AZD NRAzure Dynamics Announces Launch of Purolator's Toronto Hybrid Electric Fleet
TORONTO, ONTARIO, May 30, 2005 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) --
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX:AZD)(LSE:ADC) ("Azure Dynamics" or the "Company") a leading developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial and military vehicles, is pleased to announce the launch of the first ten Hybrid Electric Delivery Vehicles to Purolator Courier Ltd. ("Purolator"), Canada's largest overnight courier company. The Hybrid Electric Delivery Vehicles ("HEVs") were placed by Purolator into its Toronto curb-side delivery fleet. An additional 20 HEVs will be integrated into Purolator's fleet in other major metropolitan areas in Canada.
At a press event hosted by Purolator on Friday May 27th, Robert Johnson, President and CEO of Purolator said, "We are proud to be the first Canadian courier company to start the transition to hybrid electric vehicles. With the significant reductions in fossil fuel emissions and fuel savings promised by HEVs, we believe that our customers, our employees, the environment and our company will all benefit. We know this first step will show the way and help alleviate some of the air pollution problems that can exist in a large city." Mr. Johnson went on to say, "It's truly a strategic decision for us that will have a long term impact. The piloting of this green technology takes us one step closer to realizing our vision to lead the industry to a future standard of zero vehicle emissions."
Azure Dynamics CEO, Campbell Deacon, stated, "Friday May 27, 2005 can be considered a major milestone for Azure Dynamics. We are very proud to be working with a company like Purolator, whose vision of adopting new technology to help reduce urban emissions is coming to fruition." Mr. Deacon added, "It is important to recognize the magnitude of what Purolator has started. Four more orders of the size of Purolator's (up to 2,000 HEVs) would be the equivalent of removing all cars from Toronto streets for approximately a month or planting approximately 2 million trees annually."
After analyzing the environmental impact of its operations and services, Purolator identified fleet fuel usage and vehicle air emissions as the best way to reduce its environmental footprint. The HEVs are expected to eliminate up to 50% of the greenhouse gasses currently emitted by their conventional gasoline/diesel delivery vehicles. Assuming in-service vehicle performance meets their expectations, Purolator intends to add up to 400 HEVs to its fleet annually.
HEVs are well suited to fleets operating in urban drive cycles which include numerous stops and starts, and engine idling. Energy is regenerated through braking and stored in the battery for driving. Purolator's HEVs are equipped with a hybrid 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.