Norway's RøhneSelmer Orders Another 100 Electric Vans From Azure Dynamics
OAK PARK -- The first European Ford dealer for the Oak Park hybrid and electric truck powertrain developer Azure Dynamics Corp. has ordered another 100 Ford Transit Connect Electric vans.
The dealer, RøhneSelmer, had ordered 58 of the vans in March for various clients, among them Norway Post.
"We've worked exclusively with Ford for more than 50 years and know that with Azure Dynamics' technology, the Transit Connect Electric will meet the environmental requirements and tough weather conditions of the Norwegian market," said Anders Gadsboll, sales director of RhoneSelmer. "We sold 50 Transit Connect Electric vans before the first unit was delivered to us and we're confident we'll sell many, many more the remainder of this year and beyond. It's the right product for today's Norwegian market."
Azure and Ford Motor Co. brought the Transit Connect Electric to the European market this year at a time when increasing numbers of fleet operators in the United States and Europe are demanding the benefits of efficient, clean alternative power for their vehicles. With 28 kilowatt-hours of power to call on, Transit Connect Electric has a top speed of 120 kmh (75 mph) and a range of up to 130 km (80 miles) on a full charge.
"Norway has a large customer base with a good understanding of and appreciation for electric vehicles, which RøhneSelmer obviously recognizes," said Ricardo Espinosa, managing director of European operations for Azure Dynamics. "The Transit Connect Electric can play an important role in the Norwegian market and help to achieve Norway's aggressive environmental goals."
The Transit Connect Electric offers Norwegian customers the opportunity to eliminate petroleum fuel bills, take advantage of car-pool lanes and to lower overall maintenance and operating costs. The vehicle is an ideal choice for battery electric power thanks to its unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, generous cargo capacity, easy accessibility and low operating costs. Transit Connect Electric can be recharged using standard European 220-volt outlets in approximately eight hours.
"Transit Connect Electric is operating on a global stage and this early repeat order from RøhneSelmer is further validation of the value it brings to customers like Norway Post and others with shorter delivery routes and frequent stop and go driving conditions," said Scott Harrison, Azure's CEO. "We're delighted that RøhneSelmer has given us this additional vote of confidence and we're confident that the Transit Connect Electric will more than live up to their expectations."
The Transit Connect Electric went into production in Europe in June this year following its successful production launch in North America in April, 2011.
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.
