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The Shyft Group Signs Agreement with Amerit Fleet Solutions 24/7 Mobile Service of Blue Arc™ EVs

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The Shyft Group (NASDAQ: SHYF) has entered into an agreement with Amerit Fleet Solutions to offer 24/7 maintenance and support for Blue Arc™ EV trucks across the U.S. This partnership aims to facilitate a seamless transition to EV technology for last-mile customers, enhancing service with mobile and on-site support. Shyft will provide trained technicians, a dedicated in-house tech support team, and an efficient parts ordering system. The Blue Arc platform features a commercial-grade EV chassis, with support from Tier 1 suppliers like Akebono and Bosch. Shyft's Blue Arc trucks have secured an initial order of 150 units from FedEx.

Positive
  • Agreement with Amerit Fleet Solutions to provide 24/7 EV maintenance ensures continuous fleet operation.
  • Blue Arc EVs to be serviced by certified technicians at select dealerships, enhancing service quality.
  • In-house tech support team of over 30 certified technicians and engineers.
  • Integrated service and parts solution simplifies maintenance and repairs.
  • Collaboration with Tier 1 suppliers like Akebono and Bosch ensures high-quality componentry.
  • Successful testing of Blue Arc trucks on challenging last-mile routes.
  • Initial order of 150 Blue Arc EV trucks from FedEx for U.S. fleet.
Negative
  • No financial details of the agreement with Amerit Fleet Solutions disclosed.
  • The announcement lacks specific timelines for the deployment of the service network.
  • Potential challenges in scaling the 24/7 mobile maintenance infrastructure nationwide.
  • Unspecified impact of the new service agreements on Shyft's financial performance.

Insights

The agreement between The Shyft Group and Amerit Fleet Solutions marks a significant strategic move in the EV market, particularly in the context of last-mile delivery services. The 24/7 maintenance and support directly address one of the main concerns for fleet operators: vehicle downtime. Reducing downtime can substantially lower operational costs and improve efficiency, which is a important selling point for potential customers.

The recent initial order of 150 Blue Arc EV Trucks from FedEx underscores the market's confidence in Shyft's EV offerings. This order not only validates the commercial viability of Blue Arc EVs but also provides a solid foundation for future sales growth. Considering FedEx's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, this partnership aligns well with broader industry trends towards sustainability.

However, investors should remain cognizant of potential challenges, such as the scalability of the maintenance service and the reliability of the EVs under diverse operational conditions. The successful integration of Amerit's services and the seamless supply of high-quality parts are critical to sustaining customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

The Blue Arc EV trucks represent a considerable technological advancement in the commercial EV space. The focus on a purpose-built EV chassis designed for the rigors of commercial duty cycles highlights Shyft's commitment to reliability and performance. The use of Tier 1 suppliers like Akebono, Bosch and Dana ensures that the vehicles are equipped with high-quality components, which is essential for maintaining durability and efficiency.

The mention of the vehicle's ability to regenerate 20-30 kW of power through its regenerative braking system is noteworthy. This feature not only enhances the vehicle's efficiency but also contributes to sustainability by extending battery life and reducing energy consumption.

Nevertheless, the integration of these advanced systems must be executed flawlessly to avoid any potential reliability issues. As the vehicles undergo more extensive real-world testing, continued monitoring and enhancements will be necessary to ensure they meet the high standards expected by commercial operators.

Supporting last-mile customers' transition to EV technology with mobile maintenance across the U.S.

Complements Shyft's dealer partners' brick and mortar service capabilities

Further backed by Shyft's Blue Arc EV Tech Support

NOVI, Mich., May 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Shyft Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHYF), the North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets, has signed an agreement with Amerit Fleet Solutions to provide 24/7 maintenance and support services for Blue Arc™ EV trucks across the U.S.

"We're committed to keeping the customer at the center of all we do," said John Dunn, President and CEO of The Shyft Group. "As we transition to EV technology, we're focused on ensuring a seamless experience for our last-mile customers and drivers. Our comprehensive service model includes onsite dealer service, access to our Blue Arc EV Tech Support team, a proven parts ordering system, and now, Amerit's 24/7 EV Fleet Maintenance program to minimize downtime and keep fleets on the road."

Blue Arc EVs will soon be available through a select network of dealerships, each staffed by technicians trained and certified by Shyft's Blue Arc engineering team, ensuring customers can conveniently service their vehicles at dealership garages. Complementing this dealer network, Shyft's dedicated in-house tech support team—comprising over 30 certified technicians and engineers—specializes in vehicle development, validation, and testing to maintain high service standards at all touchpoints.

Moreover, Shyft's integrated service and parts solution ensures that high-quality parts are readily available, simplifying maintenance and repairs. Together with Amerit Fleet Solutions' network of mobile technicians, the Shyft Group's comprehensive support network helps facilitate continuous fleet operation and maximum vehicle uptime.

"We're confident in the design and performance of our Blue Arc EV truck," said Eric Fisher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Shyft Innovations. "Our commitment to commercial-grade performance, built on Shyft's 50-year history in last-mile delivery vehicles, enabled us to secure a roster of Tier 1 automotive suppliers for critical vehicle systems and subsystems that allow us to confidently meet customers' expectations and deliver a one-of-a-kind solution."

The Blue Arc platform features one of the industry's first truly commercial-grade, purpose-built EV chassis, with every subsystem and aspect designed for demanding commercial vehicle duty cycles. Tier 1 suppliers including Akebono, Bosch, Dana, Hendrickson, and Modine, provide best-in-class solutions to the purpose-built chassis.

The Shyft Group recently secured an initial order of 150 Blue Arc EV Trucks from FedEx for its U.S. pickup and delivery fleet, reflecting a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions. During testing on last-mile routes in Memphis, the Blue Arc truck operated 8-10 hour routes under challenging conditions, with temperatures ranging from 95 to 105°F. The vehicle's reliability and ability to regenerate 20-30 kW of power through its regenerative braking system underscore its commercial readiness.

About The Shyft Group

The Shyft Group is the North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets. Our customers include first-to-last mile delivery companies across vocations, federal, state, and local government entities; the trades; and utility and infrastructure segments. The Shyft Group is organized into two core business units: Shyft Fleet Vehicles and Services™ and Shyft Specialty Vehicles™. Today, its family of brands include Blue Arc™ EV Solutions, Utilimaster®, Royal® Truck Body, DuraMag® and Magnum®, Strobes-R-Us™, Spartan® RV Chassis, Red Diamond™ Aftermarket Solutions, and Builtmore Contract Manufacturing™. The Shyft Group and its go-to-market brands are well known in their respective industries for quality, durability, and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 3,000 employees and contractors across campuses, and operates facilities in Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Saltillo, Mexico. The Company reported sales of $872 million in 2023. Learn more at TheShyftGroup.com.

 

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SOURCE The Shyft Group, Inc.

FAQ

What recent agreement did The Shyft Group sign for Blue Arc EV maintenance?

The Shyft Group signed an agreement with Amerit Fleet Solutions to provide 24/7 maintenance and support for Blue Arc EV trucks across the U.S.

How will the Shyft Group support Blue Arc EV customers?

The Shyft Group will support Blue Arc EV customers with 24/7 mobile maintenance from Amerit, onsite dealer service, and access to a dedicated tech support team.

What are the key features of the Blue Arc EV platform?

The Blue Arc EV platform features a commercial-grade, purpose-built chassis with systems from Tier 1 suppliers like Akebono and Bosch.

What companies are supplying parts for the Blue Arc EV chassis?

Tier 1 suppliers such as Akebono, Bosch, Dana, Hendrickson, and Modine are providing parts for the Blue Arc EV chassis.

How many Blue Arc EV trucks were initially ordered by FedEx?

FedEx placed an initial order of 150 Blue Arc EV trucks for its U.S. pickup and delivery fleet.

The Shyft Group, Inc.

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