November 5, 2007
(Vancouver, British Columbia) - Westport Innovations Inc., www.westport.com, a global leader in gaseous-fuelled power technologies, today announced the start of fleet operations of four Westport heavy-duty liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks as part of the previously-announced Australian LNG truck demonstration program. Additionally, Westport has received the first Australian pre-orders for its 2008-model year LNG truck systems.
Three fleet operators of long-distance truck routes have begun operating four new prototype Kenworth T404/408 SAR trucks powered by 2008 Cummins 15-litre ISX engines featuring Westport's direct injection LNG fuel system. Because LNG is simply natural gas that has been cooled to the point where it changes state from gas to liquid, it is an excellent choice for highway trucks because of their range and weight restrictions. LNG is beginning to be widely produced in Australia, where its relatively low cost compared to diesel fuel can deliver significant cost savings for fleets.
Westport's HPDI (high pressure direct injection) liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel system for Australian heavy-duty trucks offers a unique industry solution with low greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining all the horsepower, torque, and efficiency of a diesel-fuelled engine that is required in heavy-duty truck applications. The Westport engine is fuelled with approximately 95% LNG - a safe, cost effective, low carbon and low emissions fuel.
The Alternative Fuels Conversion Programme is an Australian government funding programme which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks by encouraging increased use of alternative fuels or hybrid diesel/electric engines. The programme encourages commercial fleet operators to trial new technologies and to demonstrate their feasibility to the wider transport industry. The AFCP allows the Australian trucking industry to explore whether the potential environmental and economic advantages of natural gas can be demonstrated in Australia's harsh operating environment. www.greenhouse.gov.au/transport.
For more information: Westport Innovations Inc., Jonathan Burke, (604) 718-2046, invest@westport.com.