Product News

Cummins Westport, a joint venture of engine-maker Cummins and Westport Innovations of Vancouver, expects to deliver 40 15-litre ISXG natural-gas engines next year, with full production starting in the spring of 2004. Based on the Cummins ISX diesel platform, the ISXG will be offered in ratings from 400 to 500 horsepower. An 11-litre ISMG will be offered at ratings from 280 to 350 hp in 2004. Both engines will be made by Cummins.

Compared with their diesel counterparts, the ISXG and ISMG will have the same performance but substantially lower emissions of oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide, Cummins Westport says. Indeed, the ISXG is expected to be certified with at least 40 per cent lower NOx than the October 2002 EPA standards, the company says.

Cummins Westport says it will deliver engines complete with integrated fuel storage, electronic controls, and fuel management systems. They will be offered only with liquefied natural gas fuel storage, which has energy density advantages and avoids the weight penalty of compressed natural gas tanks.

Automotive technology supplier Delphi is expanding its involvement in the commercial vehicle market. In September, the company announced an agreement with Pickering, Ont., wireless communications company AirIQ to develop a standard interface for telematics devices in cars and trucks.

Telematics is the sending and receiving of information to and from vehicles and their drivers via wireless networks in real-time.

Delphi also recently announced plans to develop emissions control technologies for International Truck and Engine, advanced diesel injection systems and electrical/electronic distribution systems for Volvo Truck, and a variety of products including thermal systems, electronics and heavy-duty batteries for other manufacturers.

FRAM Filters and PuraDYN Filter Technologies have formed an alliance to offer an integrated oil filtration system. FRAM will market three PuraDYN by-pass oil filtration systems, along with replacement cartridges and service parts, through its North American distribution network.