Westport enters R&D agreement with GM

Westport Innovations Inc, Vancouver, has announced an R&D agreement with General Motors, Detroit MI, to develop advanced natural gas engine technology for the automotive market. As part of the agreement Westport will open a new Technical Centre in Farmington MI, expanding a facility where it already employs 15 people. Natural gas produces 15-20% less CO2 than either diesel or gasoline and Westport-GM's collaboration will focus on technologies for use in vehicles in business and government fleets as well as personal use. As part of the firm's strategy of developing OEM programs, Westport recently acquired Emer SpA, Brescia, Italy, a developer of valves and components for vehicles using compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas….