Azure Dynamics Opens European Headquarters
The Oak Park hybrid and electric truck powertrain developer Azure Dynamics Corp. has opened a new office in North London to support its sales and marketing efforts for the new all-electric Ford Transit Connect, which is scheduled for European production in June.
"Since its introduction in 2002, the Ford Transit Connect has had phenomenal sales success in cities across Europe and we're eager to launch its all-electric counterpart, Transit Connect Electric," said Scott Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics. "Since receiving the first 14 Transit Connect Electric vehicles in Europe this past December, we are very encouraged by the initial reaction and interest from both European public and private commercial fleet operators. Many of our potential customers have experience with the conventional gas vehicle and are now eager to enjoy the operational and environmental benefits of our pure-electric ForceDrive powertrain."
Transit Connect Electric offers a unique combination of driving dynamics, cargo capacity, accessibility and low costs of operation. It can achieve a range of 80 to 130 kilometers (50 to 80 miles) depending on auxiliary power usage and drive cycle, and has a top speed of 125 kph (75 mph). The lithium ion battery is rechargeable in approximately six hours using a 230-volt outlet.
Azure's new European office will be responsible for all European operations including engineering and program coordination, manufacturing activities, sales and marketing and service support.
The North London office, located in Arlington Business Park in Stevenage, has 4,800 square feet of offices as well as a workshop area that can accommodate Azure vehicles and diagnostic equipment for vehicles and electric powertrain components.
The East of England Development Agency helped Azure locate the office. Azure Dynamics Ltd., the subsidiary, is at Unit 10 of the IO Centre in Arlington Business Park on Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage Herts.
Azure has selected a European-based manufacturer to upfit the Transit Connect Electric and expects to announce the partnership upon the completion of the terms. Azure has been developing electric powertrains for more than 20 years. The ForceDrive technology has over 40 different vehicle integrations to its credit and more than 35 million miles of real-world experience.
Azure also manufactures the Balance Hybrid Electric delivery truck and shuttle bus, which offers up to 40 percent fuel economy improvement while reducing emissions by up to 30 percent.
More at www.azuredynamics.com.
