Purolator orders 600 hybrid trucks from Azure Dynamics

OAK PARK, Mich. – Purolator has ordered 600 hybrid trucks from Azure Dynamics Corporation – the single largest order of hybrid electric technology for the high-tech company.

According to Azure, 200 units will be delivered to Purolator in 2011, with an additional 200 units scheduled in both 2012 and 2013, subject to annual authorizations.

“Purolator continues to be our largest volume customer and consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the environment by adding cleaner, greener Azure vehicles to its fleet,” said Azure CEO Scott Harrison. “As a result of our long and mutually beneficial relationship with Purolator, our Balance Hybrid Electric volume has consistently increased, allowing us to reduce internal costs, refine our processes and implement product upgrades.

He said purchases like this have allowed Purolator to substantially reduce tailpipe emissions, operating costs, and improve overall efficiency of their fleet.

Purolator will operate the world’s largest fleet of Azure’s Balance Hybrid Electric vehicles with 955 units, including the 2011-2013 deliveries.

“Purolator is proud to invest in the environmental welfare of Canada,” said Serge Viola, director of fleet and ground line haul for Purolator. “Still, environmental stewardship requires a balance with customer satisfaction objectives that require predictable, on-time deliveries. We have extensive experience with the Azure product and continued confidence that the vehicles can perform well and meet the requirements of our hard working fleet.”

The initial allotment of 200 units will be built and delivered primarily in the third and fourth quarters of 2011 and will be delivered to Purolator facilities across Canada. All units will include the Balance Hybrid Electric second generation architecture characterized by the Johnson Controls-Saft lithium ion battery plus many other upgrades designed to improve efficiency, reliability and durability. According to Azure, the Balance Hybrid Electric can improve fuel economy by up to 40%, while reducing carbon emissions by up to 30% in city conditions. The drive train also offers a significant reduction in maintenance costs versus conventionally equipped competitors.

Purolator operates a fleet of 3,500 vehicles and is consistently rated as one of Canada’s most admired corporate cultures. In 2005, Purolator was the first express transportation company in Canada to introduce hybrid electric vehicles.

Analysts say the key to Azure’s future success is its relationship with Ford Motor Co. The two companies are working together to manufacture a fully-electric version of Ford’s globally successful Transit Connect delivery van. The first shipments of that vehicle were made in December.

Azure generated about $9-million in sales in 2009, and its 2010 revenue – to be reported shortly – is expected to more than double to around $22-million. Some analysts have projected that Azure’s 2011 revenue will more than triple to the $70-million range, although the company is not expected to be profitable until at least 2012.

 


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