2014: The Westport Year in Review

As 2014 wraps up, we’d like to highlight some of the key announcements over the past 12 months. From the recent acquisition of Prins Autogassystemen to the unveiling of Westport’s first generation of an enhanced spark-ignited (ESI) natural gas system, the company continues to innovate new ways to enable a transition to natural gas-powered transportation.

December 
 Westport acquires Netherlands-based Prins Autogassystemen Holding B.V. Founded in 1986, Prins is a leading developer of high quality alternative fuel systems powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane), compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty applications. Prins operations in Europe will be combined under the Westport Applied Technologies business unit.

October
The Weichai Westport HPDI 12-litre engine receives China V emissions certification from the National Passenger Car Quality Supervision & Inspection Center two generations ahead of the current emission regulations.

Westport offers fleets interested in the Westport WiNG™ Power System Ford Transit Van a free demonstration program for up to two weeks, designed to give the experience and benefits of operating on compressed natural gas (CNG). The Transit Van is offered with a gaseous prep 3.7L V6 engine at 10,000 GVW and below.

During the quarter, Westport delivered 40 shuttle buses powered by the Westport WiNG™ Power System to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The airport operates a total fleet of about 1,000 vehicles and approximately 450 of those are alternative fuel vehicles, half of which are powered by the Westport WiNG™ Power System, including pickup trucks and shuttle buses.

Westport’s latest addition to its alternative fuel industrial engines, a 3.8L engine that operates on either liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas (NG), is displayed at the High Horsepower Summit in New Orleans.

Cummins Westport Inc. (CWI) announces that Rob Neitzke, currently General Manager of the Construction Segment of Cummins off-highway engine business, has been appointed as President of CWI effective January 1, 2015.

September
Westport unveils its first generation of an enhanced spark-ignited (ESI) natural gas system. The new revolutionary approach to natural gas combustion technology is designed to provide vehicle and engine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with a "downsized" natural gas solution that is cost competitive while providing similar levels of power, torque, and fuel economy to a larger diesel engine.

Westport announces an update to its Westport high pressure direct injection (Westport™ HPDI) second generation or "HPDI 2.0" development program. Expected to provide dramatically better system costs and better compatibility with advanced diesel engine platforms, a key component of the HPDI 2.0 system is a brand new family of high pressure fuel injectors, co-developed with Delphi Automotive PLC (Delphi), designed to provide better cost, smaller size and improved packaging compared to prior generation Westport™ HPDI injector designs.

August
Jill Bodkin is elected Chairman of the Board of Directors. Former Chairman, John Beaulieu, remains on the board as a director and awarded the title: Chairman Emeritus.
"My Board leadership will draw on my life's work - building partnerships in international capital markets," "Our Board is committed to building enduring value for Westport," said Ms. Bodkin. "The Board is proud of Westport's people, who today deliver the best of alternative fuel engines and vehicle systems and maintain a lead at the forefront of a global shift to natural gas in all forms of transportation."

July
Westport launches the Weichai Westport WP12 engine and initiates development of WD10 engine with Westport™ HPDI 2.0 technology.

Kroger announces the purchase of 40 LNG trucks featuring the Westport iCE PACK LNG Tank System and the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine.

India’s Maruti Suzuki introduces the Celerio Green, a five passenger, bi-fuel car that runs on CNG and gasoline, featuring Westport's natural gas components.

Two LNG tenders are delivered to Canadian National Railway.

June
Ashoka Achuthan is appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Westport. Bill Larkin is appointed to Vice President, Corporate Development, focusing on strategic initiatives and investments, and development agreements.

Yang Guang is appointed to the position of President, Asia Pacific to oversee Westport’s Asia Pacific business operations, sales, marketing, engineering, production, and service activities which include China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), India, Korea, Japan, Australia and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

May
Westport debuts the only California Air Resources Board and EPA certified Ford F-150, featuring the Westport WiNG™ Power System, at the Alternative Clean Transportation Expo (ACT) in Long Beach.

Ford F-250 and F-350 super duty trucks with the Westport WiNG™ bi-fuel CNG system receive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification for its 2015 model year.

Westport and Tata Motors Limited launched a new spark-ignited (SI) natural gas 3.8L turbocharged engine featuring the Westport WP580 Engine Management System (EMS). Westport also unveiled its newest proprietary technology, Westport gas enhanced methane diesel (Westport GEMDi™) targeted for medium-duty trucks and buses in India.

April
Final customer validation units of the next generation Westport high pressure direct injection (Westport™ HPDI 2.0) on the Weichai Westport WP12 engine platform are launched. The Weichai Westport WP12HPDI is China’s first engine featuring Westport HPDI technology, delivering the power and performance of the base diesel engine, while replacing up to 95% of diesel fuel with cleaner burning, less expensive natural gas.

March
Westport announces a joint development agreement with Delphi Automotive PLC to help entrench Westport high pressure direct injection (Westport™ HPDI) as the leading natural gas technology platform for heavy-duty engine applications.

Westport unifies its bi-fuel and dedicated natural gas fuel system products and body configurations for Ford vehicles under the Westport WiNG™ Power System product brand name.

February
Westport unveils its newest proprietary technology -- Westport gas enhanced methane diesel (Westport GEMDi™). Westport GEMDi technology enables engine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to offer a fully integrated, high performance engine optimized for dual fuel operation.

Tata Motors Limited, India's largest automobile company, launches a new spark-ignited (SI) natural gas 3.8L turbocharged engine featuring the Westport WP580 Engine Management System (EMS).

Partners for Good: Toys for Tots Program

Thank you for your support!

This holiday season, Westport Dallas has been working with our vehicle “Stocking Program” business and community partners to fill Christmas stockings by collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Dallas Forth Worth Toys for Tots program. We’d like to extend a very big thank you to our partners, customers and anyone else who dropped off a toy – including the mystery donors!

Closing the Loop: Fueling Trucks with the Organic Waste They Pick Up

When you placed your food waste at the curb last time, did you consider the journey it’s about to take? You could find it coming back down your street the next month as the fuel in the truck that picks up that week’s organic waste. That’s closer to Doc’s “flux capacitor” from the 1985 movie Back to the Future than most people ever imagined – and the fuel is powering trucks on American roads and around the world right now.

Biogas, or natural gas from organic sources, has been used for decades and was recognized as a renewable source for electricity. In the intervening years, natural gas fuel stations and the natural gas vehicle base has expanded, opening up the market for renewable natural gas (RNG) use in transportation.

Refuse operations across North America are embracing the opportunity to fuel trucks with the very waste they pick up. The RNG created with processed organic matter such as food scraps (or in other cases landfill gas) can power trucks equipped with a natural gas engine such as Cummins Westport ISX 12G or ISL G engines.

In North America, fleets and energy partnerships from Georgia to Quebec to California are embracing the concept, saving waste and money in the process. The vehicles operating on RNG from organic sources include refuse or sanitation trucks, pickup trucks, utility vehicles, and tractors.

The Columbus, Ohio quasar biodigestion facility

Kroger Announces Delivery of First LNG Trucks

The Kroger Co. and its division of Fred Meyer Stores, marked the delivery of the first 11 Freightliner trucks, which will be fueled by liquefied natural gas, at a press conference in Clackamas, in the Greater Portland area, on December 4, 2014. The new LNG trucks will replace 40 diesel trucks currently in use, and will deliver product from Corvallis, Ore., and as far north as Longview, Washington.

“The trucks are out there running now and they’re doing well,” says Fred Meyer Fleet Manager Nick Brocato. “They are delivering a variety of loads -- everything and anything that Fred Meyer Stores offer.”

Each of Fred Meyers’ new LNG trucks will drive approximately 175 miles (282 km) per day, six days a week, 52 weeks a year, delivering products along routes which run from Corvallis, Ore., to Longview, Washington.

Truckloads of Toys for Girls and Boys with DFW Toys for Tots

Westport Dallas is filling stockings for less fortunate children this holiday season by working with our vehicle “Stocking Program” business and community partners to collect new, unwrapped toys December 1st through 12th for the Dallas Forth Worth Toys for Tots program.

Westport and local Dallas partners – All Size Supply Co., Stealth Industry, General Truck Body Manufacturing Company, and Pro Staff Administrative & Light Industrial Staffing – are collecting toys for the program. We’re challenging other partners, suppliers and natural gas industry groups to make this holiday season a happier time for their communities.

Please help Toys for Tots to bring toys to less fortunate kids by holding a toy drive at your location, or by donating a new, unwrapped toy at Westport Dallas, one of our partner locations, or any Toys for Tots drop box location.

Potelco, One of Washington’s Largest Fleets, Switches to LNG Vehicles

With operations requiring the use of over 3,000 vehicles, Potelco’s Fleet Manager Steve Steedley, is no stranger to managing the complex logistics of one of Washington State’s largest fleets. So when the power line maintenance and construction company made the decision to incorporate natural gas vehicles (NGVs) into its business, Steve researched the market for about a year before making the purchase.

The company now runs 42 Freightliner M2 model trucks with the Cummins Westport 8.9L ISL G engine: 20 bucket trucks, 20 digger trucks and two fuel tankers. Each vehicle is being fuelled with cold liquefied natural gas (LNG) using the Westport iCE PACK™ LNG Tank System.

“We’re a homegrown company and it’s good for the [local] economy, getting the fuel from here,” Steve says. “It’s all around a good business -- from an economic standpoint and for keeping jobs at home.”

Potelco has over 1,300 employees – the company completes electrical line construction, cable television, gas pipeline, fibre optics, transportation, and telecom projects.

One of Potelco's 42 natural gas vehicles, powered by the Westport iCE PACK™ LNG Tank System filled with cold liquefied natural gas.

Training Day - Westport Dallas

As part of the recently-announced new Type A compressed natural gas (CNG) Collins Bus, with the Westport WiNG™ Power System, Westport Dallas staff organized a three-day training session with our partner installers from Olathe Ford during the last week of October. Olathe’s Jeff Johnson, Service Foreman, and Kevin Davis, Installer Technician, joined Westport’s Service Training Manager James Trott along with the Westport installation team on the factory floor to review several essential topics, skills and procedures.

James says the purpose of the training was twofold: an instructional course on how to build the bus and an update in service training on any new programs and diagnostic methods.

“We have a really strict protocol for quality control,” James says. “When they finish building the unit and drive it, they have to monitor the data, capture it, and send it back to us so we can verify it’s within specifications before they ship it.”

Westport's Stefan Yarbrough show's Olathe's Jeff Johnson and Kevin Davis installation and servicing procedures in the
Type A CNG Bus from Collins: here they learn how to remove hardware and start preparing to install the tank saddles.

Westport Participates in first NGV event in South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa is host to the first ever NGV event in South Africa and the Sub-Saharan African region during NGV2014 South Africa Conference and Exhibition this week. As the most developed and influential country in the African region, South Africa is an emerging natural gas vehicle (NGV) market that shows promising growth potential with the availability of natural gas in neighbouring countries and government initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Today, in the state of Gauteng, there are about 385 taxis and buses already operating on compressed natural gas (CNG), with the Benoni Taxi Association committed converting 20 per cent of its fleet.

“We chose to hold this year’s event in South Africa because natural gas for transportation is already on the move there,” says Claudio Kohan, NGV Communications Group Director. “The government has initiated the National Climate Change Response flagship program which advocates CNG use and the Industrial Development Corporation will fund any associated infrastructure development projects through the Green Energy Efficiency Program.”

Staffing, Recruitment Firm Centric Sweden Purchases 20 New Bi-fuel Vehicles with Westport's CNG Systems

Centric Sweden, a staffing and recruitment solutions firm for the technology and health industries, has made the official switch to Volvo V60 and V70 Bi-Fuel Wagons with Westport’s technology for their fleet operations. The company had previously been using only Volkswagen Passat EcoFuel vehicles in their fleet.

“Centric Sweden’s commitment to compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles combined with Volvo’s reputation for safety and quality as well as our ability to offer the vehicles at excellent value was the driving force behind the change,” says Anders Johansson, Managing Director, Westport Sweden.

City of Corpus Christi Likes its NGV Options

For Corpus Christi’s fleet manager, Jim Davis, the city’s decision to equip its fleet with natural gas vehicles was a “common sense thing to do.” 

“We’ve had [an NGV fleet] for several years -- probably eight years,” Jim says. “In the last two or three years the market’s really opened up as far as vehicle options and we’ve had the opportunity to get more into compressed natural gas (CNG) heavily.”

Jim says city council has been the main driver behind the city’s fleet of just over 80 NGVs; half of which are powered by either the Westport WiNG™ Power System or by Cummins Westport engines.

This Ford F-250 is powered by the Westport WiNG Power System, and is a part of Corpus Christi's fleet of over 80 NGVs. 

Love’s Showcases Commitment to Natural Gas Vehicles at NGV Conference and Expo; Features Westport WiNG Power System on Ford F-350 and Cummins Westport 12-liter CNG Peterbilt

When visitors visit Love’s Travel Stops & Country Store’s (Love’s) booth at this year’s Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Conference and Expo in Kansas City, Missouri, it will be evident that the convenience store and travel center giant is committed to the natural gas vehicle industry. The booth will showcase a Westport WiNG™ Power System dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) Ford F-350 truck used to service fleet operators at Love’s Truck Tire Care centres. Also featured at the bright yellow and red booth will be a mock-up version of Love’s signature Integrated In-Lane Fueling station with a Cummins Westport (CWI) 12-liter compressed natural gas (CNG) engine powered Peterbilt truck.

Nationwide, Love’s is the only travel stop that offers an integrated, in-lane fueling experience for heavy duty vehicles in every lane. These full service travel stops combine cardless radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, diesel, diesel exhaust fuel (DEF) and fast-fill CNG (where available) in a single-lane to provide time-saving convenience with access to multiple fueling solutions for operators. The Truck Tire Care centres, open 24 hours a day, offer tire care and roadside assistance to ensure trucks stay up and running.

Collins Bus and Westport to Display NEXBUS® Type A CNG School Bus at NAPT 2014 Summit

Collins Bus Booth #111 to Feature Westport E-450 Cutaway Chassis

Demonstrating the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s 2014 Summit theme of Driving Innovation, Collins Bus and Westport are partnering for the first time to display NEXBUS®: the Collins Type A compressed natural gas (CNG) school bus equipped with the Westport WiNG™ Power System. NAPT runs from November 8 – 11, 2014 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.

The chassis on exhibit at Booth #111 gives attendees a chance to see the unique Westport CNG system. With NEXBUS® agencies such as school districts, child and senior care facilities and municipalities can enjoy the benefit of the historical price stability of natural gas and decreased emissions.

“We are very pleased to partner with Westport to begin offering a CNG bus model in the fastest growing segment of the alternative fuel school bus market,” said Kent Tyler, president and CEO of Allied Specialty Vehicles’ bus division and interim president of Collins Bus. “As Ford’s largest qualified vehicle modifier, Westport’s CNG expertise and proven technology allows us to offer the most reliable clean energy Type A school bus model available to meet the evolving needs of our dealers and diverse customer base.”

Westport Launches New Stocking Program to Cut Customer Wait Times

Westport is launching a new stocking program that will see its natural gas vehicles available at select Ford dealerships across the United States. In Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Florida participating dealerships will be stocking a wide range of bi-fuel and dedicated Westport WiNG™ Power System compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles including the Ford F-150, F-250, the all-new Transit Van and the F-59.

“This is a game-changer,” says Paul Shaffer, Westport Dallas vice president and managing director. “The wait time will be cut to as little as a couple of days from placement of order to receipt of vehicle. This allows fleets to take advantage of the benefits of CNG that much quicker.”

Navigating Fuel Transitions and Technological Progress

Karen Hamberg, Westport Vice President of Strategy, has been working in the area of fuel transitions and alternative fuel adoption for over a decade.

In this one-on-one interview, she shares her thoughts on three important questions around fuel transitions, sustainability and leading collaborations evaluating the use of natural gas in transportation.

Join us for this one-on-one session with one of the industry’s leading thinkers as she shares her unique insights on three key questions:

NGVs as Far as the Horizon at DFW Airport

If you’ve ever been to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, chances are you’ve either ridden in or seen a natural gas vehicle (NGV) at work.

The airport operates a total fleet of about 1,000 vehicles and around 450 of those are alternative fuel vehicles.

“We’ve got everything you can think of,” says Robert Heller, vehicle fleet programs manager at the airport.

Robert says the airport was a natural gas pioneer, and started to purchase NGVs 14 years ago because of environmental concerns from emissions and to cut down on fuel costs.

“I’ve been with it from the beginning – it’s been really good,” Robert says.

DFW Airport's fleet includes many different models of natural gas vehicles, including these Westport WiNG™ Power System Ford E-450 Shuttle Buses.

New Westport Transit Van Demo Program Lets Fleets Experience the Benefits of CNG

Drive Now with CNG

Fleets interested in switching to natural gas can take advantage of an all new, free Westport demonstration program, announced at APTA Expo. “Drive Now with CNG,” for fleets interested in the Westport WiNG™ Power System Ford Transit Van, gives the experience and benefits of operating on compressed natural gas (CNG).

“From coast-to-coast, fleets are saving thousands of dollars on their operating costs by taking advantage of lower-cost natural gas,” says Paul Shaffer, Westport Dallas Vice President. “Westport’s new Transit Van demo program will enable companies to see first-hand the benefits of CNG for their business.”

Learn more about how fleets can participate in the demo program during an information session at APTA on October 14, in Room 350F from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 

Westport Participates in APTA EXPO 2014 with Public Transportation Products

Join Westport, a leader in natural gas engines and vehicles, at the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) EXPO 2014, the premier showcase for innovative public transportation solutions, from October 13 to 15, 2014 in Houston, Texas.

Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are becoming a growing part of the public transportation market in North America, with cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Phoenix, San Francisco, Denver and Atlanta shifting their bus fleets to run on this cleaner, less expensive, domestic fuel. According to NGVAmerica, there are approximately 11,000 buses currently powered by natural gas in the US and one of four buses on order today will utilize CNG as a transportation fuel.

Westport Unveils the 3.8L LPG/NG Engine at HHP Summit in New Orleans

3.8L Power Unit and 2.4L Genset on Display at Booth #430

Westport’s latest addition to its alternative fuel industrial engines, a 3.8L engine that operates on either liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas (NG), is on display at HHP Summit in Booth #430 from October 6 – 9, 2014. Both of Westport’s two industrial engines can be used in a variety of off road and stationary industrial applications.

Capable of producing 100 kilowatts of power and 347 N-m of torque, the 3.8L engine offers high performance and low emissions using EPA and CARB-certified advanced fuel system technology.

CNG Fleet Strategy Starts at the Top: Laredo Petroleum Transitions to Westport WiNG™ Powered Ford Super Duty Trucks

At Laredo Petroleum, the use of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) starts at the top. Chairman and CEO Randy A. Foutch leads by example and walks the talk. Foutch, who is known for having compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles as his personal vehicles to drive, is also the company’s number one ambassador of the products it produces and sells.

“Our strategy for our fleet operations is a top down approach,” says Luke Duke, procurement agent for Laredo. “Not only do natural gas vehicles use a cleaner burning fuel that costs about $1 per gallon less than petroleum, as an exploration and production (E&P) company, we believe we should be using the products that we produce.”

Westport Offers Freightliner Cascadia Truck with iCE PACK™ LNG Fuel System for Test Drives

 

Westport is pleased to announce the arrival of its Freightliner Cascadia 12-liter natural gas engine demonstration truck, powered by the Westport iCE PACK™ LNG Fuel System. iCE PACK is Westport’s latest innovation that minimizes fueling time, while maximizing range and fuel savings by allowing natural gas or dual-fuel engines to burn clean, domestic liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The North American Debut of the New Natural Gas Ford Transit Van Featuring Westport Technology

Westport Unveils Dedicated Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG) Transit Van at Parcel Forum 

Westport celebrates the availability of its natural gas powered 2015 Ford Transit Van, unveiling it at Parcel Forum 2014 in Booth #505.

Used to transport passengers and cargo, the popular Westport WiNG™ Power System Transit Van and Cutaway models operate on dedicated CNG using a 3.7L V6 gaseous prep engine.

The Transit Van and Cutaway is offered at 10,000 GVW and below and will be EPA and CARB certified. Tank configurations are available with a standard 20 or 23 gasoline gallon equivalent capacity with additional configurations, depending on customer requirements.

Exceeding Expectations – Westport's CNG Vehicles Help Power USD's Growing Alternative Fuel Fleet

When USD, Inc. made the move away from independent contract drivers and brought its delivery fleet in-house over a year ago, the company’s management team decided to incorporate as many alternative fuel vehicles as possible going forward. In 2013 alone, the company added 20 Westport WiNG™ Power System Ford Transit Connects operating on dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) to its fleet.

USD is the leading distributor of original equipment Ford, General Motors and Chrysler automotive parts in the southwest United States. Operating for 42 years, with corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, USD also has facilities in New Mexico, Texas and Colorado.

“As our business continues to grow, it is increasingly important for us to look for ways to improve efficiencies to serve our customers while at the same time reduce our environmental impact in the communities where we operate,” said Eric Bromenshenkel, president and CEO, USD Inc. “Not only has adding CNG vehicles helped us save about 30 per cent in fuel costs, we’re using a cleaner domestic fuel.”

Westport’s Industrial Engines at Logis-Tech Tokyo 2014

Westport’s latest addition to its alternative fuel industrial engines, a 3.8L engine that operates on either liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas (NG), was on display in Tokyo, Japan this week at the Logis-Tech Tokyo 2014 Material Handling and Logistics Exhibition.

The event featured over 400 companies and approximately 55,000 exhibitors in a wide variety of categories, such as industrial vehicles, storage and transportation services and third-party logistics.

Westport's Brian Chisholm (centre) and Jun Chung (left) chat with Yukio Hase, Deputy General Manger, Development with Mitsubishi Nichiyu Forklift Co. Ltd,  about the various applications for Westport's
natural gas and propane-powered industrial engines at Logis-Tech 2014.

Capable of producing 100 kilowatts of power and 347 N-m of torque, Westport’s 3.8L engine offers high performance and low emissions using advanced automotive technology.

Westport now offers companies with equipment in the material handling and logistics industries a choice of either the 2.4L or 3.8L engines. Both of the Westport industrial engines are based on Hyundai automotive engine platforms, with the Westport fuel system installed in Busan, South Korea.

These alternative fuel engines are available for use with:

• Forklifts 
• Power generation 
• Construction vehicles, such as small front-end loaders and excavators 
• Municipal vehicles, such as street sweepers 
• Airport service vehicles, such as luggage and handling trucks 
• Irrigation systems 
• Oilfield applications 

Westport was one of over 400 companies exhibiting at Logis-Tech Tokyo 2014.

For more information on Westport's industrial engines visit:

http://www.westport.com/products/engines/2point4/overview

Colorado Blazes the Trail for Statewide Adoption of NGVs

With Colorado’s history of blazing a path towards the adoption of more natural gas vehicles (NGVs) for state fleets across the United States, it’s natural that the State government is showing commitment by bolstering its fleet.

State Fleet Manager Ron Clatterbuck, says that by the time vehicles purchased in 2014 are received, Colorado will operate 237 NGVs – including 40 Westport WiNG™ Power System bi-fuel Ford F-250 pickup trucks.

Ron says that most of the fleet is located near Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs, but there are also vehicles servicing departments on the ‘Western slope’ near Grand Junction.

Take a Ride to Westport Dallas - Watch Westport's Latest Video

Westport Dallas is proud of our commitment to delivering North America’s largest range of natural gas and bi-fuel Ford products. Learn more about our Ford-approved, OEM-experience assembly process and quality in our newly released video:

Westport Dallas has set the standard for Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers across North America and is the largest Ford qualified vehicle modifier (QVM) in both product line and capacity.

To see the full range of Westport WiNG™ Power System Ford bi-fuel and dedicated compressed natural gas vehicles, visit www.westport.com/wing

Gas in the Fast Lane: NGVs in California’s Carpool Lane

Did you know you can drive a pickup truck in a California carpool lane, even if you’re a single occupant? But not just any pickup truck; it’s your compressed natural gas (CNG) truck that may qualify you.

Operators of model years 2014 and 2015 Ford Super Duty 6.2 liter pickup trucks equipped with a dedicated  CNG Westport WiNG™ Power System (formerly BAF Technologies) now qualify for a carpool lane decal under the Clean Air Vehicle program. California’s program for Clean Air Vehicles allows single-occupant vehicles with a valid sticker to travel in the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane.

Westport Receives EPA Certification for Model Year 2015 Vehicles

Westport WiNG™ Power System Ford E-450 and F-450/550/650/59 EPA Certified

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified the model year (MY) 2015 Ford E-450 and F-450, F-550, F-650 and F-59 featuring the Westport WiNG™ Power System. All the vehicles are certified for the 6.8L V10 engine. Each model is available with a gaseous prep package from the Ford factory.

California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification on these MY 2015 vehicles is expected to follow soon.

As the leading partner in Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) program, Westport currently offers nine MY 2015 vehicles that are EPA certified. Westport vehicles offer QVM products developed in conjunction with Ford, featuring original equipment manufacturer (OEM) quality.

All Westport operated trucks undergo the same safety testing required for all Ford OEM products and the Ford warranty remains intact.

To view Westport’s full suite of natural gas light duty trucks, visit www.westport.com/wing

For media inquiries contact: media@westport.com
For sales inquiries contact: fordsales@westport.com

Covering Ground - Noble Energy’s NGVs

A day in the life of a bi-fuel pickup truck in Noble Energy’s fleet includes driving around 100 square miles (160 kms) – 1,800 miles (2900 kms) a month on average – in the resource-rich Denver-Julesburg Basin, east of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Noble Energy’s fleet of over 100 natural gas trucks comprises roughly 10 per cent of its total U.S. fleet of about 700, mostly light-duty trucks. 

The company began purchasing alternative fuel, light duty vehicles in 2009 and 2010. Bobby Randolph, a Senior Purchasing Agent with Noble, says the number of public stations – where Noble’s fleet fills up - has been steadily growing in Colorado.

“Colorado has expanded its network quite a bit and it’s helped with the logistics of fuelling our fleet,” he says. “We still need more [stations], but it’s helping us out a lot.”

Austin Driver Celebrates Winning Several Years of Free CNG

After winning a free fuel card loaded with 1,000 gasoline gallon equivalents of compressed natural gas (CNG) from Westport and Clean Energy Fuels, Wayne Snead says he won’t need to pay to fill up his natural gas vehicle (NGV) for a long time. 

“I love it,” Wayne says. “I’m set for three to four years.” He who won the card after the Greater Houston Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (GHNGVA) did a draw for the free fuel card amongst its members after the GHNGVA won the card from a Westport social media contest in May.

Wayne Snead won't pay to fill up his Honda Civic GX with CNG
fuel for the next three or four years, after winning a free fuel card
from Westport and Clean Energy Fuels.

Wayne is a CNG specialist in business development in Austin, Texas at Texas Gas Service. Both in his job at Texas Gas and as a member of the GHNGVA, he’s a proponent of expanding the number of natural gas stations in Texas.

“The GHNVA members collaborate on things all over the state, trying to grow the infrastructure in this area,” he says. “We’re all in it together.”

Texas Gas operates a Conservation Program which provides more than one million dollars annually through rebates to customers who switch to natural gas. The program webpage explains the rebate options available for the purchase of an NGV for businesses or residents.

“I decided to start walking the talk,” Wayne says of his decision to purchase a Honda Civic GX around six weeks ago. Currently he says he pays $17 to fill up his eight gallon tank, getting around 250 miles (400 kms) per tank for city driving and 300 miles (482 kms) for highway. Usually he fills up at the Clean Energy Station at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Thanks to his free fuel card, Wayne won’t be paying to fill up his NGV anytime soon. 

Learn more about the Texas Gas Conservation Program:  https://www.texasgasservice.com/SaveEnergyAndMoney/ConservationPrograms.aspx

U.S. Senators Inhofe and Donnelly Introduce Bill to Increase Weight Limits of Natural Gas Trucks on Highways

Natural gas vehicles have found key supporters in the U.S. senate when last week, Senators Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma and Joe Donnelly of Indiana introduced a bill to increase the weight limitations of heavy-duty natural gas trucks operating on U.S. highways. The proposed bill, the Natural Gas Long Haul Truck Competitiveness Act of 2014 (S. 2721), would allow a natural gas truck to “exceed the weight limit by the difference between the additional weight of the natural gas fuel system in use and the weight of a comparable diesel tank fueling system.”*

Opening the Door to More Business – Westport Obtains TS 16949 Certification

Westport achieved a significant accomplishment in the trucking and automotive industry recently, receiving TS 16949:2009 certification. This quality management designation is issued by SAI Global, a registrar of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 

“One of the first questions customers ask is: do you have a certified quality system?” says Westport’s Director of Quality, Hector Hernandez. “Obtaining this certification puts Westport in the position to compete with the best suppliers in the world. It will open the door to more business for Westport.”

Pacific NorthWest Delegates Look at LNG Measurement, Taxation and Transportation

Brian Dracup, Senior Director, LNG Rail and Tender Program Development participated in a six person panel discussing natural gas for transportation as part of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region 2014 summit, held in Whistler this week. The panel was co-chaired by B.C.’s Deputy Premier, Minister of Energy, Natural Gas, and Mines Rich Coleman.

At the conclusion of the panel, PNWER organizers stated they would form a working group of interested participants to discuss how to harmonize the way LNG is measured and how to make the way LNG is taxed common within the PNWER region.

Westport CEO Talks Natural Gas Transportation on CBC's Lang & O’Leary Exchange​

Westport CEO David Demers was one of the guests interviewed on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC) Lang & O’Leary Exchange​ on Friday, July 18.

David spoke to guest host Danielle Bochove about Westport’s company history, natural gas powered locomotives and trucks, competition from other alternative fuels and Westport’s future path among other topics.

The interviewed aired on CBC News Network. Watch it here:

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/Lang%20&%20O%27Leary%20Exchange/ID/2474998206/

Westport Expands 2015 Vehicle Line-Up with All-New Transit Van and Cutaway

Westport is expanding its 2015 vehicle lineup with natural gas fueling options for companies who are adding the all-new Ford Transit Van and Cutaway to their fleet. 

As Ford’s largest qualified vehicle modifier, Westport is offering the 2015 Ford Transit Van and Cutaway as a dedicated natural gas (CNG) Westport WiNG™ Power System vehicle. The Transit Cutaway will be offered at 10,000 GVW and below. Both versions of the Transit Van and Cutaway will be EPA and CARB certified.

Anadarko Propels its Ford Fleet with Natural Gas

When Anadarko’s then CEO, Jim Hackett told the company he wanted a natural gas vehicle added to the company’s sizable fleet in 2009, it marked an important shift as the company began to adopt NGVs within its fleet.

“That same original natural gas vehicle is still in use and being driven by one of our managers,” says Steve Altus from Anadarko’s office in The Woodlands, Texas.

Steve, a supply chain manager with Anadarko, says that by the end of 2014 the company will have close to 450 NGVs in its fleet – accounting for almost 20 per cent of its 2,500 vehicles. The alternative fuel fleet consists mostly of light duty trucks, such as half and three quarter ton vehicles like the Ford F-250 with the Westport WiNG™ Power System operating on a bi-fuel system of compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline.

Steve Altus, a supply chain manager with Anadarko, says that by the end of 2014, the company will have close to 450 NGVs in its fleet, accounting for almost 20 per cent of its 2,500 vehicles.

Now Available in Belgium - Volvo’s Bi-Fuel V60 and V70 with Westport CNG Technology

During NGV Brussels 2014, Volvo Sterckx premiered the V70 Bi-Fuel and the V60 Bi-Fuel, announcing both are now available in Belgium. The Volvo V60 and V70 vehicles both use Westport compressed natural gas (CNG) technology.

“The Belgian CNG vehicle market has grown substantially during 2014, doubling in size in total so far,” says Patrik Dejve, director Westport Sweden’s corporate development and operations. “We are very glad that the Volvo V60 Bi-Fuel and the Volvo V70 Bi-Fuel, supported with Westport CNG technology, are now available in the Belgian market.”

Philip Vandewalle, CEO and owner of Volvo Sterckx, spoke with media during NGV Brussels 2014. Volvo Sterckx announced that the V60 and V70 are now available for purchase in Belgium during the show.

Westport WiNG™ Power System F-250 and F-350 Receive CARB Certification

Westport has received certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its 2015 model year Westport WiNG™ Power System Ford F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks with the dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) system. Westport is the only natural gas system provider that also currently offers a CARB certified dedicated Ford F-150 truck in the market. CARB certified vehicles meet all applicable California emission regulations.

Join Westport for Natural Gas 201 – Delivering Options – Free Webinar

Join Westport and Clean Energy Fuels for Part Two of our free webinar series for operators of a full range of vehicles, from vans and step vans to Class 8 tractors. Register here: https://wpt.webex.com/wpt/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=809947500&sourceid=FFT

This is a follow up to the June 26 webinar: Natural gas 101 – Delivering Savings. In this second webinar we will build on the basics to provide more information for building a natural gas fleet.

Topics covered in Natural Gas 201 will include:

• Vehicle packages and financing options
• Leveraging incentives to accelerate returns
• Local dealer and service infrastructure
• Fleet operator reference case
• Maintenance considerations

During Natural gas 101, guest speakers Paul Osbourn of Westport and Chad Lindholm of Clean Energy reviewed a wide range of topics and information for fleets in the ground delivery industry who are looking to address the operating cost of rising gasoline and diesel prices by transitioning to natural gas powered vehicles.

Drivers and owners can experience significant fuel savings, as demonstrated by the example of a FedEx fleet owner in Tyler, Texas, who is driving a compressed natural gas (CNG) powered F-59 step van. His story was aired by CBS recently and shared with the webinar audience.

On June 17 CBS aired a story about the a FedEx contractor who is driving a Ford F-59 with compressed natural gas. The vehicle is powered by a Westport WiNG™ Power System.

Forging New Ground in the World of LNG Pump Technology

As Westport evolves its applications -- both on the road and off -- for natural gas-powered transportation, a key component in many of these applications is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) pump.

Westport designs and produces pumps for LNG-fuelled applications such as trucks, trains, generators and ships. These pumps are produced to deliver both high and low pressure gas depending on the engine applications.

The Westport P200 LNG High Horsepower Pump.

“We couldn’t find exactly what we needed in the marketplace, so we started to make our own,” says Torben Moeller, Product Manager, Fuel Supply Systems. “Today we’re one of the only companies designing and engineering automotive LNG pumps.”

Q&A with Westport CEO David Demers - BCBusiness Magazine

BCBusiness Magazine features Westport CEO David Demers in its July edition. Read the article here, as David discusses the LNG industry in British Columbia, Westport’s history as a UBC startup and Westport’s plans for 2014.

“We’re now pretty much at the point where half of the car companies around the world and half the truck companies either have launched or are launching factory-built natural gas products” David says. “We are just seeing this year the first full year of everybody who makes heavy-duty trucks in North America promoting natural gas, and we’ve got a 100-per-cent share of that.”

Read the full article here: http://www.bcbusiness.ca/tech-science/qa-with-westport-ceo-david-demers?utm_source=MagMail&utm_medium=BCBusiness+Newsletter&utm_campaign=BCBusiness+enewsletter+25June2014

Westport Speakers Sought Out for Natural Gas Transportation Conferences

Westport's Scott Winton presents at NGV USA in Houston, June 13, 2014.

As natural gas applications for transportation become increasingly pervasive, Westport’s executives are sought after for their expertise in industry-wide conferences.

Scott Winton, Westport’s Senior Director, OEM Development and Sales, presented to a crowd of around 70 at the Natural Gas Vehicles USA conference in Houston, Texas last week. Scott’s presentation, Natural Gas for Trucking Applications, was featured in the June 13 session, Heavy Duty Natural Gas Vehicle Overview.

His presentation included a wide range of subjects around natural gas for transportation and reviewed topics like why go with natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG) vs. liquefied natural gas (LNG), the differences between spark-ignited and high pressure direct injection combustion technologies and how to make the switch to natural gas based on fleet size and needs. 

Join Westport for a Free Webinar! Natural Gas 101: Delivering Savings

Join Westport for its next webinar on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 10:00 AM (PST) / 1:00 PM (EST).

Your fleet of vehicles delivers more than products and services to your customers; they also drive your profits. Clean burning, cheap, domestic and abundant natural gas is rapidly becoming the fuel of choice for operators of all sizes.

We invite you to join Westport and Clean Energy Fuels for the first in a free two-part webinar series for operators of a full range of vehicles from vans and step vans to Class 8 Tractors.

Register Here

FedEx Ground contractor Harry Carver operates a natural gas delivery truck

Peek Under the Hood of India’s Newest CNG Vehicle - You’ll Find Westport Inside

Drivers in New Delhi or Mumbai who turn the key on a new compressed natural gas (CNG) Celerio Green, may be surprised to find out that if they look under the hood they will find components from Vancouver-based Westport and its subsidiaries.

India’s Maruti Suzuki recently announced its Celerio is now available as a bi-fuel option: the Celerio Green. The five passenger, bi-fuel car runs on CNG and petrol (gasoline) and gets 31.79 km/kg when it’s in CNG mode.

Westport is supplying the cylinder valve, low pressure filter and plastic venting hose for this recently announced addition to the Maruti Suzuki CNG car line up.

Westport CEO David Demers Recognized at the 2014 Technology Impact Awards as Person of the Year

For the last 20 years, the BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) has honoured businesses and individuals who have helped lead and shape growth in the province’s tech sector.

On June 5, Westport CEO David Demers was recognized as BCTIA’s 2014 Technology Impact Awards Person of the Year at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

“Technology is about changing the world,” David said during his acceptance speech.

Westport CEO David Demers accepts his Award from Allstream President Mike Strople: "Technology is about changing the world," David said.

Westport Expands its 2015 Vehicle Line-Up with the New Transit Connect

Westport is expanding its 2015 vehicle lineup with two natural gas fueling options for companies who like to drive the Ford Transit Connect. 

As Ford’s largest qualified vehicle modifier, Westport is offering the 2015 Ford Transit Connect as a dedicated or bi-fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) Westport WiNG™ Power System vehicle.

Dedicated and bi-fuel options will give fleets more fuel flexibility when choosing to fill up with CNG. Westport's Transit Connect will be compliant with Clean Port Act emissions standards, ensuring that fleets and small businesses who service airports can take advantage of natural gas.

Often used to transport passengers and cargo, the 2015 Ford Transit Connect model offers a 2.5L gaseous prep engine with improved fuel economy over gasoline.

Westport is accepting orders now through Ford dealerships.

Visit Westport’s website for more information about our bi-fuel and dedicated CNG Ford vehicles, including our FREE CNG fuel card offer for qualifying Westport vehicles, until supplies last: http://www.westport.com/wing.

For media inquiries contact: media@westport.com

For sales inquiries contact: fordsales@westport.com

Changing the Fuel of Delivery – FedEx Driver Turns to Natural Gas

The next time a FedEx truck arrives at your door take a look at the sticker on the back – your parcel may have arrived courtesy of compressed natural gas (CNG).

Harry Carver, a FedEx contractor based in Tyler Texas, has nine routes from Longview to Kilgore and recently purchased a CNG-powered Ford F-59 Step Van for his fleet of 14 trucks.

He’s got his eyes on four more.

The truck makes 90 stops a day and is equipped to carry 250 boxes – it’s no issue with the 1,000 cubic feet of space in the back, two shelves and a rollup door.

Harry Carver, a Fedex contractor based in Tyler Texas now has one Ford F-59 CNG truck in his fleet and is looking to purchase several more.

Getting the News Out About Natural Gas Transportation in NYC

Westport CEO David Demers met with several major media outlets last week including: Bloomberg TV, Bloomberg News, Thomson Reuters and the Financial Times. On the agenda was natural gas vehicle adoption rates in North America, Westport technology for Class 8 vehicles, the launch of Westport™ HPDI 2.0 in China with the Weichai WP12 and WP10 engines, and Westport’s recent delivery of an LNG well tender. Reporters’ questions were diverse and covered wide-ranging subjects such as fuel infrastructure, natural gas exports and renewable natural gas.

The day started off at the Bloomberg office at 731 Lexington Avenue, where David met with broadcast and print reporters.

David appears on Bloomberg T.V.’s , In the Loop with Betty Liu on May 12, 2014, chatting about Westport’s latest announcements. Watch the interview here: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/20-50-saved-running-trucks-on-natural-gas-demers-3EOlrv_EQzyZ59Pv6OJ_Dg.html