Weichai Westport WP12HPDI Landking engine
Natural gas engine developer Westport Innovations Inc. has issued its First Quarter report, ended March 31, 2012. It declares quarterly revenues up 133% year over year and provides an update on operations. “Strong growth across all our business units and in all geographic regions continues to demonstrate the rapid emergence of natural gas as a significant fuel for transportation applications,” said David Demers, CEO of Westport Innovations.
“Over the next three years, we will be launching new products in existing and new markets,” Demers added. “The new ISX12 G engine from CWI is a significant step into a major new market opportunity, targeting regional haul, vocational and refuse truck applications. The new Weichai Westport WP12 High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) Landking 12-litre engine marks a historic shift in technology and engine development in China. The new Westport WiNGTM Power System is a fully-integrated, CNG bi-fuel system for the Ford F-250 and F-350 pick-up trucks, with an industry-leading starting price point. We are advancing steadily to Volvo’s launch of an HPDI heavy-duty natural gas engine for the European market and recently started working with a global engine OEM to develop an HPDI heavy-duty natural gas engine for the North American market.”
The ISX12 G, a 12 litre heavy-duty natural gas engine, is currently in field trials with full production expected to commence in early 2013.
The Weichai Westport HPDI engine is currently undergoing road testing with a select OEM customer, Shaanxi Automobile Group. Commercial launch of this new product is expected in 2013.
Preparation of the Westport WiNG assembly facility in Louisville, Kentucky is completed and shipment of finished trucks is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012.
Other operational highlights included:
- Westport’s Light-Duty Division (Westport LD) acquired certain assets of Advanced Engine Components (AEC) Limited of Perth, Australia including advanced engine controls technology and expertise. The acquisition further enhances Westport engine controls and injector capabilities.
- Signed heavy-duty supply agreement with Cummins for production of the Westport HD 15-litre HPDI engine in Cummins’ Jamestown Engine Plant.
- Navistar to launch natural gas trucks later in 2012 incorporating the Cummins Westport ISL G engine. With the addition of Navistar, CWI now provides the ISL G to all major North American truck OEMs.
Westport HD also launched Jumpstart fuel services to facilitate the early adoption of LNG trucks while construction of new LNG refuelling infrastructure is being completed. Jumpstart offers co-ordinated fuel delivery and refuelling via portable Orca™ LNG trailers for Westport HD customers. Four fleets now have trucks operating under Jumpstart programs, and we expect to expand this business offering while global refuelling networks are being built out.
(This article compiled using information from a Westport Innovations Inc. press release)
