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.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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.
Riversimple Hydrogen-Powered Urban Car breaks the mold -- in more ways than one (Int'l, New Prod. & Tech)
UK investors and engineers have taken the wrapping off the Riversimple Urban Car -- an ultra-light, fuel-cell EV with a top speed of 50 mph, a 200-mile range, and a fuel economy equivalent of 300 mpg.
But the car won't be for sale anytime soon: In an effort to break the traditional automotive model, the 770-pound Urban Car will only be leased to customers at $325 per month -- and that price includes the hydrogen! The subscription model will allow the company to start building the hydrogen infrastructure necessary to support the technology, and possibly overcome the chicken-and-egg scenario.
The EV, built from carbon composites, boasts a small 6 kW fuel cell, as well as ultracapacitors, regenerative braking, and four in-wheel motors. The company has brokered a deal with the British gas company BOC Gases to develop a pilot fueling program in a small UK city.
Riversimple has worked with Cambridge and Cranfield universities in designing the car, and the design is open source so automotive engineers can easily access the schematics to offer design improvements. Look for the Urban Car in 2013.
Editor's Note: Sebastian Piech, a Riversimple investor and co-founder, is the great-grandson of Ferdinand Porsche. He believes his famous forebear would be pleased with the Urban Car's light-weight design and efficiency.
(Source: Wired, June 16, 2009). Contact: Hugo Spowers, Founder, Riversimple, www.riversimple.com.
But the car won't be for sale anytime soon: In an effort to break the traditional automotive model, the 770-pound Urban Car will only be leased to customers at $325 per month -- and that price includes the hydrogen! The subscription model will allow the company to start building the hydrogen infrastructure necessary to support the technology, and possibly overcome the chicken-and-egg scenario.
The EV, built from carbon composites, boasts a small 6 kW fuel cell, as well as ultracapacitors, regenerative braking, and four in-wheel motors. The company has brokered a deal with the British gas company BOC Gases to develop a pilot fueling program in a small UK city.
Riversimple has worked with Cambridge and Cranfield universities in designing the car, and the design is open source so automotive engineers can easily access the schematics to offer design improvements. Look for the Urban Car in 2013.
Editor's Note: Sebastian Piech, a Riversimple investor and co-founder, is the great-grandson of Ferdinand Porsche. He believes his famous forebear would be pleased with the Urban Car's light-weight design and efficiency.
(Source: Wired, June 16, 2009). Contact: Hugo Spowers, Founder, Riversimple, www.riversimple.com.
US DOE distributes $10.96 mn US for Battery, EV development (1 of 2) (Leg. & Reg., Funding)
The US DOE has chosen seven cost-shared advanced battery and electric drive research projects to receive up to $10.96 million over three years. The projects include:
· A123Systems, Inc of Watertown, MA, has been selected for an award for up to $1.1 million for a project to develop a high-throughput electrode fabrication process for their lithium ion battery technology. Contact : Ric Fulop, VP, Business Development, A123 Systems, (617) 758-4142, rfulop@a123systems.com, www.a123systems.com
· A group comprised of: Angstron Materials LLC of Dayton, OH; Applied Sciences Inc. of Cedarville, Ohio; K2 Energy Solutions of Henderson, Nevada; General Motors of Detroit, Michigan; and HST Auto of Escondido, California has been selected for a three-year award of up to $3.2 million with a DOE share of up to $1.6 million. The project will develop hybrid nano carbon fiber/graphene platelet-based high-capacity anodes for lithium batteries. Contact : Angstron Materials, (937) 903-0136, Bor.Jang@angstronmaterials.com, www.angstronmaterials.com
· EnerDel Inc. of Indianapolis, IN, has been selected for an award for up to $3.3 million for a project to develop a chemical shuttle agent that will eliminate the danger of overcharging lithium ion batteries developed for plug in hybrid electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles. Contact : Charles Gassenheimer, CEO, EnerDel, (317) 585-3456, www.enerdel.com
· MaxPower Inc. of Harleysville, PA, has been selected for an award for up to $500,000 for a project aimed at adapting MaxPower's present battery management systems (BMS) for lithium-ion batteries to recognize the imminent appearance of an internal short and to take action to operate the battery in a safe state. Contact : MaxPower, Inc., (215) 256-4575, maxpower@maxpowerinc.com, www.maxpowerinc.com
(Source: DOE,June 16, 2009) Contact: Vehicle Technologies Program, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Department of Energy, www1.eere.energy.gov
· A123Systems, Inc of Watertown, MA, has been selected for an award for up to $1.1 million for a project to develop a high-throughput electrode fabrication process for their lithium ion battery technology. Contact : Ric Fulop, VP, Business Development, A123 Systems, (617) 758-4142, rfulop@a123systems.com, www.a123systems.com
· A group comprised of: Angstron Materials LLC of Dayton, OH; Applied Sciences Inc. of Cedarville, Ohio; K2 Energy Solutions of Henderson, Nevada; General Motors of Detroit, Michigan; and HST Auto of Escondido, California has been selected for a three-year award of up to $3.2 million with a DOE share of up to $1.6 million. The project will develop hybrid nano carbon fiber/graphene platelet-based high-capacity anodes for lithium batteries. Contact : Angstron Materials, (937) 903-0136, Bor.Jang@angstronmaterials.com, www.angstronmaterials.com
· EnerDel Inc. of Indianapolis, IN, has been selected for an award for up to $3.3 million for a project to develop a chemical shuttle agent that will eliminate the danger of overcharging lithium ion batteries developed for plug in hybrid electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles. Contact : Charles Gassenheimer, CEO, EnerDel, (317) 585-3456, www.enerdel.com
· MaxPower Inc. of Harleysville, PA, has been selected for an award for up to $500,000 for a project aimed at adapting MaxPower's present battery management systems (BMS) for lithium-ion batteries to recognize the imminent appearance of an internal short and to take action to operate the battery in a safe state. Contact : MaxPower, Inc., (215) 256-4575, maxpower@maxpowerinc.com, www.maxpowerinc.com
(Source: DOE,June 16, 2009) Contact: Vehicle Technologies Program, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Department of Energy, www1.eere.energy.gov
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Toyota boosts Prius production; Honda to keep more Insights at home (Ind. Report)
The next-generation Prius is selling so well that Toyota has decided to up their overall hybrid production by 10% to 1.1 million units through to 2010. In fact, the new Prius is perhaps the brightest star in Toyota's firmament. Though the company still expects to lose money in 2009, the iconic hybrid is selling so well in Japan that customers are now being placed on a two- to three-month waiting list. Toyota is r unning their Prius production lines 24/7, and workers are being moved from other factories to keep the wheels rolling. Battery supplier Panasonic EV Energy is also boosting production and adding more shifts to meet demand for the NiMH batteries.
The Honda Insight is also selling well in Japan, but that success hasn't translated into North American sales. The company had initially hoped to sell 90,000 units in the US this year but, based on recent figures, believes that number will now be in the 50,000 to 60,000 range. According to a Honda spokesman, that won't be a problem for the automaker, as Japanese sales remain strong.
(Source: New York Times, June 14, 2009) Contact: Toyota, www.toyota.com; Honda, automobiles.honda.com; Panasonic EV Energy, www.peve.jp/e/index.html
The Honda Insight is also selling well in Japan, but that success hasn't translated into North American sales. The company had initially hoped to sell 90,000 units in the US this year but, based on recent figures, believes that number will now be in the 50,000 to 60,000 range. According to a Honda spokesman, that won't be a problem for the automaker, as Japanese sales remain strong.
(Source: New York Times, June 14, 2009) Contact: Toyota, www.toyota.com; Honda, automobiles.honda.com; Panasonic EV Energy, www.peve.jp/e/index.html
GM to announce location of new Small Car plant... soon (Ind. Report)
Further to our June 2, 2009 story, GM says it will announce its chosen location for a small car manufacturing facility later this month. The final decision will rest on what incentives are offered by the states and municipalities under consideration, but the possibilities are Township, MI, Spring Hill, TN, and Janesville, WI. All three towns now host GM plants, though the Wisconsin facility shut down in April. The other two plants are slated to close in the fall, but may be reopened if GM needs to increase production.
(Source: GM, June 11, 2009) Contact: Greg Martin, Media, GM, (202) 775-5008, greg.a.martin@gm.com, www.gm.com
(Source: GM, June 11, 2009) Contact: Greg Martin, Media, GM, (202) 775-5008, greg.a.martin@gm.com, www.gm.com
Friday, June 5, 2009
Magna wants to produce EVs in Canada (Ind. Report)
We reported on June 1, 2009 that Aurora, Ontario-based Magna International, the new Canadian owners of Opel, think that electrification is the key to the company's future. Now, Magna chairman Frank Stronach has announced he wants to begin mass producing EVs in Canada within three years. In unveiling the compact EV prototype developed by Magna and Ford, Stronach said he is motivated to see the cars manufactured in Canada. "I would like to see that the first electric car facilities are in Canada," he says. "If we would get a loan at a reasonable rate, we know we could speed it up, we would make sure it will be in Canada."
In related news, Adam Opel GmbH, the reorganized GM Europe, has received a first draw amounting to €300 million ($424 million US) from a €1.5 billion ($2.12 billion) bridge financing agreement with the German government. This will keep Opel solvent until the deal between Magna and GM is finalized.
(Source: CBC, Green Car Congress, June 2, 2009) Contact: Vincent J. Galifi, Executive VP and CFO, Magna, (905) 726-7100, www.magna.com.
In related news, Adam Opel GmbH, the reorganized GM Europe, has received a first draw amounting to €300 million ($424 million US) from a €1.5 billion ($2.12 billion) bridge financing agreement with the German government. This will keep Opel solvent until the deal between Magna and GM is finalized.
(Source: CBC, Green Car Congress, June 2, 2009) Contact: Vincent J. Galifi, Executive VP and CFO, Magna, (905) 726-7100, www.magna.com.
Azure Dynamics partners with Champion Bus (Ind. Report, G&C)
Champion Bus customers will now be able to choose Azure Dynamics' (AD) hybrid drivetrain in any Ford E-450 Shuttle bus they order from Champion. Champion says customers who choose AD's drivetrain can expect a 40% improvement in fuel economy and a 30% reduction in maintenance costs. Champion is a subsidiary of Thor Industries.
(Source: PR Newswire, June 2, 2009) Contact: John Resnick, President, Champion Bus, (810) 724-6474, www.championbus.com; Jay Sandler, Vice President, Sales, Azure Dynamics, (248) 298-2403 ext. 1205, jsandler@azuredynamics.com, www.azuredynamics.com
(Source: PR Newswire, June 2, 2009) Contact: John Resnick, President, Champion Bus, (810) 724-6474, www.championbus.com; Jay Sandler, Vice President, Sales, Azure Dynamics, (248) 298-2403 ext. 1205, jsandler@azuredynamics.com, www.azuredynamics.com
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
GM says bankruptcy protection won't affect Volt or Hybrid plans (Ind. Report)
GM's bankruptcy may claim plenty of casualties, but the Chevy Volt PHEV won't be among them. The company came to an agreement with the U.S. and Canadian governments to sell off assets and relaunch down the road as a much leaner entity. GM executives say that despite an expected three-month relaunch period, the Chevy Volt will still debut in 2010, and the company is on track to have 14 hybrids on the road by 2012. In the slightly longer term, GM vows to have 65% of vehicles capable of running on alternative fuels by 2014.
"From day one, the New GM will be well positioned to capitalize on the award-winning vehicles we have developed and launched during the past few years, and on our investments in exciting new technologies such as the Chevy Volt, so that we can build and return value to our customers and to the millions who will have a stake in our success," says CEO Fritz Henderson. "The New GM will play a critical role in the future of the automobile, and assure that the US has a strong stake in this rapidly changing global manufacturing industry."
(Source: GM, June 1, Business Green, June 2, 2009) Contact: Tom Wilkinson, GM News Relations, (313) 667-0366, tom.wilkinson@gm.com, www.gm.com
"From day one, the New GM will be well positioned to capitalize on the award-winning vehicles we have developed and launched during the past few years, and on our investments in exciting new technologies such as the Chevy Volt, so that we can build and return value to our customers and to the millions who will have a stake in our success," says CEO Fritz Henderson. "The New GM will play a critical role in the future of the automobile, and assure that the US has a strong stake in this rapidly changing global manufacturing industry."
(Source: GM, June 1, Business Green, June 2, 2009) Contact: Tom Wilkinson, GM News Relations, (313) 667-0366, tom.wilkinson@gm.com, www.gm.com
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