Australian Hybrid Camry rolls off the line in February (Int'l, Ind. Report)

Toyota will commence production of the Hybrid Camry in Australia in February 2010. The car will be Australia's first domestically-produced hybrid, with an annual run of 10,000 units, some of which are earmarked for export to New Zealand.

(Source: Pure Green Cars, December 12, 2009)

London to install 25,000 Charge Points by 2015 (Int'l, Ind. Report)

Speaking at COP-15, London Mayor Boris Johnson has pledged that every Londoner will be no more than one mile from an EV charge point by 2015 as he attempts to make London the electric car capital of the world. As he unveiled his long-awaited electric car stra tegy, Johnson said that 25,000 charge points will be installed across the city over the next five years, with 22,500 charge points to be installed at workplaces, 500 deployed on city streets and 2,000 destined for car parks. Johnson added that a network of special fast-charge points would be installed at key locations on the road network and at motorway service stations in the South East. The city will also create a web site for EV owners to help them get the most from their rides and keep them up-to-date on advances and payment options.

(Source: Business Green, December 15, 2009)

Purolator buys 200 Azure Dynamics Hybrid Trucks -- largest order in company histor y (G&C)

Azure Dynamics has sold an additional 200 Balance Hybrid Electric delivery trucks to Purolator Courier -- the company's largest order to date in terms of revenue. The new trucks will join 205 other Azure hybrids already at work in Purolator's fleet in 2010.

"This order represents the culmination of our Balance Hybrid Electric efforts over the past several years," said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics Chief Executive Officer. "More importantly, the order represents a catapult into 2010 and beyond. Our product is delivering on its promises and becoming the preferred hybrid electric technology solution for hard working, urban delivery truck and shuttle bus applications. As a result, our volume is up, costs are down and we're engaging new and repeat customers who increasingly understand our value proposition."

Editor's Note: Purolator purchased 50 AD Hybrids earlier this year, as we reported in our June 23, 2009 newsletter. (Source: PR Newswire, December 14, 2009)

Azure Dynamics Receives Incentive From MEGA

Dear Friends of Azure,

Please read the below excerpt taken from a Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) release posted earlier today that announces a $1.3 million state tax credit issued to Azure Dynamics. The Company continues to work with national and regional government entities to secure financial incentives.


Expansion Projects In Michigan Create And Retain More Than 9,000 Jobs

Posted on: 15th December 2009

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping 10 companies grow in Michigan and is backing eight brownfield redevelopment projects.

Combined, the 18 projects are expected to create 6,804 new jobs (2,236 direct and 4,418 indirect), retain 2,263 jobs, and generate over $672 million in new investment in the state.

"These expansion projects, located across the state and in different business sectors, are a great way to close out the year," Granholm said. "Companies are taking advantage of our excellent work force, competitive business climate and innovative economic development tools to locate or expand in Michigan. Our aggressive strategy to diversify and grow Michigan's economy is working."

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) board today approved incentives to win the following projects for Michigan over competing states and countries:

- Azure Dynamics Inc. - The Oak Park developer of proprietary electric and hybrid-electric technology for light and heavy commercial vehicles plans to collaborate with the Ford Motor Company to deliver an electric-battery Ford Transit Connect van for the U.S. and Canadian markets. The company plans to invest $2.45 million in the project, which will create 83 total jobs, including 40 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project will create an additional 43 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC's recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $1.3 million over seven years to encourage the company to expand in Michigan.

"These projects demonstrate the spirit of collaboration alive in Michigan where the state and local communities can partner and make strong business cases to win investment and jobs from the world's most innovative companies over competing locations not only in the United States, but all over the world," MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority, the state's response to interstate competition for company expansions and relocations, may provide a refundable tax credit against the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) to companies expanding or relocating their operations in Michigan. Since January 2009, nearly 100,000 new and retained jobs have been announced as a result of the MEGA program.

The complete press release including the full roster of other incentive recipients can be viewed here: http://thegovmonitor.com/world_news/united_states/expansion-projects-in-michigan-create-and-retain-more-than-9000-jobs-18779.html

Tax holiday for corporate EVs unveiled in UK (Int'l, Leg. & Reg.)

British Finance Minister Alistair Darling has scrapped taxes on company electric cars for the next five years in an effort to boost a struggling UK industry. Sources estimate that 1.1 million cars can be found in UK fleets, but that only 50 of them are EVs. Firms currently pay National Insurance contributions and employees pay income tax based on a car's sticker price and CO2 emissions, ranging from 9% on EVs to up to 35% for gas guzzlers, so this move will cut that 9%. The chancellor also announced 100% first year capital allowances for electric vans in a bid to boost purchases in that sector.

The news was welcomed by the industry. Paul Everitt, CEO of the the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said help could not have come at a better time as 2010 will be "another extremely difficult year" for the UK motor industry.

(Source: Reuters, December 9, 2009).

Tazzari EVs on sale next month (New Prod. & Tech.)

The Tazzari Group's EV will go on sale next month across Europe and the US via the company's established distribution network. With a top speed of 56 mph and an estimated range of 87 miles, the car is powered by a lithium-iron phosphate battery which boosts the vehicle's weight from 882 lbs to 1,195 lbs.

Editor's Note: We've run many stories on Tazzari; in the US, the cars will be sold as LSEVs until crash test approval is forthcoming.

(Source: Green Car Congress, December 7, 2009)

Peugeot unveils Range-Extended Hydrogen Concept EV in France (New Prod. & Tech)

Peugeot is highlighting a demonstration electric vehicle at a hydrogen technology conference in Lyon, France based on a 307 CC coupe-convertible. The 307 uses an electric powertrain allied to a plug-in lithium-ion battery pack from Johnson Controls-Saft for propulsion, and then switches to a range-extending hydrogen fuel cell once the battery is depleted. The hydrogen 307CC has a total range greater than 500 km (310 miles), and consumes less than 1 kg of H2 per 100 km -- putting it roughly on a par with cars like the Honda FCX Clarity. Given the dearth of hydrogen filling stations, and the technological hurdles to be overcome, Peugeot doesn't expect to commercialize hydrogen vehicles before 2020.

(Source: Autoblog Green, December 7, 2009).