Ford Transit Connect Electric
FORD RETAIL APPOINTED AZURE DYNAMICS’ UK DEALER PARTNER FOR TRANSIT CONNECT ELECTRIC
2011-04-11
Azure Dynamics, Ford’s global partner for the delivery of its Transit Connect Electric van, have confirmed Ford Retail as their dealer partner in the UK for the zero-emission vehicle.
The announcement marks the start of Ford’s electric vehicle programme in the UK as increasing numbers of fleet operators demand the benefits of efficient, clean and alternative power for their vehicles.
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 are a dealer partner that has 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 Transit Connect Electric will be available for immediate order from Ford Retail’s four dedicated electric vehicle centres; two in London as well as Bristol and Warrington, with additional customer support available nationwide from Ford Retail’s full network of thirty commercial vehicle dealerships which trade as Brunel Ford, Dagenham Motors, Heartlands Ford, Lindsay Ford and Polar Ford.
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.”
Just three weeks ago Ford and Azure Dynamics announced that Norway Post became the first European customer for the Transit Connect Electric with an order of 20 units.
“Transit Connect Electric was designed and engineered with customers like Norway Post in mind,” said Espinosa. “Azure’s Force Drive™ powertrain excels under the types of urban driving conditions that the van is likely to encounter during postal delivery routes. Transit Connect Electric not only makes environmental sense for businesses looking to lower their carbon footprint, but economic sense by eliminating significant fuel bills and reduced overall running costs.”
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. With a load space volume 3.8 m3 and a payload of 500kg (plus driver at 75kg), Transit Connect Electric van will particularly appeal to operators who travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop-start driving.
Pricing is still to be confirmed although the Transit Connect Electric is expected to retail for around £40,000 plus VAT. For more details on Azure Dynamics (TSX: AZD) and the Transit Connect Electric, please visit www.azuredynamics.com.