Azure Dynamics Opens European Headquarters in North London Ahead of its June Transit Connect Electric Production Launch
By Azure Dynamics Corporation, PRNEMonday, March 14, 2011
OAK PARK, Michigan, March 15, 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, announced today that it has opened its new European headquarters
office in North London to support its sales and marketing efforts for the new
all-electric Ford Transit Connect, which is scheduled for European production
in June, 2011.
"Since its introduction in 2002, the Ford Transit Connect has had
phenomenal sales success in cities across Europe and we're eager to launch
its all-electric counterpart, Transit Connect Electric," said Scott Harrison,
CEO of Azure Dynamics. "Since receiving the first 14 Transit Connect Electric
vehicles in Europe this past December, we are very encouraged by the initial
reaction and interest from both European public and private commercial fleet
operators. Many of our potential customers have experience with the
conventional gas vehicle and are now eager to enjoy the operational and
environmental benefits of our pure-electric ForceDriveTM powertrain."
Transit Connect Electric offers a unique combination of driving dynamics,
cargo capacity, accessibility and low costs of operation. It can achieve a
range of 80 - 130 kilometers (50 - 80 miles) depending on auxiliary power
usage and drive cycle, and has a top speed of 125 kph (75 mph). The lithium
ion battery is rechargeable in approximately six hours using a 230-volt
outlet.
Azure's new European facility will be responsible for all European
operations including engineering and program coordination, manufacturing
activities, sales and marketing and service support. The North London
facility, located in Arlington Business Park in Stevenage, has a 4,800 square
foot office space, and a workshop area that can accommodate Azure vehicles
along with key diagnostic equipment for vehicles and electric powertrain
components. The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) helped Azure
Dynamics Ltd locate the facility.
Azure has selected a European-based manufacturer to upfit the Transit
Connect Electric and expects to announce the partnership upon the completion
of the terms. Azure has been developing electric powertrains for more than 20
years. Its innovative ForceDriveTM technology has over 40 different vehicle
integrations to its credit and more than 35 million miles of real-world
experience.
In addition to the acclaimed Transit Connect Electric, Azure also
manufactures the BalanceTM Hybrid Electric delivery truck and shuttle bus.
The BalanceTM Hybrid Electric offers up to 40% fuel economy improvement while
reducing emissions by up to 30%.
For more information on how Azure Dynamics' products are Driving a World
of Difference, please visit www.azuredynamics.com. The European office
is located at:
Azure Dynamics Ltd. Unit 10 The IO Centre Arlington Business Park Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Herts, SG1 2BD England
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. For
more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.
The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements Advisory
Certain information included in this press release constitutes
forward-looking statements and information and future-oriented financial
information under applicable securities legislation and is provided for the
purpose of expressing management's current expectations and plans for the
future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be
appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions.
More particularly, this press release contains statements concerning
Azure's anticipated: business development strategy, customer orders, product
deliveries, sales, revenue and revenue growth. The forward-looking statements
are based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Azure,
including expectations and assumptions concerning achievement of current
timetables for development programs and sales, target market acceptance of
Azure's products, current and new product performance, availability and cost
of labor and expertise, and evolving markets for power for transportation
vehicles. Although Azure believes that the expectations and assumptions used
to develop the forward-looking statements 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
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Azure.
For further information:
Gary Whittam, Sales & Marketing Director - Europe, Azure Dynamics Ltd.,
+44-(0)1277-725-652 Email: gwhittam@azuredynamics.com
Mike Elwood, Marketing VP, Azure Dynamics, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
+1-905-607-3486 ext 6203 Email: melwood@azuredynamics.com
Juris Pagrabs, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-(248)-298-2403 ext
7570 Email: jpagrabs@azuredynamics.com
Patrick Liebler, Liebler Group, +1-248-229-4418
Email: pat@lieblergroup.com
For further information: Gary Whittam, Sales & Marketing Director - Europe, Azure Dynamics Ltd., +44-(0)1277-725-652 Email: gwhittam at azuredynamics.com. Mike Elwood, Marketing VP, Azure Dynamics, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, +1-905-607-3486 ext 6203 Email: melwood at azuredynamics.com. Juris Pagrabs, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-(248)-298-2403 ext 7570 Email: jpagrabs at azuredynamics.com. Patrick Liebler, Liebler Group, +1-248-229-4418, Email: pat at lieblergroup.com
Tags: Azure Dynamics Corporation, March 15, Michigan, Oak park, United Kingdom