Volvo Group and Westport Celebrate Transformative Partnership

Rhea-AI Summary

Volvo Group and Westport Fuel Systems have launched a transformative joint venture focused on the global adoption of the HPDI™ fuel system, which was celebrated at the University of British Columbia. This partnership aims to accelerate the commercialization of the HPDI technology, advancing sustainable transportation solutions using renewable fuels and hydrogen. The JV leverages Volvo's vehicle manufacturing expertise and Westport's innovative fuel systems to significantly reduce carbon emissions in heavy-duty transportation. Since HPDI's commercial debut in 2018, it has helped avoid hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 emissions annually.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volvo Group (“Volvo”) and Westport Fuel Systems Inc. ("Westport" or the “Company”) (TSX: WPRT / Nasdaq: WPRT) today marked a defining moment in the journey of the newly formed joint venture (JV) as the two companies celebrated the official launch of their partnership with an exclusive event at the University of British Columbia, the birthplace of Westport's HPDI™ fuel system technology.

Nurtured for nearly 30 years within Westport, the two partners are coming together to jointly promote, develop and further accelerate the commercialization of the HPDI technology. In doing so, the JV will resolutely focus on moving forward affordable, sustainable transportation solutions using the internal combustion engine operating on renewable fuels now and hydrogen in the future.

“This joint venture is poised to make a significant impact on global long-haul and off-road heavy-duty applications,” said Dan Sceli, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Westport Fuel Systems, and interim President of the Volvo/Westport JV. “By combining Volvo’s extensive expertise in commercial vehicle and power system manufacturing with Westport’s innovative fuel system technology, we are creating a powerful force for change that can make a meaningful contribution to reduce carbon emissions immediately and affordably. Together we are committed to delivering sustainable, efficient, and economically viable solutions for long-haul transportation.”

Partnership is the New Leadership
Leaders from both companies joined-in on the celebration of this milestone, emphasizing the significance of the partnership in driving forward HPDI’s breakthrough technology in tackling the urgent challenges of climate change.

“Today is a day of celebration as we join together to collectively advance this critically important clean transportation initiative,” said Lars Stenqvist, Chief Technology Officer of Volvo Group. “We believe HPDI-powered internal combustion engines, running on hydrogen and renewable fuels, play a crucial role in global decarbonization efforts in commercial transportation. The joint venture enables us to combine this innovative fuel system with our strategic expertise to guide OEMs and fleets as they navigate the energy transition.”

“This is a momentous occasion for Westport and the HPDI technology. The alliance between our two companies affirms our steadfast commitment to drive decarbonization in the heavy-duty sector utilizing alternative fuels while still providing the efficiency, power and durability that comes with diesel cycle engines,” said Scott Baker, Vice President, Product Development and Technology Officer of the Volvo/Westport JV.

Baker continued, “Together, we will provide unparalleled expertise and counsel to customers around the globe on optimizing their existing CO₂ reduction strategies, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable future in heavy-duty transportation.”

Collaboration with transportation partners and end-users has led to the deployment of the HPDI system in thousands of Volvo trucks across Europe, underscoring its effectiveness in achieving carbon neutrality. Since the commercial release of HPDI in 2018, fleets have collectively avoided hundreds of thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions annually. This success demonstrates the immediate impact of integrating hydrogen and biogas technologies into existing infrastructure.

At the heart of the HPDI^™ Fuel System is a revolutionary patented injector with a dual concentric needle design that delivers small quantities of diesel fuel and large quantities of natural gas, at high pressure, to the combustion chamber. The natural gas is injected at the end of the compression stroke. Launched in 2024, the Volvo FH Aero gas-powered is a long-haul truck shaped for aerodynamic efficiency.
IMAGE: VOLVO TRUCKS

About Westport Fuel Systems
At Westport, we are driving innovation to power a cleaner tomorrow. We are a leading supplier of advanced fuel delivery components and systems for clean, low-carbon fuels such as natural gas, renewable natural gas, propane, and hydrogen to the global transportation industry. Our technology delivers the performance and fuel efficiency required by transportation applications and the environmental benefits that address climate change and urban air quality challenges. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with operations in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, we serve our customers in more than 70 countries with leading global transportation brands. At Westport, we think ahead. For more information, visit www.wfsinc.com.

Contact

Westport Media Relations        
T: 1 604-718-1992                        
E: media@wfsinc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/df85fab7-ce58-479f-a699-5538feae8e5c

FAQ

What is the focus of the Volvo and Westport joint venture announced on July 5, 2024?

The joint venture focuses on promoting and commercializing Westport's HPDI™ fuel system to advance sustainable transportation solutions for heavy-duty applications.

How does the Volvo and Westport partnership aim to reduce carbon emissions?

By combining Volvo's vehicle manufacturing expertise with Westport's fuel system technology, the partnership aims to deliver efficient and economically viable solutions that use renewable fuels and hydrogen.

What impact has the HPDI™ fuel system had since its commercial release in 2018?

Since 2018, the HPDI™ fuel system has enabled fleets to avoid hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Where was the launch event for the Volvo and Westport joint venture held?

The launch event was held at the University of British Columbia, where Westport's HPDI™ fuel system technology was originally developed.

What is the significance of the HPDI™ fuel system in the Volvo and Westport partnership?

The HPDI™ fuel system is pivotal in reducing carbon emissions by using a patented injector design that allows the internal combustion engine to operate on renewable fuels and hydrogen efficiently.

What are the expected benefits of the Volvo and Westport joint venture for long-haul transportation?

The joint venture aims to deliver sustainable, efficient, and economically viable transportation solutions that significantly reduce carbon emissions.

How has the HPDI™ fuel system been integrated into Volvo trucks?

The HPDI™ fuel system has been deployed in thousands of Volvo trucks across Europe, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving carbon neutrality.

What role does the HPDI™ fuel system play in global decarbonization efforts?

The HPDI™ fuel system plays a important role by enabling internal combustion engines to run on hydrogen and renewable fuels, making a significant impact on reducing global carbon emissions in commercial transportation.