Dear Friends of Azure,
This has been an exciting week for Azure. As you know, on October 30th, Azure announced that its Force Drive pure battery electric drive train would be integrated into the Ford Transit Connect BEV beginning in late 2010. The collaboration between Azure, Ford and Johnson Controls-Saft promises to deliver a revolutionary product to commercial vehicle owners seeking to eliminate fuel costs and tailpipe emissions. It is also another indication of the continuing success of our relationship with Ford.
The market shares our excitement. News of the product development collaboration was carried by national outlets like; USA Today (read full article here: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2009/11/620001015/1), Reuters, Dow Jones, Wall Street Journal, Fox Business Network, Forbes, Detroit Free Press, Crain's Business, Automotive News, Fleet Owner, EV World, GreenCarCongress, Edmunds, Electric Car; and on news aggregation sites including; AOL, Yahoo, MSNBC, MSNmoneycentral, CNBC, to name just a few. In all, over 60 different publications carried the announcement.
Azure Dynamics will issue its third quarter earnings release mid next week. Azure management will host a webinar to discuss recent activities including the Ford Transit Connect BEV announcement at a later date. Full details on how to access the webinar will be included in the earnings release. We encourage all Friends of Azure to join the conversation.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
AZD
# # #
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this press release 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 labor 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.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Friends of Azure Letter
Dear Friends of Azure:
Recent press releases issued by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) have triggered some confusion and a number of questions from many of you. Let me set the record straight.
First of all, the MDOT agreement is exciting and very good news for Azure, but not yet quite as good as the press release seemed to indicate. MDOT has approved a contract that would allow Michigan municipalities to order up to 50 Azure Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric buses over the next three years. We hope and expect that all 50 of the units will eventually be ordered. However, they have not been ordered yet. The agreement with MDOT sets a long-term price for the units so that state municipalities can order them as needs arise within their fleets. Our official Azure press release discussing the Michigan Department of Transportation contract will be sent momentarily.
IDOT announced its intention to order 31 Azure units. We are confident that we will realize these 31 orders, however, agreements are not yet finalized.
Both contracts are further validation that AZD has the products that communities and businesses across the country want and need. "It is exciting to make small hybrid buses available to Michigan transit agencies, given their savings in emissions and better fuel economy," said Sharon Edgar, MDOT administrator, Passenger Transportation. "This is exactly what Michigan transit agencies are looking for - a small hybrid transit bus, more efficient, better suited to their service needs. It's a new direction for transit systems everywhere in the nation and we have several Michigan agencies that are interested in obtaining one or more for their system."
That's music to our ears and we're hearing it more and more often from states and other organizations around the country. The attached press release announces the MDOT contract from Azure's point of view and summarizes some of the business opportunities where we are already in other states and municipalities.
We hope this answers any questions you may have on the recent announcements and on our continuing progress with the Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric product. We hope you're as excited about the future as we are. As always, we appreciate your confidence and support.
Sincerely,
AZD
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this press release 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.
Recent press releases issued by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) have triggered some confusion and a number of questions from many of you. Let me set the record straight.
First of all, the MDOT agreement is exciting and very good news for Azure, but not yet quite as good as the press release seemed to indicate. MDOT has approved a contract that would allow Michigan municipalities to order up to 50 Azure Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric buses over the next three years. We hope and expect that all 50 of the units will eventually be ordered. However, they have not been ordered yet. The agreement with MDOT sets a long-term price for the units so that state municipalities can order them as needs arise within their fleets. Our official Azure press release discussing the Michigan Department of Transportation contract will be sent momentarily.
IDOT announced its intention to order 31 Azure units. We are confident that we will realize these 31 orders, however, agreements are not yet finalized.
Both contracts are further validation that AZD has the products that communities and businesses across the country want and need. "It is exciting to make small hybrid buses available to Michigan transit agencies, given their savings in emissions and better fuel economy," said Sharon Edgar, MDOT administrator, Passenger Transportation. "This is exactly what Michigan transit agencies are looking for - a small hybrid transit bus, more efficient, better suited to their service needs. It's a new direction for transit systems everywhere in the nation and we have several Michigan agencies that are interested in obtaining one or more for their system."
That's music to our ears and we're hearing it more and more often from states and other organizations around the country. The attached press release announces the MDOT contract from Azure's point of view and summarizes some of the business opportunities where we are already in other states and municipalities.
We hope this answers any questions you may have on the recent announcements and on our continuing progress with the Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric product. We hope you're as excited about the future as we are. As always, we appreciate your confidence and support.
Sincerely,
AZD
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this press release 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.
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.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Dear Friends of Azure,
At Azure, we have recently realigned our goals to capitalize on existing and new opportunities in the marketplace. As part of that realignment, Azure has renewed its effort to proactively communicate its market activities to interested audiences. In addition to our scheduled material announcements and press releases, we will showcase more of our relevant activities in our stated effort to "Drive a World of Difference".
Azure's internal corporate mission is to employ the Best People (we do), arm them with Tomorrow's Technology (check) and deliver Today's Solutions (well underway)! It is a privilege for all of us at Azure to take our Hybrid Electric and Electric Drive solutions to a growing market. Most recently we have noticed an amazing change in the market - now, with federal stimulus packages and aggressive green policies, there is a surge in interest in all of our 'Solutions' and we are prepared to deliver.
By offering proven vehicle solutions that significantly reduce operational costs and environmental impact with absolutely no loss in performance or reliability, we have what the market needs plus the partners and distributors to bring this technology to customers.
To that end, we are committed to distributing regularly scheduled business updates and relevant corporate and industry news in the form of newsletters, videos, webinars and other social media outreach as appropriate. In other words, you can expect to hear from us more often.
In the meantime, following is a glimpse of recent media activities that have helped raise awareness for Azure and its product solutions:
- In the first quarter, a joint Azure and Johnson Controls-Saft press conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit attracted over 200 guests and resulted in more than 250 relevant media placements. Coverage of the announcement was included in prestigious outlets such as: The New York Times; Wall Street Journal; Automotive News; Green Car Journal as well as significant coverage in on-line news sources like MSN; CNN; AOL; Yahoo; and Forbes to name just a few.
- Recent stories on other Azure developments from International Automotive Engineering, Popular Mechanics and Government Product News and can be viewed at:
http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/6143
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4307346.html
http://govpro.com/fleets/vehicles/Hybrid_Altoona_testing_9134/ - Azure Dynamics was featured as the cover story for two publications: January 2009 Trailer Body and March 2009 Refrigerated Transporter.
- On April 23rd, Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics' CEO was honored by Lawrence Technological University and Grant Thornton LLP as the "Innovator of the Year" in the Annual Leaders & Innovators Award program! Scott was selected from a group of 46 industry leaders for the award. To read more about the award please visit: http://www.wwj.com/Azure-s-Harrison-Named-Leader---Innovator-Of-The-Y/4261046
On so many levels the world is changing and increasingly it seems to be sloped in Azure's direction. We're happy to have you with us. We know that you believe in what we are doing, so together, we will drive a world of difference!
Contacts:
Mike Elwood, Azure Dynamics, Vice President, Marketing, 905-607-3486 x203
Email: melwood@azuredynamics.com
Pat Liebler, Liebler Group, 313-832-4376
Email: pat@lieblergroup.com
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