OAK PARK, MI -- Azure Dynamics Corp., which develops and produces hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles, announced the sale of 27 Ford Transit Connect Electric vans. This recent group of orders includes a five-unit sale to returning customer FedEx Express, a four-unit sale to the city of Toronto, a three-unit sale to DTE Energy, and 15-unit sales to various Ford commercial truck dealers.

"These new orders underscore several key drivers in the electric vehicle market expansion," said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "Some major vehicle fleets like Azure customers' FedEx, AT&T, Canada Post, Post Norway, etc., are employing specific quantities of Transit Connect Electric vans to gain operational experience with the technology in advance of expected increased deployment. Energy producers like Azure customers DTE, SoCal Edison, NYPA, Xcel and others are using the vans to help them understand necessary energy production and distribution requirements related to the increasing national fleet of EV vehicles. Last, our Ford dealership partners are eager to meet interest from their customers who are seeking the operational benefits that the Transit Connect Electric promises."

FedEx Express’ five vans, ordered through Holman Ford Lincoln in Pennsauken, N.J., will further the FedEx goal of decreasing environmental impact in day-to-day operations.

DTE Energy, headquartered in Michigan and one of the nation's largest diversified energy companies, is rapidly expanding its use of alternative-fuel vehicles in its fleets. The three vans, ordered through Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights, Mich., are among the first pure EV vehicles that the company will employ.

The city of Toronto, another returning Azure Dynamics customer, ordered four Transit Connect Electric vans through Eastcourt Ford Lincoln in Agincourt, Ontario.

FedEx Express and Toronto had previously acquired Azure's Balance Hybrid Electric drivetrain. The Balance Hybrid Electric has a 60-percent market share in the medium-duty (Class 2c - 5) hybrid commercial truck market in North America.

An additional 15 Transit Connect Electric vans were sold to a variety of Ford commercial truck dealers who will use the vehicles as customer demonstrators to increase awareness and appreciation of the product with potential customers.