Westport Signs Agreement with General Motors to Research Advanced Natural Gas Engine Technology for Light-Duty Vehicles

Westport Innovations Inc. WPRT today announced that it has entered into an agreement with General Motors GM to help develop advanced natural gas engine technology. Both General Motors and Westport will bring their extensive expertise to develop natural gas engine controls, emissions and performance strategies. "We are excited to work with GM and invest in advanced natural gas technology for the automotive market," said Ian Scott, President of Westport's Light-Duty Division. "This technology offers the promises of a cleaner, lower cost fuel and reduced carbon footprint, while advancing the use of domestic energy. This agreement demonstrates Westport's success as an advanced technology partner to global automotive manufacturers. Westport's recent announcement regarding the planned acquisition of Emer S.p.A., of Italy, is an integral part of our strategy to provide partners, such as GM, with the most advanced integrated solutions." Westport announced the planned opening of a new Technical Center in Michigan. Westport's personnel currently includes approximately 15 people in Farmington Hills, MI, and Westport plans to add more people and invest in facilities as demand grows for natural gas-powered, alternative-fuel vehicles.