Canada: Westport Announces Robert Transport Order for 180 Peterbilt LNG Trucks Powered by Westport HD Systems

Westport Innovations Inc. , a global leader in alternative fuel, low-emissions transportation technologies, today announces that Robert Transport of Boucherville, Quebec has issued a purchase order for 180 Peterbilt liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks featuring Westport HD Systems.

Robert Transport is one of Canada’s largest for-hire trucking companies with an estimated 1,100 tractors and 2,300 employees. The new trucks, powered by Westport HD, will be used on line haul routes between Montréal and Québec City, and Montréal to Toronto.

Fueling the Robert Transport fleet is Gaz Métro, a leading distributor of natural gas in Quebec, who plans to install three refueling sites along the 401 Corridor between Quebec City and Mississauga, Ontario. “This is the single largest order for LNG Trucks powered by Westport HD,” said David Demers, CEO of Westport Innovations.

“It’s evidence that natural gas is gaining momentum as a mainstream transportation fuel in Canada. With the imperative to reduce GHG emissions from heavy-duty transport and the Quebec government’s incentives, companies like Robert Transport and Gaz Métro are helping deploy natural gas transportation solutions to help reduce emissions.”

“Operating natural gas trucks helps reduce one of our largest input costs and reduces our carbon footprint,” said Claude Robert, President and CEO of Robert Transport. “This is a win-win for both the environment and our company. “ “Natural gas for transportation is an integral part of our future,” said Sophie Brochu, Gaz Métro’s President and CEO.

“We look forward to establishing the first natural gas ‘corridor’ in Canada and doing our part to help reduce carbon emissions.” “Peterbilt trucks with LNG systems continue to grow in popularity”, said Bill Jackson, General Manager at Peterbilt Motors.

”We are excited to work with Robert Transport and Westport to deliver a high quality product that provides the performance and environmental characteristics to support their business.” Helping drive innovation and improve carbon footprints in Quebec, the government announced that that the depreciation rate applicable to commercial trucks or tractors was increased from 40% to 60% for any new equipment acquired after March 31st, 2010.

Furthermore, an additional 85% cut for amortization reduction is granted if the truck or tractor runs on LNG. The Westport HD System consists of the GX 15-litre engine, proprietary Westport fuel injectors, LNG fuel tanks with integrated cryogenic fuel pumps, and associated electronic components to facilitate robust performance and reliable operation.

The Westport HD GX engine is certified and compliant to 2010 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission limits in North America.

About Gaz Métro

With over $3.6 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is Québec’s leading natural gas distributor. Operating in this regulated industry for over 50 years, Gaz Métro has become the trusted energy provider to some 180,000 customers in Québec and 136,000 customers in Vermont while developing the skills and expertise needed to diversify beyond natural gas.

Gaz Métro’s prudent growth strategy has been marked by the successful entry into electricity distribution in Vermont and development of wind power projects in Québec. Offering historically strong and stable distributions and showing a competitive spirit, Gaz Métro is committed to its customers, Partners, employees and the community.

About Westport Innovations Inc.

Westport Innovations Inc. is a global leader in alternative fuel, low-emissions technologies 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. Our unique technologies reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) while preserving the power, torque, and fuel efficiency of diesel engines.

The Company focuses on three distinct categories or target markets – light-, medium-, and heavy-duty – through Westport business units or joint ventures. Juniper Engines is focused on 2.0L and 2.4L engines for industrial applications such as forklifts, oilfield service engines and light-duty automotive. Cummins Westport (CWI), a joint venture with Cummins, sells the world’s broadest range of low-emissions alternative fuel engines for commercial urban fleets such as buses, refuse trucks and vocational vehicles ranging from 5.9L to 8.9L.

Westport Heavy Duty (Westport HD), with a joint venture agreement with Weichai Power Co. and a development and commercialization agreement with Volvo Powertrain, is focused on LNG fuel systems for heavy-duty trucks (Westport HD Systems) and the platform for licensing Westport HD Systems.

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Source: Westport Innovations Inc., October 28, 2010