Azure Selects AM General To Produce Ford Transit Connect Electric

Azure Dynamics has selected AM General to produce Transit Connect Electric, an electric vehicle of Ford Motor Company. AM General will be responsible for final assembly of the vehicle for North American market from its Engineering and Product Development Center in Livonia, Michigan.

According to Azure Dynamics, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) had provided it with an incentive funding to select AM General. MEDC high technology mega tax credits may also be available based on specific job creation criteria.

AM General will receive Transit Connect 'gliders' (powerless vehicles without a conventional powertrain or exhaust system) from Ford manufacturing location in Turkey, and force drive electric components from Azure and supplier facilities in North America. The current production plan includes an initial quantity of vehicles to be built in late 2010 with full production scheduled to begin in April 2011.

The company said that Ford Transit Connect Electric is an electric vehicle powered by lithium-ion battery pack. The battery power is provided to drive motor through electric powertrain's motor controller. Throttle input from driver converts DC power supplied by battery into three timed signals used to drive motor.

Curt Huston, chief operating officer of Azure Dynamics, said: “Our hierarchy for facility selection criteria began by identifying a partner with the proven technical expertise and high quality standards that both Azure and Ford customers expect.

“Secondly, we wanted a facility in Southeast Michigan that capitalized on the area's highly skilled automotive workforce and available manufacturing capacity. AM General fit the bill and we are delighted to add their capabilities and know-how to this revolutionary vehicle program.”