Is this an old story?I found this story today, posted on May 7, but it looks familiar. Anyone know if this a new order or an old story?
Oak Park, MI - Azure Dynamics Corporation, a developer of innovative hybrid green technologies that address environmental and cost issues for operators of commercial vehicle fleets, announced yesterday that five Balance Hybrid Electric trucks were ordered by the City of Toronto. The five trucks will be put into service in three different city divisions including the Library; the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division; and Solid Waste Management Services.
The five trucks ordered by the City of Toronto will be used in some of the City's busiest departments. One unit will be used by the Library where an inter-branch delivery system will operate six days a week making
approximately 10 stops a day. The Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division will use one vehicle for the delivery of sports equipment and recreational materials to community centers throughout Toronto and another vehicle for the delivery of live plants for special events held in Toronto at various public functions. Finally, two units will be used by Solid Waste Management Services for residential curb side pickup of 'white goods' which include refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, etc. to be taken to a dedicated recycling facility.
Azure Dynamics has developed the Balance Hybrid Electric drive system for Ford's E450 Cutaway and Strip Chassis trucks. The Balance Hybrid Electric drive system manages the conventional 5.4 litre Triton gasoline
engine and the 5-speed automatic TorqShift transmission to produce a cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicle for a variety of business needs. The hybrid features electric-launch assist, engine-off at idle and regenerative braking
which combine to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The technology improves fuel economy by up to 40 per cent, according to the company, while reducing the carbon footprint by approximately 30 per cent. In addition, the company claims the technology can reduce vehicle maintenance costs by approximately 30 per cent.
The Ford E-450 walk-in vans built with Azure's Balance Hybrid Electric drive train system were tested recently in Altoona, Pennsylvania where it was validated for its durability and engineering integrity.
Sherway Ford in Toronto managed the transactions for the City of Toronto in conjunction with PK Vans of Oshawa, Ont. The City of Toronto, Azure Dynamics and PK Vans are all active members of Electric Mobility Canada (EMC).
"The environment is a top concern for the citizens in Canada and the City of Toronto has set an excellent example of their ongoing commitment for cleaner, healthier living. With the partnership between Azure Dynamics and the City of Toronto, we are definitely moving in the right direction and doing what we can to make an immediate impact on our environment," said Pat Johnston, of PK Vans, manufacturer of the bodies on the five hybrid trucks.