Azure Dynamics Appoints Ford Retail As UK Dealer Partner For Transit Connect Electric

• Ford Retail is Europe's largest dedicated Ford dealer group and will represent the Transit Connect Electric van in key markets across the UK
• Announcement made in conjunction with the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle show where dozens of journalists, prospective customers and members of UK Parliament had the opportunity to drive the van
• Transit Connect Electric manufacturing begins in UK in June, 2011

OAK PARK, MI, April 12 /PRNewswire/ - Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) (OTC: AZDDF), today announced Ford Retail as a dealer partner in the UK for the zero-emission Transit Connect Electric.  The Transit Connect Electric van will be available for immediate order from Ford Retail's four dedicated electric vehicle centers including two in London and one each in Bristol and Warrington.  Ford Retail will provide additional customer support across the UK with its full network of thirty commercial vehicle dealerships which trade as Brunel Ford, Dagenham Motors, Heartlands Ford, Lindsay Ford and Polar Ford.   The announcement was made from the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle show.

Ricardo Espinosa, Managing Director of Azure Dynamics' European Operation, said, "This is a momentous first step in delivering alternative fuel vehicles into the UK market. We have chosen Ford Retail as they offer our customers a consistently high level of support across a number of key cities in the UK. They have the vision and experience that is vital to help develop the right sales and aftermarket structure, as well as deliver the very best levels of customer service possible."

The announcement marks the start of the Transit Connect Electric van program in the UK as increasing numbers of fleet operators are demanding the benefits of efficient, clean and alternative power for their vehicles. Transit Connect Electric manufacturing begins in June, 2011.

Chris Hayden, chairman and CEO of Ford Retail, said, "We are delighted to have been chosen by Azure Dynamics and are fully equipped and ready to sell and support the Transit Connect Electric. Most parts of the UK automotive industry are well established and clearly defined. However, the battery electric commercial vehicle market is completely new and poised to make significant changes in commercial fleet operations. We will be working very proactively with Azure Dynamics to develop the overall business model, systems and processes as this embryonic market grows."

The Birmingham Commercial Vehicle show is among the largest and most influential commercial fleet shows in Europe.  Several Transit Connect Electric vans were on display with dozens of journalist, industry executives, fleet operators and even some UK members of Parliament participating in demonstration drives.

The Transit Connect Electric has 28 kWh of power to call on, providing a range of up to 80 miles (130 km) on a full charge. Transit Connect Electric van will particularly appeal to operators who travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop-start driving.  Just three weeks ago, Azure Dynamics and Ford announced that Norway Post became the first European customer for the Transit Connect Electric with an order of 20 units.

For more details on Azure Dynamics (TSX: AZD) and the Transit Connect Electric, please visit www.azuredynamics.com.

About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is working internationally with a variety of partners and customers. For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.

About Ford Retail
Wholly owned by the Ford Motor Company, Ford Retail operates as an independent business and is headquartered in Colchester, Essex. With over 3,000 employees, sales of over 75,000 vehicles per annum and a turnover exceeding £1bn, Ford Retail is Europe's largest dedicated Ford dealer group.

Ford Retail trades under six brand names: Polar Ford (North England); Dagenham Motors (South East England); Heartlands Ford (Birmingham); Brunel Ford (Bristol); Lindsay Ford (N. Ireland) and La Motte (Channel Islands). For more information please visit www.fordretail.com.

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SOURCE Azure Dynamics Corporation