Westport Opens European Headquarters in Lyon, France

NGVA Europe member Westport Innovations Inc. (Westport), a global leader in alternative fuel, low-emissions transportation technologies, has opened its European headquarters in the heart of Lyon in France.

Westport designs and produces 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. The Company’s 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.

Furthermore, Westport works with global automotive leaders to incorporate its technologies into their engines and to explore future commercial opportunities for clean vehicles. Westport strongly believes that the deployment of natural gas vehicles (NGVs), with its technologies, can be a significant factor in reducing dependence on foreign oil, therefore allowing countries to use indigenous natural gas or biomethane while mitigating the effects of air pollution.

In the context of current environmental regulations and upcoming EU emission standards, Westport believes that the use of natural gas and biomethane as a transportation fuel will significantly increase in the coming years in light-, medium- and heavy-duty applications. With a 100% OEM certified solution, Westport sees a great deal of opportunity to work directly with automotive OEMs in Europe to meet the rigorous emission regulations. For these reasons, Westport needed a strong base in Europe for operations and will be focusing its international business
efforts from its Lyon location.

Mr. Nicholas Sonntag, Executive Vice-President of Corporate Development at Westport Innovations, and President of both Westport Europe and Westport Asia, will be responsible for operations in Europe. “With its vibrant business and technology community, Lyon represented a great platform for the company and a strategic position at the heart of Europe,” says Mr. Sonntag. ”Our business is global and our OEM partners require direct and local access to management. I am excited about the opportunities in front of us and operating out of the wonderful city of Lyon.”

The presence of Westport in Europe also allows the company to establish relations with the main LNG and LPG fuel providers across Europe in addition to potential partners and suppliers. Westport is committed to become actively involved in key industry associations and strategic groups and has become a member of associations such as NGVA Europe. Furthermore, Westport has been actively involved in developing market awareness about the advantages of LNG fuel in advance of the release of LNG vehicles, and is participating to EU regulatory discussions currently underway with regards to LNG fuelled vehicles.

The office of Westport Innovations is located in the downtown area of Lyon at:

Westport Power France
#3 Cours Charlemagne BP 2597
69217 Lyon Cedex 02
France
Phone: +33 4 78 03 4015
Fax: +33 4 78 03 4001

For additional information on Westport Innovations, please refer to our corporate website: www.westport.com

Source: Westport Innovations

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Press Release: Westport opens European Headquarters in Lyon, France
 

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