Export Business Orders 15 LNG Trucks with Westport ISX G Engine For El Toro Export Order
Vancouver, BC - October 6, 2008 - Westport Innovations
Inc. (TSX:WPT)(NASDAQ:WPRT), a global leader in alternative fuel, low-emissions
transportation technologies, announced today that El Toro Export, LLC of El
Centro, California, a processor, marketer, and exporter of various agricultural
commodities, has ordered 15 heavy-duty liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks,
featuring Westport's ISX G engine with High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI)
technology. The trucks will be deployed in the Imperial Valley area of Southern
California. The seed, grain, and hay processing company will use the trucks as
part of their 30-truck fleet, hauling the commodities for distribution in the
U.S. and for export to Asia and elsewhere.
"Our export business can benefit from cost saving opportunities by running LNG
trucks," said Bill Plourd, President of El Toro Export. "Combining solid product
performance in the Kenworth T800 trucks with a lower fuel cost in comparison to
diesel provides a unique advantage to El Toro. In addition to fuel savings, we
are able to access the San Pedro Ports without added drayage fees."
"El Toro represents the third export business in Southern California to see the
value proposition Westport's LNG system provides customers," said Michael
Gallagher, President & Chief Operating Officer of Westport Innovations. "The
environmental and economic benefits of clean, low-carbon, and domestic LNG are
proving attractive to an increasing number of truck fleets. The Westport ISX G
and LNG fuel system provides operators with a robust, high performance package
and a comprehensive support program."
About Westport's ISX G and LNG System for Heavy Duty Trucks
Westport's ISX G engine and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel system for heavy-
duty class 8 trucks offers industry-leading emissions, including lower
greenhouse gas emissions, than comparable diesel engines, and allows trucking
fleets to move to lower-cost, domestically available natural gas and/or biogas.
Based on the industry-leading Cummins ISX diesel engine with cooled EGR, the LNG
version of the engine offers the same horsepower, torque, and efficiency as the
base diesel engine it is replacing. The Westport LNG fuel system comprises LNG
fuel tanks, proprietary Westport fuel injectors, cryogenic fuel pumps and
associated electronic components to facilitate robust performance and reliable
operation. The Westport LNG system is 2007 EPA and CARB certified to 0.8g/bhp-hr
NOx and 0.01g/bhp-hr PM.
The Westport ISX G engine is fuelled with LNG - a safe, cost effective, low
carbon, and low emissions fuel - and is available with 400 and 450 horsepower
ratings and up to 1,750 lb-ft torque for heavy-duty port, freight and vocational
applications. LNG fuel tanks can be configured to suit customer range
requirements. LNG heavy-duty trucks are eligible for federal tax credits in the
United States and may be eligible for other state-specific emissions credits.
About Westport Innovations Inc.
Westport Innovations Inc. is a leading global supplier of proprietary solutions
that allow engines to operate on clean-burning fuels such as compressed natural
gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, and biofuels such as landfill
gas. Cummins Westport Inc., Westport's joint venture with Cummins Inc.,
manufactures and sells the world's broadest range of low-emissions alternative
fuel engines for commercial transportation applications such as trucks and
buses. BTIC Westport Inc., Westport's joint venture with Beijing Tianhai
Industry Co. Ltd., manufactures and sells LNG fuel tanks for vehicles. www.westport.com
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Note: This document contains forward-looking statements about Westport's
business, operations, technology development or the environment in which it
operates, which are based on Westport's estimates, forecasts and projections.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and
uncertainties that are difficult to predict, or are beyond Westport's control.
Consequently, readers should not place any undue reliance on such forward-
looking statements. In addition, these forward-looking statements relate to the
date on which they are made. Westport disclaims any intention or obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
Inquiries:
Darren Seed
Director, Investor Relations
Westport Innovations Inc.
Phone: 604.718.2046
Email: invest@westport.com
