Azure Dynamics Announces New European Dealerships
OAK PARK -- Azure Dynamics Corp. (OTC: AZDDF) Monday announced Ford dealer representation for the sales and service of its Ford Transit Connect Electric in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden.
Along with previously announced dealer appointments in U.K., Germany and Norway, Azure now has sales locations in six European countries.
By partnering with market-leading dealerships that often have multiple store locations, Azure now has 13 European dealer relationships with 57 distinct store locations.
"We continue to receive strong demand for Transit Connect Electric from various businesses throughout Europe," said Ricardo Espinosa, Azure's managing director in Europe. "Each European country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding sales and service activity for new commercial vehicles. As we establish new dealerships, Azure Dynamics and its Transit Connect Electric essentially become 'open for business' for customers in each new country. Further, Azure targets dealer partners who are established Ford commercial vehicle leaders in strategically significant markets, each of whom has experience of supplying to commercial and government buyers -- many of whom have already expressed an interest in acquiring the innovative Transit Connect Electric. Therefore, Azure gains access to new markets quickly and efficiently."
Azure's previously announced relationship with Oslo, Norway's RhoneSelmer Ford dealership resulted in more than 150 vehicle orders during its first five months of operation.
The new dealerships are:
* MVC Automotive Amsterdam B.V. in Amsterdam, Netherlands
* Aredea Auto B.V. with three dealerships in Rotterdam, Hoofddorp and Amersfoort, Netherlands
* Upplands Motor Stockholm AB in Stockholm, Sweden
* Cegeac SA/NV located in Brussels, Belgium. Cegeac also adds sales and service for customers in Luxembourg
With governments encouraging the adoption of electrified transportation to lower both refueling costs and greenhouse emissions, Azure Dynamics now has dealerships in the capital cities of Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Oslo and Stockholm.
"The electric vehicle is at ease in city centers where the majority of commercial delivery operations reside," said Thierry Vanderschrick of Cegeac. "With its size and load capacity and strong reputation, along with the benefits of its electrified powertrain, we believe Transit Connect Electric is the best available solution for our customers in Belgium and Luxembourg wanting EV commercial vehicles."
The conventional Transit Connect was first introduced in Europe in 2002 and has conclusively proven itself to be a versatile vehicle for real world commercial customers seeking its unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, significant cargo capacity, accessibility and dependability. The all-electric Transit Connect Electric began production in Europe earlier this year and addresses Europe's high energy costs while offering substantial environmental benefits for society at large. Since the Transit Connect Electric was introduced in North America in December 2010, Azure has received more than 460 orders for Transit Connect Electric worldwide.
Azure Dynamics develops and produces hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with a variety of partners and customers.
More at www.azuredynamics.com.
