electric
and replaces all the energy provided by gasoline in the standard Transit
Connect. When the vehicle is operating, battery power is provided to the
drive motor through the electric powertrain's motor controller which uses
throttle input from the driver to convert DC power supplied by the battery
into three precisely timed signals used to drive the motor.
Integration of the battery has been done without infringing on interior
passenger room and cargo space and, other than Azure's Force Drive(TM)
badge on the exterior of the vehicle and information provided on the
instrument cluster, the Transit Connect Electric will be identical to the
standard Transit Connect vehicle.
The Transit Connect Electric represents a continuation of Azure's
ongoing relationship with Ford Motor Company. Azure's Balance(TM) Hybrid
Electric medium-duty commercial vehicle, a favorite delivery vehicle for a
number of major national fleets including FedEx Express, AT&T and Purolator
Courier, is built on the Ford E-450 cutaway and strip chassis as is the
Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric shuttle bus.
"Our goal at Azure is to 'be part of the solution' and we think the
Transit Connect Electric meets that challenge in every way," said Harrison.
"We're delighted to be partnering with Ford on this product and we're
confident the market is going to be delighted with the result of our
collaboration. It's exactly the right product at the right time for today's
commercial vehicle market."
For more information about Azure Dynamics and its products, please
visit http://www.azuredynamics.com.
About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) 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 http://www.azuredynamics.com.
The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. More
particularly, this press release contains statements concerning Azure's
business development strategy, projected commercial revenues and product
deliveries.
The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations
and assumptions made by Azure, including expectations and assumptions
concerning achievement of current timetables for development programs,
target market acceptance of Azure's products, current and new product
performance, availability and cost of labour and expertise, and evolving
markets for power for transportation vehicles. Although Azure believes that
the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements
are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the
forward-looking statements because Azure can give no assurance that they
will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future
events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and
uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently
anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are
not limited to, the risks associated with Azure's early stage of
development, lack of product revenues and history of losses, requirements
for additional financing, uncertainty as to commercial viability,
uncertainty as to product development and commercialization milestones
being met, uncertainty as to the market for Azure's products and unproven
acceptance of Azure's technology, competition for capital, product market
and personnel, uncertainty as to target markets, dependence upon third
parties, changes in environmental laws or policies, uncertainty as to
patent and proprietary rights, availability of management and key
personnel, and acquisition integration risk. These risks are set out in
more detail in Azure's annual information form which can be accessed at
http://www.sedar.com.
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made
as of the date hereof and Azure undertakes no obligation to update publicly
or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required
by applicable securities laws.
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