Toyota Motor Europe (TME) and Aston Martin are collaborating to create the Cygnet -- a pint-sized luxury commuter car based on the iQ platform that will be richly customized for Aston Martin owners. The new vehicle will reportedly leverage Aston Martin's design flair and Toyota's ability to create a tight, low-carbon car for the 21st century that measures just three meters (9.8 feet) in length.
"It's a great compliment that the Toyota iQ has been hand-picked by one of the world's most prestigious sports car brands, a company with whom we also share a strong friendship," said Tadashi Arashima, Toyota Europe CEO. "This collaboration represents a natural pairing of strategies: a small yet spacious package, perfect for the city driver, finished off with Aston Martin's iconic design language. The Cygnet is a good choice for the Aston Martin owner looking for that second or third car, which is luxurious and eco-conscious."
Editor's Note: Reports also suggest that the 56 mpg iQ is coming to the US under the Scion brand, perhaps as soon as 2011. (Source: Green Car Congress, June 29, 2009). Contact: Etienne Plas, Media, Toyota Europe, +32 (2) 745-2022, etienne.plas@toyota-europe.com, toyota-europe.com; Aston Martin, www.astonmartin.com.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
UK government unveils $40.7 mn EV trial (Funding, R&D)
The UK government has officially kicked off a major £25 million trial of electric and low-carbon vehicles by sending 340 cars to eight different cities in an initiative that will assess the viability of emerging electric car technologies. The scheme, administered by the Technology Strategy Board, will provide a range of PHEVs, EVs, and fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) to participants in the trial over the next six to 18 months, along with the infrastructure to recharge them. The trial will include electric versions of the BMW Mini Cooper, Ford Focus and Smart Car, as well as a new Peugeot EV, a modified Toyota Prius PHEV, and an electric sports cars from a consortium of three independents.
The largest trial will send 100 Smart EVs to drivers in the West Midlands and London, while 40 Mini Cooper EVs will land in Oxford and the South East. Peugeot is supplying 40 eExpert Teepee electric cars to Glasgow, and Ford is sending 15 Focus EVs to Hillingdon, a London borough. The TSB plans to launch a much larger initiative with 8,000 EVs within three to four years.
(Source: Business Green, June 23, 2009). Contact: Technology Strategy Board, www.innovateuk.org; Kristen Kinley, Sustainability Communications, Ford, (313) 337-2786, kkinley@ford.com, www.ford.com; Daimler, www.daimler.com; Peugeot Citroen, +33 (0) 15 304-3480, www.psa-peugeot-citroen.com/en/; BMW, www.bmw.com.
The largest trial will send 100 Smart EVs to drivers in the West Midlands and London, while 40 Mini Cooper EVs will land in Oxford and the South East. Peugeot is supplying 40 eExpert Teepee electric cars to Glasgow, and Ford is sending 15 Focus EVs to Hillingdon, a London borough. The TSB plans to launch a much larger initiative with 8,000 EVs within three to four years.
(Source: Business Green, June 23, 2009). Contact: Technology Strategy Board, www.innovateuk.org; Kristen Kinley, Sustainability Communications, Ford, (313) 337-2786, kkinley@ford.com, www.ford.com; Daimler, www.daimler.com; Peugeot Citroen, +33 (0) 15 304-3480, www.psa-peugeot-citroen.com/en/; BMW, www.bmw.com.
Ford, Nissan, and Tesla land $8 bn DOE financing (Funding)
Ford, the only Big Three automaker not receiving emergency federal loans, will get $5.9 billion in DOE financing to accelerate production of fuel-efficient cars. Nissan will also be receiving $1.6 billion in loans to construct an EV factory and battery facility at its Tennessee manufacturing base, and Tesla was successful in securing $465 million to develop its Model S sedan, and to build a manufacturing and electric powertrain facilit y in California.
"By supporting key technologies and sound business plans, we can jump-start the production of fuel efficient vehicles in America," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu said. "These investments will come back to our country many times over -- by creating new jobs, reducing our dependence on oil, and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions."
(Source: LA Times, Detroit Free Press, June 23, 2009). Contact: Kimberly Harry, Corporate Communications, Ford, (313) 845-5167, kharry1@ford.com, www.ford.com; Nissan, www.nissan-global.com, NEC, www.nec.com; Automotive Energy Supply, www.eco-aesc.com/en/; Rachel Konrad, Senior Communications Manager, Tesla Motors, (650) 701-2664, rachel@teslamotors.com, www.teslamotors.com.
"By supporting key technologies and sound business plans, we can jump-start the production of fuel efficient vehicles in America," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu said. "These investments will come back to our country many times over -- by creating new jobs, reducing our dependence on oil, and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions."
(Source: LA Times, Detroit Free Press, June 23, 2009). Contact: Kimberly Harry, Corporate Communications, Ford, (313) 845-5167, kharry1@ford.com, www.ford.com; Nissan, www.nissan-global.com, NEC, www.nec.com; Automotive Energy Supply, www.eco-aesc.com/en/; Rachel Konrad, Senior Communications Manager, Tesla Motors, (650) 701-2664, rachel@teslamotors.com, www.teslamotors.com.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Port of Oakland closing to pre-1993 trucks starting January 2010 (Leg. & Reg.)
The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners voted to ban trucks models manufactured before 1993 from entering the port, beginning January 1, 2010. The ban comes as part of a $15.2 million Comprehensive Management Plan, which also req uires all trucks manufactured between 1994 and 2006 to be retrofitted with soot filters. "The truck ban will demonstrate that the Port of Oakland is very serious about reducing diesel pollution," said Victor Uno, board president. "We are taking an aggressive position to provide maximum assurance that only cleaner trucks will serve our seaport."
(Source: Trucking Info, June 22, 2009). Contact: Richard Sinkoff, Director of Environmental Programs & Planning, Port of Oakland, (510) 627-1182, www.portofoakland.com
(Source: Trucking Info, June 22, 2009). Contact: Richard Sinkoff, Director of Environmental Programs & Planning, Port of Oakland, (510) 627-1182, www.portofoakland.com
Purolator purchases 50 Azure Dynamics Hybrid-Electric Trucks in Canada (Ind. Report, G&C)
Canada's Purolator Courier has ordered 50 Balance Hybrid-Electric Trucks from Azure Dynamics to be delivered later this year. This new order is the second by Purolator, and it brings the number of Azure trucks deployed by the delivery company in Ontario to 155. As our publication has outlined many times, the Azure Balance Hybrid Electric Trucks are based on a Ford E450 chassis, and they can improve fuel economy by up to 40% -- and reduc e carbon emission by up to 30% in city driving.
(Source: Pure Green Cars, June 22, 2009). Contact: Jay Sandler, Vice President, Sales, Azure Dynamics, (248) 298-2403 ext. 1205, jsandler@azuredynamics.com, www.azuredynamics.com; Serge Viola, National Fleet Director, Purolator Courier, (905) 712-1084 , sviola@purolator.com, www.purolator.com
(Source: Pure Green Cars, June 22, 2009). Contact: Jay Sandler, Vice President, Sales, Azure Dynamics, (248) 298-2403 ext. 1205, jsandler@azuredynamics.com, www.azuredynamics.com; Serge Viola, National Fleet Director, Purolator Courier, (905) 712-1084 , sviola@purolator.com, www.purolator.com
Monday, June 22, 2009
Dear Friends of Azure,
It's been a few weeks since we first addressed you, our 'Friends of Azure'; well here we are again with more news from AZD to help you better understand the company and some of our recent activities.
First of all, we had a successful Annual General Meeting on June 9th. Azure executives discussed the strategic approach to 2009 and beyond. On the cost side, we detailed our actions that will result in a 42% reduction in bill of material costs! Also, we outlined our sales progress which has the company on track for another year over year sales increase.
For the first time ever, the AGM was offered via web cast and, although we had a bit of an audio glitch to start, in the end over 77 people tuned in. Nice. This was the AGM of firsts for AZD; first webcast as mentioned, first time in Detroit, first time we had a ride and drive proudly demonstrating AZD products and the first time we had a mock trade show display showcasing our components. We will be posting bits and pieces of the AGM on our website over the next week. Speaking of the website, we have a new Corporate Video which is on our site and speaks directly to the AZD Brand.
The video was produced internally and we believe it will help the company to visually relate our overall mission. Also posted on the site is the 2008 Annual Report. In an effort to reduce the amount of paper used by the company, the report was produced electronically. AZD has implemented a companywide sustainable practices program. This program has created a spirited competition at each AZD location as our 'best people' are competing to raise the bar on 'green initiatives' and charitable donations...AZD staff are biking to work, bringing in canned foods from home and making personal donations to help the less fortunate...together we are 'driving a world of difference'.
We now have an AZD YouTube Channel where the AZD Corporate Video and a couple of other company videos reside. As we move forward, we will populate this channel with any relevant clips as well as other video we may produce internally. If you have any video that you think is worth showcasing, please let us know.
Other pieces of corporate good news are recent announcements like the Company's recognition from the Canadian Advanced Technology Innovation and Leadership Award program (5/28), a new partnership between Azure and Champion Bus (6/2), a shuttle bus sale to Blue Cross Blue Shield Tennessee (6/8), two shuttle sales to the Nashville MTA (6/8), an order for 15 Balance Hybrid Electric shuttle buses from Metro Mobility in Minneapolis (6/11), and a new Purolator order for 50 additional Balance Hybrid Electric trucks (6/18). So, in the past three weeks alone, our activity includes 68 vehicle sales, another key distribution partnership and an important recognition from a prestigious advanced technology outlet.
The announcement about yet another Bus Body partnership with Champion Bus was significant as it provides Azure added distribution and reach into the shuttle bus market through a significant and highly regarded builder in the bus body sector. As it reads now the scorecard should show that we have expanded the channels of distribution significantly, with Ford Dealers moving the Balance Hybrid Electric and Champion Bus, Goshen Coach, Turtle Top, Glaval, StarTrans, Supreme and Collins Bus also developing the Balance E450 in shuttle bus configurations. The company is increasingly well represented throughout North America.
Remember the Collins Bus announcement from early April? School Transportation News, the lead voice of the School Transportation industry, produced a feature article on the announcement and our technology. That article is available on our website. Azure was pleased to participate in the June 11th "Hybrids on the Hill" event. Sponsored by CALSTART and Environmental Defense Fund, the event showcased hybrid truck technology to an audience of legislators and media in Washington D.C. Azure technology was visible on four of the trucks shown including one of the very few vehicles that were actually parked adjacent to the Capitol Reflecting Pool. This event offered phenomenal visibility for Azure in front of policy-makers, key customers, industry associations and media. We will be posting as many photos as we can gather from the event and they, too, will make our hit parade on the website.
Azure continues its aggressive stance related to opportunities with federal stimulus programs. We have already seen funding favorably impact the hybrid electric and electric commercial vehicle markets. We believe that the Administration's efforts will continue to provide a tailwind for Azure technology as we become the preferred provider of efficient, green transportation.
We appreciate your continued interest and support for Azure Dynamics. We continue to see positive results of our efforts and look forward to continuing to earn customers and delight shareholders.
Sincerely,
AZD
Forward-looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this document contains statements concerning Azure's business development strategy, projected commercial revenues and product deliveries. The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Azure, including expectations and assumptions concerning achievement of current timetables for development programs, target market acceptance of Azure's products, current and new product performance, availability and cost of labour and expertise, and evolving markets for power for transportation vehicles. Although Azure believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Azure can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with Azure's early stage of development, lack of product revenues and history of losses, requirements for additional financing, uncertainty as to commercial viability, uncertainty as to product development and commercialization milestones being met, uncertainty as to the market for Azure's products and unproven acceptance of Azure's technology, competition for capital, product market and personnel, uncertainty as to target markets, dependence upon third parties, changes in environmental laws or policies, uncertainty as to patent and proprietary rights, availability of management and key personnel, and acquisition integration risk. These risks are set out in more detail in Azure's annual information form which can be accessed at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Azure undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
First of all, we had a successful Annual General Meeting on June 9th. Azure executives discussed the strategic approach to 2009 and beyond. On the cost side, we detailed our actions that will result in a 42% reduction in bill of material costs! Also, we outlined our sales progress which has the company on track for another year over year sales increase.
For the first time ever, the AGM was offered via web cast and, although we had a bit of an audio glitch to start, in the end over 77 people tuned in. Nice. This was the AGM of firsts for AZD; first webcast as mentioned, first time in Detroit, first time we had a ride and drive proudly demonstrating AZD products and the first time we had a mock trade show display showcasing our components. We will be posting bits and pieces of the AGM on our website over the next week. Speaking of the website, we have a new Corporate Video which is on our site and speaks directly to the AZD Brand.
The video was produced internally and we believe it will help the company to visually relate our overall mission. Also posted on the site is the 2008 Annual Report. In an effort to reduce the amount of paper used by the company, the report was produced electronically. AZD has implemented a companywide sustainable practices program. This program has created a spirited competition at each AZD location as our 'best people' are competing to raise the bar on 'green initiatives' and charitable donations...AZD staff are biking to work, bringing in canned foods from home and making personal donations to help the less fortunate...together we are 'driving a world of difference'.
We now have an AZD YouTube Channel where the AZD Corporate Video and a couple of other company videos reside. As we move forward, we will populate this channel with any relevant clips as well as other video we may produce internally. If you have any video that you think is worth showcasing, please let us know.
Other pieces of corporate good news are recent announcements like the Company's recognition from the Canadian Advanced Technology Innovation and Leadership Award program (5/28), a new partnership between Azure and Champion Bus (6/2), a shuttle bus sale to Blue Cross Blue Shield Tennessee (6/8), two shuttle sales to the Nashville MTA (6/8), an order for 15 Balance Hybrid Electric shuttle buses from Metro Mobility in Minneapolis (6/11), and a new Purolator order for 50 additional Balance Hybrid Electric trucks (6/18). So, in the past three weeks alone, our activity includes 68 vehicle sales, another key distribution partnership and an important recognition from a prestigious advanced technology outlet.
The announcement about yet another Bus Body partnership with Champion Bus was significant as it provides Azure added distribution and reach into the shuttle bus market through a significant and highly regarded builder in the bus body sector. As it reads now the scorecard should show that we have expanded the channels of distribution significantly, with Ford Dealers moving the Balance Hybrid Electric and Champion Bus, Goshen Coach, Turtle Top, Glaval, StarTrans, Supreme and Collins Bus also developing the Balance E450 in shuttle bus configurations. The company is increasingly well represented throughout North America.
Remember the Collins Bus announcement from early April? School Transportation News, the lead voice of the School Transportation industry, produced a feature article on the announcement and our technology. That article is available on our website. Azure was pleased to participate in the June 11th "Hybrids on the Hill" event. Sponsored by CALSTART and Environmental Defense Fund, the event showcased hybrid truck technology to an audience of legislators and media in Washington D.C. Azure technology was visible on four of the trucks shown including one of the very few vehicles that were actually parked adjacent to the Capitol Reflecting Pool. This event offered phenomenal visibility for Azure in front of policy-makers, key customers, industry associations and media. We will be posting as many photos as we can gather from the event and they, too, will make our hit parade on the website.
Azure continues its aggressive stance related to opportunities with federal stimulus programs. We have already seen funding favorably impact the hybrid electric and electric commercial vehicle markets. We believe that the Administration's efforts will continue to provide a tailwind for Azure technology as we become the preferred provider of efficient, green transportation.
We appreciate your continued interest and support for Azure Dynamics. We continue to see positive results of our efforts and look forward to continuing to earn customers and delight shareholders.
Sincerely,
AZD
Forward-looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this document contains statements concerning Azure's business development strategy, projected commercial revenues and product deliveries. The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Azure, including expectations and assumptions concerning achievement of current timetables for development programs, target market acceptance of Azure's products, current and new product performance, availability and cost of labour and expertise, and evolving markets for power for transportation vehicles. Although Azure believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Azure can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with Azure's early stage of development, lack of product revenues and history of losses, requirements for additional financing, uncertainty as to commercial viability, uncertainty as to product development and commercialization milestones being met, uncertainty as to the market for Azure's products and unproven acceptance of Azure's technology, competition for capital, product market and personnel, uncertainty as to target markets, dependence upon third parties, changes in environmental laws or policies, uncertainty as to patent and proprietary rights, availability of management and key personnel, and acquisition integration risk. These risks are set out in more detail in Azure's annual information form which can be accessed at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Azure undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
Electrovaya to detail Maya 300 EV (New Prod. & Tech)
On Wednesday, Ontario's Electrovaya will provide more details about the Maya 300 -- a lithium-powered EV that is expected to roll off production lines in 2011. The car will charge in less than 10 hours on a regular 110-volt outlet and cost less than $25,000 US. Word is that an extended range option -- with an upgraded battery pack -- will cost less than $35,000 and boast a 120-mile range.
Electrovaya is -- first and foremost -- a battery maker, and they've been working with Exxon on the SuperPolymer thin separator used in their li-ion cells. Some green car pundits are wondering if the Maya 300 will be upgraded to a highway-ready EV, but it's too early to tell.
Editor's Note: As our archives will attest, we've also been following Electrovaya's work with Tata and Miljo Grenland in Europe.
Contact: P.L. Hart, Electrovaya CFO, (905) 855-4636, plhart@electrovaya.com, www.electrovaya.com.
Electrovaya is -- first and foremost -- a battery maker, and they've been working with Exxon on the SuperPolymer thin separator used in their li-ion cells. Some green car pundits are wondering if the Maya 300 will be upgraded to a highway-ready EV, but it's too early to tell.
Editor's Note: As our archives will attest, we've also been following Electrovaya's work with Tata and Miljo Grenland in Europe.
Contact: P.L. Hart, Electrovaya CFO, (905) 855-4636, plhart@electrovaya.com, www.electrovaya.com.
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