TORONTO, /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Azure Dynamics Corporation ("Azure" or the "Company") a leading developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial and military vehicles, today announced it has signed an agreement with Ford Motor Company to enable Azure to develop a hybrid electric powertrain for Ford's E-series commercial platform.

Azure is responsible for the development of the parallel hybrid electric gasoline system that will be applied to Ford's E-series commercial vehicles. Azure will be the Vehicle Modifier and will complete the hybrid modification on the E-350 and E-450 commercial chassis. Ford, as the OEM of the incomplete commercial vehicles, will provide Azure with assistance to facilitate the development of the hybrid electric powertrain.

D. Campbell Deacon, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Azure Dynamics said, "We are very pleased to conclude this agreement which puts an Azure powertrain in an extremely popular commercial vehicle chassis and will have application in both the truck and bus markets. The agreement includes an intention for Azure to enter into a Ford Ship-Thru agreement which would allow the modified vehicles to be offered through the Ford distribution network. Ford has stated its desire to become a world leader in hybrid vehicle technology. We are excited to work on this product."

Azure Dynamics Corporation is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric commercial and military vehicles and systems. The Company estimates it has more than 25 million miles of vehicle experience. Azure Dynamics' operations are based in North America and Europe.

Azure is currently working internationally with various partners and customers, including Purolator Courier Ltd., Canada Post, United States Postal Service, Smith Electric Vehicles, Workhorse Custom Chassis, DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc. and AM General LLC. Azure Dynamics Corporation is a public company trading on the TSX in Canada and on the AIM in the UK.


Source : http://www.automotive.com (10/5/2006)