Azure Dynamics Corporation, a developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, announced today it has signed Sales & Service agreements with eight additional Ford dealerships to represent Azure's Balance Hybrid Electric commercial truck. This brings the total number of dealerships to fourteen since the enrollment program began in June.
The new dealerships are: Badger Truck Center, Milwaukee, WI; Boyer Ford Trucks, Minneapolis, MN; Grande Ford, San Antonio, TX; Northside Truck and Equipment, Portland, OR; Sherway Ford, Toronto, ON; Sopp Ford, Los Angeles, CA; Tuttle Click Ford, Irvine, CA; Minuteman Trucks Inc., Walpole, MA.
"These new partners are all highly regarded and influential commercial truck retailers in the major metro markets they serve," said Jay Sandler, Azure Dynamics' Vice President of Sales. "We're thrilled to have them on board."
The new dealership agreements are the result of Azure's effort to enlist approximately 50 dealers in major markets in the U.S. and Canada to broaden Azure's distribution network for its Balance Hybrid Electric. The dealerships will maintain inventory of ready-to-deliver Cube Vans and Walk-in Vans equipped with Azure's hybrid electric powertrains.
Tim Blide, General Manager at Boyer Trucks, commented on the partnership with Azure, "Boyer Ford is very enthusiastic about carrying the Azure hybrid vehicle line. Our partnership with Azure puts us at the forefront of alternative fuel vehicle options providing our customers with advanced technology to help them lower their cost structure while also contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. We think the product will do very well in the markets we serve."
The Balance Hybrid Electric system is integrated on Ford's E450 Cutaway and Strip Chassis drive system and utilizes a conventional 5.4 liter Triton gasoline engine and 5-speed automatic TorqShift transmission. The hybrid powertrain features electric-launch up to 20 mph, and engine-off at idle, while electronically supporting key ancillary functions like air conditioning, power steering and braking. The powertrain can improve fuel economy by up to 40%, while reducing carbon emissions up to 30% in city conditions.
For more information about Azure Dynamics and its family of hybrid electric and electric commercial vehicles, please visit the Azure Dynamics website.