Ford Motor Company (F)

[mr_bitterness]

Here's some hot news - Ford now in the hybrid heavy duty van business... sort of.

First 135 AuraGen Equipped Hybrid Electric Ford E-450 Vans Sold to AT&T, Federal Express and Purolator

Jun 18, 2008 9:15:00 AM
Copyright Business Wire 2008

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Aura Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:AUSI) announced today that the AuraGen will be used on the first 135 parallel hybrid electric Ford (NYSE:F) E-450 vehicles sold by Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD, LSE: ADC & OTCQX: AZDDF) ("Azure") to AT&T (NYSE:T), Federal Express (NYSE:FDX), and Purolator. This represents the first production orders of over 250 hybrid electric chassis that Azure expects to produce over the next 5 months.

Azure is a leading developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial fleets. Azure evaluated several technologies for use in the hybridizing kit before settling on the AuraGen power system earlier in the year. These units are part of the 1000 unit order Aura has started to deliver on that was previously announced on March 3, 2008. According to Azure, these hybridized Ford vans show an improvement of 40% in fuel economy and a 30% decrease in maintenance costs over the standard gasoline powered vehicles. On June 12, 2008, the Sopp Ford dealership in Los Angeles showcased the parallel Hybrid Electric Ford E-450 that includes the AuraGen on a Federal Express hybrid van as well as other commercial vans.

Mr. Gagerman, Aura's CEO, said, "We were pleased to learn that Azure already sold over 135 of their hybrid systems that include our AuraGen to such customers as Federal Express, Purolator, and AT&T. It was exciting to see the AuraGen on a Federal Express hybrid van at the Sopp Ford dealership open house." Mr. Gagerman added, "It is clear that with the price for fuel at an all time high, every fleet is looking for fuel reduction solutions. Hybrid commercial vehicles have demonstrated significant fuel usage reduction and at the same time provide lower emissions. We at Aura, through our patented AuraGen usage on hybrid vans, are participating in helping the nation reduce its dependence on foreign fuel imports and at the same time help the environment by reducing harmful emissions."

Aura Systems Inc. is the developer and provider of the AuraGen/VIPER mobile electric power solution using patented axial induction technology where the vehicle engine is the prime mover. The Company's AuraGen/VIPER is now available in 5 kW, 8 kW and 16 kW continuous power levels. All power levels are available in configurations that provide AC or a combination of AC and DC power. The AC power is available in 120 VAC or 240 VAC or both voltages simultaneously. The DC power levels are available in 14 VDC or 28 VDC or both simultaneously. The combined AC/DC system provides the user with the ability to use simultaneously all four different voltages. Later in the year the Company will offer a 230 VAC 3 phase solution and support for European and Asian AC standards.

For more information, see the Company's website: http://www.aurasystems.com.

Source: Aura Systems, Inc.


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Aura Systems
Inc.
Melvin Gagerman
Chairman and CEO
310-643-5300
x171
[e-mail]
or
Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger Associates
LLC
Stephen D. Axelrod
CFA (Investors)
Alisa Steinberg (Media)
212-370-4500
[e-mail]
[e-mail]