Oak Park, Michigan – Canadian-based Azure Dynamics Corporation, a developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, has announced that it has received an order from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for ten hybrid buses, with an option for 15 additional buses at a later date. PennDOT has ordered the eighteen-passenger Azure/StarTrans Hybrid Para-Transit Citibus for delivery in 2008.

“Azure’s hybrid technology continues to gain traction with proactive fleet managers who value our performance, significant fuel economy improvements, emissions reductions and long-term maintenance cost savings,” said Scott Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics. “We see the PennDOT order as further validation that our technology answers stringent market demands.”

The Azure Series system specified by PennDOT includes engine-off driving while electronically supporting key ancillary functions such as air conditioning, power steering and braking. The powertrain, which uses a GM Vortec 4.8-litre engine, offers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel economy and a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions in city conditions.

The first ten buses will be operated by Rabbit Transit in York County, Pennsylvania.