Oak Park-based Azure Dynamics Corp. (OTCQX: AZDDF) said it had received an order from an unnamed large baking company for two of its Balance Hybrid Electric Ford E-450 walk-in vans.

The new orders represent the 145th and 146th Balance Hybrid Electric sales since their launch in May 2008.

"This sale is another milestone for Azure Dynamics.," said Azure CEO Scott Harrison. "This is the first purchase of hybrid electric route delivery trucks by the baking industry in North America. This order, along with the previous 144 Balance Hybrid Electric orders, again demonstrates the depth and functionality of Azure's parallel hybrid system, and also validates the broad application of our technology across various industries."

Added Robert Mackie, president of the American Bakers Association: "Bakers are facing record input costs -- both commodities and fuel. As an industry with the fourth largest fleet of vehicles in the country, we are exploring a multitude of new technologies that will allow us to deliver the freshest possible products in the most cost effective manner. The new hybrid technologies have exciting potential to accomplish these important goals."

Azure says its medium duty hybrid trucks offer a 40 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 30 percent reduction in carbon footprint and vehicle maintenance costs.

More at www.azuredynamics.com.