Another NRAzure Dynamics Announces Delivery of First of Thirty Hybrid Electric Vehicles to Purolator
BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(CCNMatthews - Nov. 26, 2004) - Azure
Dynamics Corporation (TSX:AZD) (LSE:ADC) ("Azure" or the "Company") a
leading developer of hybrid electric powertrains for commercial vehicles
is pleased to announce that today, at their facility in Burnaby, B.C.,
they delivered a Hybrid Electric Delivery Vehicle to Purolator, Canada's
largest overnight courier company. This vehicle is the first product
delivered as a result of the supply agreement, signed by the two
companies in September 2003 that could see Purolator purchase up to
2,000 hybrid electric powered delivery vans. The five year supply
agreement with Purolator valued at approximately $90 million is Azure
Dynamic's largest customer contract to date.
Azure Dynamics CEO, Campbell Deacon, stated, "Today is a significant
milestone in the evolution of Azure Dynamics from a Research and
Development company into a commercial enterprise. We are particularly
impressed with the vision that Purolator CEO, Bob Johnson and his team
have shown in their support of Azure's paradigm changing technology.
These economically viable powertrains will have a significant impact in
reducing urban emissions, particularly smog. We believe Purolator is at
the forefront of what may soon become a near term industry requirement
in many cities around the world".
"We are excited to begin transitioning our fleet to hybrid electric
vehicles, and believe that our efforts lead the industry in shifting to
environmentally friendly fleet management," said Purolator President and
CEO Robert Johnson.
HEV's are best applied in fleets that are in a constant stop and go
drive cycle because energy is regenerated through braking and stored in
the battery for the drive cycle. The vehicles designed for Purolator are
equipped with a hybrid electric series configuration, which uses the
internal combustion engine combined with a generator to supply
electricity for the battery pack and electric motor. There is no
mechanical connection between the internal combustion engine power unit
and the wheels. All motive power is transferred electrically to one or
more electric traction motors that drive the wheels.
After months of field testing with Azure-equipped vehicles, Purolator
saw emissions reduced by a minimum of 50% while fuel consumption was
reduced by approximately 50%.
The order of 30 vehicles will be filled by Azure over the next few
months. If the experience with these vehicles meets previously agreed
upon parameters, then as Purolator replenishes its fleet each year, the
company is expected to add up to 400 hybrid electric vehicles annually.
About Purolator
As Canada's leading overnight courier company, Purolator Courier Ltd. of
Mississauga, Ontario is committed to its customers. From automated
solutions to 24 hour pick up and delivery, Purolator provides customers
with the services and customized solutions required to get their
shipments across town or around the world. Purolator operates Canada's
largest dedicated air express fleet. Purolator has an extensive service
network, with over 12,500 employees, including more than 4,000 couriers,
over 140 operations locations, over 155 Shipping Centres, over 550
Authorized Shipping Agents and more than 420 drop boxes. Purolator
processes over 5.5 million pieces (delivery and pick up) each week for
destinations across Canada and around the world. Purolator has
implemented a company-wide Quality Leadership Process that provides the
necessary framework for continuous improvement and operational
excellence, becoming the only Canadian courier company to achieve ISO
9001:2000 registration. Purolator is committed to helping alleviate
hunger in Canada, and works closely with the Canadian Association of
Food Banks to support local food banks. In 2003, Purolator generated
more than 50,000 kilograms of food and over $50,000 for food banks in
Canada.
For more information please visit the company website at
www.purolator.com
Azure Dynamics Corporation provides Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology
for light and medium duty commercial vehicles in urban areas. Azure is a
public company trading on both the TSX Exchange in Canada as well as the
AiM market in London. The Company is currently working with various
partners and customers worldwide including Purolator Courier Ltd.,
Canada Post, London Taxis International, Leyland Product Development,
Renault Trucks UK and the United States Postal Service. Azure has
employees based in North America and Europe.
For more company information please visit our website at
www.azuredynamics.com
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Azure Dynamics Corporation
Steven Glaser
Vice-President, Corporate Affairs
(416) 367-0220 ext 105
Email: sglaser@azuredynamics.com
www.azuredynamics.com
or
Purolator Courier Ltd.
Ed Borkowski
Public Relations Manager
(905) 712-1084 ext. 3545
www.purolator.com
The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.