Whiplash_Investor
13 years ago
Possibly. Two hurdles need to be overcome. First Azure needs to actually emerge from Chapter 11 (and not convert to 7). Second, Azure must choose to retain it's current stockholders and not deregister current shares and issue new ones. The first is likely to occur (emerge from 11). The second is about 50/50. An example is Mesa Airlines (MESA, then MESAQ). After about 1.5 years in BK, they emerged from 11, but cancelled exiting stock.
Probably got some lawsuits from shareholders, but that's the last I looked. Others keep current shareholders, so 50/50.
Whiplash_Investor
13 years ago
And now bankruptcy
Azure Dynamics Announces Commencement of CCAA ProceedingsLast update: 3/26/2012 3:09:00 PMBURNABY, BC, March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
Previously Announced Offering of Units to be Abandoned Azure Dynamics Corporation (the "Company" or "Azure") (CA:AZD)(AZDDD), a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric, and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles, today announced that the Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the filing of a Petition in the Supreme Court of British Columbia for an Initial Order under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (the "CCAA"). The Company expects that the Initial Order will provide for a stay of proceedings while the Company and its subsidiaries pursue restructuring alternatives under CCAA protection. The Board of Directors of the Company has also authorized the filing of a voluntary petition under Chapter 15 of title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code to seek recognition and enforcement in the United States of the Initial Order requested in the CCAA proceedings. In connection with commencing CCAA proceedings, the Company also announced that it will be abandoning its previously announced offering of units (the "Offering"). "The decision to abandon the Offering and commence CCAA proceedings comes after several weeks of formal and informal communications with Staff of the Ontario Securities Commission", said Scott Harrison, CEO of Azure. "Despite including detailed risk factor and other disclosure in the preliminary prospectus regarding the Company's liquidity and financial hardship, and after several weeks of attempting to satisfy the demands of Staff for additional information and disclosure, the Company was informed on March 23, 2012 that Staff's recommendation, based on the current draft of the prospectus, would be that a receipt not be issued for the prospectus on the basis that it would not be in the public interest to do so." In light of the fact that the Company's current liquidity position leaves it without sufficient time or cash resources to pursue its right to be heard before the Director and, if necessary, to appeal any decision of the Director following such hearing to a panel of commissioners of the OSC, the Board of Directors has determined that the Company's best remaining alternative is to pursue a restructuring under the protection of CCAA . "The Board of Directors strongly disagrees with any suggestion that it would not be in the public interest to issue a receipt for the prospectus for the Offering", said Cam Deacon, Chair of the Board of Directors of Azure. "In our view, any determination of what is in the public interest should weigh all relevant interests, including the interest of the Company in being able to access the capital markets and the interests of the Company's existing shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. Potential investors had the benefit of very detailed risk factor and other disclosure regarding the Company's liquidity and financial hardship, and the Company was prepared to include in the prospectus virtually all additional disclosure demanded by OSC Staff, except where it was not possible for the Company to include the demanded disclosure. In the circumstances, we are deeply troubled by the notion that investor protection would require allowing such unfortunate consequences to be visited upon a world industry leading company and its existing shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders, particularly given our understanding that investors themselves, having had the benefit of such detailed disclosure, continued to have significant interest in the Offering. We wish to convey to the Company's stakeholders both our terrible sadness at this outcome and our commitment to pursuing the best outcome remaining available in the circumstances through CCAA proceedings."
BigLoser64
13 years ago
Yup, a 1:40 RS is announced (as of several days ago).
I'm really disappointed in this one. I patient, waiting out the long, slow decline for the SP to drop to 7 cents before I jumped in, then the bottom dropped out. Is there any rational reason why the SP should go from 7 cents to 2 cents, almost overnight?
I realize RS can be bad news... Have they tilted their hand regarding how much more they plan to dilute?
Looking back at outstanding shares, as of end of fiscal year:
2008: 379M
2009: 454M
2010: 626M
current OS: 787M
So, dilution may account for a ~2X drop in sp over past 3-4 years, but 17X drop? Something doesn't add up. Either these shares are an incredible deal now, or the company is going belly-up?
Thoughts?
BigLoser64
13 years ago
Azure Dynamics Gets $5M Equity Investment From Johnson Controls.
I just came across this, dated Nov 11, 2011. http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/11/06/azure-dynamics-gets-5m-equity-investment-from-johnson-controls/
Some snippets from that article: Pursuant to the equity investment, Johnson Controls’ Canadian subsidiary acquired, on a private placement basis, 30,796,969 common shares of Azure, at a price of 16.5 cents Canadian per common share, for gross proceeds to Azure of $5,1 million Canadian.... As a result of the investment, Johnson Controls, through its Canadian subsidiary, now holds approximately 7.2 percent of the issued and outstanding common shares of Azure.
Note: There was a well-publicized investment by Johnson Controls a couple years ago, at 30 cents Canadian. Ran the price up to ~0.30 for some time. Gave Johnson 3.4% interest in the company. So, the above article is a relatively new increase in funding & share ownership by Johnson Controls. Must be a good sign, but it didn't get much publicity.
Long on AZDDF, but it could take a while for this one to reach profitability and big returns.
johnandle
13 years ago
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) ("Azure" or the "Company"), a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium duty commercial vehicles, today announced it has received an award from the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a traction system to be used in future Azure products including the recently announced Ford F-Series Super Duty cab and chassis PHEV program. As part of the DOE award, Azure will receive $5.4 million over four years to support the program development. Azure expects the new traction inverter will be commercial available in early 2016.
"We are extremely pleased to have been selected by the DOE to receive this award, which is indicative of our innovative electrification expertise and know-how," said Scott Harrison, Azure's CEO. "By dramatically improving the cost, weight and volume characteristics, our new traction system is expected to be rapidly adopted throughout our commercial vehicle base and keep Azure technology at the cutting edge of electrified transportation."
In addition to the performance and economic advantages, the system is expected to be ready for next generation wide-bandgap semi-conductors bringing significantly improved efficiency and thermal performance to electrified vehicles. The award will allow Azure to continue developing its Third Generation traction system currently in development for the initial F-Series Super Duty program expected to be commercially available in 2013. Azure plans to engineer the next generation inverter technology in a parallel path and expects to identify additional synergies between the two traction system projects as it proceeds with development activity.
Consistent with Azure's strategy to partner with market leading companies to develop best in class technology solution, Azure will work several partners, including Ford Motor Company to assist with requirements definition thereby ensuring alignment with their vehicle roadmap
B7$4
14 years ago
"AZDDF News" Azure Dynamics Receives 34 Unit Bus Order via the Illinois Department of Transportation
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/azure-dynamics-receives-34-unit-bus-order-via-the-illinois-department-of-transportation-95400764.html
- Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) sponsored the 34 unit
order on behalf of nine transit agencies in the state
- IDOT utilized a Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy
Reduction (TIGGER) Grant to reduce acquisition costs
- Azure Dynamics technology is available to transit agencies throughout
the United States via established contracts
- Azure Dynamics has announced 177 Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric vehicle
sales to a total of 25 end users since the start of the second
quarter on April 1st, 2010
OAK PARK, MI, June 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC:AZDDF) the fast growing hybrid electric and electric power train innovator for the commercial truck and bus market, today announced a 34 unit Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric bus sale via the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). IDOT will leverage available funding from a Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Grant to help offset acquisition costs.
"Our products have an economic advantage for the user and an environmental advantage for society at large. Add the federal stimulus funds and you have a confluence of factors that make our Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric a very attractive opportunity for public fleets," said Jay Sandler, Azure's Vice President of Sales.
Azure Dynamics has announced 177 Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric vehicle sales to a total of 24 end users since the start of the second quarter on April 1st, 2010.
The IDOT contract is the result of a TIGGER Grant that the State of Illinois was awarded earlier this year. Those grants, in part, provide incentives to public transportation systems looking to acquire efficient, green technology to assist in the reduction of energy consumption and/or greenhouse gas emissions.
Midwest Transit Equipment of Kankakee, IL will be the dealership for the contract. Midwest Transit Equipment also recently partnered with Azure on a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for up to 50 buses. StarTrans Bus, a Supreme Corporation Company, of Goshen, IN, will supply shuttle bodies for the IDOT buses.
"Although IDOT is listed as the buyer for these buses, Azure actually benefits from placing our technology with nine different transit agencies throughout the State of Illinois," said Sandler. "We relish the opportunity to bring new customers into the fold and have them experience our product's economic and operational benefits firsthand."
The Azure Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric system has unique attributes like engine-off at idle and at below 20 miles per hour, while electronically supporting key ancillary functions like air conditioning, power steering and braking. The drive train, with a Ford 5.4L engine, can improve fuel economy substantially, while reducing carbon emissions by up to 30% in city conditions. The hybrid drive train also offers a significant reduction in maintenance costs versus conventionally equipped competitors.
B7$4
15 years ago
"AZDDF NEWS" Ford and Azure Dynamics Collaborate on Transit Connect Electric for Europe
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ford-and-azure-dynamics-collaborate-on-transit-connect-electric-for-europe-92658679.html
COLOGNE, Germany, May 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
* Ford Motor Company will collaborate with Azure Dynamics to begin delivering the Transit Connect Electric to European customers in late summer 2011
* Vehicle is based on the Transit Connect commercial van, a cornerstone of the ONE Ford global product vision and a proven success in Europe with over 700,000 built since its initial introduction in 2002
* Azure Dynamics will integrate its proprietary Force Drive™ battery electric drive train in the Transit Connect Electric
* The Transit Connect Electric is the first of five electrified vehicles (battery-electric, hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles) under development as part of Ford's global electrification strategy and all of which will be launched in Europe by 2013.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and Azure Dynamics Corporation today announced that they have signed a collaborative agreement to begin delivering a pure battery electric version of the successful Ford Transit Connect van to customers in Europe beginning in late summer 2011.
Azure will integrate its Force Drive™ battery electric drive train into Transit Connect vehicles in Europe to support the sale of the zero-emission battery-electric models in selected markets.
The Ford Transit Connect was first launched in Europe in 2002 and is designed, engineered and constructed to meet the unique needs of small business operators who want the same levels of durability, functionality and strength that are hallmarks of the larger Ford Transit range. Precisely these qualities led to it receiving the 'International Van of the Year' award in 2003.
Under Ford's global ONE Ford initiative, the Transit Connect was also introduced to the U.S., and Canadian markets in 2009 and received the '2010 North American Truck of the Year' award at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
"We're proud of Transit Connect as it has conclusively proved itself to be a versatile, adaptable and thoroughly dependable vehicle for real world commercial customers," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe's Chairman and CEO. "Adding a practical, full battery-electric, zero-emission alternative to the range further demonstrates the enormous flexibility of this vehicle and gives customers the option of being among the first to adopt this environmentally friendly technology."
European project builds on existing business relationship
Ford's relationship with Azure Dynamics is already well established in North America and is now extending to Europe.
In North America, Azure develops hybrid electric and electric drive technology for shuttle buses and commercial trucks, such as the Balance™ Hybrid Electric, which is built on a Ford E-450 'cutaway and strip' chassis for the medium duty commercial vehicle segment.
Michigan-based Azure began work on its collaborative agreement to deliver the pure battery-electric powertrain for the Transit Connect in the U.S. and Canada in October 2009, and the extension of this collaboration into Europe is a logical next step and the first time Azure will operate in the region.
"We're excited about the extension of the Transit Connect Electric program to Europe and understand that putting electric vehicles on the world's roads in significant quantities will be a long term proposition," said Scott T. Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "However, with the Transit Connect Electric, Ford and Azure are doing their part in helping to lead that transition."
"The European Union and individual governments are keen to encourage adoption of electric transportation technology because they understand the potential benefits to energy infrastructure and to society at large," Harrison added. "We believe that European commercial vehicle customers will be eager to adopt the Transit Connect Electric into their fleets, to demonstrate their commitment to becoming part of the solution."
Transit Connect is ideal platform for electrification
The Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated global commercial van platform and offers a unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, significant cargo capacity, accessibility and low purchase and operating costs. It is already a proven success and an ideal choice for electrification.
Commercial van users often travel predictable, short-range, routes with frequent stop and go driving in tight urban or suburban environments, resulting in a negative impact on the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines - which gives the Transit Connect Electric an added economic benefit in busy urban centers. In addition commercial users generally return to a central location at the end of a driving cycle perfect for recharging over night.
The Transit Connect Electric will offer European fleet owners the opportunity to eliminate the use of diesel or petrol fuel in their small vans and help to lower operating costs. The vehicle will have a targeted range of up to 130 km/80 miles on a full charge and zero exhaust emissions. It will be rechargeable using standard European 220/240-volt outlets within 6 to 8 hours.
'Glider' units, vehicles built without the powertrain, will be shipped from the current Ford Otosan manufacturing facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, directly to an Azure-contracted manufacturing location in Europe for final assembly.
The completed Transit Connect Electric will then be sold by Azure Dynamics, who will define a specially-created network of dealerships. Repair works under the Ford warranty will be provided by Ford dealers. They will be offered in both right- and left-hand drive configurations. Further details of market availability and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Azure's Force Drive™ components have previously been deployed in more than 40 vehicle integrations and have more than 25 million miles of on-the-road experience. The European Transit Connect Electric will be badged with both the Ford Blue Oval and Azure's Force Drive logo like its North American sibling.
Ford's Global Electric vehicles plan
At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show last month, Ford Motor Company confirmed that its global electric vehicles plan would be extending to Europe with five full electric or hybrid vehicles across its C, CD and light commercial vehicle ranges coming for European customers by 2013.
Specifically, Ford announced it would launch in Europe:
* Two zero-emission full battery-electric vehicles: the light commercial Transit Connect Electric in 2011 followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012.
* Two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles to be introduced in 2013
* A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle also to be introduced in 2013.
Ford's global electrification strategy will deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to a variety of markets and build on the company's overall vision of offering the widest possible range of technology solutions – instead of a single vehicle or technology – to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions for customers around the world.
"We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "Our electrification strategy and plans include hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to best meet our global customers' needs. Leveraging our global platforms is also central to this strategy and allows us to build on our strong product line-up in the most customer-driven, affordable way."
As Ford's global product vision accelerates to ensure that all the company's vehicles competing in global segments become common in Europe, North America and Asia, the resulting efficiencies will allow a global portfolio of environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be developed based around hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles.
"There is increasing interest among a number of customers in Europe for electrified versions of vehicles like the Transit Connect so we are responding by stepping up our efforts to bring these models to the marketplace alongside our latest-generation, fuel-efficient petrol and diesel powered models," Fleming added. "This is further evidence of how the ONE Ford global product vision is transforming our business. European consumers will not have to wait too long before they can choose from a range of electrified alternatives from Ford."
Further details of Ford's hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be revealed closer to launch.
B7$4
15 years ago
"AZDDF News" AT&T Becomes Lead Customer for Ford Transit Connect Electric
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/att-becomes-lead-customer-for-ford-transit-connect-electric-87108397.html
Vehicle is Powered by Azure Dynamics ForceDrive(TM) electric drivetrain
ST. LOUIS, MO, March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Azure Dynamics Corporation today announced AT&T has agreed to purchase two of the first Ford Transit Connect Electric vans, the latest addition to AT&T's growing fleet of alternative-fuel vehicles.
The Ford Transit Connect Electric -- the all-electric version of the 2010 Ford Transit Connect, the North American Truck of the Year -- will be powered by Azure Dynamics' patented Force Drive(TM) electric drivetrain with an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls-Saft. The vehicle, which goes on sale later this year, has a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge and will be rechargeable using either 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlets. It has a top speed of 75 miles per hour.
"Cleaner, alternative-fuel vehicles are the future of our corporate fleet, and the Transit Connect Electric represents a real breakthrough and will be a strong addition to our range of alternative-fuel vehicles," said Jerome Webber, vice president of fleet operations at AT&T. "It's exactly the kind of vehicle we envisioned when we mapped our long-term vision to invest up to $565 million to deploy more than 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles through 2018." AT&T currently operates more than 77,000 vehicles in its corporate fleet, including 15 gasoline-powered Ford Transit Connect vehicles AT&T began piloting in 2009.
Scott T. Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics, said Transit Connect Electric project is in line with his company's mission.
"Our business is built on great technology, committed partners and customers who want to improve efficiency while reducing their environmental footprint," Harrison said. "The Transit Connect Electric brings all of those elements together in a single package and is exactly on target with our goal at Azure of 'driving a world of difference.'"
According to Harrison, commercial vehicles are ideal candidates for electrification due to typical duty cycle characteristics like predictable drive routes and a return to a central location each night for recharging. The zero tailpipe emission Ford Transit Connect Electric also will help protect air quality in the urban environments where it operates.
By combining car-like driving dynamics with truck-like cargo capacity, Ford Transit Connect Electric is well-suited to the demands placed on urban delivery vehicles for small businesses and larger, corporate fleets.
The Transit Connect Electric is expected to offer lower cost of operation because recharging with electricity is generally less expensive than refueling with gasoline. Additionally, customers will benefit from lower maintenance costs as the electric drive train has far fewer moving parts to maintain.
"Ford Transit Connect was first introduced in the U.S. last year as a new fuel efficient alternative to larger commercial vehicles. Adding the electric option addresses a growing demand from our customers for sustainable vehicles for their fleets," said Gerry Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager. "This Transit Connect Electric represents the first in a family of electrified vehicles, including new hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all battery electric vehicles, which Ford will deliver over the next three years."
AT&T plans to take delivery of the Transit Connect Electric in late 2010.
Opti Mist
15 years ago
Ford to unveil electric Transit Connect van today (02/09/2010)
Ford will unveil an electric version of its award-winning Transit Connect van today, a move that is expected to create new jobs in metro Detroit and boost the small local company Azure Dynamics Corp.
The Transit Connect Electric commercial van and Transit Connect Taxi powered by compressed natural gas, both based on the Transit Connect that won North American Truck of the Year for 2009, are expected to go on sale late this year.
The Transit Connect Electric will be the first electric vehicle for both Ford and Azure, though the companies already work together on gas-electric hybrids. It will have a top speed of 75 miles per hour and an expected range of up to 80 miles on a full charge.
Ford plans to have three more electric vehicles for sale by 2012. Those include the Focus electric in 2011 and two models as yet undisclosed: a plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012 and a next-generation hybrid that same year (Brent Snavely, Detroit Free Press, Feb. 9). -- TL
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