Oct. 30, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
-- Ford Motor Company, collaborating with Azure Dynamics, will introduce
battery electric Transit Connect commercial van to market in 2010
-- The Transit Connect BEV is the first production vehicle from accelerated
electric vehicle strategy, which includes Ford Focus BEV passenger car
in 2011, and a next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid in 2012
-- Azure Dynamics will integrate its proprietary Force Drive(TM) battery
electric drive train in the Transit Connect BEV
-- Johnson Controls-Saft selected as battery supplier for Transit Connect
BEV
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) announced today that Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) has joined in a collaborative effort to deliver a pure battery electric Ford Transit Connect van for the United States and Canadian markets in 2010. Azure will integrate its Force Drive(TM) battery electric drive train in the Transit Connect van for commercial fleet and retail use.
The collaboration with Azure Dynamics for the Transit Connect BEV will build on the existing business relationship between Ford and Azure as well as their shared experience with battery supplier, Johnson Controls-Saft.
"We recognize an increasing interest in electrified vehicles and have an aggressive strategy to bring these vehicles to the marketplace," said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. "Our work with Azure to create a pure electric battery Transit Connect vehicle will allow us to offer our commercial customers an additional option for environmentally friendly transportation."
The Transit Connect BEV will be built on Ford's global commercial vehicle platform as part of the company's One Ford global product vision. It is the first of four electrified vehicles from Ford that will become available over the next three years in the U.S. and Canada including:
-- Battery electric Transit Connect van in 2010
-- Battery electric Ford Focus passenger car in 2011
-- Next generation hybrid vehicle in 2012
-- Plug-In hybrid vehicle in 2012
Collaboration builds on existing business relationship
Azure Dynamics develops hybrid electric and electric drive technology for shuttle buses and commercial trucks, such as the Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric, which is built on the Ford E-450 cutaway and strip chassis for the medium duty commercial vehicle segment.
"The opportunity to work with Ford on the Transit Connect BEV is a breakthrough advancement for us at Azure and for the light commercial vehicle market," said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "For Azure, it's an important evolution of our existing relationship with Ford.
