Tata Motors, the country's biggest automobile company, has signed an agreement with US-based Westport Innovations Inc to develop an engine for its commercial vehicle range.
The agreement will see Westport Innovations Inc the global leader in natural gas engines, developing an engine for light and medium-duty trucks and buses. The integration of this technology will be seen in the new engine platform being developed by Tata Motors.
Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director – Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “As national CNG and LNG fueling infrastructure continues to develop a need for innovative, low cost, reliable technologies natural gas will emerge. Tata Motors is already in the forefront in this area.”
Upon successful completion of the development phase, commercialization is expected to follow, with Westport supplying key natural gas engine components based on the proprietary technology being developed in this program.
Nicholas Sonntag, Executive Vice President, Westport Innovations said, “Westport is developing a next generation engine technology for integration into a new engine platform with Tata Motors". The investment required by the engine developmental process was not disclosed by the either companies.
“This is a great opportunity to work with India’s largest engine manufacturer in a fast-growing marketplace demanding cost effective and environmentally conscious solutions. Our development schedule is accelerated and we believe it can be accomplished given the substantive market size and interest in natural gas vehicles in India", added Sonntag.