Westport Innovations Inc. has entered into an additional agreement with General Motors for a second advanced technology development program.
Westport and GM are now developing two different combustion, controls and emissions approaches to natural gas engines, with the first cooperative technology project being announced in June 2011.
The new program will optimize advanced natural gas technologies and applications for maximum CO2 reduction and fuel efficiency in light-duty vehicles.
"The expansion of our advanced natural gas technology collaboration with GM provides the potential for greater fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions for the industry and the consumer," said Ian Scott, President of Westport Light Duty. "Our continued growth in light-duty is an important part of Westport's overall commitment to innovative natural gas transportation solutions."
Westport is a major gaseous fuels technology partner to global automotive manufacturers. To support OEM programs that will enable personal and commercial vehicles to run on natural gas, Westport Light Duty has recently established The Michigan Technical Center in Plymouth, and has opened an assembly centre in Louisville, Kentucky.
“We have an abundant, inexpensive, and domestic resource in the United States, and there is great potential for natural gas vehicles to realize better efficiency, environmental benefits, and cost savings," said John Lapetz, vice president of Westport LD and managing director North American Vehicle Programs.
