Dec. 16, 2010
Ottawa, ON - Canada Post today became the recipient of the first Transit Connect Electric commercial delivery vehicle in Canada. The all-electric commercial van, built on the Ford Transit Connect vehicle body and equipped with Azure Dynamics’ patented Force DriveTM battery electric powertrain is the first of ten zero-emission pure battery-powered vehicles the corporation has committed to purchasing. The remaining nine Ford Transit Connect electric vans will begin delivering mail in 2011.
“It is important for companies such as Canada Post to show leadership and explore ways to reduce their overall carbon footprint,” says the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). “Canadians should be pleased that their postal service will deliver mail in a more environmentally friendly manner.”
“We have the largest delivery fleet in the country and we are committed to improving our environmental record,” says Doug Jones, senior vice-president, Operations, at Canada Post. “Developing partnerships with companies like Ford and Azure allows us to implement new technologies that meet our delivery needs.”
Canada Post has tested a number of vehicle technologies over the years with the aim of advancing technology and securing vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. The corporation began working with Azure Dynamics back in 1998 to begin to develop technology that would reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency for its fleet. The Ford Transit Connect Electric reduces gasoline fuel costs to zero, produces no tailpipe emissions and is virtually silent.
“The purpose built Ford Transit Connect is a versatile and capable vehicle for fleet customers,” said Scott Cauvel, vice-president of Sales, Ford of Canada. “We are pleased that the Ford Transit Connect Electric will help to bring Canada Post further along the path of environmental sustainability.”
“As a business with extensive operations in Canada, Azure is thrilled that Canada Post is leading by example and helping to introduce the environmentally friendly Transit Connect Electric to its fleet and our country,” said Mike Elwood, vice-president of Marketing, Azure Dynamics. “Commercial fleets like Canada Post endure difficult duty cycles and are under constant cost and performance pressure. Transit Connect Electric is a significant technological achievement that can meet the challenge with quiet, clean and lower-cost operations.” These vehicles will be equipped with the Azure Dynamics pure battery-electric power train. The Ford Transit Connect Electric utilizes an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls-Saft to achieve a range of up to 130 Kilometres (80 miles) on a single charge and zero tailpipe emissions.
“Our delivery vans travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop-and-go driving; these are all performance characteristics that allow for maximum benefit of the Ford Transit Connect Electric and its ForceDriveTM power train,” adds Mr. Jones.
With 71,000 employees and more than 6,500 post offices, The Canada Post Group – including affiliates Purolator Courier and SCI Group, as well as Innovapost (a joint venture with CGI), maintains the largest retail and transportation network in the country. Canada Post delivered close to 11 billion pieces in 2009 to 15 million addresses across Canada, posting $7.3 billion in revenue. Canada Post provides innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions, creating value for our customers, employees and Canadians. Canada Post has been chosen as one of Canada’s Top 100 employers by Mediacorp for the past four years and in 2009 was named “Most Iconic Brand in Canada” by Brand Finance Canada. Website: canadapost.ca.
Ford of Canada’s operations include a national headquarters, three regional offices, two branch offices, four vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, and two parts distribution centres. Ford employs approximately 7,000 people in Canada, while an additional 18,000 people are employed in the more than 400 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships across the country. For more information, please visit www.ford.ca.
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of 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. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com. The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
