AZURE DYNAMICS AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY TAP XCEL ENERGY FOR ELITE LEAD CUSTOMER PROGRAM

Xcel Energy and a coalition of its customers have been selected to be among the first in the country to receive the all-electric Ford Transit Connect Electric commercial van. Azure Dynamics Corp., a hybrid electric and electric power train innovator for the commercial truck market, has named Xcel Energy to its “Lead Customer” program to receive a total of 13 vans. An initial van will be delivered in late 2010 with the remaining 12 vans scheduled for delivery in 2011. Ford Transit Connect Electric is a collaborative effort between Ford Motor Company and Azure and reflects the increasing interest in electrified vehicles for the commercial sector.