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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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