Westport completes MAN engine testing

VANCOUVER, July 22- Westport Innovations Inc. announced today that it has completed testing of a MAN 12-liter truck engine with Westport Cycle(TM) natural gas technology under the terms of a cooperation agreement with MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG of Munich.

"We are very impressed by the emissions and performance demonstrated so far with our engine and the Westport Cycle," said Peter von Korff, MAN's Senior Department Manager, Product Planning. "We will be entering discussions on the technical and business elements of our relationship for the future after the upcoming final evaluation of the technical results."

Wade Nesmith, President of Westport Europe, added "We expect European demand for low-emissions natural gas buses and trucks will grow rapidly during this decade with concern about urban air pollution and abundant supplies of natural gas generally available at prices well below diesel fuel. Our fuel- efficient Westport Cycle technology is capable of meeting European customer needs because of its unique combination of low emissions and high torque."

MAN is the third largest manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks (greater than 16 tonnes gross vehicle weight) in Europe, with about 16% of a market that totaled 233,744 vehicles in 2001. Under the initial cooperation agreement with MAN announced in September 2000, Westport developed a Westport Cycle natural gas fuel injection system for the MAN engine that maintains diesel engine performance while sharply reducing emissions. The Westport Cycle uses high pressure direct injection of natural gas into the engine cylinder.

Westport aims at a natural gas technology capable of meeting European Enhanced Environmental Vehicle (EEV) standards while maintaining high efficiency that provides clear greenhouse gas emissions reductions. These attributes will allow fleet operators to apply for significant government incentives and save money on fuel costs.

Westport Innovations is the leading developer of gaseous fuel system technologies for diesel engines. Westport's strategy is to cooperate with engine manufacturers on market and product development. In addition to MAN, Westport has cooperative agreements with Ford Motor Company of Dearborn, Michigan; Isuzu Motors Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan; and BMW AG of Munich, Germany. Westport has a joint venture with Cummins Inc. of Columbus, Indiana.