Japan Gas Association chooses Westport Innovations Inc. as technology partner

VANCOUVER, Nov. 21, 2003 -- Westport Innovations Inc. (TSX:WPT) announced today that the Japan Gas Association (JGA) will utilize Westport natural gas compression technologies in their natural gas vehicle development program.

The Westport on-board compressor system comprised of Westport developed technology is to be shipped to Japan by the end of this year. Westport engineers will assist in the commissioning of the system in Tokyo early in 2004. The compressor system is similar to the one found in the acclaimed Isuzu/Westport ELF CNG DI prototype vehicle, which won three medals for low emissions, fuel efficiency and low noise, in the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2003 in Sonoma, California this September.

Funding of the program was made possible through the JGA, its gas utility members and Japan government organizations that support the popularization of natural gas vehicles in Japan. Testing, hardware and technical support will take place in the Tokyo Gas facilities in Yokohama, Japan. Dr. Yoshiaki Miyata, General Manager of the Natural Gas Vehicle Project Dept. of the Japan Gas Association endorsed Westport's participation and hopes to further the scope of the relationship. "We are pleased to be working with Westport. Their expertise in alternative fuel systems is a great asset to this project and we hope to continue to work together in future project stages".

"We are excited to be a part of this important program with the Japan Gas Association and look forward to developing a strong partnership in the future," said Michael Gallagher, Westport's Chief Operating Officer. "Japan is at the forefront of the expanding international trade in natural gas, and is committed to the development of alternative fuel transportation technologies. We believe that Westport's technology offers a viable solution for the JGA Heavy Duty Vehicle program and will continue to provide an excellent match with Japanese economic needs."

Westport Innovations Inc. is the leading developer of gaseous fuel engine technologies. It develops, manufacturers and sells a wide range of engines for commercial transportation applications such as trucks and buses through Cummins Westport Inc., its joint venture with Cummins Inc. Technology development alliances are in place with a number of other leading engine manufacturers, including Ford, MAN, Isuzu, and BMW to develop engines that operate using cleaner-burning fuels such as natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and blended fuels such as HCNG.

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.

  For further information, please contact:

  Westport Innovations Inc.: Gordon Neal - Director, Investor Relations
  Phone: 604-718-2046; Email: invest@westport.com;
  Web: www.westport.com