Westport launches $67-M R&D project with TPC funds

Westport Innovation Inc is launching a $67-million, multi-year R&D program for its diesel engine conversion technology with $18.9 million in assistance from Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC). The announcement was made in late March, just 10 days before the Vancouver-based firm announced layoffs in an effort to preserve cash as it forges ahead with several engine designs. Westport technology allows natural gas and possibly hydrogen to power diesel engines, resulting in considerable reductions in harmful emissions. The TPC-backed R&D project also includes a demonstration of the technology on heavy-duty highway trucks...