OAK PARK, MI – Azure Dynamics Corporation, a developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, has signed sales and service agreements with two additional Ford dealerships: Northside Ford in San Antonio and Carmenita Ford in Los Angeles.

Ray Crews, a former Ford Motor Company commercial fleet sales manager, will be assisting the Azure sales team in its effort to enroll Ford dealerships in key markets across the United States. Crews retired from Ford in 1999 as the commercial fleet truck sales manager for North American Fleet Operations. Prior to that, he served as the national fleet sales manager for the Ford Heavy Truck Division.

The new dealership agreements are part of Azure's effort to enlist approximately 50 dealers over the next year in major metro markets in the United States and Canada to broaden its distribution network for its Balance Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The dealerships will maintain inventory of ready to deliver cube vans and walk-in vans equipped with Azure's Balance Hybrid Electric powertrains. These two newly signed dealerships are located in the high volume markets of San Antonio and Los Angeles.

The Balance Hybrid Electric system is integrated on Ford's E-450 Cutaway and Strip Chassis drive system utilizes a conventional 5.4L Triton gasoline engine and the five-speed automatic TorqShift transmission. The hybrid powertrain features electric-launch assist, engine-off at idle and at below 20 miles per hour, while electronically supporting key ancillary functions like air conditioning, power steering and braking. The powertrain can improve fuel economy by up to 40 percent, while reducing carbon emission by up to 30 percent in city conditions.