Purolator Orders Hybrid Delivery Vehicles

Vancouver-based Azure Dynamics Corporation, a developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial and military vehicles, has announced that Purolator Courier Ltd. has ordered 115 hybrid electric vehicles. In September 2003, Azure Dynamics and Purolator signed a supply agreement for the replacement of up to 2,000 conventional powered vehicles with Azure powered hybrid electric vehicle technology.

The order placed by Purolator represents the first commercial production vehicles to be produced by Azure under that agreement and comes after a period of extensive pre-production testing by both Purolator and Azure of Purolator vans outfitted with Azure powertrain technology. Deliveries of the first vehicles will commence in 2006. Ultimately, Azure intends to offer a full range of series and parallel hybrids. Campbell Deacon, CEO of Azure Dynamics said, “The 115 hybrid electric vehicle order is the largest of its kind in the delivery industry. We are proud to be associated with Purolator and believe their bold leadership will be instrumental in changing the way the industry does business. Azure will continue to work to achieve and exceed the performance standards necessary for Purolator and others to make such ground breaking orders.” Robert Johnson, president and CEO of Purolator remarked, “Given commercial realities, Purolator is committed to doing what it can to have a positive impact on the environment. We are pleased that the technology continues to perform at the high standards we need to see in order to maintain our excellent delivery performance for our customers. It gives us the confidence to embark on the next phase of fleet replacement with Azure’s hybrid electric vehicle technology.”