The related conference call has been rescheduled to Friday, 12 August, at 9:00 a.m. EDT due to a visit from President Obama to Azure's battery supplier, Johnson Controls, on 11 August, for which Azure's chief executive officer, Scott Harrison, has been invited to attend.

While at the new Johnson Controls battery facility, it is expected that the President ‘will highlight the key role innovative technologies will play in helping automakers achieve the historic fuel economy standards, establishing U.S. leadership in advanced vehicle manufacturing, spurring economic growth and creating high-quality domestic jobs in cutting edge industries across America,’ a White House official said.

As part of the event at the Holland, Michigan advanced battery facility, three Azure vehicles will be on display, two Transit Connect Electric vans and a Balance Hybrid Electric Shuttle Bus.

President  Obama and automakers reached a deal last week to double fuel efficiency standards to 54.5 mpg for cars and light duty trucks by 2025 and, today, President Obama introduced regulations establishing fuel economy standards for commercial trucks.  These require commercial vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 15% by 2018.

Scott Harrison, added: ‘Azure is in an excellent position to support our fleet customers in meeting these requirements and reducing operating costs, including fuel and maintenance costs.

‘Our Transit Connect Electric, Balance Hybrid Delivery Van/Shuttle Bus and, expected in 2013 the F-550 Super duty, which is under development, are well positioned to address these standards, as customers seek fuel efficient alternative commercial vehicles to meet their diversified fleet requirements.’

President Obama has called for one million plug-in electric hybrids on U.S. roadways by 2015. Part of the 2009 stimulus package included $2bn in grants for electric vehicle and battery programs.  More than half of the funds went to Michigan companies or projects.