Azure Dynamics Corporation and RøhneSelmer AS signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to enter into an agreement whereby RohneSelmer will import and distribute up to 400 Ford Transit Connect Electric vans annually.
The LOI is not a purchase order, but rather sets in motion a collaborative effort to reach a definitive distribution agreement within the coming weeks to further develop the business in the Nordic Region. RøhneSelmer will focus its importation, distribution, sales and service effort in Norway.
In March, 2011, RøhneSelmer supported Azure’s inaugural European Transit Connect Electric sale of 58 vans, including 20 vans to Post Norway (Posten Norge AS) via its five locations in and around Norway and in August, 2011, placed an order for 100 additional vans.
RøhneSelmer reports that the Transit Connect Electric is proving itself to be the right EV van for today’s Norwegian market and that consumer interest is strong and growing.
Pursuant to the LOI, RøhneSelmer will submit purchase orders each calendar quarter with a target of up to 400 vans annually. Azure and RøhneSelmer point out that the LOI is neither an indication of future sales, nor a guarantee of actual sales. The LOI confirms the intentions of Azure and RøhneSelmer to enter into a definitive agreement for the importation, distribution, sale and service of the Transit Connect Electric in the Norwegian region.
The Transit Connect Electric offers Norwegian customers the opportunity to eliminate petroleum fuel bills, take advantage of car-pool lanes and to lower overall maintenance and operating costs. The vehicle is an ideal choice for battery electric power thanks to its unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, generous cargo capacity, easy accessibility and low operating costs. Transit Connect Electric can be recharged in approximately eight hours using standard European 220-volt outlets.
To create the Transit Connect Electric, Azure integrates its proven Force Drive[TM] electric powertrain into the award-winning Ford Transit Connect. Utilizing an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls, Transit Connect Electric can achieve a range of 80KM/50 miles to 130KM/80 miles on a single charge and has a load capacity of 530 kgs. With 28 kWh of power to call on, Transit Connect Electric has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). The product has been brought to market at a time when increasing numbers of fleet operators are demanding the benefits of efficient, clean alternative powered vehicles.
The Transit Connect Electric went into production in Europe in June, 2011 following its successful production launch in North America in April, 2011. Since the Transit Connect Electric was introduced in North America in December 2010, global Transit Connect Electric sales have exceeded $29 million.
