Westport achieves technical milestone results for Isuzu program

Isuzu commits to 2003 Michelin Bibendum

VANCOUVER, July 22 -- Westport Innovations Inc. (TSX: WPT) announced today that Isuzu has accepted the test results on the ELF commercial truck and has delivered the first demonstration vehicle powered with a Westport-Cycle(TM) natural gas fuel system. The Japanese automaker plans to demonstrate the vehicle, in association with Westport, at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum competition in California this September.

After completing a 200-hour engine and component durability test program, the 4.5 liter natural gas engine using Westport's advanced hot surface ignition technology reached or surpassed Isuzu's key technical milestones for torque, thermal efficiency, and emissions of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide, and discussions are underway between the two companies to determine the commercial opportunities for the ultra low-emissions truck.

"We are satisfied with the engine test results that have been submitted to us from Westport," said Takashi Urata, Isuzu's Executive Officer, Powertrain Office. "We are optimistic about the commercial prospects for this ultra low emissions vehicle, and will continue working with Westport in a joint team effort to advance this program further over the next year."

The 4.5-liter engine, equipped with a Westport-Cycle natural gas fuel system, was shipped to Yokohama, Japan where a Westport and Isuzu team completed building the demonstration ELF truck. In early July, Isuzu began demonstrating the low-emissions truck to the Isuzu executive leadership.

"We are very proud to be working together with Isuzu to develop one of the world's cleanest high efficiency, medium-duty truck engines," said Michael Gallagher, Westport's Chief Operating Officer.

In September, the prototype ELF truck will compete in the 2003 Michelin Challenge Bibendum competition, being held in Sonoma, California. Considered the premier world competition for environmental, advanced technology vehicles, this year's competitors will demonstrate the latest in vehicle technologies using alternative energy sources. In previous years, major automakers including Ford, General Motors, Daimler Chrysler, BMW, Toyota, Honda and Audi, participated in the event.

Isuzu is the largest natural gas vehicle provider in Japan, with over 70% of the total natural gas vehicles sold in Japan manufactured by the automaker. The light- to medium-range ELF truck, which has a payload capacity of 2-3 tonnes, is used for city deliveries, food services, light contracting and many other applications. The ELF is Japan's number one selling light-duty duty commercial truck, with 33% of the market.

Westport Innovations Inc. is the leading developer of clean natural gas, propane and hydrogen engine technologies. It develops, manufacturers and sells a wide range of engines for commercial transportation applications such as trucks and buses through its joint venture, Cummins Westport Inc. Technology development alliances are in place with a number of other leading engine manufacturers, including Isuzu, MAN, Ford and BMW.

Note: This document contains forward-looking statements about Westport's business, operations, technology development or to the environment in which it operates, which are based on Westport's estimates, forecasts and projections. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, or are beyond Westport's control. Consequently, readers should not place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. In addition, these forward-looking statements relate to the date on which they are made. Westport disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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