SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwired - Mar 5, 2014) - Echo Automotive, Inc. (OTCQB: ECAU) ("Echo Automotive", "Echo" or the "Company") a developer of technologies enabling the cost-effective aftermarket addition of fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid capability to new or existing vehicles, today announced the signing of a distribution and installation agreement with Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products (CVP), an industry-leading commercial vehicle equipment provider and upfitter.
"CVP has an impressive history of aligning with innovative technology companies and OEMs to deliver meaningful products and services to commercial fleets," said Jason Plotke, Echo Automotive Chairman and President. "The company's ship-thru and custom upfitting capabilities enhance the value and convenience we can offer EchoDrive™ customers, especially those in need of a one-stop solution for adding new, fuel-efficient vehicles to their fleets. This partnership supports our business strategy, widens our distribution and installation footprint, and makes it even easier for fleets to adopt EchoDrive. We are very pleased to be working with CVP."
"Echo has created a non-intrusive plug-in hybrid system that can deliver hard-dollar cost savings for 10 years," said John Forest, Vice President of Install Operations, Leggett & Platt CVP. "The EchoDrive technology, and the economic value it offers, is impressive -- fleets can increase fuel efficiency by 50%. We are excited to add this plug-in hybrid option to our alternative fuels portfolio and our ship-thru services. EchoDrive gives us another powerful tool to meet the unique needs of our fleet customers."
CVP will begin accepting orders for the EchoDrive system later this year, and will offer Echo-certified installation of the EchoDrive system for new vehicles beginning first quarter of 2015.
About Echo Automotive, Inc. (OTCQB: ECAU)
Echo Automotive™ is a technology company that specializes in delivering cost-effective electrification products and solutions that are purpose-built to maximize fleet transportation efficiency and provide optimal return on investment. The key to Echo's strategy is the bolt-on nature of its solutions, which reduce operating costs and increase efficiency without affecting original vehicle operations. Additionally, Echo offers technology licensing, and consulting in design, energy storage, propulsion, conversions, and vehicle engineering. For more information, please visit www.echoautomotive.com.
About Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products
Leggett & Platt CVP is a division of global diversified manufacturer Leggett & Platt, Inc. (NYSE: LEG). Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Leggett & Platt CVP is a family of companies that provides a single source for commercial vehicle needs. Through its brands Leggett & Platt CVP designs, manufactures and installs commercial vehicle interior systems, truck equipment and accessories. The Leggett & Platt CVP family of companies includes 10 facilities in North America. For more information on Leggett & Platt CVP, visit www.LeggettCVP.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, commercial rollout of the EchoDrive™ system in 2014, target market, development of technologies and products, and business strategy. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.